How CRS Really Works in Canada’s Express Entry

Introduction

Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the fastest and most transparent pathways to permanent residence. It helps skilled workers apply for immigration in a structured way.

At the center of this system is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This points-based formula ranks candidates in the pool. It also decides who receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Let’s understand how the CRS works, why scores change from draw to draw, and what happened in the latest Express Entry draw on February 17, 2026.

What Is the CRS?

The CRS is a points system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It scores and ranks Express Entry candidates out of 1,200 points.

The higher your CRS score, the stronger your chances of receiving an ITA.

Your score comes from three main categories:

Core Human Capital

This includes your age, education, work experience, and language ability.

Skill Transferability

This combines your education, experience, and language skills. Strong combinations give you extra points.

Additional Points

You can earn extra points for:

• Provincial nomination
• Strong French language skills
• A sibling in Canada
• Other qualifying factors

Important Update:
As of March 25, 2025, IRCC removed CRS points for most job offers. This means job offers no longer directly increase CRS scores for most candidates.

How Express Entry Draws Work

First, candidates create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool.

Then, IRCC holds invitation rounds, usually every one to two weeks. During each round, the highest-ranked candidates receive ITAs.

The minimum CRS score depends on two key factors:

• The number of ITAs issued
• The score distribution in the pool

In other words, larger draws often lead to lower cut-offs. Smaller draws usually raise them.

If multiple candidates have the same CRS score at the cut-off, IRCC applies a tie-breaking rule. It selects profiles submitted before a specific date and time (UTC).

Latest Express Entry Draw – February 17, 2026

The most recent draw targeted the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Here are the results:

• Date: February 17, 2026
• Number of ITAs issued: 6,000
• CRS cut-off score: 508
• Rank required: 6,000 or above
• Tie-breaking rule: March 16, 2025 at 09:35:59 UTC

This draw continued IRCC’s focus on candidates with Canadian work experience.

Moreover, the 6,000 invitations helped stabilize the cut-off at 508. This shows that candidates do not always need extremely high CRS scores, especially when draws are large.

Earlier in 2026, CEC draws had cut-offs around 509 and 511. However, larger invitation rounds helped bring the score slightly down.

Why CRS Cut-Off Scores Change

CRS cut-offs change for several reasons.

Number of ITAs Issued

Generally, bigger draws lower the CRS score. Smaller draws increase it.

Candidate Pool Composition

If many high-scoring candidates enter the pool, the cut-off rises. On the other hand, if profiles expire or receive ITAs, the score may drop.

Targeted Draws

Sometimes, Canada invites only specific groups. These may include:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates
• French-language candidates

As a result, cut-off patterns shift depending on the category.

Tips to Improve Your CRS Score

If your score falls below recent cut-offs, don’t worry. You can still improve your profile.

Boost Your Language Scores

Higher English or French test results can significantly increase your points.

Gain More Work Experience

Additional skilled work experience, especially in Canada, strengthens your profile.

Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

A provincial nomination can dramatically improve your chances. It remains one of the strongest ways to secure an ITA.

Maximize Spousal Factors

If you apply with a partner, their education, language ability, and experience can add valuable points.

Even small improvements can move you closer to an ITA.

Final Thoughts

The CRS drives Canada’s Express Entry system. It ranks candidates based on human capital, skill combinations, and additional factors.

The February 17, 2026 CEC draw proves that large invitation rounds create real opportunities. With 6,000 ITAs issued at a 508 cut-off, many candidates remained competitive.

Therefore, understanding how CRS works helps you plan better. When you improve your profile strategically, you increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).