CRS stands for Comprehensive Ranking System. When applying for permanent residency, points are awarded to an applicant based on their skills and experience and they are then ranked against other candidates within the Express Entry pool. The higher a candidate's points, the more chance they have of being selected to apply for permanent residence, so it is important to accumulate as many points as possible. What is important to remember is that a CRS score is not set in stone, the score can be added to once within the pool, and there are a number of ways in which an individual can increase their CRS points, some in the short term and some longer term possibilities. Even a few extra points could be the difference between being offered an invitation to apply, and remaining in the pool. Of course the one thing a candidate cannot improve on is their age, which will lower the CRS points total with each year that passes, however, outlined below are some of the options available for increasing the score.

 

Ensure the total has been calculated correctly: 

To begin with it is important to ensure you have been allocated the maximum number of points you deserve. The way CRS points are allocated is a complicated system which is not as straightforward as, for example, simply receiving points for a certain language grade. As well as the basic points, many additional points can be gained for attributes such as having a sibling in Canada, a high level of French proficiency, or by combining work experience with language skills. Further examples are those who are unsure of their highest level of education, or which category their skilled work falls under, as this is not always clear for certain occupations. Contact us to find out whether your CRS points score is correct.

 

Retake a language test:

A great deal of importance is placed on language skills when immigrating to Canada, so every applicant must take an approved language test in English or in French and provide the results with their application. Click here to find out which approved language tests are currently accepted by the IRCC. Retaking a language test to try and score a higher grade is an excellent short term way of increasing CRS points. The minimum level required depends on the particular immigration program, but as an example, 136 points are available for the highest level (CLB 10) across reading, writing, speaking and listening, compared to just 68 points for CLB 7. In addition, language levels are also combined with level of education, work experience and trade certification in the skill transferability section to provide a huge amount of extra points, with the greatest rewards coming from those with very strong language skills, achieving CLB 9 and above. This also applies to a spouse for applicants applying in a couple. A spouse or partner can add up to a maximum of 20 points for their language skills, so depending on the level of proficiency, a second language test for both applicants may be worth considering. Click here for an explanation of language tests and levels.

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Improve French skills:

Canada is very keen to improve the number of French speakers outside of Quebec, so additional points are awarded for strong proficiency in the French language. For many candidates wishing to improve their CRS points, learning French even to a basic level can add those vital extra points. For those who have more time to work on their French, 25 points are available for a score of CLB 7 across all 4 areas, combined with CLB 4 or lower in an English test, and 50 points for a score of CLB 7 combined with CLB 5 and above in an English test. In short, having a good level of both of Canada's official languages will net you a great deal of additional points, so brushing up on French skills is highly recommended. Click here to learn more about points for language tests and levels.

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Secure an offer of employment:

Securing a job offer from a Canadian employer is becoming increasingly more difficult, especially for those not currently in Canada, as in most cases an employer must prove that they have not been able to fill the position with a Canadian applicant. However it is still possible, and depending on the skill level of the position, a firm job offer adds either 50 points for a professional, managerial, or technical position, or 200 points for a senior managerial, highly skilled position. Click here for more information on additional points gained for a job offer.

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Secure a provincial nomination:

Each Canadian province and territory has different requirements regarding the type of immigrants and workers they are looking for. Interested applicants can enquire as to whether their skills or experience are desirable in particular provinces, and if so, can express their interest, and may in return receive a provincial nomination. This provides an applicant with an additional 600 CRS points in the Express Entry pool, effectively guaranteeing them an invitation to apply in the next draw. Contact us to find out more about provincial nominations or about the provincial nominee program.

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Gain a higher education qualification:

This may be a longer term goal, but the higher the level of education, the more points are awarded. As an example, for a single applicant applying without a spouse, a high school graduation certificate provides 30 points, a one-year degree or diploma, 90 points, a three-year Bachelor's degree provides 120 points, compared to 135 for a Master's degree. Level of education is further rewarded in the skills transferability section when combined with strong language proficiency. So if time is not a factor, gaining a further post-secondary qualification could be beneficial. Click here for more information on the number of points awarded for education.

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Gain some Canadian work or study experience:

Depending on an applicant's circumstances and the number of points they require, applying for a temporary work permit in Canada may be an option worth exploring. As ​little as 1 year working in Canada can provide 40 additional CRS points for a single applicant, up to a maximum of 80 points for 5 years' experience. In addition, 12 months' full time work experience in Canada may make a candidate eligible to apply for the Canadian Experience Class program, and may also be a foot in the door with a Canadian employer, having the possibility of leading to an offer of full-time employment. This also applies to a spouse for applicants who are applying in a couple. A spouse can add between 5 and 10 points for 1 - 5 years of Canadian work experience.

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In the skills transferability section, points are also awarded for study in Canada, with 15 additional points for a post-secondary credential of 1 or 2 years, and 30 points for a credential of 3 years or more.

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Gain more years of work experience:

This applies to applicants who have fewer than 3 years of full-time skilled work experience. As well as Canadian work experience, candidates are also awarded points for foreign work experience, which is combined with language skills and Canadian work experience in the skill transferability factors section of the points allocation. Points can be gained from 1, 2 or 3 years of foreign work experience, with 3 years being the maximum number for which points are allocated. So, for applicants who already have more than 3 years' experience, further work will not increase their total, but for those who have fewer than 3 years' experience, gaining another 1 or 2 years could be extremely beneficial. Click here for more information on the points awarded for work experience.

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Gain a certificate of qualification:

For applicants applying for permanent residency in trade occupations, a certificate of qualification is not always necessary, however when combined with language proficiency, it may provide an extra 25 or 50 CRS points. A qualification in a trade from another country does not guarantee that an applicant will be licensed to practice that trade in Canada. A certificate of qualification proves that a tradesperson is licensed and qualified to carry out that trade in Canada, and usually requires the candidate to pass a certification exam. Click here to find out more about the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

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