How to Increase CRS Score for Canada Express Entry?

8 Effective Ways to Increase Your CRS Score  

A candidate can improve or increase their CRS score in a variety of ways after joining the Express Entry pool. The applicant’s age, education, employment history, and language proficiency significantly impact their CRS points.

Having a sibling in Canada, being able to speak French well, getting a job offer there, or getting nominated by a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can all get you extra points.   

An Invitation to Apply (ITA) in one of Canada’s next Express Entry lotteries can be significantly increased by earning extra points from one of these variables. Here are eight key strategies to help you increase your CRS score: 

1. Improve Your Language Proficiency

Language skills play a major role in Express Entry. This makes it one of the most effective ways to increase your CRS score. B2 level of French, which is equal to the CLB level 7, is the minimum level of French required for the Canada PR. So, try to aim for at least CLB level 7 in French in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Higher scores, especially CLB 9 or above, can earn you significantly more points.  

To improve your score:  

• Take language classes or hire a tutor to refine your skills.  

• If you are bilingual, consider taking the TEF Canada exam to gain extra points for French proficiency. Clearing the TEF Canada exam can boost your CRS score by 50 marks.  

• Practice with sample IELTS or CELPIP tests to enhance your performance.  

 2. Obtain a Provincial Nomination

A nomination from a Canadian province under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is one of the fastest ways to increase your CRS score. A provincial nomination is worth 600 points, which can almost guarantee an ITA.  

To increase your chances:  

• Research provinces that align with your skills and job profile.  

• Indicate your interest in specific provinces in your Express Entry profile.  

• Stay updated on provincial nominee programs, as requirements may change frequently.  

• Consider applying directly to provinces that have Express Entry-aligned streams. 

3. Upgrade Your Education

Pursuing higher education can significantly improve your CRS  score, increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for Canadian permanent residency. If you already hold a degree, enrolling in an additional post-secondary program can help you earn extra points in the CRS calculation.  

For example, completing a one-year post-secondary program after obtaining a three-year degree can add 8 additional points to your CRS score.  

Furthermore, education plays a crucial role in skill transferability. If you combine higher education with a CLB 9 or higher language score and at least two years of Canadian work experience, you can earn up to 50 additional CRS points under skill transferability factors.  

Additionally, completing a degree in Canada offers even greater benefits. Not only does it contribute extra CRS points, but it also provides opportunities for post-graduation work permits (PGWP).  

4. Retake the Language Test

If your language test score is below the maximum, retaking the test can be a game-changer. Depending on your performance, you can earn between 24 and 144 points. Since there is no limit to the number of attempts, you can keep improving your score with better preparation.  

Additionally, if you are applying with a spouse or common-law partner, they can also take a language test. However, their contribution is capped at 5 CRS points; every point matters, especially if your total score is near the cut-off.  

 5. Secure a Valid Job Offer

Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can add 50 to 200 CRS points to your profile, depending on the job category.   

To improve your chances:  

• Apply for jobs through Canada’s official job portals and recruitment agencies.  

• Network with employers and attend job fairs.  

• Consider visiting Canada on a temporary work permit to increase your employment prospects.  

6. Get Your Foreign Education Assessed

Many applicants only assess their highest degree, but submitting evaluations for multiple post-secondary credentials can increase CRS points. Most Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) organizations charge per application, not per credential, so assessing all qualifications in one go can save both time and money.  

If you are applying with a spouse, they can also get their foreign education assessed to contribute up to 10 additional CRS points.  

7. Leverage Your Spouse or Common-law Partner’s Points

If applying as a couple, it is important to assess who the principal applicant should be. Sometimes, a partner’s skills in a high-demand trade can be more valuable than a degree in an oversaturated profession.  

If your spouse is not the principal applicant, they can still contribute up to 40 CRS points by improving their language proficiency, education, or Canadian work experience. Some provincial programs also allocate points for well-qualified spouses.  

8. Maximize Work Experience Points

Having more work experience in Canada or abroad can significantly increase your CRS score and improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency. Work experience is a key factor in the CRS system, and maximizing points in this category requires careful planning and proper documentation.  

To ensure you get the maximum points for your work experience, it is essential to classify your job correctly under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Your job title, duties, and responsibilities should accurately match a skilled NOC code (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) to qualify for Express Entry. Misclassification or missing details in your work history could lead to a lower CRS score or even ineligibility.  

Additionally, you must accumulate at least one year of continuous skilled work experience to meet the minimum requirements for Express Entry. However, having more years of experience can earn you even higher points.   

For candidates with Canadian work experience, the benefits are even greater, as it contributes more CRS points compared to foreign work experience.   

What are the Most Important Factors that Affect the CRS Score?  

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) gives points based on different factors. A higher score increases your chances of getting an invitation to Canada PR. Let’s look at the key factors that matter.

1. Core Human Capital Factors (Max: 600 Points)

These factors are based on your personal qualifications. They have the biggest impact on your CRS score.  

• Age – The most points are given to people aged 20-29. Points decrease as you get older.  

• Education – Higher education means more points. A master’s or PhD degree gives the most points.  

• Language Proficiency – A high score in English or French CLB level 7 or above gives maximum points.  

• Work Experience – Both Canadian and foreign skilled work experience help increase your score. Canadian work experience gives more points. 

2. Skill Transferability (Max: 100 Points)

This category gives extra points when you combine different skills. For example:  

• Good language scores + Work experience = Extra points  

• Higher education + Good language skills = Extra points  

Doing well in multiple areas can help you get a better CRS score.  

3. Spouse/Common-law Partner Factors (Max: 40 Points)

If you are applying with your spouse or partner, their qualifications can add extra points to your score, and it is one of the best ways to increase your CRS score.  

• Education – A degree or diploma from your spouse can help.  

• Language Skills – If your spouse speaks English or French well, you get more points.  

• Work Experience – If your spouse has Canadian work experience, you can earn additional points.  

4. Different Programs Points (Max: 600 Points)

These extra points can make a big difference to your CRS score.  

• Provincial Nomination (PNP): If a Canadian province selects you, you get 600 points. This almost guarantees an invitation and helps to increase your CRS score.  

• Job Offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can add 50 to 200 points.  

• Canadian Study Experience: Completing a degree or diploma in Canada gives up to 30 points.  
• French Language Proficiency: If you speak both English and French well, you can get up to 50 extra points.  

How can a Provincial Nominee Program Increase your CRS score?  

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer a great opportunity for candidates with low CRS scores to get permanent residency in Canada. If a province selects you through a PNP, you can receive 600 extra CRS points, which almost guarantees an ITA for permanent residency.  

Each province has its own rules and requirements for selecting candidates. Some provinces prefer applicants who already have a connection to the province, such as work experience, family ties, or a job offer. Others look for candidates who can fill labor shortages or help with population growth. 

If you receive a nomination under a PNP, you are expected to live and work in that province. This is because provinces select candidates based on their specific economic and demographic needs.

Understanding different PNP requirements and applying to the right program can greatly improve your chances of getting permanent residency in Canada.  

How Much CRS Score Is Required for Canadian PR?  

The CRS score required for Canada PR through Express Entry varies per draw based on the amount of ITAs awarded and the applicant pool. However, the minimal CRS score for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) applications has often ranged from 450 to 470 points in recent years.

It is important to realize that there is no “passing score.” Each Express entry draw has a different cut-off score depending on the competition. Aim for the highest possible score to increase your chances.  

How to calculate your CRS score? 

You can estimate your CRS score using the Government of Canada’s CRS score calculator before creating your Express Entry profile. After that, you can evaluate your chances of being eligible for PR by comparing your expected score with the current CRS cut-off.   

The government’s CRS calculator is a straightforward and user-friendly application. Answering a few simple questions about your age, education, employment history, and language test results—or estimated results, if you haven’t taken one yet—is all that is required. You should include your spouse’s or common-law partner’s details as well if you intend to apply for PR together.

Before using the CRS calculator, confirm that you fulfill all additional eligibility requirements for a PNP program’s Express Entry streams or programs. If you obtained an ITA and would like to know whether changes to your profile would affect your eligibility and CRS score, you may also utilize the CRS score calculator.  

Conclusion  

Improving your CRS score is essential for increasing your chances of getting Canadian permanent residency. Key factors like education, language proficiency, work experience, and additional points play a major role in boosting your score.

Among these, French language skills can be a game-changer. Achieving NCLC 7 or higher can earn you up to 50 extra points, making you a stronger candidate in the Express Entry pool. Additionally, programs like the French-speaking Skilled Worker Stream offer more opportunities for qualified immigrants.  

How Kochiva Can Help  

If you want to improve your French skills, Kochiva is the best platform to learn French online. With expert C1/ C2 certified trainers and structured courses, Kochiva helps you build strong French language proficiency, which is crucial for earning additional CRS points. Our C1/C2 certified trainers have helped many students clear their TEF exams.

Contact: +91 9872334466

Email: info@kochiva.com

Additionally, our interactive classes will provide many opportunities to practice speaking, writing, listening, and reading French.    

FAQ’S  

How do you obtain 50 points for French in Express Entry?  

Achieve a CLB 7 or B2 level in all four French skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

To earn up to 50 extra points for French as your first language, you must score CLB 7 or higher.

What is the Express Entry CRS calculator?  

An instrument provided on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website enables candidates to predict their CRS score based on the information they have provided.  

To what extent does French add to the CRS?