Candidates who are eligible to apply for Express Entry will be evaluated by a score under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Although there are some things that you can not control, there are some ways to improve your CRS score so that you will be ranked higher for the Express Entry Pool.
Latest Express Entry Draw
How Can I Improve My CRS Score?
Here are 8 areas where you can improve your score. Learn more about the Express Entry Program’s CRS Score is calculated.
1. Language: Did you know that language ability is worth up to 260 CRS points in total for a single candidate? French and English are Canada’s official languages so take a french class and learn both to gain more points. Extra points are accumulated for each improvement in test results across the four language abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing), but the magic threshold is when a candidate achieves a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 9 in each ability. If you ever studied French at school, or otherwise have a decent knowledge of the language, it may be wise to consider preparing to take the Test d’évaluation du français (TEF).
2. Work: Although Canadian work experience is more valued than non-Canadian work experience, if you have less than three years of full-time experience, keep working! The goal of remaining in employment is even more acute for candidates currently working in Canada on a work permit because more points are available for this work and it is rewarded for each annual threshold up to five years. Just make sure that if you are working in Canada, you maintain legal work status the entire time.
3. Study: Come study in Canada before applying for Express Entry! Having Canadian study experience can significantly increase your score.
4. Education: If you have two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees you may be able to claim extra points under the education section. Furthermore, completing an additional level of education can also be beneficial. Some candidates are only a few courses or months away from completing a degree, diploma or certificate that, when assessed, would help to improve their ranking under the CRS.
5. Spouse: Candidates with a spouse, however, may have additional potential for improving their CRS score because the spouses level of education, language ability, and Canadian work experience may all be rewarded. You can add up to 20 points to your CRS through your partner’s first language scores. You can add up to 10 points to your CRS score by getting ECA done for your partner’s education.
6. Provincial Nominee Programs: If you want a 600-point boost to your CRS score, plus the knowledge that you are being welcomed with open arms into your chosen destination province, it’s time to learn about the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). A nomination from one of the provinces under Express Entry Provincial Nominee Programs adds 600 additional points to your overall CRS and in most cases will secure you an ITA in the next draw. It’s important to display your full education and work record, stay up to date on Canadian immigration news, and have all your documents ready and reviewed in preparation to make an application promptly. PNP categories often open and close quickly, sometimes within days or even hours.
7. Job Offer: While the relative value of a qualifying job offer is not as great as it once was – in most cases, down to 50 CRS points from a previous value of 600 points – obtaining a job offer remains an important factor. If you are not currently in Canada, obtaining a job offer can be difficult, but there are plenty of online resources where you may find employment opportunities.
8. Getting Help: Do you need assistance in preparing an application for Canadian permanent residence? If so, view our Book an Immigration Consultant page to book a consultation with some of the best immigration lawyers in Canada.
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VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Ella Bergquist
Hello! I am one of VisaPlace's many immigration news contributors. Comment below if you have any questions or comments about this article.
