Last reviewed and updated: November 6, 2026 Canada's Express Entry system is one of the main pathways through which eligible skilled workers can apply for permanent residence. Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points for factors such as age, education, language ability, work experience and other qualifying achievements. Your CRS score matters because Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ranks eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool and invites candidates according to the requirements of each invitation round. A higher score can improve your ranking, but it does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Cut-off scores and selection priorities can change between draws. There is also an important 2026 development. On November 3, 2026, IRCC introduced a new Labour Market Integration factor. The updated system awards points for Canadian work experience, qualifying high-wage Cana...