CRS Points for a Master's Degree

CRS Points for a Master's Degree

A master's degree can be a valuable qualification when applying for Canada Permanent Residency (PR) through the Express Entry system. Education is one of the key factors considered under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and candidates with a recognised master's qualification can earn significant points.

But how many CRS points does a master's degree actually provide? Does having a master's degree increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)? Can you earn additional points through language proficiency and work experience?

In this guide, we explain the CRS points for a master's degree, the difference between applying with and without an accompanying spouse, and how you can maximise your Express Entry score.

How Many CRS Points Does a Master's Degree Give?

Under the current IRCC Comprehensive Ranking System, a master's degree receives:

• Without an accompanying spouse: 135 CRS points.

• With an accompanying spouse: 126 CRS points.

These points are awarded under the education category of the core human capital factors.

The points are based on your recognised educational qualification and are not your complete CRS score.

CRS Points for a Master's Degree: With vs Without Spouse

Your education points depend on whether you apply with an accompanying spouse or without one.

Applicant Category Master's Degree CRS Points Without an accompanying spouse135With an accompanying spouse126

For example, if you have a recognised master's degree and apply without an accompanying spouse, you can receive 135 education points.

If you apply with an accompanying spouse, you can receive 126 education points. Your spouse may also contribute additional CRS points through their education, language proficiency and eligible Canadian work experience.

CRS Points Comparison: Master's Degree vs Other Qualifications

A master's degree offers more education points than a bachelor's degree. Here is a comparison of different education levels under the CRS.

Education Qualification With Spouse Without Spouse Secondary school diploma2830One-year post-secondary credential8490Two-year post-secondary credential9198Bachelor's degree or 3+ year program112120Two or more credentials, including one 3+ year credential119128 Master's degree126135 Doctoral degree (PhD)140150

A master's degree provides 15 more education points than a bachelor's degree under both spouse categories.

Can a Master's Degree Help You Get Additional CRS Points?

Yes. Apart from the direct education points, a master's degree can help you qualify for additional points through CRS skill transferability factors.

These factors consider your education along with other qualifications.

1. Education and Language Proficiency

If you have a recognised master's degree and achieve strong English or French language results, you may receive additional skill transferability points.

For example:

• CLB 7 or higher in all four first official language abilities, with at least one ability below CLB 9: up to 25 points.

• CLB 9 or higher in all four first official language abilities: up to 50 points.

This means achieving CLB 9 in all four abilities can provide a significant advantage when combined with your master's qualification.

2. Education and Canadian Work Experience

Your master's degree can also contribute to additional points when combined with eligible Canadian work experience.

The CRS skill transferability table provides:

• Master's degree with one year of eligible Canadian work experience: up to 25 points.

• Master's degree with two or more years of eligible Canadian work experience: up to 50 points.

The points are subject to the applicable skill transferability limits and your complete profile.

Important: These are alternative education-related combinations. You cannot simply add every maximum shown to your CRS score. The overall skill transferability factors are capped at 100 points.

Does a Master's Degree from India Count for Canada PR?

Yes. A master's degree obtained in India can be considered for Express Entry if it receives the appropriate Canadian equivalency through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), where required.

If you completed your master's degree outside Canada, you generally need an ECA from an IRCC-designated organisation to establish its Canadian educational equivalency.

For example, if your Indian master's degree is assessed as equivalent to a Canadian master's degree, it may qualify for the corresponding education points.

However, the final points depend on the ECA result, the credential details and IRCC requirements.

What Is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?

An Educational Credential Assessment is a report that verifies whether your foreign educational qualification is equivalent to a Canadian credential.

For Express Entry applicants with foreign education, an ECA is generally required to claim education points.

Some important points about ECA include:

• Your educational qualification must be assessed by an IRCC-designated organisation.

• The assessment must establish the Canadian equivalency of your degree.

• Your ECA must be valid when you submit your Express Entry profile.

• If you have multiple qualifications, you may need assessments for the credentials relevant to your claimed education level.

An ECA does not automatically guarantee that every foreign master's degree will be recognised as a Canadian master's degree.

Can a Canadian Master's Degree Give You Extra CRS Points?

Yes. If you completed an eligible master's-level program in Canada, you may qualify for additional CRS points under the Canadian educational credential category.

The additional points are:

• 30 CRS points for an eligible Canadian master's degree.

• 30 points for an eligible Canadian doctoral degree.

• 15 points for eligible Canadian post-secondary credentials of one or two years.

These are additional points and are separate from your core education points.

You must meet the applicable Canadian study and credential eligibility requirements.

How Can You Maximise CRS Points with a Master's Degree?

Having a master's degree is a strong starting point, but you can strengthen your Express Entry profile through other factors.

1. Achieve CLB 9 or CLB 10

Improve your IELTS General Training or other accepted language test results to achieve higher CLB levels.

CLB 9 or higher across all four abilities can help maximise relevant education and language skill transferability points.

2. Gain Relevant Work Experience

Your skilled foreign and Canadian work experience can help improve your overall CRS score through the relevant factors and combinations.

3. Learn French

French language proficiency can provide additional CRS points and may make you eligible for French-language category-based selection if you meet the applicable requirements.

4. Explore Provincial Nominee Programs

An eligible provincial nomination through an Express Entry-linked stream can provide 600 additional CRS points.

5. Include Your Spouse's Qualifications

If you are applying with an accompanying spouse, their education, language proficiency and eligible Canadian work experience may contribute additional CRS points.

Is a Master's Degree Enough to Get Canada PR?

A master's degree can provide a strong education-related CRS score, but it does not guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Your final CRS score depends on several factors, including:

• Age

• Education

• English and French language proficiency

• Skilled work experience

• Spouse or partner factors

• Skill transferability

• Additional CRS points

For example, two applicants with the same master's degree can receive very different CRS scores because of differences in age, language results and work experience.

Therefore, calculating your complete CRS score is important before planning your Express Entry application.

Final Thoughts

A master's degree can significantly strengthen your Canada PR Express Entry profile by providing 135 CRS education points without an accompanying spouse or 126 points with an accompanying spouse.

You may also benefit from skill transferability points when combining your education with strong language proficiency or eligible Canadian work experience.

If you hold a master's degree from India or another country, ensure that your educational qualifications are assessed correctly and that your ECA meets IRCC requirements.

Planning to apply for Canada PR? Contact Countrywide Visas to assess your CRS score, understand your eligibility and explore immigration pathways that match your education and professional experience.

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