You can improve your score on the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) by following the steps outlined in this detailed guide, which contains all the necessary information.
There are two primary approaches that you can take to improve your CRS score and thus increase your chances of being accepted into the Canadian immigration system. The first thing you should do is perfect your Express Entry profile. The second step is to get yourself ready ahead of time for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or a Provincial Nomination. Keep scrolling to find out more.
Perfect Your Profile
It is of the most significance that you accurately represent yourself in your Express Entry profile. Not only does it have the potential to earn you more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, but it also can earn you substantial penalties if you misrepresent yourself.
The first thing to remember is that the credentials necessary to enter the Express Entry pool differ from those that would maximize your CRS score. It is essential to remember this since it is one of the many things that might confuse you.
Language
One crucial aspect of the CRS is language, which can be worth up to 310 CRS points (such as post-secondary education) when paired with other criteria. If the candidate is married or in a common-law relationship, this number might increase to 320.
Language is generally an area where you can improve your score. This is because having language skills above the minimum standards can earn you points. For example, the Federal Skilled Worker program needs just CLB 7 (all skills). However, it is possible to earn extra points by incrementally improving each ability’s score to CLB 10.
Language is also valuable since it provides points in several CRS sections:
Education
If the education was completed entirely outside of Canada, it might be worth up to 200 CRS points; if it was completed in Canada, it could be worth up to 250 points. You may improve your initial education score by earning more credentials, such as another degree or extra Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for previously completed degrees.
To get CRS points for education obtained outside of Canada, an ECA is necessary.
To enter the pool of applicants for the Federal Skilled Worker Class who were educated outside of Canada, just one ECA from the lead applicant has been necessary.
No ECA is necessary for Federal Skilled Trades or Canadian Experience Class applicants to enter the Express Entry pool.
Common-law Partner or Spouse Might Make a Better Principal Applicant
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, comparing your CRS scores as principal applicants may be advantageous.
Occasionally, a principal applicant’s CRS score may be lower than their accompanying spouse’s. In such instances, it may be prudent for the spouse or common-law partner to be the principal applicant.
Work Experience
Obtaining new work experience or properly documenting recent work experience may improve a candidate’s CRS score.
According to Canada’s National Occupation Classification, or NOC, some candidates with ostensibly unskilled job titles may have performed responsibilities regarded as skilled.
Beyond the job title, comparing your responsibilities to those specified in the NOC’s various professions might assist in deciding whether your work is skilled or unskilled. This can result in points you might have yet to claim otherwise.
After determining the appropriate NOC for your work experience, the following step calculates your time on each job. Full-time or equivalent part-time work experience earns points.
Job Offers
Depending on the position, candidates with a valid job offer may get 50 or 200 more points toward their CRS score.
Candidates with a valid job offer in a NOC 0, A, or B profession can get 50 extra CRS points. Under the CRS, candidates having a valid job offer in an occupation classified as Major Group 00 Senior Management Occupations may get an additional 200 points. IRCC states a job offer must be in writing, including pay/deductions, job duties, and employment conditions.
Proactively Prepare for an ITA or Provincial Nomination
Everyone in the Express Entry pool should be actively preparing for an ITA or provincial nomination, regardless of their CRS score.
You may only have a CRS score of 299. Still, a provincial nomination might improve your score by 600 points, making it very confident that you will get an ITA in the following Express Entry invitation round.
After getting an ITA, candidates have just 60 days to submit a complete application, and several PNPs provide even less time. Having documentation prepared in advance enables you to begin immediately upon invitation.