How to Increase Your CRS Score and Improve Your Chances for Canadian Immigration

Canada remains a top destination for skilled immigrants seeking better opportunities. If you want to gain permanent residency in Canada but are thinking of going through the Express Entry system, this is the most used method of immigration; however, whether you can obtain an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for that particular pathway will depend on your Comprehensive Ranking System score (CRS). If your score falls below this cutoff point, you might find yourself asking how to raise your CRS score, and therefore your chances, to a level satisfactory for your situation. 

Fortunately, there are many strategies for increasing your CRS points, from improving your language abilities to acquiring additional work experience. If you’re wondering how to increase CRS score, the higher your CRS score, the better your chances of getting an ITA and then permanent residency in Canada. In this blog, we will discuss effective preparation techniques to raise your CRS score and stay in the competitive Express Entry pool! Read on for these expert tips to maximize your scoring and secure your future in Canada.

Improve Your Language Proficiency for Higher CRS Points

Language is an important factor that determines your CRS score. The higher your proficiency Score in English or French, the more points you get. If you score higher Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level in IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF exams, your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is bound to be much higher. A CLB 9 or above can boost your points tremendously. 

You may take language training courses, practice with mock tests and even retake the exam if needed. French is also a great language to know. The Government allocates additional points for being proficient in a second language. However, even a mid-range level of French fluency will raise your CRS score significantly. Improving your language scores should be a priority as it is also one of the fastest ways to increase your CR S points and improve your chances of receiving an ITA.

Obtain a Higher Education Credential Assessment (ECA) Score

Your academic credentials play a major role in determining your CRS score. If you already have your bachelor’s, you might consider one of the higher credential levels, like a master’s or Ph. D. can aid in boosting your points. As for your grade, you should also get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from designated organizations such as WES or ICAS to accurately assess your education credentials. 

If your degree is not deemed equivalent to a Canadian credential by your ECA, you will not be awarded any points. Furthermore, gaining a second diploma or credentials through a recognized organization can further support your CRS score. Signing up for short-term professional courses — relevant to your work. Higher CRS scores will increase your chances of receiving an ITA to the extent that you have higher education degrees.

Gain More Skilled Work Experience for Extra Points

Work experience has a huge impact on your CRS score calculation. More points are awarded to candidates with greater years of skilled work experience. If you have minimal work experience, remain longer in your current position, thereby helping gain additional points. Canadian experience is very valuable, and if you can find a job in Canada on a temporary work permit, be sure to do so. You will qualify for Express Entry only if you are working on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories under 2016: financed by you. Obtaining a job offer from a Canadian employer can also score you high in CRS. Then, the more job experience you gain, the better qualified you are for permanent residency in Canada.

Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to Boost CRS Score

One of the largest CRS score boosts comes from the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). A provincial nomination can give you an additional 600 points essentially ensuring that you will get an ITA in the next draw. Several provinces invite candidates from the Express Entry pool with certain skills, work experience and provincial ties. You can improve your chances by applying to different PNPs for which you qualify. Certain provinces have targeted draws based on jobs, so keeping a comprehensive and up-to-date Express Entry profile is vital. Connecting with the labor market needs of a province can drastically boost your CRS score and fast-track your Canadian immigration journey.

Secure a Valid Job Offer from a Canadian Employer

Getting a job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly boost your CRS score. A genuine offer of employment can boost your profile by 50 to 200 points, depending on the nature of the job and the NOC category. Networking with Canadian employers, applying for jobs on job portals, or attending virtual job fairs will increase your chances of eventually receiving a job offer. Having a good resume, work experience, and certifications is preferred for candidates from an employer’s perspective. You could also try recruitment agencies that specialize in hiring foreign workers. A valid job offer must meet the required criteria of the LMIA and, only after you have it, will you be eligible for the CRs boost.

Consider Studying in Canada for Additional CRS Points

Studying higher education in Canada is a notable contributor to your ranking in CRS. Graduating from a diploma, degree, or postgraduate program in Canada can be advantageous since it gives you points in the education and work experience categories. The Express Entry system allows many international students to move from a study permit to permanent residency. Canada offers global students the opportunity to earn ethnic points in addition to academics. Such education and work experience allow you to earn additional points in the CRS score and increase your likelihood of receiving an ITA. As a long-term immigration strategy, investing in Canadian education makes sense.

Improve Your Spouse’s CRS Score to Strengthen Your Profile

If you are applying with a spouse/common-law partner, his or her credentials may affect your CRS score. Points can be added for your spouse’s language ability, education and work experience. You can also encourage your spouse to take either IELTS or TEF (for French speakers) since it would help in earning points for your total score. In addition, ECAs for your spouse’s education credentials add points as well. Having skilled work experience also allows you to maximize your CRS score if your spouse is skilled. By optimizing the profile of both partners, your Express Entry application is enhanced, thus increasing the likelihood of getting an ITA.

Conclusion

To receive an ITA for Canadian immigration, you need a score on the CRS that counts. Maximize your chances of success by improving your language skills, acquiring higher education credentials, gaining skilled work experience, and having a job offer. The submission of a PNP and improvement of your spouse’s profile both make the application stronger. Don’t wait until October 2023 to begin preparing to immigrate to Canada; if you’re serious about making this move, these strategies are ones you can begin working on today. The more CRS points you have, the closer you get to that coveted PR target. Focus on staying active, enhancing your profile, and improving your CRS score to achieve a successful Canadian immigration experience.