How to Improve Your CRS Score under the Express Entry System

The Express Entry Program is the most popular and direct pathway to Canadian permanent residence (PR) for qualified foreign skilled workers. Eligibility is evaluated by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which allocates points out of 1200 to each candidate, based on several selection factors. Only highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for PR. Thus, the CRS score is a major determinant of success in the Express Entry process. There are a range of solutions worth exploring for how to improve your CRS score, and increase the chances of becoming a permanent resident in Canada.

Being nominated by a Canadian province or territory under the Provincial Nominee Program can add up to 600 points to your CRS score.

If there is scope to improve your score in the test components of an approved French or English language examination, you must re-appear for the examination and achieve a higher score, in order to gain more CRS points.

If you obtain a valid job offer from an employer in Canada, up to 200 points can be gained. Having proof of arranged employment significantly enhances the eligibility of your Canada Express Entry profile.

The CRS awards as many as 40 points for the qualifications of an accompanying spouse. If your spouse is accompanying you to Canada, it is advisable that they should undergo an Educational Credential Assessment and appear for an English or French language test. Points can also be availed if your spouse has at least one year of Canadian work experience.

Completing an academic qualification that is higher than your current level of education – from a Canadian educational institution – can add up to 30 points to your score. Obtaining an equivalent higher academic credential from a recognized institution outside Canada can also increase the overall point score.

Gaining at least one year of additional work experience in your primary occupation – preferably within Canada – adds points to the Comprehensive Ranking System score. Points can also be increased – although by a smaller margin – if you gain more work experience in a country outside Canada.

If you can demonstrate proficiency in the French language through the results of an approved language test, up to 30 points can be added to your score. 

If you have a sibling (brother or sister) living in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident, 15 additional CRS points can be claimed.

These options provide a suitable roadmap for how to improve your CRS score. However, you might require assistance to identify the most accessible and appropriate solution that matches your unique profile and capability. This guidance can be sought through a reliable immigration consultancy that has a reputed track record and established expertise in the field.

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