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Strategies to Increase Your CRS Score in 2023

Updated: 3 days ago

Express Entry is widely regarded as one of the best immigration programs for obtaining permanent residency in Canada. Its comprehensive and streamlined approach makes it highly efficient and transparent, offering a clear pathway to Permanent Residency and eventually Canadian citizenship.


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Strategies to Increase Your CRS Score in 2023

With a points-based system, known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that considers factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability, Express Entry attracts skilled individuals who can contribute to the Canadian economy and society. The program emphasizes merit-based selection, ensuring that applicants with the highest scores are prioritized for permanent residency invitations.


Here are the strategies to increase your CRS score this 2023:


PNP Nomination

The most crucial strategy to increase your CRS score is a PNP Nomination. Receiving a nomination from a Canadian province demonstrates that the province has recognized your skills and experience as being in demand within their specific labor market. This recognition adds value to your profile and increases your competitiveness among other Express Entry candidates. A PNP nomination grants you 600 additional CRS points in your express entry after you receive your nomination. These points significantly boost your CRS score and greatly enhance your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency. The PNP nomination is a valuable asset that can give you a substantial advantage in the Express Entry system, increasing your opportunities to successfully immigrate to Canada.

PR Supportive LMIA

The second in strategies to increase your CRS score is having a PR-Supportive LMIA. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian job market. If you have a valid job offer supported by a PR-supportive LMIA, it demonstrates that you have the necessary skills and qualifications that are in demand in Canada. This can earn you additional CRS points, ranging from 50 to 200 points, depending on the position's skill level. These extra points significantly boost your CRS score, making you a more competitive candidate in the Express Entry pool and improving your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Arranged employment in TEER 0 Major group 00 can help you earn 200 points whereas arranged employment in NOC TEER 1, 2 or 3, or any TEER 0 other than Major group 00 can help you earn 50 additional points.

English Ability

Your ability to speak the English language is one of the strategies to increase your CRS score. Language proficiency is a critical factor in determining an individual's potential for success in the Canadian labor market. The Canadian government recognizes the importance of English language skills for effective communication, integration, and economic participation in Canadian society. As a result, higher language proficiency can earn you more CRS points, you can earn up to 136 points depending on your proficiency level in English as well as English being your primary language in Express Entry. By scoring well on language tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), you demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively to the Canadian workforce and society. You may also be eligible for some bonus points such as points for High english efficiency coupled with foreign work experience.

French Language Proficiency

Aside from your proficiency in English, you must be proficient in French too as one of your strategies to increase your CRS score. French is one of Canada's official languages, and the Canadian government places great importance on bilingualism. By demonstrating proficiency in French, you showcase your ability to contribute to the country's linguistic diversity and engage in Canada's English and French-speaking regions. Having a strong command of French can earn you additional CRS points, ranging from 15 to 30 points, depending on your proficiency level or up to 136 if French is your primary language in the express entry. You can choose either French or English as your primary language in express entry. These points provide a significant boost to your CRS score, increasing your competitiveness in the Express Entry pool and improving your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency. The new category-based draw also prioritizes French-speaking professionals who have a higher chance of being invited with a lower CRS score in the French-specific draw. Moreover, possessing French language skills opens up additional job opportunities, particularly in provinces like Quebec, where knowledge of French is highly valued. Overall, having French language proficiency not only enhances your CRS score but also expands your employment prospects and cultural integration in Canada.

Work Experience

Work experience demonstrates your ability to contribute to the Canadian labor market and adapt to the country's work environment. The Canadian government recognizes the value of individuals with relevant work experience, as it enhances their prospects of successfully settling and integrating into the Canadian workforce. By accumulating work experience, you can earn CRS points, depending on the duration and skill level of your work. These additional points significantly boost your CRS score, increasing your competitiveness among other Express Entry candidates. Moreover, work experience showcases your professional skills, industry knowledge, and adaptability, making you an attractive candidate for Canadian employers. Having work experience not only enhances your CRS score but also provides you with valuable practical skills and improves your chances of securing employment in Canada.

Credential Assessment

A credential assessment involves having your educational and professional qualifications evaluated by a recognized organization in Canada. By obtaining a positive credential assessment, you demonstrate that your foreign education or work experience is comparable to Canadian standards. This evaluation enhances the credibility and validity of your qualifications in the eyes of the Canadian immigration authorities. It allows you to claim additional CRS points, ranging from 13 to 50 points, depending on the level of education assessed. These extra points significantly boost your CRS score, increasing your competitiveness and improving your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

Possible Company Transfer

The Canadian government recognizes the value of individuals who already have a job offer or the possibility of a company transfer upon immigrating to Canada. By having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a transfer within the same company, you demonstrate that you have a higher chance of seamless integration into the workforce, as well as established ties to the Canadian business community. This can earn you additional CRS points, ranging from 50 to 200 points, depending on the position's skill level. Typically, employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to validate your job offer for Express Entry. However, there are certain situations where this requirement may not apply. If you have been engaged in full-time employment with the same employer for a minimum of one year - or an equivalent duration in part-time employment - under a valid Employer-Specific Work Permit that is LMIA exempt, your employer may not need an LMIA to endorse your job offer. It's important to note that this exemption also applies if you possess a valid job offer and your work permit is LMIA-exempt due to:

  1. An International agreement

  2. A federal-provincial agreement

  3. The "Canadian interests" category


In these instances, the standard LMIA requirement can be bypassed, making the process more streamlined for both the employer and the employee.


These extra points significantly increase your CRS score, making you a more competitive candidate in the Express Entry pool and improving your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Having a possible company transfer not only strengthens your CRS score but also provides stability, employment prospects, and a smoother transition into the Canadian job market.

We possess a deep understanding of the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and strategies to optimize your CRS score!


Having the expertise to help you with your Express Entry application is crucial for a smooth and successful immigration journey. Navigating the complexities of the Canadian immigration system requires in-depth knowledge, an understanding of the latest regulations, and familiarity with the application process. By entrusting your Express Entry application to experienced professionals like the Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) Chitra & Associates, you can benefit from our specialized expertise and guidance. With our assistance, you can confidently navigate through potential pitfalls, avoid mistakes, and maximize your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.


A Cautionary Note: The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained, and the readers are asked to refer to the government website for the most updated information.

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