Express Entry · Guide

How to Increase Your CRS Score: 12 Ways, Ranked by Points

Every number on this page was worked out with our CRS calculator, which matches IRCC's tool on 26 of 26 test profiles. Use them to decide which step is worth your time.

The example profile

To keep the numbers comparable, every gain below is for the same person, unless stated otherwise:

• 29 years old, single (no spouse coming)
• Bachelor's degree, with an ECA
• IELTS General Training at CLB 8 in all four abilities
• 3 years of skilled work outside Canada, none in Canada

CRS score: 360. The latest Canadian Experience Class cut-off was 519, and the latest French-language cut-off was 435. So this person needs more points, or a draw they qualify for with a lower cut-off. Put your own answers in the CRS calculator to see your gains: its "What would add points" box tries these steps on your profile.

All 12 ways at a glance

Gains don't simply add up, because skill transferability points are combined and capped. For the example, CLB 9 plus two years of Canadian work adds 147, not 69 + 103 = 172. But a master's degree plus CLB 9 adds 109, more than 27 + 69 = 96, because the higher degree and CLB 9 together unlock the top transferability points. Always check combinations in the calculator.

1. Retake your language test

Language is the biggest lever you control. Points are given per ability, and the lowest ability also decides your skill transferability points.

• CLB 8 to CLB 9 in all four abilities: +69 for the example (+32 core points, the rest from skill transferability).
• CLB 8 to CLB 10: +81.
• From CLB 7 to CLB 9, the gain is even bigger: +93 for the same person.

The CLB calculator shows the exact IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF or TCF score you need for the next level in each ability. For IELTS, CLB 9 means listening 8.0, reading 7.0, writing 7.0 and speaking 7.0.

2. Learn French

French gives points twice: second-language points (up to 24) and additional points of up to 50 at NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities (with English at CLB 5 or higher).

• NCLC 5 in French: only +4 for the example.
• NCLC 7: +62.
• NCLC 9: +74.

It also opens French-language draws. In 2026 they had cut-offs between 382 and 435, lower than every Canadian Experience Class draw. TEF Canada and TCF Canada are both accepted.

3. Get a provincial nomination

A nomination through an Express Entry-linked provincial stream adds 600 points, which practically guarantees an invitation. Provincial Nominee Program draw cut-offs in 2026 were 697 to 805, which already include the 600 points. Each province has its own rules and points system: see the BC PNP calculator and the MPNP points calculator.

4. Gain Canadian work experience

Skilled work in Canada (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3) gives core points and also combines with your education and foreign work.

• 1 year: +78 for the example (40 core, 13 with education, 25 with foreign work).
• 2 years: +103.

It also makes you eligible for the Canadian Experience Class. The CEC CRS calculator lists every 2026 CEC cut-off.

5. Count all your education

• An ECA for every credential matters. "Two or more credentials, one of them three years or longer" scores higher than a single bachelor's: +20 for the example.
• A master's degree instead of a bachelor's: +27.
• Canadian study adds bonus points: 15 for a one- or two-year credential, 30 for three years or more.

6. Use your spouse's profile wisely

If your spouse or partner is coming with you, some points move to their factors (age and language maximums are lower for you). Your spouse can then add:

• Language test: up to 20 points. For the example couple, a spouse at CLB 9 added +20, at CLB 7 +12.
• Education: up to 10 points with an ECA.
• Canadian work: up to 10 points (5 for one year).

Two more options:

• Swap the main applicant. If your spouse has a better profile, they can apply as the main applicant. The calculator's swap button shows both scores.
• Spouse not coming with you. You're scored as single. For the example couple, that was +14. Only consider this if it fits your real family plans: your spouse would then need a separate route to come to Canada later, such as family sponsorship.

7. Get a certificate of qualification (skilled trades)

A provincial or territorial certificate of qualification in a trade adds 25 points with CLB 5 or 6, or 50 points with CLB 7 or higher (skill transferability).

8. Check for a sibling in Canada

A brother or sister in Canada who is a citizen or permanent resident, aged 18 or older, adds 15 points. It can be your sibling or your spouse's, related by blood, marriage, common-law partnership or adoption, sharing at least one parent.

9. Count all your foreign work experience

Foreign skilled work only scores together with your language level or Canadian work. Three years or more scores higher than one or two. For the example, having only 1 year instead of 3 would cost 12 points.

10. Apply before your next birthday

From age 30, CRS age points fall every year: 5 or 6 points a year until 40, then 11 a year. At 31, the example person would have 11 fewer points, and at 35, 33 fewer. The CRS points by age page shows the exact date you'll lose points.

11. Watch the 3 November 2026 changes

From 3 November 2026, IRCC adds points for:

• Qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations: 50, 70 or 100 points, with no LMIA needed.
• 12+ months of Canadian work in high-wage occupations: 20, 40 or 70 points on top of the current work points.

You get your Canadian work points (duration plus high-wage points) or the job offer points, whichever is higher, never both. If you might qualify, IRCC says to update your profile before 3 November. Sources: IRCC, 2026 changes to points for Canadian work experience and job offers and IRCC, Changes to Express Entry for high-wage occupations.

12. Target the right draws

Your score only matters against the draws you can get. Category-based draws often have lower cut-offs:

• French-language: latest 435 (16 Oct 2026)
• Healthcare and social services: latest 475 (4 Sep 2026)
• Trades: latest 476 (1 Oct 2026)
• Canadian Experience Class: latest 519 (15 Oct 2026)

Check whether your occupation qualifies, then compare your score on the Express Entry draws page.

Avoid these mistakes

• Don't claim points you can't prove. A misrepresentation can lead to a refusal and a five-year ban.
• Don't let documents expire. Language results are valid for two years.
• Don't forget to update your profile. A better score only counts once it's in your Express Entry profile.

Frequently asked questions