Why is my CRS score different?

1. Check accompanying-spouse status

Core maximums differ depending on whether a spouse or common-law partner accompanies you. If your partner is not accompanying you, or is already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, IRCC scores your core factors under the without-spouse column.

2. Use the ECA’s Canadian equivalency

For foreign education, select the equivalency stated in a valid Educational Credential Assessment. A foreign master’s degree is not always assessed as a Canadian master’s degree.

3. Convert each language ability separately

CRS uses the CLB or NCLC level for reading, writing, speaking and listening separately. Do not average the four test scores. One result below CLB 9 can also reduce skill-transferability points.

4. Separate Canadian and foreign work

Core points apply to eligible Canadian work experience. Foreign work can contribute through skill-transferability combinations. Remote work only counts as Canadian experience under IRCC’s definition when you were physically in Canada while working for a Canadian employer.

5. Apply the section caps

Skill transferability is capped at 100 even if its combinations total more. Additional factors are capped at 600. A provincial nomination already reaches the full additional-points maximum.

6. Remove old job-offer points

Current CRS criteria award no points for a job offer. If a calculator still adds 50 or 200 points, it is using rules from before March 25, 2025.

7. Check test, ECA and profile dates

Expired test results or an expired ECA can affect whether a factor is valid. Age points can change on a birthday. Make sure every date in the calculator matches the date used by IRCC.

8. Distinguish CRS score from program eligibility

CRS ranks eligible Express Entry profiles. It is not the Federal Skilled Worker 67-point selection grid and does not by itself establish eligibility for an Express Entry program.