CRS Score Calculator for Express Entry

The law says

A foreign national who wishes to be invited to make an application must submit an expression of interest to the Minister by means of an electronic system in accordance with instructions given under section 10.3 unless the instructions provide that they may do so by other means.

What that means

A candidate starts by submitting an expression of interest, which is the Express Entry profile. It goes in through IRCC’s online system, unless the instructions allow another way. A profile is not an application for permanent residence.

The law says

The Minister may give instructions governing any matter relating to the application of this Division, including instructions respecting … (h) the basis on which an eligible foreign national may be ranked; … (j) the number of invitations that may be issued within a specified period in respect of a grouping;

What that means

The Minister sets the rules of the pool through published instructions. They decide who can be in it and how candidates are ranked. They also set which targeted categories exist, how many invitations go out in a round, and how long you have to apply once invited. These instructions can change between draws.

The law says

A foreign national who seeks to enter or remain in Canada as a member of a class that is referred to in an instruction given under paragraph 10.3(1)(a) may make an application for permanent residence only if the Minister has issued them an invitation to do so, the invitation has not been cancelled under subsection 10.2(5) and the applicable period specified in an instruction given under paragraph 10.3(1)(k) has not expired.

What that means

For Express Entry style categories, you cannot just apply when you feel ready. First you put your name in an online pool. You can file the real application only if the Minister invites you, and only if you file before the deadline runs out. Someone with a current finding of misrepresentation, meaning lying or hiding facts, cannot even enter the pool.

The law says

A foreign national is a member of the Canadian experience class if … (a) they have acquired in Canada, within the three years before the date on which their application for permanent residence is made, at least one year of full-time work experience, or the equivalent in part-time work experience, in one or more occupations, other than a restricted occupation, that are listed in TEER Category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification;

What that means

The Canadian Experience Class rewards work you already did here. You need at least one year of full-time skilled work in Canada, or the part-time equivalent, in the three years before you apply. The job must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation that is not restricted. TEER is the system Canada uses to group jobs by the training they need. You also need the published language scores and plans to live outside Quebec. Work done while you studied full time does not count. Neither does self-employment or work you were not authorized to do.

The law says

A foreign national is a skilled worker if … (a) within the 10 years before the date on which their application for a permanent resident visa is made, they have accumulated, over a continuous period, at least one year of full-time work experience, or the equivalent in part-time work, in the occupation that they identified in their application as their primary occupation, other than a restricted occupation, that is listed in TEER Category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification;

What that means

The Federal Skilled Worker class is for people who plan to live outside Quebec and can support themselves here. The basic requirement is at least one year of continuous full-time paid work in the past ten years. The part-time equivalent also counts. The work must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation that is not on the restricted list. TEER is the skill level a job has in Canada's national job list. You must have actually done the duties of that occupation. A foreign credential needs an equivalency assessment from a designated organization. Miss this bar and your application is refused with no further assessment, so points never enter the picture.