Increase Your Canadian PR Chances with These Proven Strategies
Here’s some expert advice for Express Entry candidates to help them improve their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and secure a Canadian PR.
Express Entry remains one of the most efficient and popular immigration systems to obtain Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) in 2025. However, only candidates with the highest CRS scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. Since competition in the pool is intense, understanding how to enhance your CRS score is essential.
If you’ve already submitted your Express Entry profile but your CRS score is below recent draw cut-offs, there are several effective ways to boost it. This guide explains the most reliable strategies to raise your score-whether you need a small increase or a significant jump to get your invitation. To see the most recent CRS requirement, check the latest Express Entry Draw results published by IRCC.
Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System: How Your CRS Score is Calculated
Once you determine eligibility under an Express Entry program (FSW, FST, or CEC), create your profile, and receive a CRS score, you might assume all you can do is wait. But unless your score is highly competitive, waiting may not be enough. The CRS is flexible-your score can change as you update your profile. Taking targeted actions can improve your rank among other candidates.
Even minor improvements can have a major impact. While some updates may add a few points, others-like receiving a Provincial Nomination-can contribute up to 600 points, almost guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw.
CRS Checklist: Make Sure You’ve Claimed All Eligible Points
You might be missing points without realizing it. Review this checklist to confirm you’ve claimed everything possible in your Express Entry profile.
Siblings in Canada
If you or your spouse/common-law partner have a sibling in Canada who is a permanent resident or citizen, you can claim 15 additional CRS points. The connection may be by blood, marriage, adoption, or common-law relationship.
Education
Applicants under CEC and FSTC can still benefit from an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) even if it’s not mandatory. Education can contribute up to 200 CRS points - 150 for your education itself and an extra 50 for combining it with strong language proficiency or Canadian work experience.
Include all completed education in your Express Entry profile. Even short-term diplomas or certificates, if assessed, can earn valuable points.
Second Language (French Advantage)
Bilingual candidates (English and French) can now claim up to 74 extra points for language ability. In 2025, IRCC continues to give preference to French-speaking candidates under both Express Entry and PNP streams.
Fast Ways to Boost Your CRS Score
Here are proven, short-term strategies to increase your CRS score-some can be implemented in a few months.
Retake Your Language Test
Language proficiency remains one of the strongest CRS boosters-worth up to 260 points (270 with a spouse). Even a one-level improvement can have a big effect.
To achieve Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 9, target the following IELTS General scores:
- Listening: 8.0
- Speaking: 7.0
- Reading: 7.0
- Writing: 7.0
For CELPIP, aim for Level 9 in all modules. Achieving CLB 9 unlocks valuable transferability points, often pushing your CRS over the draw threshold.
Long-Term Ways to Increase Your CRS Score
If you’re committed to obtaining Canadian PR, these long-term strategies can deliver substantial results.
Gain More Work Experience
Foreign work experience of three years or more improves your skills transferability factors. If you’re working in Canada, maintaining continuous and authorized employment adds more points under Canadian work experience-crucial for CEC and PNP streams.
Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
A PNP nomination instantly adds 600 CRS points, ensuring your place in the next draw. Each province has its own Express Entry-linked streams. For example:
- Ontario targets tech, healthcare, and finance professionals.
- Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia accept applicants without job offers in various occupations.
- Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia continue to invite high-demand skilled workers through Express Entry-linked pathways.
Complete an Additional Educational Program
Earning a higher qualification can boost both education and transferability scores. Completing a one- or two-year diploma or master’s degree can raise your CRS by up to 100 points. This approach requires time but provides lasting benefits for your profile.
Secure a Valid Job Offer
A qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer can add 50 CRS points (for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). While less than before, it remains a valuable advantage-especially when supported by an LMIA or arranged employment confirmation.
Leverage Your Spouse’s Credentials
If you apply with a spouse or partner, you can gain:
- Up to 20 points for their language skills
- 10 points for their education
- 10 points for their Canadian work experience
That’s up to 40 additional points combined. If you apply as a single applicant, these points are redistributed to your personal CRS components.
How to Apply for Express Entry in 2025
Applying for Express Entry to Canada involves several structured steps. Following the right process ensures that your profile stands out and increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence.
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Check Your Eligibility:
Before you start, determine if you qualify for one of the three Express Entry programs:- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
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Take Your Language Test:
You must take an approved language test in English or French. Accepted exams include:- IELTS General Training or CELPIP General (for English)
- TEF Canada or TCF Canada (for French)
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Get Your Education Assessed (ECA):
If you completed your studies outside Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a recognized organization such as WES, IQAS, or CES. An ECA confirms that your foreign degree or diploma is equivalent to a Canadian standard. -
Create an Express Entry Profile:
Once you have your language results and ECA report, create your profile on the IRCC Express Entry portal. You’ll need to provide details like:- Personal information
- Education and work history
- Language test scores
- ECA report number
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Improve Your CRS Score (Optional but Recommended):
If your CRS score is below recent draw cut-offs, you can improve it by:
- Retaking language tests for higher scores
- Completing an additional education credential
- Gaining more work experience
- Applying for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Claiming spousal points or French proficiency
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Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
IRCC conducts regular Express Entry draws throughout the year. If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cut-off, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence. -
Submit Your PR Application:
Once you receive an ITA, you’ll have 60 days to submit your complete PR application with supporting documents such as:- Medical exam results
- Police clearance certificates
- Proof of funds
- Employment letters
- Passport and photos
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Wait for Processing and Decision:
IRCC typically processes Express Entry PR applications within 6 months. During this time, ensure your documents remain valid and you respond promptly to any requests for additional information. -
Receive Your Confirmation of PR (COPR):
Once approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and instructions to finalize your landing in Canada. After landing, you can apply for your PR card and start your new life in Canada!
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can improve your CRS score fast by retaking your language test, claiming all eligible points (for education, siblings, or French), and updating your profile. Scoring CLB 9 or higher in IELTS or CELPIP can add major points. If eligible, getting a Provincial Nomination (+600 points) almost guarantees an ITA.
CRS cut-offs vary by draw type, but a score above 490-520 is generally competitive for Federal Skilled Worker or CEC draws in 2025. However, category-based draws (for healthcare, STEM, and French speakers) may invite candidates with lower CRS scores depending on labor market needs.
Yes, Canadian work experience significantly boosts your CRS score under both the Core Human Capital and Skills Transferability sections. One year of full-time skilled work in Canada can add up to 80 points and enhance your profile for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or PNP eligibility.
Absolutely. You can increase your CRS without a job offer by improving your English or French test scores, completing an additional education credential, gaining more skilled work experience, or obtaining a provincial nomination. Many PNPs accept candidates without job offers.
Your spouse or common-law partner can contribute up to 40 CRS points through their language test results, education, and Canadian work experience. It’s often beneficial for both partners to complete language tests and ECAs to maximize the total score in the Express Entry pool.
