Canada launches free CRS calculator to help Express Entry candidates check new high-wage points

CanadaVisa has launched an updated online calculator that allows candidates applying for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry to check their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores under the new high-wage points system.

The calculator became available to all users on November 3, 2026, following an update to CanadaVisa+, the platform's online service. Users can create a free profile and check their CRS scores through a web browser on a mobile phone, desktop or tablet.

Also read: Canada plans to welcome up to 622,000 new permanent residents by 2027 under the new immigration plan


The update follows changes introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to the CRS on November 3. The changes include a new Labour Market Integration Factor (LMIF), which awards additional points to candidates with qualifying high-wage occupations.

Under the revised system, Express Entry candidates can receive the higher of the following:

• Up to 150 points for Canadian work experience.
• Up to 100 points for a high-wage job offer.

The CRS is used to rank Express Entry candidates, with IRCC periodically inviting those with higher scores to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

How the new CRS calculator works

New users can visit the CanadaVisa+ website and create an online profile. The platform automatically calculates their CRS score using information about their:

• Age and education;
• Official language proficiency;
• Work experience;
• Job offers;
• Relatives in Canada, where applicable; and
• Spouse's age, education and work experience, where applicable.

Existing users with updated profiles will also have their revised CRS scores calculated automatically. They can view their scores by logging in to their accounts.

The calculator also considers the candidate's occupation under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Each occupation is assigned a unique NOC code based on its duties and responsibilities.

According to the official government list, 186 occupations qualify for high-wage points. These occupations are classified according to pay rates of at least 1.3 times, 1.5 times or twice the Canada-wide median wage. Higher-paying occupations are eligible for more points.

CanadaVisa+ automatically calculates the applicable points based on the occupations entered in a user's profile and the government's eligibility list.

Candidates can create a profile and check their CRS scores free of charge. However, they may encounter a payment requirement if they wish to continue using the platform after viewing their scores.

Who qualifies for high-wage CRS points?

To receive points for Canadian work experience under the LMIA, candidates must have at least 12 months of consecutive full-time experience in one or more qualifying high-wage occupations within the previous 10 years.

For points based on a high-wage job offer, the employment must be full-time and cover at least one year after the candidate becomes a permanent resident.

Also read: Canada tightens immigration rules, imposes fines of up to CAD 1.5 million: What it means for employers and applicants

IRCC has confirmed that the changes are fully in force from November 3. However, the department said the rollout across the Express Entry system could take up to two weeks. Invitations to apply have been paused until the rollout is completed.

Candidates seeking points for qualifying high-wage job offers must also update their Express Entry profiles with the relevant employment details.