Strategic improvements to maximize your Comprehensive Ranking System score and secure an ITA faster.
The difference between CRS 450 and 480 can mean waiting months or getting an ITA immediately. Every point counts in Express Entry's competitive landscape.
This guide shows you exactly how to boost your score through strategic improvements that can add 50-150+ points.
Language scores have the highest ROI for CRS improvement. Moving from CLB 7 to CLB 9+ can add 50-100+ points.
| CLB Level | IELTS Equivalent | CRS Points (First Language) | Gain from Previous Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 | R: 3.5, W: 4.0, L: 4.5, S: 4.0 | 6 points | - |
| CLB 5 | R: 4.0, W: 5.0, L: 5.0, S: 5.0 | 6 points | 0 |
| CLB 6 | R: 5.0, W: 5.5, L: 5.5, S: 5.5 | 9 points | +3 |
| CLB 7 | R: 6.0, W: 6.0, L: 6.0, S: 6.0 | 16 points | +7 |
| CLB 8 | R: 6.5, W: 6.5, L: 7.5, S: 6.5 | 22 points | +6 |
| CLB 9 | R: 7.0, W: 7.0, L: 8.0, S: 7.0 | 31 points | +9 |
| CLB 10 | R: 8.0, W: 7.5, L: 8.5, S: 7.5 | 34 points | +3 |
Target CLB 9 in all four abilities
This is the "sweet spot" - adds 31 points for first language (68 total if married)
Focus on your weakest ability first
Each ability is scored separately. One low score drags down your total.
Retake tests strategically
If you scored 6.5 in writing but 7+ in others, retake and focus on writing prep
Consider CELPIP if native English speaker
Many find CELPIP easier than IELTS for CLB 9+ scores
Learn French for bonus points
TEF/TCF B2 level adds 25-50 bonus points even with strong English
Before (CLB 7):
• Reading: 6.0 (CLB 7)
• Writing: 6.0 (CLB 7)
• Listening: 6.5 (CLB 7)
• Speaking: 6.0 (CLB 7)
CRS: 16 points
After (CLB 9):
• Reading: 7.0 (CLB 9)
• Writing: 7.0 (CLB 9)
• Listening: 8.0 (CLB 9)
• Speaking: 7.0 (CLB 9)
CRS: 31 points
Gain: +15 points (language only)
Total profile gain with transferability: +25-30 points
Education credentials are worth up to 150 CRS points. Strategic credential assessment and additional studies can significantly boost your score.
Get ECA from WES, IQAS, or ICAS
Choose the service most likely to assess your credentials favorably. Research which one recognizes your institution best.
Include ALL transcripts
If you have multiple degrees, get them all assessed. "Two or more credentials" adds 8 extra points.
Consider Canadian education
Canadian post-secondary adds 15-30 bonus points PLUS higher base education points
Online Canadian credentials count
Some Canadian universities offer online programs that qualify for bonus points (verify with IRCC)
Before:
• Bachelor's degree (overseas)
• No Canadian education
CRS: 120 points
After:
• Bachelor's + Canadian Master's
• 1-2 year program in Canada
CRS: 135 + 15 bonus = 150 points
Gain: +30 points (education only)
Plus Canadian work experience eligibility (CEC pathway)
Canadian work experience is significantly more valuable than foreign experience in CRS calculations.
Plus skill transferability bonuses: up to 50 additional points when combined with education/language
Plus skill transferability bonuses: up to 50 additional points when combined with language/education
Get Canadian experience via study route
Study permit → PGWP → 1-3 years Canadian work experience (adds 40-64 points)
Target 3+ years experience
The jump from 2 to 3 years adds 11 CRS points for Canadian experience
Ensure NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
Only skilled work experience counts. Verify your job duties match NOC requirements.
Combine with education for transferability
Canadian work + Canadian education = maximum skill transferability points
If married/common-law, your spouse can contribute up to 40 additional CRS points.
Spouse should take language test
Even CLB 5 (IELTS 5.0-6.0) adds 5-20 points. Worth the effort!
Get spouse's ECA done
Bachelor's or higher adds 10 points. Master's/PhD same as Bachelor's for spouse.
Consider switching principal applicant
Calculate both scenarios. Sometimes spouse as PA yields higher total CRS.
If your spouse has stronger credentials, consider making them the principal applicant:
Scenario A: You as PA
• You: 35 years, Bachelor's, CLB 8, 2yr foreign work
• Spouse: 32 years, Master's, CLB 9, 3yr foreign work
CRS: ~420 points
Scenario B: Spouse as PA
• Spouse: 32 years, Master's, CLB 9, 3yr foreign work
• You: 35 years, Bachelor's, CLB 8, 2yr foreign work
CRS: ~455 points
Gain: +35 points just by switching!
A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw.
Even with a base CRS of 350-400, a provincial nomination brings you to 950-1000, making you virtually guaranteed to receive an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.
This is the fastest path to PR for candidates who don't have high CRS scores through traditional means.
Target in-demand occupations
Each province has a list of in-demand NOCs. Check BC Tech, OINP Human Capital, etc.
Apply to multiple provinces
You can have active EOIs in several provinces simultaneously. Maximize your chances.
Secure a job offer (if possible)
Many PNP streams prioritize or require job offers. Network and apply to Canadian employers.
Consider smaller provinces
Atlantic provinces, Saskatchewan, Manitoba often have lower score requirements than BC/Ontario.
Keep your EE profile updated
Provinces search the EE pool and send NOIs to candidates who match their criteria.
Age: 33 years → 95 points
Education: Bachelor's (overseas) → 120 points
Language: IELTS 6.5 avg (CLB 7-8) → 20 points
Work: 4 years foreign → 25 points
Spouse: Not included → 0 points
Transferability: Moderate → 25 points
Total: 285 points
Chance of ITA: Very Low
Age: 33 years → 95 points
Education: Bachelor's + Canadian Master's → 150 points (+15 bonus)
Language: IELTS 7.5 avg (CLB 9) → 31 points
Work: 4yr foreign + 1yr Canadian → 53 points
Spouse: CLB 7, Bachelor's, ECA → 20 points
Transferability: High → 50 points
Total: 469 points
Chance of ITA: Very High
Gain: +184 points 🚀
Actions taken: Canadian Master's (2 years), Language test retake, Spouse ECA + language test, 1 year Canadian work via PGWP
Age: 28 years → 110 points
Education: Bachelor's → 120 points
Language: IELTS 6.0 avg (CLB 6-7) → 12 points
Work: 2 years foreign → 25 points
Single: No spouse bonus
Transferability: Low → 13 points
Total: 280 points
Chance of ITA: Very Low
Age: 28 years → 110 points
Education: Bachelor's (no change) → 120 points
Language: IELTS 8.0 avg (CLB 10) + TEF B2 → 68 points
Work: 2yr foreign + 1yr Canadian → 53 points
Single: No spouse bonus
Transferability: High → 50 points
Total: 451 points
Chance of ITA: High
Gain: +171 points 🚀
Actions taken: Language improvement (English CLB 10 + French B2), 1 year Canadian work via IEC/work permit
Age: 38 years → 77 points
Education: Master's → 135 points
Language: CLB 8 → 22 points
Work: 6+ years foreign → 25 points
Spouse: CLB 5, Diploma → 10 points
Transferability: Moderate → 38 points
Total: 307 points
Chance of ITA: Very Low
Base Score: 307 points (same)
+ Provincial Nomination: 600 points
Total: 907 points
Chance of ITA: 100% (next draw)
Gain: +600 points 🎯
Action taken: Applied to Saskatchewan SINP (in-demand occupation), received nomination after 3 months
Use our free CRS calculator to know your baseline.
→ Take Free CRS AssessmentReview each category above and identify where you can gain the most points with the least time/cost investment.
• Language tests: 2-3 months preparation, $300-400 per test
• ECA: 4-8 weeks processing, $200-300
• Canadian Master's: 1-2 years, $15,000-40,000
• PNP application: 2-6 months, $1,000-2,500
Start with quick wins (language tests, spouse ECA) while planning longer-term strategies (Canadian education, work experience).
As soon as you complete each improvement, update your EE profile immediately to reflect the higher score.
Our AI can analyze your profile and create a customized roadmap to reach your target CRS score with the most efficient path.
Generated and reviewed by PRCan AI
An automated immigration analysis system trained on IRCC regulations, program guides, and official government documentation. Learn more about PRCan AI →