How to improve CRS Score? Some Helpful Tips

The Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is essential for immigrating to Canada. But how to improve your CRS score? There are two main pathways that you can follow in this regard. The first strategy is ensuring an impeccable Express Entry profile while the second involves preparing thoroughly for the ITA (Invitation to Apply) or the Provincial Nomination. The Express Entry system puts immigration candidates within specific pools, with each one bearing a CRS score. The ITAs are then issued to the highest-ranked aspirants by the federal government for permanent residence in Canada. 

There are many queries on how to increase CRS score for Canada? The reason behind this is that candidates can improve their CRS scores while being present in their respective pools. No new application has to be submitted in this regard. 

What Constitutes CRS scores? 

The CRS score includes points allotted to candidates based on the following: 

1. Work experience and skill-sets. 
2. Education levels. 
3. English and/or French language proficiency. 
4. Education and language proficiency of the common-law partner or spouse of the applicant. 
5. Job offer in hand and a Labour Market Impact Assessment which is positive. 
6. A provincial government permanent residence nomination. 
7. Specific combinations of work experience, education, and language proficiency increase the applicant’s employment prospects. 

What is a Good CRS score? 

The point distribution mechanism involves the following: 

1. Provincial Nomination- 600 points. 
2. Three years of post-secondary education in Canada or a master’s degree or professional degree/doctorate- 30 points. 
3. Senior management employment offer with LMIA (National Occupational Code 00) backing- 200 points. 
4. 1/2 years of post-secondary education in Canada- 15 points. 
5. Other listed job offers with LMIA backing (NOC O, A, B)- 50 points. 
6. Other education, work experience, and skills- 500 points. 
7. Combinations and skills that are transferable- 100 points. 
8. Sibling residing in Canada- 15 points. 

The total points are 1200. A good score is usually around 450 although it is 760 when a provincial nomination is used. 

How to Improve CRS score – Tips and Strategies

Here are some helpful strategies for boosting your CRS score- 

1. Focus on the Provincial Nomination – 

Getting a provincial nomination means adding 600 points to your CRS score. Those successful in finding a hiring sponsor/employer will also thrive. Candidates should keep their profiles updated and watch out for updates on provincial nominations and categories. Those who have already visited any Canadian province may get additional points. 

2. Secure employment –

Getting a job offer means scoring 200 points for your CRS score. Focus on extensively searching for jobs in your areas of specialization and domain. Visiting Canada is always essential for attending interviews physically and meeting recruiters directly. Work experience always counts and if you are already working in Canada, it will yield you rich dividends for immigration purposes. 

3. Educational upgrades – 

Getting a higher educational level automatically equates to more CRS points. However, qualifications obtained outside the country should undergo ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) verification. Candidates can complete UG/PG courses while in the pool. Bachelor’s degrees may add up to 170 points to the total score. 

4. Suitable qualification assessments – 

Make sure that you get all your post-secondary educational qualifications assessed. One particular qualification may help you score more or suit necessary skills in a particular region/province. Broader educational levels are always a better bet than putting forward only the highest qualification. 

5. CEC Qualifications – 

Canadian Experience Class or CEC applicants get access to the pool for Express Entry without the need for post-secondary qualifications. However, a CEC candidate’s score will also increase with the addition of any such qualification to his/her profile. 

6. Applying with a Partner/Spouse – 

Those with experience/qualifications in specific trades may score higher than spouses with higher degrees or experience in areas where the country has a sufficient supply of professionals already. This is worth noticing, especially for provinces that often list their job categories with the highest demand. Age is also another aspect; examine the best possible principal applicant amongst you two. The spouse may also boost CRS scores up to 40 points through enhancing Canadian work experience or educational qualifications/language proficiency. Provincial programs offer higher points for spouses who are suitably qualified. 

7. Extra experience – 

You should keep your profile updated with details of all additional experience since provinces often seek candidates with expertise in specific domains. This may lead to a provincial nomination of 600 points. 

8. Language proficiency – 

Improving language proficiency helps you enhance your score. Touching the Canadian Benchmark Level 9 or higher may lead to an extra 100 points over and above the available 260 points in combination with other parameters. You can keep taking lessons in English and/or French and retaking tests while you are in the Express Entry pool for this purpose. 

Preparation for ITA/PNP and Other Aspects 

No matter what CRS score you have, you should always be prepared for your provincial nomination program (PNP) or ITA (invitation to apply). This is important since candidates get just 60 days for submission of the total application post getting the ITA. Many PNPs have lower timelines. Keep your documents prepared to respond swiftly. Some PNPs do not take CRS scores into account and are more open to accepting those without any Canadian ties at all. These can be helpful for those in the Express Entry pool. 

Some PNPs follow the first-come, first-served model. Those who are alert should tap into such programs, like the Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream or Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry. Other provinces such as Prince Edward Island and Manitoba also have streams for submission of Express Entry candidate profiles. New Brunswick too opened the Express Entry Labour Market Stream although it is mostly a limited-period offering. Hence, pro-active and updated candidates are always rewarded with such programs. 

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