How to Increase CRS Score?
Top 7 Tips to Increase Your CRS Score For Canadian PR Process
Enhancing your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is crucial to improving your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residency through the Express Entry system.
The CRS score plays a key role in evaluating your profile based on various criteria, including age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. This score determines how you rank in the Express Entry pool, influencing your chances of being selected.
Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) operates on a points-based framework used by the Canadian government to evaluate and rank Express Entry immigration applications. When you create an Express Entry profile, the CRS assesses your score by considering multiple factors to determine your overall eligibility and rank.
The CRS applies to all three economic immigration streams within Express Entry:
Additionally, many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) utilize the CRS to assess candidates through their specific Express Entry streams.
What is a CRS Score and How Does it Function?
When you create an Express Entry profile, you earn points based on various criteria such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. These points together constitute your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS ensures a consistent and fair calculation of scores.
The Canadian government conducts periodic Express Entry draws to set the minimum CRS score required for candidates. If your CRS score meets or exceeds this threshold during a draw, you will be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residency.
Key Elements Affecting CRS Scores
Agriculture stands out as the sector most dependent on TFWs. Persistent labor shortages plague this industry due to factors like the seasonal nature of agricultural work, low wages, and tough working conditions. Many Canadians are either unwilling or unable to fill these roles, creating a significant gap that TFWs help to fill.
Specific subsectors, such as fruit and vegetable production, require intensive manual labor, making TFWs crucial. Workers often come from countries with strong agricultural traditions and are prepared to handle physically demanding tasks.
- Age: Younger candidates typically receive higher scores due to their potential for longer-term contributions to the workforce.
- Education: Higher educational credentials, such as a master’s degree or PhD, earn more points.
- Work Experience: Extensive experience in skilled professions, especially those in high demand, can significantly boost your score.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English and/or French is essential for enhancing your CRS score.
- Adaptability: Extra points are awarded for factors like having a Canadian job offer, obtaining education from a Canadian institution, or having close relatives residing in Canada.
RS Points Breakdown
| Factors | Without Spouse/Common-Law Partner | With Spouse/Common-Law Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Core Human Capital Factors | Up to 500 points | Up to 460 points (Principal Applicant) |
| Up to 40 points (Spouse/Common-Law Partner) | ||
| Skill Transferability Factors | Up to 100 points | Up to 100 points |
| Provincial Nomination | 600 points | 600 points |
| Arranged Employment Offer | Up to 200 points | Up to 200 points |
| Canadian Study Experience | Up to 30 points | Up to 30 points |
| French Language Ability (combined with English) | Up to 50 points | Up to 50 points |
| Sibling in Canada | Up to 15 points | Up to 15 points |
How to Boost Your CRS Score
Starting your journey toward Canadian permanent residency begins with entering the Express Entry pool. Those already employed in Canada or possessing exceptional qualifications, such as being under 30, often receive invitations more frequently.
A master’s degree and proficiency in English and/or French can significantly enhance your chances. Here’s how to effectively increase your CRS score:
1. Improve Language Skills
Language proficiency is a key factor in CRS scoring, with up to 310 points available (or 320 if you are married or in a common-law relationship). It’s crucial to improve your English or French language abilities. Your scores from tests like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF will reflect your proficiency level and directly influence your CRS score.
Strive for scores exceeding the minimum requirements (CLB 7). A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 9 or higher across all four skills (reading, speaking, writing, listening) can maximize your points.
Achieving higher scores can add up to 50 extra CRS points. You can retake these tests multiple times before applying if needed.
2. Gain Relevant Work Experience
Acquiring additional work experience in skilled occupations can boost your CRS points. The Express Entry system awards points based on your work experience related to specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
Ensure that your job experience matches the NOC codes listed in your profile to maximize your points.
3. Consider Your Spouse/Common-law Partner’s Application
Choosing the right principal applicant within a couple can optimize your CRS score. Evaluate each partner’s qualifications, work experience, and language skills to determine who should be the main applicant.
This strategy can help you achieve higher total CRS points. Additionally, a well-qualified partner can contribute further points with their own credentials and language proficiency.
4. Obtain a Valid Job Offer
Securing a job offer from a Canadian employer can provide extra CRS points. Job offers that go through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process or fall under LMIA-exempt categories can boost your CRS score by 50 to 200 points, depending on the NOC level.
Actively network with Canadian employers, attend job fairs, and consider visiting Canada to improve your job search outcomes.
Demonstrating your commitment to living and working in Canada can enhance your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
5. Acquire a Provincial Nomination
Receiving a nomination from a Canadian province through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can significantly benefit your CRS score. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to your total score. Research PNPs that align with your skills and experience to improve your CRS score.
Stay updated on specific PNP streams like Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry or Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream, as they may have unique eligibility requirements and could help you bypass CRS thresholds.
6. Enhance Your Educational Qualifications
Canadian Education: Completing a post-secondary education in Canada can earn you extra CRS points. Pursue recognized degrees or diplomas from Canadian institutions to maximize your scores.
Advanced Education: Additional education, such as a master’s degree or specialized training, can also increase your CRS points. Foreign credentials need to be evaluated through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to determine their Canadian equivalence.
Assess All Qualifications: Submit all post-secondary qualifications for assessment, including every relevant educational achievement. Each credential may impact your CRS score differently. A comprehensive educational profile can help maximize your points.
7. Expand Your Work Experience
Non-Canadian Experience: While Canadian work experience is highly valued, non-Canadian work experience also contributes to your CRS points. Accurately document all relevant work experience, as points are awarded based on the duration and skill level of your positions.
Canadian Experience: Canadian work experience is particularly valuable and directly contributes to your CRS points. Continue to gain additional experience in Canada to enhance your CRS score.
Additional Experience: Gaining extra work experience beyond the minimum requirement can improve your profile, especially if it aligns with in-demand occupations identified by provincial nomination programs.
Note: Points decrease with age after 29, so applying as early as possible can help maximize your CRS score. Claim points if you have a sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in Canada.
