How to Improve Your CRS Score: 10 Proven Strategies

Stuck with a CRS score that feels too low for current Express Entry draws? You're not alone. The good news: many parts of your profile are upgradeable. In this guide, we'll walk through 10 proven ways to increase your CRS score and move closer to a Canadian PR Invitation to Apply (ITA).

1. Understand How the CRS System Works

Before you try to improve your score, you need to know where your points are coming from. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) gives points for:

• Core factors: age, education, language, work experience
• Spouse or common-law partner factors (if applicable)
• Skills transferability combinations
• Additional points: PNP, job offer, Canadian education, French, etc.

Print or export your CRS breakdown and highlight which areas are strong, and which have room for improvement. The rest of this article will show you exactly how to target those weaker areas.

2. Retake Your Language Test for Higher CLB

Language scores are often the most powerful and most underestimated way to boost CRS. Moving from CLB 7 to CLB 9 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking can unlock dozens of extra points, especially when combined with education and work experience.

• Focus heavily on the weakest skill (for many, it's writing).
• Use official practice materials and timed mock tests (IELTS/CELPIP).
• Consider taking professional coaching if you're stuck at the same band.

Even a small jump—for example from 6.5 to 7.0 in writing—can push you across a CRS threshold when combined with other factors.

3. Add a Second Official Language (French or English)

If you already have strong English, adding French (or vice versa) can provide valuable additional CRS points. Recent IRCC policies favour French speakers even more, both in Express Entry and in some PNPs.

• Target CLB 7 or higher in the second language to unlock meaningful points.
• Explore French-focused PNPs and category-based federal draws if you have or can develop strong French skills.

This can be a medium-term strategy, but for younger candidates it may be one of the best long-run investments.

4. Upgrade Your Education Level or Get an ECA

Education can give you a large number of CRS points—especially if you combine it with high language scores. There are two main angles here:

• Get an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) for all relevant foreign credentials.
• Complete a higher level of education, such as a one-year or two-year post-graduate diploma or a Master's degree.

If you're already planning to study in Canada, choosing a program that also improves your long-term CRS score can be a smart move.

5. Gain More Skilled Work Experience

Work experience matters both inside and outside Canada. With each year of full-time skilled work (in eligible NOC TEER 0/1/2/3 roles), your CRS potential increases—up to a limit.

• Ensure your experience is clearly documented with detailed reference letters.
• Try to maintain continuity in your primary NOC if possible, to avoid confusion at the PR stage.
• If you're in Canada, aim for at least one year of qualifying Canadian experience to unlock CEC and extra CRS.

Sometimes simply waiting until you complete another year of experience, while improving your language scores, is enough to cross the cutoff.

6. Secure a Provincial Nomination (PNP)

A provincial nomination is the single biggest jump you can get in CRS: usually +600 points. With that boost, most candidates receive an ITA in the next relevant Express Entry draw.

• Research 1–3 provinces that genuinely match your profile.
• Track their PNP streams and draw trends (tech, healthcare, in-demand occupations, French, etc.).
• Make sure your Express Entry profile is active and accurate before you submit any Expression of Interest (EOI).

PNPs take more effort but are often the best path for those in the low- or mid-400 CRS range.

7. Get a Valid Job Offer from a Canadian Employer

A qualifying job offer can add 50–200 CRS points depending on the NOC level and whether it's an LMIA-backed role or exempt under specific rules.

• Network actively using LinkedIn, industry events, and direct outreach to employers.
• Tailor your resume to Canadian standards and focus on targeted, high-quality applications.
• Be careful with job offer "packages" that seem too good to be true—fraud is common in this space.

While harder to secure than other strategies, a genuine job offer can be transformative for your CRS and your long-term career.

8. Maximize Spouse or Partner CRS Points

If you're applying with a spouse or common-law partner, their profile also affects your CRS score. Many couples leave points on the table here.

• Run scenarios with each partner as the principal applicant to see who scores higher overall.
• Encourage your partner to take language tests and get an ECA if they have post-secondary education.
• Make sure both of your work histories and documents are accurate and consistent.

Sometimes simply switching the principal applicant can raise your CRS by 20–40 points instantly.

9. Optimize Your Express Entry Profile Details

Small errors or incomplete details can quietly reduce your CRS or prevent you from qualifying for certain PNPs.

• Double-check that your NOC codes correctly match your actual duties.
• Make sure your work history, education, and dates are consistent across all documents.
• Keep your profile updated when you gain new experience, retake language tests, or complete new education.

Think of your Express Entry profile as a living document that should evolve with every improvement in your real-life profile.

10. Use a Long-Term Strategy if Your Score Is Still Low

If your CRS is still well below recent cutoffs even after optimization, it doesn't mean your Canadian dream is over—it just may take longer and require a more strategic path.

• Consider studying in Canada to gain local education and work experience.
• Explore employer-driven paths, such as closed work permits, if you can secure a job offer.
• Look at PNP streams targeting semi-skilled roles or regional/rural areas, if they fit your background.

The key is to be realistic about your current profile, but proactive about building a stronger one over 1–3 years instead of just waiting for "luck" in the next draw.