Express Entry is Canada’s online immigration system whereby invitations are issued to skilled workers for permanent residence. Candidates are ranked based on their profiles, and the highest ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a point-based system used to assess, score, and rank candidate’s Express Entry profile. Candidate’s scores are generally based on their age, education, language abilities in English and/or French, and their skilled work experience in both Canada and abroad. To enter the Express Entry pool, candidates must qualify under either the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) streams. CEC applicants require at least one year of cumulative skilled Canadian work experience and a minimum language proficiency of CLB/NCLC 7, while FSW applicants require at least one year of continuous skilled work experience (in Canada or abroad) and a minimum language proficiency of CLB/NCLC 7. Over the years, the Express Entry pool has become much more competitive. Below are 5 tips to try to increase your score.
1. Language Proficiency
Language ability is one of the most important factors in an Express Entry profile and can significantly impact your overall CRS score. If your current language proficiency score does not give you the maximum number of points available, it can be very worthwhile to re-write your language test. Additional points can also be gained through strong French-language ability alongside English, with high French scores in particular providing a meaningful boost. In addition, your spouse or common-law partner’s strong language results can further increase your total score. Since language test results are only valid for two years, you should also plan to retake your test if your results are close to expiring to ensure your profile remains valid and competitive.
2. Additional Education
Pursuing higher levels of education can significantly improve your CRS score, as additional credentials are awarded more points under Express Entry. This benefit is even greater if you complete your studies in Canada, since Canadian education provides extra points compared to foreign credentials and may also open the door to a Post-Graduation Work Permit, allowing you to gain valuable Canadian work experience and further increase your score over time.
3. Work Experience
The more skilled work experience you have, whether in Canada or abroad, the higher your CRS score can be, with points available for up to five years of qualifying Canadian work experience and up to three years of qualifying foreign work experience. However, unless your foreign work experience is in an occupation that meets the criteria of one of the Express Entry category-based draws, receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) as a Federal Skilled Worker is very unlikely. Therefore, gaining Canadian skilled work experience can be an effective path to receiving an ITA under CEC. CEC work experience does not need to be continuous and is calculated cumulatively, whereas the FSW stream requires at least one continuous year of qualifying experience. As a result, if you are close to a threshold—for example, at 23 months of experience—it can be worthwhile to continue working a little longer to reach the next full year and unlock additional CRS points.
4. Spouse or Common Law Partner Factors
If you intend to come to Canada with your spouse or common law partner, their education, Canadian work experience and language abilities can help your score as well. If their qualifications are very strong, and/or your spouse or common law partner receives more points for age, it may be prudent to create an Express Entry profile with your spouse or common law partner as the primary applicant, and you as the dependent spouse. This could also lead to a higher score.
5. Category-Based Selection
IRCC has increasingly been conducting category-based Express Entry draws, specifically targeting candidates who meet certain labour market priorities rather than relying solely on general CRS score cut-offs. These categories typically include specific occupations such as healthcare, trades and senior managers with Canadian work experience, and candidates with strong French-language proficiency. Being eligible under a category-based draw can be one of the most effective ways to receive an ITA, as these draws often have significantly lower CRS thresholds than general rounds. If you speak French or work in an in-demand occupation such as healthcare, STEM, skilled trades, transport, or are a senior manager with relevant Canadian experience, it is strongly worth considering whether you could be eligible to enter the Express Entry pool under a category-based selection stream.
Conclusion
Improving your Express Entry score often comes down to strategically maximizing factors such as language ability, education, work experience, and category-based eligibility, all of which can significantly increase your chances of receiving an ITA. Because even small changes can have a meaningful impact on your CRS score, careful planning and timing can make a substantial difference in your immigration outcome. If you already have an Express Entry profile, have recently received an ITA, or are considering entering the pool, we encourage you to contact us for guidance and support in strengthening your application and navigating the process effectively.
