How To Increase CRS Score For Canada Immigration

Last Updated On : September 19 , 2024

As a skilled worker, you may be concerned and seek guidance on increasing your CRS score. An RCIC expert knows the main factors that are more valuable in increasing CRS scores.

Factors such as IELTS score, work experience, and ECA reports can help increase your rank and surpass the CRS cut-off. However, when applying for a specific program to obtain a Canada PR visa, an immigration consultant will strategically focus on the points that will elevate your score above other applicants.

This comprehensive guide explores the major factors influencing CRS scores and provides valuable insights for express entry for expatriates.

1. Increase CRS with Skill Transferability Factor:

There are four major factors affecting your CRS score for express entry, and skill transferability is one of them. It is measured through various factors, including education, foreign work experience, and Certificate of Qualification.

The Certificate of Qualification plays a pivotal role for trade workers applying through the Federal Skilled Trade Program, serving as a testament to their professional skills and qualifications.

This skill transferability factor can award a maximum of 100 points, whereas a Certificate Of Qualification can award a maximum of 50 points.

If you are in Canada and applying for a PR visa, your profile is in the express entry pool. Despite having enough experience and certifications, you didn't get the expected CRS score in the latest express entry draw. Our immigration expert suggests you ensure a competent Canadian authority issues your Certificate of Qualification.

2. Enhance CRS Score with Language TEST (IELTS/ TOFEL/ TEF/PTE)

Language proficiency is crucial for the Express Entry Point System. Taking language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, TEF, or PTE can boost CRS scores and the Canadian Language Benchmark, giving candidates a competitive edge in the pool.

IELTS Score	TOEFL Score
Higher scores in each band (Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening) contribute to a higher overall score. Historically, achieving a higher overall IELTS score (7 or above) has positively impacted CRS points.	A higher total TOEFL iBT score is associated with better CRS points. Scores in the higher range (e.g., 100 or more) can contribute positively to CRS points.

3. Work Experience Matters for CRS Score

Work experience is crucial for boosting your CRS score when navigating the Express Entry system for Canadian Permanent Residency. However, understanding how Canadian and foreign work experience are valued differently is key to maximising your points.

Canadian Work Experience

Foreign Work Experience

Up to 12 points are earned for each year of qualified experience, with a maximum of 36 points for three years or more. The experience must be paid, full-time (or equivalent to 30+ hours/week), and continuous for at least 12 months with the same employer or multiple employers in the same NOC code. Having Canadian work experience in an in-demand occupation can increase your score by additional points. The latest in-demand occupations list is on the government website.

Each year of qualified experience earns you up to 5 points as per the Canadian Pointing System, with a maximum of 15 points for 3 years or more. The qualifying criteria for foreign work experience are similar to Canadian experience. For foreign experience to be considered, your work must have been obtained through a valid work permit and be relevant to your claimed NOC code.

4.Does Moving to Canada with a Spouse increase CRS points?

Having a spouse can be advantageous in the Express Entry system. Additional points are awarded for a spouse's language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience.

You can receive a maximum of 64 CRS points with your spouse depending on factors: Age, Education, Language, & Work Experience.

If you have a spouse, a Canada spouse visa guide can help you move further.

5. I have a Job Offer. Will I get extra CRS Points?

Absolutely. Yes, Securing a valid job offer is a significant asset in the Express Entry profile. Whether through a general or category-based draw, a job offer adds substantial points to the CRS score.

You can get a maximum of 50/200 points depending on your NOC Code 0,1,2,3 or 00.

6. Get Awarded CRS Points with the ECA Report

Education Credential Assessment (ECA) reports validate an applicant's educational qualifications against Canadian standards. Obtaining an ECA report can earn additional CRS points, reinforcing the importance of educational credentials in the Express Entry Point System.

7. I received a Nomination Certificate from a Canadian province. How many points will I get?

Each province in Canada has its specific point allocation for successful candidates. Popular provinces such as British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan offer applicants PNP points to boost CRS scores.

British Columbia (BC) PNP	Nomination through the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) provides a valuable pathway to gaining 600 CRS points.
Manitoba PNP	There are various MPNP streams, such as Skilled Worker Overseas and Skilled Workers in Manitoba.  Points cannot be directly mentioned, but depending on your age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability factors, you can receive a maximum of 1000 points.
Alberta PNP	The Alberta province provides a maximum of 600 points and a minimum of 300.
Ontario PNP	The Human Capital Priorities Stream (Express Entry) and Skills-Based Stream each have their scoring systems. The OINP awards a maximum of 600 points.

What is the predicted CRS Cut-Off Score for 2024?

The above graph represents a hypothetical trend of minimum CRS scores required for Express Entry invitations in 2024.

Predicting the exact CRS cut-off score for future Express Entry draws is impossible. However, analysing past trends, current data, and expert opinions can help provide an educated guess. While the February 1st draw saw a temporary dip to 365, the CRS cut-off score has risen historically since 2020.

For 2024, experts predict that the score will likely fluctuate but remain above 500 for gernal draw, given the competitiveness of the Express Entry pool.

Conclusion

Navigating the Express Entry Point System demands a strategic approach, considering the diverse factors influencing CRS scores. Prospective immigrants must diligently work towards maximising their education points, language proficiency, work experience, and other aspects to increase their chances of being invited to apply for Canadian permanent residency.

Staying informed about the latest draw trends, understanding provincial nominee programs, and securing a job offer are crucial steps in successfully navigating the Canadian immigration landscape.