Understanding the Canada Point System

Canada is known for its merit-based immigration process, which selects the most employable candidates by utilizing a point allocation tool. Foreign skilled workers who apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry Program are assigned a point score based on the various selection factors of the Canada Point System, and only the highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Points are allocated based on the following criteria:

Human Capital Factors — Maximum 460 points (if migrating with a partner) or 500 points (if migrating without a partner)

· Age — Maximum 100 points (if migrating with a partner) or 110 points (if migrating without a partner)

· Academic qualifications — Maximum 140 points (if migrating with a partner) or 150 points (if migrating without a partner)

· English and/or French language skills — Maximum 150 points (if migrating with a partner) or 160 points (if migrating without a partner)

· Work experience in Canada (if any) — Maximum 70 points (if migrating with a partner) or 80 points (if migrating without a partner)

Spouse or Partner Factors — Maximum 40 points

Under the Canada PR points calculator, only those migrating with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner can claim these points.

· Academic qualifications of spouse or common-law partner — Maximum 10 points

· English or French language skills of spouse or common-law partner — Maximum 20 points

· Work experience in Canada (if any) of spouse or common-law partner — Maximum 10 points

Skill Transferability Factors — Maximum 100 points

Education — Maximum 50 points

· Post-secondary academic qualification and good or strong English or French language skills — Maximum 50 points

· Post-secondary academic qualification and work experience in Canada — Maximum 50 points

Work experience outside Canada — Maximum 50 points

· Work experience outside Canada and good or strong English or French language skills — Maximum 50 points

· Work experience outside Canada and work experience in Canada — Maximum 50 points

Certificate of qualification (for people engaged in trade occupations) and good or strong English or French language skills — Maximum 50 points

Additional Factors — Maximum 600 points

None of the below is considered among the compulsory Canada PR requirements, but meeting any these criteria does enhance eligibility.

· Sibling living in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident — Maximum 15 points