CRS Points Dropped? Raise Your Score Fast With Language Tests

If you've lost Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points due to changes in your arranged employment status, you're not alone. Many candidates in Canada's Express Entry pool face fluctuations in their CRS score for various reasons, and employment-related changes are among the most common. However, there's good news: you can recover lost points or even boost your score beyond your previous total by focusing on a factor that's completely within your control—language proficiency.

Understanding CRS And Arranged Employment

CRS is a points-based system used to rank candidates applying through the Express Entry system for permanent residence in Canada. It assesses factors like age, education, work experience, language ability, and more.

Arranged employment in Canada can give you up to 200 additional CRS points, depending on the job level and type of offer. If your job offer becomes invalid—due to expiration, a change in employer, or issues with your LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)—those points can be removed from your profile.

When this happens, it's normal to feel discouraged. But there's a smart way to bounce back.

Why Language Tests Are Your Best Ally

Language ability, especially in English and French, is one of the most powerful tools to improve your CRS score. It offers points in multiple sections of the CRS grid, including:

• Core human capital (direct language points)
• Skill transferability (when combined with education and work experience)
• Additional points for bilingual ability (in English and French)

Improving your test scores can result in a significant increase in your CRS total, sometimes adding 50 to 100 points or more.

How Many Points Can You Gain?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• First official language: Up to 136 points (for single candidates)
• Second official language: Up to 24 points
• Skill transferability (with high CLB scores): Up to 100 points

Achieving a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 9 or above in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in your first language can unlock the highest points available under language criteria.

Which Language Tests Are Accepted?

For English:

• IELTS General Training
• CELPIP General

For French:

• TEF Canada
• TCF Canada

These tests are approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and provide results aligned with CLB levels.

Strategies To Improve Your Language Scores

1. Understand Your Current Level

Before retaking a language test, review your past results and identify weaker areas. For example, if your writing score was low, focus your practice there.

2. Take Preparation Courses

Consider enrolling in IELTS or CELPIP preparation programs. These help you become familiar with test formats, time management, and strategies to improve specific skills.

3. Practice Regularly

Consistent daily practice—even just 30 minutes a day—can significantly improve your reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities over time.

4. Use Online Tools

There are many free and paid resources, including apps, mock tests, and video tutorials that can help you build confidence and accuracy.

5. Take The Test Again

Don’t be discouraged if your first test result wasn't high. Many candidates take the test more than once to reach their target CLB level.

Bonus Tip: Learn French For Extra Points

Canada values bilingualism. If you already have a strong command of English, learning French can give you an edge. Scoring well in both languages can lead to up to 50 additional points under the "additional factors" category.

French language skills can also make you eligible for certain provincial nominee programs (PNP), especially in Francophone communities across Canada.

Don’t Forget Other CRS Boosters

While language proficiency is one of the most effective tools, it can be combined with other CRS-boosting strategies, such as:

• Obtaining a Provincial Nomination (worth 600 CRS points)
• Completing higher education in Canada
• Gaining additional Canadian work experience
• Getting your spouse to improve their language score or education level

Final Thoughts

Losing points for arranged employment might feel like a setback, but it doesn’t have to derail your immigration journey. By focusing on language improvement—an area fully in your control—you can gain back lost ground and potentially exceed your previous CRS score.

Language tests not only reflect your ability to settle and work in Canada but also show your commitment to integrating into the community. Put in the effort, stay consistent, and you may soon receive that long-awaited Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Stay motivated and take charge of your Express Entry profile. Your Canadian dream is still within reach!