Smart Ways to Raise Your CRS Score for PR Through Express Entry

Getting permanent residence through Express Entry feels easier when your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score sits at a competitive level. A small improvement in one area can sometimes add dozens of points. Those extra points may bring you much closer to receiving an invitation to apply (ITA).

Recent draws show how competitive the pool stays. Many candidates try to move their CRS score upward in any way they can. If you're planning your next steps, here are some clear, simple ways to strengthen your profile.

1. Improve Your Language Scores

Language remains one of the strongest factors in your CRS. Even a small jump on your test can create a large difference in your final score.

Moving up one Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level across all four abilities—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—can raise your score significantly. Higher English or French results may also unlock extra points under skill transferability, especially when combined with strong education or work experience.

If you haven’t reached the highest CLB levels yet, language study may offer the biggest return on your effort.

2. Complete More Education

Education plays a major role in your CRS score. Reaching higher levels of study often results in strong point increases.

A post-secondary credential adds many points compared to a high school diploma. A three-year credential or bachelor’s degree brings an even larger gain. For some people, earning a longer program or adding a second credential can also open the door to helpful skill transferability points.

If you plan to count an international credential, you will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

3. Build Canadian Work Experience

Canadian work experience is another valuable part of your profile.

The biggest jump comes when you complete one year of skilled work in Canada. That first full year brings a major points increase. It may also help you qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, which is one of the most active parts of the Express Entry system.

Some candidates can also gain more points through skill transferability once they reach a year of Canadian experience.

4. Increase Your Skill Transferability Points

Skill transferability combines different strengths, such as education, language scores, and work experience. When these factors match well, they can add a solid boost to your score.

Foreign work experience plays a key role for many candidates. Strong language results also help you reach higher transferability levels. This section rewards a balanced profile rather than strength in only one area.

5. Study in Canada

Canadian education can add extra points on top of your main score. A one-year program gives you a bonus, but a program of three years or longer offers a higher reward.

If you’re already considering studying in Canada, this pathway may help you build both education and local work experience, which together can raise your score even more.

6. Strengthen Your French Skills

French ability can give you up to 50 additional points if you meet certain English requirements. These points stack on top of everything else.

You don’t need to be fluent to benefit. Reaching the required level in all four abilities can bring a meaningful improvement. If you enjoy learning languages, this path may help you stand out in the pool.

Final Thoughts

There is no single way to raise your CRS score. Each candidate has a unique mix of strengths, goals, and timelines. But with the right strategy—whether through language learning, more education, or work experience—you can build a stronger profile and increase your chances of receiving an ITA.

If you plan your next steps carefully, even one improvement could bring you closer to becoming a permanent resident.