How to Increase CRS Score?
The comprehension ranking score (CRS) is a major factor in determining your eligibility for express entry. It also has an impact on your chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) and becoming a permanent resident.
Express entry is a points-based system and in a pool of applicants, you want your CRS score to be as high as possible making sure that you have a competitive score.
There are a couple of options to increase your CRS score. We suggest considering the following methods to earn more points.
1. Retake Language Tests:
Improving your language scores can significantly increase your points in this category.
If you want to take the IELTS test, it is important to note that you need to score at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 to be eligible for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker program. However, if you can score CLB 9 in all language abilities, you could earn the maximum number of points in this category.
If you have already submitted your profile into the pool, you can still update your Express Entry profile with new language test results.
Canadim provides all our Express Entry clients access to training materials for the IELTS test in order to help prepare. There are also a lot of free or paid materials available online to help you prepare.
The Canadian government also accepts other language tests beside the IELTS.
If you speak French as well, it is highly recommended to take the French language test as this could help maximize your points in this category.
Even if you are native English speaker and are from a country whereby English is the official language, language results are still required to submit a profile into express entry.
Immigration Tip: Take your time and study for the test to earn a good score in all categories. This is to ensure you can submit your profile into the pool. As we mentioned above, you can always retake the test after you have submitted your profile to earn higher points. The goal is to have your profile into the pool to not miss out on any potential draws that may occur with the government of Canada.
2. Education Credential Evaluation:
Having your foreign education assessed is very important. It is important to note, a profile cannot be submitted into the pool without your language results or your ECA report. This is because the document number that is associated to these reports is required to be able to move forward in the portal.
If you are unsure if you need all your foreign education evaluated by a designated organization, contact an immigration lawyer and or licensed immigration consultant that can help explain the number of points you would earn in this category for all your education completed.
Immigration Tip: It could be that assessing both your foreign degrees completed could in fact earn you additional points in this category. Be sure to receive the proper guidance with what evaluations you need in order to maximize your points in this category.
3. Gain Work Experience
Since Express Entry manages applications to economic immigration streams, your work experience is a big part of calculating your Express Entry points. With occupation draws, your work experience can have an impact on you being selected.
Immigration Tip: Your NOC code is an important factor when searching for jobs, ensuring you are applying to jobs that fit your experience and skills. It can also have an impact on your application. Be sure to select the correct NOC code based on your job duties as selecting the wrong NOC code can in fact be detrimental to your application. Should you receive an invitation to apply, you will need to provide documents to support this NOC code and all work history pertaining to your application.
4. Receive Additional Points for Your Spouse (if applicable):
It may not apply to some candidates, but if you have a spouse or common-law partner, you may be able to earn additional points.
First, we suggest ensuring that you choose the primary applicant as the one that has a stronger profile. It could be that your spouse may have a stronger profile then you and therefore they should be the primary applicant.
Secondly, it would be suggested for your spouse to complete their language test and educational credential assessment (ECA) for any post-secondary education they have as this could increase your Express Entry points.
Thirdly, you may have a higher score as a single applicant. Since your score changes depending on whether you have an accompanying spouse or partner, you could increase your score by listing them as non-accompanying. If you receive permanent residence, you can still sponsor them to join you in Canada, but it does mean a period of separation. This option is scarier one, given the processing times for sponsorship application. This option will also depend on your personal circumstances and family situation. However, it could work for you.
Immigration Tip: If you and your spouse or partner are both strong candidates, you can each submit a profile to the Express Entry system and list each other as accompanying. That way you double your chances of success!
If you’ve done as well as possible on language tests, claimed as many points as possible for your work experience, maximized your spousal points, and still don’t have a competitive score, there are some more challenging ways you can improve it.
5. Get a Job Offer
An eligible job offer from a Canadian employer can no longer increase your CRS score, however it can allow you to gain Canadian work experience. Spend time on the Canada Job Bank site, as well as private job boards and social networking sites to try to connect with Canadian employers in your field.
Immigration Tip: Spend time on your resume to stand out from applicants. The job market is more so competitive now given trying times. Investing time in creating a good resume can lead to more opportunities. Be sure to tailor it to Canadian starts and the in-demand occupations depending on the industry you specialize in.
6. Get a Provincial Nomination
If you receive a nomination from a province, you will receive an 600 additional points. Many provinces operate a nomination program aligned with Express Entry. At Canadim, we verify your eligibility for PNP’s to determine which ones you can submit an expression of interest to. Should you be nominated this would be a separate application process as this would be your application for permanent residence!
Immigration Tip: Stay abreast with provincial nominee programs to ensure you have submitted an expression of interest to every province you are eligible to apply to. Your NOC code could be an occupation in demand with a province!
7. Consider Studying
Going back to school is an investment in yourself but it can also help increase your score, but it can also have a big impact. A short program like a one-year post-secondary certificate could increase your points. If you already have one post-secondary degree of three years or more, taking a second one-year program, can help claim additional points for education.
Canadian educational credentials are highly valued in Express Entry. Being an international student can open a lot of other doors to staying in Canada permanently that you might not otherwise be eligible for.
Immigration Tip: Make sure you research programs that will allow you to work in Canada after you graduate. With new regulations implemented by the government of Canada, the invaluable work experience you can gain can not only add value to your career but also to your immigration project.
Ready to boost your CRS score for a brighter future in Canada? Get started with our online assessment and discover your pathway to success.
start my free assessmentDiscover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!