How to Improve Your Express Entry CRS Score

Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the most popular and efficient immigration pathways for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. However, simply creating a profile in the Express Entry pool doesn’t guarantee an invitation to apply (ITA). To be competitive, you need a strong Comprehensive Ranking System score. The CRS score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool and is based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other relevant criteria. If your score is lower than recent cut-offs, don’t worry—there are several ways to boost it. In this blog, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you improve your CRS score and increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

What Is the CRS Score?

The CRS is a points-based system used to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points, divided into core human capital factors (such as age and education), skill transferability, and additional points (including having a provincial nomination or a Canadian job offer).

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Core Human Capital: Up to 500 points (with a spouse or partner) or 600 points (without one)
• Skill Transferability: Up to 100 points
• Additional Points: Up to 600 points

Understanding the score breakdown helps identify areas where you can improve for a better chance of receiving an ITA.

1. Improve Your Language Scores

Language proficiency is one of the most significant contributors to your CRS score. You can earn up to 136 points for your first official language (English or French), and additional points for a second official language.

Tips to improve language scores:

• Retake the IELTS (General Training) or CELPIP for English, or TEF/TCF for French, if you believe you can achieve higher scores.
• Aim for Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 9 or above, which significantly boosts your score through both direct language points and skill transferability.
• Consider learning or improving your French. Bilingual candidates can gain up to 50 additional CRS points for proficiency in a second official language.

2. Gain More Work Experience

Your skilled work experience, both in Canada and abroad, significantly impacts your CRS score—particularly when combined with strong language abilities and education.

What you can do:

• Continue gaining experience in a National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job.
• If you’re working in Canada on a valid work permit, gaining one or more years of Canadian work experience can significantly increase your score.
• Ensure that your work experience is well-documented and verifiable, as any discrepancies could result in a lower score or refusal.

3. Pursue Higher Education or Get Your Credentials Evaluated

Educational qualifications can account for up to 150 CRS points. You can also earn additional points for combining your education with high language scores or work experience.

To boost your CRS:

• Consider completing a higher level of education in your home country or Canada (such as a diploma, degree, or post-graduate program).
• If your education was completed outside Canada, get your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) done by an approved agency. Without an ECA, your foreign education won’t count towards your CRS score.
• Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees (with at least one being at least three years in duration) will earn higher points than a single credential.

4. Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Receiving a Provincial Nomination adds a massive 600 points to your CRS score—practically guaranteeing an invitation in the next Express Entry draw.

How to get nominated:

• Monitor individual province programs through their websites. Each province has its requirements and targeted occupations.
• Some PNPs are aligned with Express Entry (also known as “enhanced PNPs”) and allow you to submit your profile directly if you meet eligibility criteria.
• Ensure your Express Entry profile is up to date, as provinces often search the pool to issue Notifications of Interest (NOIs).

5. Secure a Valid Job Offer from a Canadian Employer

While not mandatory, having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can boost your CRS score by 50 to 200 points, depending on the NOC category of the job.

To qualify:

• The offer must be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), unless it’s an LMIA-exempt offer under international agreements or an intra-company transfer.
• The position must be full-time, non-seasonal, and remain open for at least one year after the candidate has received permanent residence.
• Networking, utilizing job boards, and leveraging Canadian recruitment agencies can help you find suitable employers.

6. Add Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner Strategically

If you’re applying with a spouse or common-law partner, how you include them can affect your CRS score.

Consider the following:

• If your spouse has stronger language skills or a higher level of education, you can designate them as the principal applicant.
• Ensure your spouse’s education is assessed through an ECA and that they complete a language test, as they may be eligible to contribute up to 40 additional points.
• Selecting the right principal applicant can significantly impact your overall score.

7. Gain Canadian Education Credentials

If you’re already in Canada on a study permit or considering further education, completing a Canadian post-secondary program can significantly increase your CRS score.

Benefits include:

• Up to 30 additional CRS points for Canadian credentials
• Potential pathways to Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) and eventual Canadian work experience
• Improved language skills, networking, and familiarity with Canadian culture

8. Stay Informed and Keep Your Profile Updated

The Express Entry system is dynamic, and your profile should be updated to reflect any changes in your circumstances.

What to do:

• Update your profile with new work experience, higher test scores, educational updates, or changes in marital status.
• Monitor CRS cut-off trends and updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to anticipate draw patterns.
• Consider creating a strategy timeline for language testing, credential evaluations, and PNP applications.

Final Thoughts

Improving your Express Entry CRS score may take time, planning, and effort but the rewards are worth it. Whether it’s boosting your language score, gaining Canadian experience, or exploring PNP opportunities, each step you take brings you closer to receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency in Canada. By understanding the system and actively working on key areas, you increase your competitiveness in the Express Entry pool and enhance your chances of building a new life in Canada.