How many extra CRS points do I get for completing Canadian post-secondary education?

Canadian post-secondary education adds points to your CRS in two ways. In the core human capital education section, a Canadian credential is recognized at its full level without needing an ECA — so a Canadian bachelor's degree earns the same education points as any recognized bachelor's degree would.

In addition, the additional points section of the CRS awards extra points specifically for Canadian study: candidates who completed a one-year or longer post-secondary program in Canada receive a smaller bonus, while those who completed a two-year or longer program receive a larger one. These points recognize the integration advantage of having studied in Canada — familiarity with the labour market, professional networks, Canadian references, and often post-graduation work experience.

These study-based additional points do not replace or reduce education points in the core section — they stack on top. This means a candidate who earned a three-year Canadian bachelor's degree earns both the full core education points and the two-year-plus study additional points. If you are currently a student in Canada, completing a program that is at least two years long is meaningfully more valuable from a CRS perspective than a one-year certificate, all else being equal. Speak with a lawyer before you graduate to plan the optimal timing for transitioning from student to worker to PR applicant.