How do I increase my points for Express Entry?

Increase Points for Express Entry - Complete Guide

You can increase your Express Entry points by improving language test scores, gaining Canadian work experience, upgrading education, adding spouse credentials, securing a Canadian job offer, or obtaining a Provincial Nomination, which adds 600 CRS points and almost guarantees an invitation.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Express Entry Points?
2. Why Increasing CRS Points Matters
3. How CRS Points Are Calculated
4. Step-by-Step Ways to Increase Your Express Entry Points
5. Examples of CRS Score Improvements
6. CRS Improvement Options Compared
7. Benefits and Limitations of CRS Improvement Methods
8. Common Misconceptions About Increasing CRS Points
9. Related Questions
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Summary

What Are Express Entry Points?

Express Entry points are calculated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This system scores candidates based on age, education, language ability, work experience, and additional factors such as job offers or provincial nominations.

Each candidate in the Express Entry pool is ranked against others. Immigration authorities invite candidates with the highest CRS scores during regular draws. Increasing your CRS score improves your ranking and your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Why Increasing CRS Points Matters?

Express Entry has become more competitive over time. While lower CRS scores were sufficient in earlier years, recent trends show higher cut-off scores in many draw types.

Increasing your CRS score matters because:

• It reduces waiting time in the Express Entry pool
• It improves chances across more draw types
• It provides flexibility if draw thresholds increase
• It lowers dependency on timing and luck

A higher CRS score offers more control over your immigration outcome rather than waiting indefinitely for favorable draws.

How CRS Points Are Calculated?

CRS points are awarded across four major areas:

1. Core Human Capital Factors
   Includes age, education, language skills, and work experience.
2. Spouse or Partner Factors
   Additional points if your spouse has strong language scores, education, or Canadian work experience.
3. Skill Transferability Factors
   Combines education, language ability, and work experience to award bonus points.
4. Additional Points
   Includes Canadian job offers, provincial nominations, Canadian education, and French language proficiency.

Understanding which category offers the most potential improvement helps candidates focus on the right strategy.

How Do I Increase My Points for Express Entry?

1. Improve Language Test Scores

Language proficiency is one of the fastest and most effective ways to increase CRS points.

• Retake IELTS or CELPIP to reach CLB 9 or higher
• Higher scores improve both core and skill-transferability points
• French language tests (TEF or TCF) can add up to 50 extra points

Language improvement often delivers the highest return in the shortest time.

2. Add or Improve French Language Skills

French proficiency has become increasingly valuable in Express Entry.

• CLB 7 or higher in French adds significant bonus points
• French-speaking candidates qualify for dedicated category-based draws
• Even basic French skills can improve competitiveness

For many candidates, learning French opens additional immigration pathways.

3. Gain Canadian Work Experience

Canadian work experience is heavily rewarded under the CRS.

• One year of skilled Canadian experience increases core points
• Combined Canadian and foreign experience unlocks bonus points
• Work experience must be skilled (NOC TEER 0–3)

Even short-term Canadian experience can significantly improve a CRS score.

4. Upgrade Your Education Level

Education plays a central role in CRS scoring.

• Completing a Master’s or Ph.D. adds more points than a bachelor’s degree
• Ensure all foreign education has a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• Canadian education adds additional CRS points

Educational upgrades take time but offer long-term benefits.

5. Maximize Spouse or Partner Points

If you are applying with a spouse or partner, their profile matters.

• Improve spouse language test scores
• Add spouse education through ECA
• Include spouse Canadian work experience if applicable

Optimizing spouse factors can add meaningful points without changing the primary applicant’s profile.

6. Secure a Canadian Job Offer

A valid Canadian job offer supported by LMIA can add points.

• 50 points for most skilled positions
• 200 points for senior managerial roles
• Job must meet specific eligibility criteria

While not easy to obtain, a job offer provides a substantial boost.

7. Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

A Provincial Nomination is the most powerful CRS booster.

• Adds 600 CRS points
• Almost guarantees an ITA
• Available through Express Entry-aligned streams

PNPs allow candidates with moderate CRS scores to secure permanent residence.

Examples of CRS Score Improvements

• Improving IELTS from CLB 8 to CLB 9 can add 40–60 points
• Adding French proficiency can add up to 50 points
• One year of Canadian work experience can add 35–70 points
• Provincial nomination increases CRS score by 600 points

Small improvements across multiple areas often produce strong cumulative results.

CRS Improvement Options Compared

This comparison helps candidates prioritize actions based on feasibility and impact.

Benefits and Limitations of CRS Improvement Methods

Benefits

• Improves ITA chances across multiple draw types
• Reduces dependency on draw timing
• Increases long-term immigration stability
• Enhances employability in Canada

Limitations

• Some methods require time and financial investment
• Language improvement may require multiple attempts
• PNP eligibility depends on provincial demand
• CRS points decrease with age

Understanding both sides helps candidates plan realistically.

Common Misconceptions About Increasing CRS Points

Myth: Only candidates with job offers can improve CRS scores
Fact: Language tests and education upgrades often add more points

Myth: CRS scores cannot be improved after profile submission
Fact: Profiles can be updated anytime with new results

Myth: PNPs are only for low CRS candidates
Fact: High CRS candidates also use PNPs for certainty

Myth: One improvement guarantees an ITA
Fact: CRS improvement works best through combined strategies

Related Questions

Is retaking IELTS worth it for Express Entry?

Yes. Retaking IELTS to reach CLB 9 is one of the fastest ways to increase CRS points.

Can CRS points increase automatically over time?

Only work experience adds points over time. Age may reduce points instead.

Does learning French really help Express Entry?

Yes. French proficiency adds bonus points and qualifies candidates for special draws.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to increase CRS points?

Improving language test scores and applying for PNPs are the fastest options.

How can I get 600 points in Express Entry?

By securing a Provincial Nomination through a PNP.

Can I increase CRS points while waiting in the pool?

Yes. You can retake tests, gain experience, or update education credentials.

Is Canadian education better than foreign education?

Canadian education adds additional CRS points and improves employability.

Should I improve CRS or wait for draws?

Improving CRS increases certainty and reduces waiting time.

Summary

• CRS points determine Express Entry ranking
• Language proficiency offers the fastest improvement
• French language skills unlock additional points and draws
• Canadian work experience and education add long-term value

Provincial nomination provides the strongest boost