Express Entry: Top 5 Tips To Improve Your CRS Score

Canada’s immigration system is one of the most advanced in the world. The Express Entry immigration program was launched by the Canadian authorities in the year 2015 so that they can better align the requirements of the labor market with the skills of the immigrants. It has been a highly competitive zone in spite of the recent increase in the country immigration intake quota.  

Under Express Entry to Canada, the candidates are kept in a pool and each application is assigned a score using a CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System). Then, the federal government finds the candidates who are ranked the highest in the list and gives them ITA (Invitations to Apply) for PR (Permanent Residence). 

CRS Points: Factors Considered

While in the Express Entry pool, the candidates can increase their CRS score without the need to submit a new application. This is one of the main features of the new system. The CRS points are given based on the below factors:

• Work experience and skills
• Education
• Having a job offer letter supported by a positive LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment)
• Having a permanent residence nomination by a provincial government
• Language ability in French and/or English
• Education and language ability of a common-law partner or the spouse of the applicant
• Specific combinations of work experience, education, and language skills that lead to a higher chance of employment for the applicant

How to Improve Your CRS Score?

There are many ways in which you can improve your CRS score. Here are a few tips:

– Improve Your Language Score

You will be evaluated for your language ability based on four basic skills, including writing, reading, listening, and speaking. The minimum required CLB level is 4 and the highest is 10. If you can get to a CLB level in the range of 7-9, it will be great. You can attain more CLB levels as you score more points in your PTE, IELTS or CELPIP exams. 

– Apply When You Are Younger

Applying at an earlier age can fetch you better CRS points. The best time to apply is when you are 20-29 years old. Remember that CRS scores decrease with age. 

– Gain Work Experience

If you work out of Canada and don’t have at least three years of experience, continue to work and gain experience. Though it won’t get points under human capital factor, it can be given in the skills transferability combination. 

If you are working in Canada on a work permit, then it is even more important to remain employed. More points are rewarded for work experience gained in Canada. If you indicate on your Express Entry profile that you have an ongoing employment, your CRS points will automatically increase when you touch a new threshold. 

– Sibling in Canada

If you have a sibling in Canada, who has a Permanent Residence visa in Canada or is a Canadian citizen, add it to your profile. This can get you 15 points. 

– Include Additional Academic Credentials

If you have any additional educational qualifications, including it in your Express Entry profile can earn you additional points. Even if it is an unrelated certification or diploma that you completed several years back, ensure to add it. The higher the number of certifications, diplomas, and degrees, the higher will be your CRS score. 

By following these tips, you should be able to increase your CRS score significantly.

About Post Author

Roy Reyna

Roy Reyna is a congressional reporter for Pluralist. He covers the U.S. Congress and its members, focusing on the House of Representatives. Prior to joining Pluralist, he worked as a reporter for National Journal and The Hill, covering Congress and politics. Reyna has a background in political science and has written extensively on the inner workings of Congress, as well as the political and policy issues that drive it. He is based in Washington, D.C.

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