What are the best ways to increase your CRS score through Express Entry? Well, when applying for permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry, even a small improvement in your profile can raise your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by 50 points or more. This can be the difference between getting an invitation to apply (ITA) or staying in the pool.
In 2025, the Express Entry pool has become very competitive. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws have had high CRS cut-offs, ranging from 518 to 547.
The table below shows the maximum CRS points you can get as a single applicant and how many points you can gain with just one level improvement.
| Factor | Maximum Points | Highest Points Increase Achievable By A Single Step Up |
| Language proficiency | 160 + 100* | 82 (32 + 50*) |
| Education | 150 + 50* | 90 (60 + 30**) |
| Canadian work experience | 80 + 100* | 90 (40 + 50*) |
| Skill transferability – Education | 50 | 50 |
| Skill transferability – Foreign work experience | 50 | 50 |
| Skill transferability – Certificate of qualification | 50 | 50 |
| Post-secondary education in Canada | 30 | 30 |
| French proficiency | 50 | 50 |
*Points gained in combination with other factor(s) under skill transferability.
**Points gained under the ‘additional points’ portion of the CRS.
Improve Your Language Score
One of the best ways to increase your CRS score through Express Entry is by improving your language score. Even moving one Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level higher can change everything.
For example:
- If you move from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in all four abilities, you gain 32 CRS points under core factors.
- You may also gain up to 50 more points under skill transferability (25 for education + 25 for foreign work experience).
If you have not reached CLB 9 yet, focusing on language training may give you the biggest results in the shortest time. Good language scores show IRCC that you can succeed in Canada’s job market.
Grow Your Education Level
Education is another major part of the CRS. You can earn up to 150 points under the core section.
There are two big increases for going up a step in the education factor:
- 60 points for gaining a post-secondary credential (up from secondary school)
- 30 points for going up to a three-year post-secondary credential or bachelor’s degree (up from a one-year post-secondary credential)
Having two post-secondary credentials (one of which is three years or more) can also give you up to 50 extra skill transferability points.
If you currently have less than a bachelor’s degree, earning one may give you a major boost. Sometimes even a 22–30 point increase can help you reach the CRS cut-off.
Moreover, remember that to count your foreign education, you must get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Get Canadian Work Experience
Canadian work experience can give you up to 80 CRS points under core human capital factors.
The biggest boost comes when you complete one full year of Canadian work experience. This gives you 40 more points compared to having less than one year.
After the first year, the points you gain for more experience increase slowly.
For many candidates, getting just one year of Canadian work experience can also add another 50 points under skill transferability (25 for education and 25 for foreign work experience).
You also need at least one year of Canadian work experience to be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.
Increase Your Skill Transferability Points
For many applicants, improving their skill transferability factors is one of the best ways to increase their CRS score through Express Entry.
Well, you can earn up to 100 points in this part of the CRS.
Most candidates will need some foreign work experience to get the highest number of skill transferability points.
Improving your language scores, i.e., from CLB 7 or 8 up to CLB 9, can also help you earn more points in this section.
Note that if you do not have foreign work experience, the only way to get the full skill transferability points is by having a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade.
Study In Canada For Extra Points
Having Canadian post-secondary education gives you “additional points.” These points are added on top of your core human capital points (maximum 500) and skill transferability points (maximum 100).
You can get 15 points if you complete a Canadian program that is at least one year long, and 30 points if your program is three years or longer.
If you do not already have Canadian education, studying in Canada and getting a Canadian degree is one of the best ways to increase your CRS score through Express Entry.
Improve Your French Language Ability
French language skills also give you additional points, which are added on top of your core human capital and skill transferability scores.
You can earn up to 50 extra points if you reach NCLC 7 in all four French abilities, as long as you also have at least CLB 5 in all English abilities.
Learning French is not easy for everyone, but if you are interested, it can be one of the best ways to increase your CRS score and improve your chances of getting PR through Express Entry.
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