Updated: January 31st, 2022

Submit a Successful Application – Increase Your CRS Score

Would you like to move to Canada as a skilled worker? How about becoming a permanent resident? In that case, you should know all the tips and tricks for increasing your chances of getting your visa approved.

Whether you are just starting your visa application process or you are unsure how to apply, you should understand how the Canadian immigration system works in order to increase your chances of approval.

Express Entry Canada and PNP Canada are the two main immigration programs. To select the best candidates for immigration, both require a certain amount of visa application points, known as CRS scores. Here are some details:

Express Entry Canada

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In 2015, Express Entry Canada launched and became one of the most popular Canadian immigration programs for skilled workers. There are three types of visas available under Express Entry:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Class
  • Canadian Experience Class
  • Federal Skilled Trades Class

The Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades Class must be selected if you haven’t yet received your work permit.

You will need to apply for the Canadian Experience Class if you have a work permit and are currently living in Canada.

PNP Canada

Canadian provinces map

Provincial Nominee Programs are designed to help meet demographic and financial goals in each of Canada’s provinces and territories.

As a result, if you submit an application for PNP Canada, you might be invited to live and work in one of the provinces for at least a year. That is called a “Provincial Nomination”. This nomination will be given to you if both your qualifications and occupation are in demand.

For skilled candidates, the PNP Canada requirements tend to be easier than those of Express Entry.

Canada CRS Points

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To qualify for Express Entry Canada or PNP Canada, you must have 67 Canada CRS points on your visa application. Points are assigned according to six selection factors:

  1. Age – maximum 12 points 
  2. Education – maximum 25 points
  3. Language proficiency (English or French) – maximum 28 points
  4. Work experience – maximum 15 points
  5. A Job offer – maximum 10 points
  6. Adaptability – maximum 10 points

You have a better chance of getting approved for immigration if you have a higher CRS score. Therefore, you should consider ways to increase your CRS score. Remember that you are applying alongside thousands of other applicants, and you must stand out from the crowd.

Comprehensive Ranking Score – How to Improve it?

Young student excited about A grade

It is possible to increase the number of CRS points required for your application even after it has been submitted! Here are some handy tips for increasing your chances of getting your visa approved, or getting permanent residency.

You can choose one of the following options to increase your Canada CRS points and increase your chances of approval:

1. Mention you have relatives in Canada

You will get 15 points if you have a family member who is a permanent resident of Canada. You may be related by blood, adoption, or marriage.

2. Mention your educational accomplishments in Canada

You can improve your CRS score significantly if you studied in Canada previously and have a certificate or degree. Additionally, you can apply for a PR work permit after obtaining a student visa.

You can claim points even if you achieved a 1-year diploma eight years ago, as long as it is still valid. You must have earned your credentials within the Canadian border to be valid. You can verify this by obtaining an ECA report.

Whether you gained work experience in the field you studied or not, Express Entry takes into consideration your educational attainment.

3. Study both English and French

In the event that you do not come from an English-speaking country, you will be required to take an IELTS test or equivalent to prove your English proficiency.

It is recommended that you improve your grade even if you scored a qualifying grade. Consider taking the French exam to demonstrate additional language skills in Canada’s second official language. Doing so will enhance your visa application.

Knowing more than one language (even if it isn’t English or French) will generally improve your CRS score.

It is not always enough to claim CRS points for all eligibility criteria and add in some extra skills. Go the extra mile to improve your chances. You can always consult with RCIC professionals if you’re unsure.

Here are a few additional options you can take advantage of:

4. Take a language skills test

For a higher score, you should consider retaking your language exams. This will boost your CRS points and show off your abilities. You should encourage your spouse or common-law partner to do the same.

5. Obtain more work experience

Obtain work experience in Canada with a temporary work permit (instead of a permanent resident work permit), or earn more years in your field in your home country. The more work experience you have the more points you can earn!

6. Participate in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Fill out the Express Entry Canada form as well as the PNP Canada form. You will be invited to apply for permanent residence as soon as you receive a Provincial Nomination.

7. Become more educated

Increase your range of skills and diplomas by taking more classes in your field or others. Your academic credentials have a huge impact on your CRS points. According to the skill transferability factor, you can earn up to 100 CRS points.

By enrolling in a Canadian educational program, you will be able to prove your profile’s eligibility. Studying for a three-year bachelor’s degree can help you increase your CRS score if you lack any academic qualifications.

Aside from those mentioned, there are dozens of other ways to increase your CRS score for Canadian PR. Consider contacting UIS Canada for consultation services to help you diversify your options.

How We Can Help

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UIS Canada has licensed and professional immigration consultants on staff who can answer all your questions. We can also provide you with advice on the most suitable immigration programs for you and your family, helpful migration services, and guidance throughout your application process.

Find out how we can help you by visiting our Contact Us page. Alternatively, you can easily check your eligibility online.

FAQ

What is the pool?
To be included in the pool you must qualify for one of the specific immigration programs listed under Express Entry. You must also score a minimum of 67 points on your immigration profile. Points are awarded for educational and professional qualifications, work experience, age, language ability, and more. The Canadian government selects the most suitable candidates from the pool and issues them with an official invitation (known as ITA) to become Canadian residents.
How many points do I need to get selected?
The Express Entry system uses what it called the Comprehensive Ranking System, a formula that takes into account your education, skills and experience, those of your husband/wife or partner, and whether you have a specific job offer. These factors go to build up your score out of a possible maximum of 1200. As mentioned, the higher the points you score, the greater the possibility to be selected from the pool.
How long does it take to move to Canada?
The idea of starting a new life in Canada is very exciting. But please be prepared that getting selected for an immigration program takes time. This is why the Express Entry program is extremely popular - the Canadian government aims to select candidates within 6 months. Time may significantly vary between immigration programs; the individual process of each program, government policies, the complexity of your case, and more, may affect the time it would take you to move to Canada.
Are there any goverment fees?
Like many other countries worldwide the Canadian government charges fees for the processing of immigration entries. Depending on the specific program you entered, the size and age of your family, and more – you may need a few hundred to several thousand Canadian dollars. Please note that all government fees are non-refundable. This is one of many reasons you should prepare well for your immigration process, gain as much knowledge as you can, and if possible, seek help from professionals in this field.

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