How Can You Improve Your CRS Score?
You can improve your CRS score while your application is in the Express Entry system by brushing up on some skills. Some improvements could get you up to 600 points, others could nudge up your CRS score enough to make a difference.
1. Improve Your Language Test Score:
Canada only accepts the following language test results:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- Test d'Evaluation de Français (TEF)
Improving language proficiency is the fastest way to improve your CRS score. You can do this by learning a second language or retaking your initial language test.
The highest level of proficiency on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is 9. Scoring anything less gives you room for improvement.
Learning a second language like French can get you an additional 22 points. If you are applying with a spouse, then it can get you 24 points.
If you are bilingual, you can get both languages assessed to gain maximum points.
2. Spouse/ Common-Law Partner Factors:
Applying with your spouse or common-law partner can boost your CRS score. You will score 10 additional points for education in or outside Canada.
For language tests, you will get 20 points. Canadian work experience for 1 year will earn you 5-10 extra points.
If your spouse has better credentials, they can become the principal applicant. Check the CRS score accordingly and submit a new Express Entry profile based on whose score is highest.
3. Work Experience:
You can gain additional skill transferability points by accumulating work experience for more than 3 years in the last 5 years.
Working outside Canada to improve your work experience can get you up to 100 additional points under the skills transferability combinations.
If you gain additional experience in Canada, every 1 year of work experience can get you up to 180 points. 80 points for Canadian work experience alone and 100 within skills transferability combinations.
4. Education Level:
Completing a study program in Canada can significantly impact your CRS score.
Different education levels will get you different CRS scores:
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Education Level
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Additional Information
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Points
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Education Credential Assessment (ECA) report for foreign degree
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For FSTC and CEC applicants only
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250 points (150 points for education level alone and 100 within the skills transferability)
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Study program in Canada for 1-2 years
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Completed study program
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15 points
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Study program that lasted more than 3 years or Master’s/PhD degree in Canada
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Completed study program
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30 points
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5. Job Offer:
Obtaining an employment offer from an employer based in Canada can get you additional points. Getting a valid job offer for a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A or B) will get you an additional 50 points. The job offer must be supported by a positive LMIA and a job offer letter from the employer.
A job offer for a senior managerial position (NOC 0) will get you up to 200 points. These job offers are generally for highly skilled professionals in selected occupations.
6. Provincial Nomination:
Receiving provincial nominations can dramatically increase your CRS points by 600. Applying for the Express Entry aligned PNP streams will get you 600 additional points on your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw.
Applicants require an employment offer to succeed for most PNP streams. Different PNP streams target different in-demand occupations based on their local labor market needs.
7. Siblings in Canada:
Having a brother or sister who is a permanent resident or Canadian citizen can improve your chances of success.
Having a sibling related by blood, adoption or marriage can get you up to 15 points. You will be required to submit proof of relationship like a birth certificate.
How to Prepare for Express Entry Draws?
Suppose you get the Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in an Express Entry draw. You will be required to submit reference letters within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
You must obtain these letters before the ITA is issued and prepare to submit them to the IRCC.
These reference letters contain specific information about your skilled work experience for at least 6 years of employment in the last 10 years.
IRCC requests initial documentation for your Express Entry application. Therefore, you must update certain documents to prepare them for submission.
This includes making sure that your passport is not about to expire in 12-18 months.
You must obtain official standard-issue documents like birth certificates with the time and place of your birth, including the name of at least 1 parent.
You will also require proof of relationship with any claimed relative in Canada. This list is not exhaustive.
