CRS Score: 21-Year-Old with PhD and CLB 9 (No Experience)
A single Express Entry candidate aged 21 with a PhD, CLB 9 in English and no foreign work experience has an estimated CRS score of:
This range is usually below general draw cut-offs. Category-based draws (healthcare, trades, education, French), a provincial nomination or a better language score are the most common paths forward.
CRS score breakdown
| Age (21) | 110 |
| Education (Doctoral degree (PhD)) | 150 |
| First official language (CLB 9 x 4 abilities) | 124 |
| Canadian work experience | 0 |
| Skill transferability - education | 50 |
| Skill transferability - foreign experience | 0 |
| Additional points | 0 |
| Total CRS score | 434 |
|---|
Core human capital: 384 / 500 · Skill transferability: 50 / 100
Customise this profile in the CRS calculator →How to improve this score
| Scenario | New score | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Improve to CLB 10 in all abilities | 446 | +12 |
| Add 1 year of Canadian work experience | 474 | +40 |
| Add French at NCLC 7 in all abilities | 496 | +62 |
| Sibling living in Canada | 449 | +15 |
| Gain 1-2 years of foreign experience | 459 | +25 |
| Receive a provincial nomination (PNP) | 1034 | +600 |
Age, language and eligibility notes
At 22 this same profile would score 434 (no change).
CLB 9 requires IELTS General of at least L 8.0 / R 7.0 / W 7.0 / S 7.0. See the full IELTS to CLB chart.
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) check: Without at least one year of continuous skilled work experience you are not eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker program. You may still qualify through the Canadian Experience Class (after 1 year of Canadian work) or a Provincial Nominee Program.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the CRS score for a 21-year-old with a PhD and CLB 9?
A single applicant aged 21 with a PhD, CLB 9 in all four abilities and no foreign work experience scores 434 CRS points, before provincial nomination, French or Canadian experience points.
How can a 21-year-old raise this CRS score?
The best options for this profile are: improving language to CLB 10, adding French (NCLC 7+), gaining Canadian work experience or obtaining a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points.