How to Increase Your CRS Score: 12 Proven Ways (With Points)

Language is the biggest factor you control. Points per skill jump sharply at CLB 9:

Going from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in all four skills adds 32 core points. It also moves you into the top skill-transferability level:

• Education + language: from 13 to 25 (+12) with a bachelor's degree, or from 25 to 50 with two credentials or a master's
• Foreign work + language: from 13 to 25 (+12) with 1–2 years, or from 25 to 50 with 3+ years

Total gain: often 40–60 points.

Going from CLB 9 to CLB 10 adds only 3 points per skill (+12 total), so CLB 9 is usually the sweet spot.

What CLB 9 means in practice: IELTS General L 8.0 · R 7.0 · W 7.0 · S 7.0, or CELPIP 9 in each skill. Convert your scores →

Tip: If one skill is holding you back (often writing or speaking), focus your preparation there. CRS rewards each skill separately.

French is the biggest "hidden" boost in Express Entry. If you reach NCLC 7 in all four skills on TEF Canada or TCF Canada:

You also get second official language points: 3 per skill at NCLC 7–8 (12 total), or 6 per skill at NCLC 9+ (24 total, single).

Total: up to +62 points (or +74 at NCLC 9).

French speakers can also be invited in French-language category draws, which often have much lower cut-offs than general draws.

French takes time, often 12–18 months of study to reach NCLC 7 from scratch. But for many people it's the most reliable long-term strategy.

A nomination from an "enhanced" (Express Entry-linked) PNP stream adds 600 points, which almost always leads to an Invitation to Apply.

Options include:

• Express Entry BC, through the Skilled Worker or Health Authority stream with a BC job offer
• Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and other provinces' Express Entry streams, which sometimes invite candidates directly from the pool
• Targeted occupations: many provinces focus on healthcare, tech, trades and childcare

Check your BC PNP score → · BC PNP guide →

Good to know: "Additional points" (PNP, French bonus, Canadian study, sibling) are capped at 600 in total. Once you have a nomination, the other additional points no longer change your score.

Watch out: A provincial "notification of interest" is not a nomination. You still need to apply to the province and be nominated before the 600 points appear.

Many applicants only get an ECA for their highest degree. If you have two or more post-secondary credentials and one is 3+ years (for example, a bachelor's plus a one-year diploma):

That's +8 core points. It also moves you to the top education level for skill transferability:

• With CLB 9: education + language goes from 25 to 50
• With Canadian work: education + Canadian work goes up as well

(Education transferability is capped at 50 in total.)

Total gain: up to +33 points, often for the price of one extra ECA.

A master's or professional degree gives 135 core points (single), compared with 120 for a bachelor's: +15. A PhD gives 150: +30. Both also unlock the top transferability level, worth up to +25 more.

If you study in Canada, you can also earn Canadian study points (see #10). But think carefully about the time and cost, and about how your age points will change while you study.

The jump from 1 to 2 years adds 13 core points. It also lifts two transferability combinations:

• Education + Canadian work: 13 → 25 (with a bachelor's)
• Foreign work + Canadian work: 13 → 25 (with 1–2 years of foreign work)

Total gain: up to +37 points for the second year.

Only paid, skilled (TEER 0–3) work with authorization counts. Work during full-time study doesn't.

Foreign skilled work doesn't earn core points, but it boosts skill transferability:

If you're close to 3 years of foreign skilled work, reaching it can add up to +25 points (with CLB 9+). Make sure every job is in a TEER 0–3 occupation and backed by detailed reference letters.

If your spouse or partner is coming with you, they can add:

Many couples forget the spouse's language test. A spouse at CLB 9 in all four skills adds 20 points. Even CLB 7 adds 12.

The principal applicant gets the core points. Run the calculator both ways. If your spouse is younger, has better language scores, more Canadian experience or a higher degree, they may score 30+ points higher as the main applicant.

If your spouse is a Canadian citizen or PR, or won't come with you, you're scored as single, which can raise your core points.

You must have studied full-time at a Canadian institution for at least 8 months, and been physically in Canada for at least 8 months of it.

If you or your accompanying spouse has a brother or sister in Canada who is 18 or older and a citizen or permanent resident living in Canada, you get 15 points. Half-siblings, step-siblings and adopted siblings count if you share a parent through blood, adoption or marriage. You'll need birth certificates proving the relationship.

If you work in a skilled trade and get a Canadian certificate of qualification from a province or territory, you earn transferability points:

It also helps you qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades program and trades category draws.

• Job offers: Since March 25, 2025, job offers haven't added CRS points. That changes on November 3, 2026, when a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation will add 50, 70 or 100 points (no LMIA needed). A job offer can also help with PNPs.
• Category-based draws: healthcare and social services, STEM, trades, education and transport workers (and French speakers) may be invited with lower scores. Make sure your NOC codes are accurate.
• Timing and age: You lose points each year after 30. If your birthday is close, update your profile with any improvements before it.
• Accuracy: Never claim points you can't prove. A wrong claim can lead to refusal or a 5-year ban for misrepresentation.

Illustrative example, not a real client.

Starting profile: 29 years old, single, bachelor's degree (with ECA), CLB 8 in all four skills, 2 years of foreign skilled work, no Canadian experience.

Try your own numbers in the CRS calculator →

1. Calculate your current score and see the breakdown.
2. Pick the cheapest, fastest wins first: usually a language retake, ECAs for extra credentials and your spouse's language test.
3. Plan the longer-term moves: French, Canadian work, a higher degree.
4. Apply to PNPs at the same time. You don't have to wait for a high CRS score.
5. Update your Express Entry profile every time something improves.

Not sure which steps make sense for you? An RCIC can map out a plan based on your real profile.

Book a CRS strategy consultation Free assessment