What is CRS Score?
Are you eager to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system but worried that your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score may not be high enough? Don't fret! There are plenty of ways to boost your CRS score and increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. In this guide, we'll explore the points grid for Express Entry Canada and strategies to maximize your CRS score.
Understanding the Points Grid:
The CRS score is a points-based system used to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. It considers various factors, such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Let's break down the points grid to understand how each factor contributes to your CRS score:
- Core Human Capital Factors (Maximum 600 points):
- Age: Up to 110 points
- Education: Up to 150 points
- Language Proficiency (English and/or French): Up to 136 points
- Canadian Work Experience: Up to 80 points
- Skill Transferability Factors (Maximum 100 points):
- Education and Language Skills
- Foreign Work Experience and Canadian Work Experience
- Certificate of Qualification (for trades occupations)
- Additional Points (Maximum 600 points):
- Provincial Nomination: 600 points
- Job Offer: 200 or 50 points
- Canadian Study Experience: 15 or 30 points
- Sibling in Canada: 15 points
- French Language Proficiency: Up to 30 points
- Post-Secondary Education in Canada: 30 points
Calculate your CRS score through CRS Calculator here.
How to increase your CRS score
Now that we understand the points grid, let's explore strategies to increase your CRS score:
1. Improve Language Proficiency:
- Invest time and effort in improving your English and/or French language skills through language courses, practice tests, and immersion programs. Higher language scores can significantly boost your CRS points.
2. Obtain Education Credentials:
- Consider pursuing further education or obtaining additional certifications to enhance your qualifications. Higher levels of education can result in more CRS points, especially if your credentials are recognized in Canada.
3. Gain Canadian Work Experience:
- Work in Canada on a temporary work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience. This not only increases your CRS score but also improves your chances of receiving a job offer or provincial nomination, which carry additional points.
4. Secure a Provincial Nomination:
- Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offered by Canadian provinces and territories. A provincial nomination can boost your CRS score by 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA for permanent residency.
5. Obtain a Valid Job Offer:
- Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in a skilled occupation. A job offer can earn you either 200 or 50 points, depending on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) level of the position.
6. Enhance Skill Transferability:
- Highlight your transferable skills and experiences to maximize points in the skill transferability factors. Obtain language assessments and qualifications recognition to increase your points in these categories.
7. Consider French Language Proficiency:
- If you're proficient in French, consider taking a French language proficiency test to earn additional CRS points. French language skills are highly valued in Express Entry and can significantly increase your competitiveness.
8. Create an Express Entry Profile:
- Ensure your Express Entry profile accurately reflects your qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant information. Update your profile regularly to reflect any changes or improvements.
There are several other ways to increase your CRS score, that you can check out and learn more about it.
In conclusion, increasing your CRS score is achievable with strategic planning and effort. By focusing on improving language proficiency, obtaining education credentials, gaining Canadian work experience, securing a provincial nomination or job offer, enhancing skill transferability, and considering French language proficiency, you can significantly enhance your chances of success in the Express Entry system.
