How to Increase CRS Score for Express Entry

Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the most popular ways for skilled workers to apply for permanent residency. It uses a points-based system, called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), to assess candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability. If you’re wondering how to increase CRS score for Express Entry, focusing on the areas you can improve can make a big difference.

While some things like your age can’t be changed, there are practical ways to improve your CRS score and boost your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

In this post, we’ll share tips on how to increase your CRS score for Express Entry, focusing on things you can control—like your English test results, work experience, and getting your credentials assessed properly.

We’re sharing what worked for us and how we managed to significantly raise our score with some planning and research.

1. Master the English Test for Express Entry

If you’re wondering how to increase your CRS score for Express Entry, one of the best ways is by improving your English test results, either for General IELTS or General CELPIP.

So far, these are the two accepted tests for Express Entry. If you want to know more about the one we took, check out Everything You Need to Know About the CELPIP Test.

Strong language skills can make a big difference in your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. For example, if the main applicant scores CLB 10 in all four sections, that alone can earn up to 128 points, a huge boost for your profile.

So, aim for the highest score you can. And if you need to retake the test to get there, go for it. That’s what I did! I took CELPIP more than once and was able to improve my results by focusing on the areas where I was losing points. If you’re taking IELTS instead, check this chart to see how scores compare between the two tests.

Here are a few tips that helped me prepare:

• Get expert help: If needed, consider working with a tutor. A professional can give you feedback, help you build test strategies, and boost your confidence.
• Prepare strategically: Learn how the test is structured and practice using sample exams and study materials. At this point, it’s less about learning English and more about understanding the test format.
• Work on your weak spots: After your first attempt, identify the specific areas where you lost points. For me, it was writing and speaking, so I focused there before retaking the test.

2. Optimize Your Credential Evaluation

When figuring out how to increase your CRS score for Express Entry, don’t overlook your credential evaluation. This step plays a big role in boosting your points by verifying that your education aligns with Canadian standards.

From our experience, getting this done early really helps. I used WES (World Education Services) for my evaluation, and the report is valid for five years, so once it’s done, you don’t need to worry about it for a while.

To give you an idea, as the main applicant, this part of my application contributed 126 points to our CRS score. In my case, I studied pharmacy back home, and having that officially recognized made a huge difference.

Here’s how you can make the most of this process:

• Choose a recognized evaluation agency: Make sure you go with an organization approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The official Canada.ca website has a list of approved agencies, including WES, ICES, CES, and others.
• Start early: Try to complete your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) before creating your Express Entry profile. That way, your score will reflect your education points from the start. For more info, check out How to Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment for Immigration Purposes.
• Prepare your documents properly: Collect your diplomas, transcripts, and certificates ahead of time. If they’re not in English or French, make sure to get certified translations.

This step can feel like paperwork overload, but it’s 100% worth it if you’re serious about improving your chances of getting selected through Express Entry.

3. Gain Canadian Work Experience

One of the best ways to increase your CRS score after arriving in Canada is to gain local work experience. If you’re wondering how to increase CRS score for Express Entry once you’re already in the country, this is a key step.

Try to find a job related to your field as soon as possible. Not only will it help you get settled and build your resume, but it will also boost your Express Entry points.

For example, one year of full-time Canadian work experience from the main applicant can give you 35 points, and two years can raise that to 46 points. Every point helps when you’re trying to improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

So even if the job isn’t perfect at first, getting that Canadian experience on your profile can make a real difference.

4. Learn French

If you’re wondering how to increase CRS score for Express Entry, learning French is a smart move that not many newcomers think about right away.

French is one of Canada’s official languages, and the government values bilingual applicants. If you achieve a high level of proficiency in French, you can earn extra points in the Express Entry system, even if English is your main language.

French can help you gain points under the Second Official Language Proficiency category and also under the additional points section for French Proficiency. That means it can make a real difference in your total CRS score.

So, if you have the time and motivation, consider taking French classes or using language apps. It’s a great investment, not just for immigration, but also for job opportunities and life in Canada.

5. Additional Recommendations

If you are applying with your partner or spouse, keep in mind that the accompanying person earns fewer points than the main applicant. Still, those extra points can make a difference in your total score, so don’t dismiss that option too quickly.

Check if your partner can complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), take an English test, or even gain Canadian work experience. Every little bit counts when you’re figuring out how to increase CRS score for Express Entry.

The difference between main and accompanying applicants is significant. For example, a principal applicant who scores a minimum of CLB 10 in all English skills can get up to 128 points. Meanwhile, an accompanying partner with the same test results may receive up to 20 points.

Overall, a spouse or partner can contribute up to 40 CRS points to your application. It may not seem like much at first, but if you’re close to the cutoff, it can boost your chances of receiving an invitation.

Conclusion

If you’re wondering how to increase CRS score for Express Entry, the key is to focus on what’s within your control, language test results, credential evaluations, Canadian work experience, or even learning French. These improvements might seem small on their own, but together, they can make a big difference in your total score and your chances of receiving an invitation.

If you’re not sure how to set up your Express Entry profile, take a look at my step-by-step post: How to create your profile for Express Entry under Canadian Experience Class.

Remember to stay up to date on immigration policies and, if needed, seek professional advice.

I hope this post helped you better understand how to increase CRS score for Express Entry. Don’t be afraid to review your profile again, there may still be opportunities to grow and get closer to your goal of permanent residency in Canada.