How Can You Improve Your CRS Score?
Improving your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is key to boosting your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada. While some factors, like your age, are beyond your control, there are other areas you can focus on to improve your score.
Let's explore some effective strategies that could help you increase your CRS score and enhance your chances of success in the Express Entry pool.
These are the Tactical things you can do
1. Language Skills
Proficiency in English and French plays a huge role in determining your CRS score. These language abilities are among the most influential factors, potentially earning you up to 310 points when combined with other factors like education or work experience.
To improve your score, consider focusing on enhancing your language skills. You could retake the language tests (IELTS or CELPIP for English, and TEF or TCF for French) after additional preparation. If you perform better in the second test, your new score will replace the old one. However, be cautious—if your score drops, the lower result will be used for your CRS calculation, so it’s essential to be well-prepared.
So, Take up a free french language learning class and attempt any of the French Proficiency Exams and get atleast the minimum marks to pass it.
2. Boosting Education Credentials
Your level of education also significantly affects your CRS score. The higher your education level, the more points you can accumulate. For instance, someone with a master’s degree can receive up to 135 points, while a PhD could earn 150 points.
If you have a foreign degree, ensure you obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). This evaluation helps verify that your degree is equivalent to a Canadian credential, which is necessary for claiming education points.
Additionally, if you've studied in Canada, you’re entitled to extra points. For example, completing a three-year or longer post-secondary program in Canada could give you an additional 30 points, while shorter programs (one or two years) can earn you 15 points. This advantage highlights how Canadian education is highly valued within the CRS system.
3. Gaining More Work Experience
Another effective way to improve your CRS score is by gaining more work experience, especially in skilled occupations classified under Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC). The longer you’ve worked in a skilled role, the more points you can earn.
If you’ve gained work experience in Canada, you can earn up to 70 points under the Core Human Capital section. Additionally, combining this work experience with your language skills or education can earn you more points in the Skills Transferability section.
It’s a good idea to track your work experience carefully, as each extra year could contribute valuable points toward your overall score.
4. Securing Arranged Employment
Having arranged employment in Canada is another way to boost your CRS score, especially if your job falls under specific categories in the NOC. For example, senior management positions in NOC Major Group 00 can earn you up to 200 points, while jobs in NOC TEER categories 1, 2, or 3, or any other TEER 0 positions, can provide 50 extra points.
To claim these points, you must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that meets specific criteria, such as being for a continuous, paid, full-time job lasting at least one year.
5. Considering Your Spouse or Partner’s Qualifications
If you're applying for Express Entry with a spouse or common-law partner, their qualifications can also impact your CRS score. In some cases, it might be advantageous for your partner to be the primary applicant, especially if they have a stronger profile.
For instance, if your spouse or partner is younger, has a higher level of education, better language proficiency, or more work experience in an in-demand occupation, they might score higher as the lead applicant. Switching roles and making them the primary applicant could increase your overall CRS score and improve your chances of receiving an ITA.
While there are some fixed aspects of the CRS, like age, many factors are within your control. By focusing on improving your language skills, gaining additional work experience, or enhancing your educational qualifications, you can significantly boost your CRS score. Securing arranged employment and considering your spouse’s qualifications can also give you an edge in the competitive Express Entry pool.
Improving your CRS score takes time and effort, but it can be well worth it if you’re committed to achieving permanent residency in Canada.
