Improving your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Canada’s Express Entry program can increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Here are several ways to boost your CRS score:
1. Improve Language Proficiency
- Take a language test (IELTS, CELPIP for English, or TEF, TCF for French).
- Retake the test if needed to improve your scores. Higher language test scores can significantly increase your CRS points.
- Consider learning French if you’re not already proficient. Speaking both official languages can provide additional points.
2. Obtain a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Nomination
- Apply for a provincial nomination through one of Canada’s provinces or territories.
- If you are nominated, you receive an additional 600 points, effectively guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw.
3. Gain More Work Experience
- Increase your work experience in Canada or abroad. CRS awards points based on the number of years you’ve worked in a skilled occupation.
- Work experience in Canada is especially valuable, so consider gaining Canadian work experience through a work permit or post-graduation work permit.
4. Upgrade Your Education
- Get a higher level of education such as a Master’s degree or a PhD, which adds more points to your CRS score.
- If you have foreign education, you can have it assessed by a Credential Assessment Service (ECA) to ensure it meets Canadian standards and get additional points.
5. Spouse/Partner’s Qualifications
- Include your spouse or partner’s skills in your application. A partner with strong language skills, education, and work experience can increase your CRS score.
- If your partner has Canadian work experience or a job offer, that can add additional points as well.
6. Job Offer from a Canadian Employer
- Obtain a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. A valid job offer (supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment, or LMIA) can add points to your CRS score.
- Note that not all job offers will be accepted—your job must be classified under NOC (National Occupational Classification) skill level 0, A, or B.
7. Consider the Age Factor
- Younger applicants (between 20-29 years old) typically get the highest CRS points. As you age, your score will naturally decrease.
- If you’re nearing your 30s, focus on improving other factors like language proficiency or gaining more work experience to offset the loss of points from age.
8. Apply as a Single Applicant
- If you are single, you may receive higher points for factors like education, work experience, and language proficiency compared to those applying with a spouse or common-law partner.
- Evaluate whether applying individually would result in a higher CRS score.
9. Complete an Express Entry Profile Early
- Submit your profile early to receive the most up-to-date information about your score.
- This allows you to monitor your CRS score and make improvements before the next round of invitations.
10. Stay Updated on Draw Patterns
- Monitor Express Entry draw results to determine whether your CRS score is competitive enough to receive an ITA.
- Some draws target specific programs (like CEC or PNP), so be prepared to make adjustments based on the trends.