Our sources
We rely on primary sources: the pages IRCC publishes on Canada.ca, and the regulations and ministerial instructions behind them.
We do not copy points tables from other websites. Each value in our calculators is transcribed from the official page, and each page on this site lists the official pages it is based on.
How we test the calculators
The CRS calculator has a single scoring engine and a single file of points tables. The tables you read in our guides are generated from that same file, so a table can never disagree with the calculator.
Before each release we run automated tests that include:
- a comparison against a second implementation of the rules, written separately from the published criteria, on 60,000 generated profiles,
- checks that the published maximums are reached (1,270 overall, 570 or 530 for core factors, 100 for skill transferability and 600 for additional points), and
- specific cases for rules that are easy to get wrong, such as how a spouse who is a citizen is treated, which education levels fall in each skill transferability tier, and the comparison between Canadian experience and job offer points.
Where we differ from IRCC's online tool
We compare our scoring with the calculation used by IRCC's own online CRS tool, and the two agree. In two narrow cases its tool gives a different answer from its published criteria. In both, we follow the published criteria:
- TCF Canada at NCLC 4 as a first official language. The criteria award 6 points per ability at CLB or NCLC 4. We award 6.
- PTE Core as the English test for French-language additional points. The criteria award 50 points for NCLC 7 in French with CLB 5 or higher in English, whichever approved English test you took. We apply that to PTE Core as well as CELPIP and IELTS.
If IRCC determines your score differently, IRCC's determination is the one that counts.
Reviews and updates
We check the official pages regularly and whenever IRCC announces a change. Every tool and guide shows the date of its last review. Our points tables were last verified against IRCC on November 9, 2026, following the changes that took effect on November 3, 2026.
Corrections
If we get something wrong, we fix it promptly and update the review date. To report an error, use the contact page.
Independence and advertising
Advertising pays for this site. Advertisements are labelled and are kept separate from our content. We do not accept payment to change a calculator, a ranking or a recommendation, and we do not sell immigration services.
Limits of our tools
Our calculators give estimates based on the information you enter. They cannot check your documents, confirm that your work experience or job offer qualifies, or predict who will be invited. They are not a substitute for professional advice.