How can I increase my CRS score?
If you ask, “How can I elevate my CRS score to ensure my passage to the Great White North?” you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll discuss how you can make up your CRS score and provide strategic insights into bolstering your points. From improving language proficiency to gaining valuable work experience, we’ll traverse through each aspect to give you a fighting chance in the competitive arena of Canadian immigration.
What is the Comprehensive Ranking System?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is a numerical value assigned to immigration candidates in the Express Entry pool by the Canadian government.
It is part of a merit-based points system used to rank candidates for immigration. The CRS score determines a candidate’s eligibility for permanent residence through programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Each candidate in the Express Entry pool receives a CRS score out of 1200 points. The Canadian government conducts Express Entry draws approximately every two weeks, issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to the highest-ranking candidates. Details such as the date of the draw, the number of ITAs, and the minimum CRS score required are not disclosed in advance by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
What are the steps that I must follow to increase my CRS score?
There are several ways to increase your CRS score, you need to follow the following steps to improve your qualifications then you are ready to start applying for immigration:
1. Consider taking the IELTS Exam once more
IELTS is the main way to increase your CRS score as it can add around 160 extra points to your CRS score.
You need to reach a minimum of level 5 in the Canadian Language Benchmark CLB, and in the following, we will discuss each level with its points either if your spouse or common-law partner applying with you or not:
| CLB Level | Without a spouse or common-law partner | With a spouse or common-law partner |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 or 5 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 6 | 9 | 8 |
| CLB 7 | 17 | 16 |
| CLB 8 | 23 | 22 |
| CLB 9 | 31 | 29 |
| CLB 10 or more | 34 | 32 |
There is no maximum limit for taking IELTS so prepare yourself well and apply if you didn’t reach the eligible level then you can reapply as many times as you can, and also you can update the IELTS results in the Express Entry pool after submitting.
2. Accumulate Professional Experience
Work experience is important for Express Entry, as it manages applications for economic immigration. Many candidates don’t fully utilize their work experience, but selecting the right National Occupational Classification (NOC) code can increase your points. If invited to apply for permanent residence, you must provide evidence for your claimed NOC codes. Identifying suitable NOC codes that reflect your career history can maximize your Express Entry points.
In the following, we will discuss the points for each if you have foreign work experience or both Canadian work experience and foreign work experience:
| Years of experience | Points if you have Foreign or Canadian work experience or both |
|---|---|
| 1 or 2 years | 13 |
| 3 years or more | 25 |
If you have higher language skills starting from CLB 9 or more, this will increase your chance of getting more points in the CRS score.
3. Utilize Spousal Points
Firstly, your spouse or partner could potentially earn you more points. By re-taking a language test or obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for their post-secondary education, they could increase their overall Express Entry points.
Secondly, you may have a higher score as an individual applicant. Since your score is influenced by whether or not you have an accompanying spouse or partner, listing them as non-accompanying could potentially raise your score. Although this would mean a period of separation if you obtain permanent residence, you can still sponsor them to join you in Canada later.
Thirdly, your spouse might be a stronger applicant. It is recommended to calculate the number of points your spouse would earn if they were the main applicant, both with and without your accompaniment.
4. Obtain an Employment Proposal
Having a current job offer from a Canadian employer in Canada can get you from 50 points at least to 200 points as a maximum, you can visit the following link to know where you can search for a job.
5. Receive a Provincial Nominee Program Invitation
If you get a provincial Nomination you can guarantee to get 600 extra points to your CRS score, but you need to know that you have to read about PNP programs and that it is a different process as each province has its conditions and criteria. You can check the following link to learn more about PNP
6. Explore Further Education Opportunities
If you have at least one year of a post-secondary degree of three years or more, this will gain you around 120 extra points to your CRS score, The second year will get you more 8 points, and if you have high language skills you will claim at least 50 more points to improve your score, the total would be around 58 additional points.
Staying in Canada as an international student can open up more doors for you to stay in Canada as a permanent resident, let us discuss the minimum points for each educational level:
| Level of Education | Points |
|---|---|
| Secondary diploma (high school graduation) | 30 |
| One-year degree, diploma, or certificate from a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 90 |
| Two-year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 98 |
| Bachelor’s degree OR a three or more-year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 120 |
| Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees. One must be for a program of three or more years | 128 |
| Master’s degree, OR professional degree needed to practice in a licensed profession (For “professional degree,” the degree program must have been in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, law, chiropractic medicine, or pharmacy.) | 135 |
| Doctoral level university degree (Ph.D.) | 150 |
All these points the applicant gets according to his/her educational level independently without their spouse or common-law partner.
In conclusion, boosting your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score is crucial when aiming to improve your chances of immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry system. Remember, the CRS score is dynamic, and the cutoff scores may vary with each Express Entry draw. Stay up-to-date with the latest immigration trends, adapt your strategy accordingly, and seek professional advice when needed. With diligent effort and a well-rounded approach, you can increase your CRS score and enhance your prospects of immigrating to Canada.
