When you are immigrating to Canada via the Express Entry program, the first thing you will hear is your CRS score. The Comprehensive Ranking System is your golden ticket; your score will determine whether you will be invited to apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
However, the reality is that most applicants do not make a high score the first time. And that’s perfectly normal. The good news? It is possible to increase your CRS score in several intelligent, practical ways, regardless of whether you apply to Canada or you are already in the country.
We will explain it in a simple and easy way to ensure that you know what to do next.
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| How to Increase Your CRS Score for Express Entry? |
The best tips to improve your CRS score.
1. How to score higher in the language test: the Biggest Booster!
When it comes to your CRS score, it could be your language results that give a drastic change to the score.
IELTS General or CELPIP has a significant role to play. The slightest increase, like CLB 7 to CLB 9, can increase your score by 100 or more points based on your age, work experience, and education.
Tips to boost CRS score in this section:
Take mock tests regularly
Enrol in special IELTS training.
Practice in speaking and Writing, which most of the candidates find hard.
Several successful PR applicants retake IELTS 2-3 times.
In case you are in a hurry: prepare for CLB 9 (IELTS 8L/7R/7W/7S).
2. Add the Credentials of Your Spouse.
This is your secret weapon, should you be applying with your spouse.
The points that your partner can provide include:
Their language test
Their education level
Their Canadian experience at work.
Even your spouse's taking a simple attempt at IELTS can offer you 20-30 points. This is the determinant for many couples.
3. Complete Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
A majority of the applicants do have an ECA done on their top degree, but did you know that you receive additional points on various educational qualifications?
If you have:
A bachelor’s degree and a diploma
A master’s and PG diploma
Several undergraduate degrees.
You can also receive additional CRS points in the category of two or more post-secondary certificates.
In case you really have several qualifications, obtain ECAs to everyone. It is an easy method of earning points without necessarily doing something new.
4. Earn More Professional Work Experience.
Your foreign experience in skilled work is also worth a lot of points in CRS. Although you must have at least one year of experience to enter, the more years, the better.
CRS rewards:
1 year
2-3 years
3+ years
5. Get a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (Guaranteed 600 Points!).
This is the CRS ultimate booster.
When any Canadian province nominates you under an Express Entry-linked PNP stream, you are immediately awarded 600 CRS points. This would guarantee you an ITA in the next draw regardless of your current score.
The following are some of the popular PNPs associated with Express Entry:
Ontario Human Capital Priorities.
Saskatchewan Express Entry
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities.
In case your CRS score is lower than 470, the best idea is to consider PNP opportunities.
6. Get Canadian Work Experience (If You are already in Canada)
Under CRS, Canadian experience has massive weight. A year of Canadian work experience can help a lot.
Methods of acquiring Canadian work experience:
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Co-op work during studies
LMIA-based work permit
Spousal open work permits.
This might not happen immediately, but it can be opened to you by studying in Canada or trying to get a work permit, especially when you are outside Canada.
7. Study in Canada to get an additional point.
In case there is no problem with moving early, the completion of a 1-2 year program in Canada provides added CRS points to Canadian education. Combined with:
Language ability
Canadian work experience
Youth-age advantage
You can easily have a score above 500 on CRS.
It is a route that is becoming popular among candidates who need quicker, sure outcomes.
8. Get a good employment opportunity (Not mandatory, but Helpful)
A Canadian employer offers a job with the assistance of a valid LMIA; it will provide:
50 points for most jobs
Senior managerial positions: 200 points.
It is not obligatory but it is certainly useful when your CRS has a hitch.
9. Improve Your French Skills
Bilingual candidates are rewarded in Canada. Even simple French proficiency (TEF/TCF) may get up to 50 points.
This alternative is emerging as a trend due to increased PNP alternatives by the French speakers as well.
Final Thoughts
Increasing your CRS mark is not something that happens by chance; it is a matter of strategy. The Express Entry program is competitive; however, the score can be raised significantly given the right moves.
No matter whether you are enhancing your IELTS score, including recruitment of your spouse, or acquiring Canadian work experience, each one of the steps matters. And in case you want a sure shortcut, a PNP nomination is the most effective shortcut.

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