CRS vs. the 67-point FSWP grid — what's the difference?
Newcomers often confuse two different "Canada points" systems:
| CRS (Express Entry) | FSWP 67-point grid | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Ranks you against other candidates in the pool | Eligibility — decides if you can enter the pool at all |
| Scale | 1,200 points | 100 points (need 67+) |
| When it matters | Every draw — higher is better | Once — pass/fail at profile creation |
You need both: first pass the 67-point FSWP grid (or qualify under CEC/FSTP), then maximize your CRS to actually get invited. The calculator above computes your CRS; for the 67-point grid, the six factors are education (25), language (28), work experience (15), age (12), arranged employment (10) and adaptability (10).
Note: a valid job offer still gives 10 points on the 67-point FSWP grid even though it no longer adds CRS points since March 2025.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CRS points and the 67 points system?
The 67-point grid is a pass/fail eligibility test for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The CRS (out of 1,200) ranks eligible candidates against each other in the Express Entry pool. You must pass the 67-point test first, then compete on CRS.
How many CRS points do I need for Canada PR?
There is no fixed passing score — it depends on each draw's cutoff. Recent 2026 draws ranged from 476 (Trades category) to 518+ (CEC). Check our draw tracker.