Express Entry uses two different points systems — and people confuse them all the time. One decides whether you can enter the Express Entry pool. The other decides who actually gets invited to apply for permanent residence. This guide explains both, how they differ, and where each one matters.
The 67-point eligibility grid (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
Before Express Entry ranks anyone, you first have to qualify to enter the pool. If you are applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), IRCC scores you on a six-factor selection grid out of 100:
- Language skills — maximum 28 points
- Education — maximum 25 points
- Work experience — maximum 15 points
- Age — maximum 12 points
- Arranged employment in Canada — maximum 10 points
- Adaptability — maximum 10 points
You need at least 67 out of 100 to qualify. This grid is pass/fail eligibility only — it does not rank you against other candidates, and a higher grid score does not improve your chances of an invitation.
Official IRCC page: Six selection factors – Federal Skilled Workers
The CRS — up to 1,200 points
Once you are in the Express Entry pool, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores and ranks you against every other candidate. IRCC holds regular draws and invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. The CRS awards up to 1,200 points across four components:
- Core/human capital factors — up to 500 points (age, education, language ability, Canadian work experience)
- Spouse or common-law partner factors — up to 40 points
- Skill transferability combinations — up to 100 points
- Additional points — up to 600 points (for example, a provincial nomination alone is worth 600 points)
The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of receiving an invitation. Each draw sets a cut-off score, and only candidates above it are invited to apply.
Official IRCC page: CRS criteria
Try the official calculator: IRCC CRS Tool
Government fees & forms
- Fees: check the current amounts on IRCC’s official fee list: Pay your IRCC fees — fees change periodically, so always confirm the latest figure there.
- Forms: start your Express Entry profile and enter the pool here: Create your profile and enter the pool
How they differ — at a glance
- The 67-point grid decides whether you can enter the pool under FSWP. It is pass/fail — score 67 or higher and you are in; below that, you are not.
- The CRS ranks everyone already in the pool. Higher is better — there is no fixed passing score; each draw’s cut-off decides who gets invited.
- In short: you need 67+ to get in under FSWP; then your CRS score decides invitations.
A word of caution
Meeting the 67-point minimum does not guarantee an invitation. Express Entry draws are competitive and cut-off scores change from draw to draw — a qualifying grid score is only the first step.
Based on official guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Next step: Not sure where you stand? Contact Journey to West Immigration for a profile assessment and application strategy. Contact us for more info — Toronto: +1 (647) 303-2812 (Mon–Sun 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET), Vancouver: +1 (236) 522-2996 (Mon–Sun 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. PT).