If your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is low, don’t worry. There are several ways to boost your score or improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residence.
1. Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – 600 Points
A Provincial Nomination (PNP) automatically gives you 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an ITA. Many PNPs don’t require a job offer and invite candidates with specific skills, education, or work experience. Some popular PNPs for Express Entry include:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Targets tech and healthcare workers.
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) – Requires a CRS score as low as 300+.
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Requires a score of 60 out of 110 on SINP’s point grid.
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) – Invites candidates with work experience in high-demand jobs.
Even if your CRS score is low, a PNP nomination can almost guarantee your Express Entry success.
2. Improve Your Language Test Scores (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF) – Up to 260 Points
Language proficiency is one of the biggest CRS boosters. Increasing your IELTS/CELPIP (English) or TEF/TCF (French) score can significantly raise your CRS. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 9+ in all sections adds extra points for Skill Transferability.
Retaking the IELTS/CELPIP and achieving higher scores could be the fastest way to increase your CRS.
3. Add French as a Second Language – Up to 50 Points
If you have basic French skills, taking a TEF/TCF test can earn extra points. Candidates with strong French skills can get up to 50 additional CRS points.
Even a CLB 7 in French can add points, improving your ITA chances.
4. Gain More Work Experience (Foreign or Canadian) – Up to 100 Points
If you have less than three years of skilled work experience, gaining more years can increase your CRS. Canadian work experience is highly valued in Express Entry. Consider applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or a Work Permit to gain Canadian experience.
Even one year of Canadian experience can drastically improve your CRS.
5. Get a Higher Education Credential – Up to 50 Points
A postgraduate diploma, master’s degree, or PhD can boost your CRS score. If you have one degree, consider earning a second diploma or degree for extra points.
If your foreign degree isn’t evaluated yet, get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to claim points.
6. Apply with Your Spouse or Partner – Up to 40 Points
Your spouse’s education, language skills, and work experience can add points. If your spouse has a higher CRS score, they should be the primary applicant.
If your partner has strong IELTS or work experience, they can help boost your CRS.
7. Secure a Valid Job Offer – Up to 200 Points
A job offer from a Canadian employer can give 50–200 points. Jobs under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 can qualify for points.
Use Job Bank, LinkedIn, or recruitment agencies to find a valid LMIA-approved job offer.
8. Claim Sibling Points – 15 Extra Points
If you have a brother or sister who is a Canadian citizen or PR, you can get 15 points. Your sibling must be over 18 and living in Canada.
If you have a sibling in Canada, claim these points.