Express Entry Toronto: How to Improve Your CRS Score

One of the fastest and most popular pathways to gain permanent residency in Canada for skilled workers is the Express Entry system. As the largest city and economic hub, Toronto is the preferred destination for many applicants. But before planning your future in Toronto, there is one tough challenge you need to overcome: your CRS score.

Your rank in the Express Entry pool is determined by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). A higher score means a better chance at receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Recent draws have established high cut-offs, leaving many qualified candidates only a few points short.

The bright side? You do not need additional experience, a new degree, or a job offer to increase your CRS score. In most cases, your smart, strategic move matters.

Learn how to increase your CRS score and have better chances of starting afresh in Toronto through the Express Entry pathway.

Understand How Points Are Counted

You must understand how your points are calculated before you try to improve your score. CRS score is counted based on:

• Age
• Education
• Language ability (English and/or French)
• Work experience (in Canada or any other country)
• Spouse factors (if applicable)
• Skill transferability combinations
• Additional factors (like siblings in Canada, French skills, etc.)

Most often, candidates focus on only two factors: age and work experience, both of which are difficult to change. But, language scores, accuracy of profile, spouse factors, and credential reviews are as important to improve your CRS score.

Aim for CLB 9 in Your Language Test

One sure-shot way to improve your CRS score is to improve your language score.

A score of 7 or 8 in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is common. But a CLB score of 9 can make a significant difference, demonstrating proficiency in all four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) and supporting strong skill transferability points. 50 or more CRS points are added for this combination of high language skills, education and work experience.

The breakup for CLB 9 in the IELTS General Training is:

• Listening: 8.0
• Reading: 7.0
• Writing: 7.0
• Speaking: 7.0

This is also the fastest and most manageable way of improving your score within 30 to 45 days. With focused preparation on a retake, it is easier to move from CLB 8 to CLB 9.

If you are trying to immigrate to Toronto through the Express Entry system, retaking your IELTS may be your best option.

Get Extra Points on Your French Skills

Even having basic proficiency in French can boost your CRS points. Candidates who are proficient in both the official languages, English and French, are awarded additional points.

Fluency is not something you should focus on. Even a moderate score on a French test (like TEF Canada) can add:

• Direct language points
• Additional skill transferability points

This can be particularly useful for candidates who are close to the draw cut-off.

Update or Reassess Your Education Credentials (ECA)

An incomplete or outdated Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) causes many applicants to underestimate the value of their education.

For instance:

• A postgraduate diploma may be considered an equivalent credential to a master’s degree
• Having more than one credential can qualify you for points for two or more degrees
• If you completed your education recently, there is a chance that your qualifications may not be reflected in your profile

Updating your ECA improves your CRS score without having to qualify for a new education.

Optimize Your Spouse’s Profile

When applying with a spouse, their profile can be an additional factor in improving your CRS points. This can be through:

• Results of the language test
• Educational qualifications
• Canadian work experience (if any)

An additional 10 to 20 points is achieved if your spouse’s IELTS score is good. This is something many couples fail to pay attention to.

Check for Sibling Points

If you have a brother or sister who is already a permanent resident or a Canadian citizen, you automatically become eligible for additional CRS points.

Most applicants miss this minor detail in their profiles, which can be the difference between months of delay and receiving the ITA.

Correct Hidden Profile Mistakes

The number of candidates who have missed points because of simple profile errors is surprising. The most common errors are:

• Mismatch in work experience dates
• Missing details of employment
• Wrong selection of the NOC code
• Misreporting your education history

Most of the points you are currently missing can be addressed by having your Express Entry profile professionally reviewed. It helps in correcting inaccuracies that may have been affecting your ranking.

Gain More Work Experience (If You’re Close)

If you’re close to your work experience milestone (for instance, you are about to complete three years of foreign work experience after two years), waiting for a few months before updating your profile can improve your CRS points.

Your Canadian work experience carries weight. If you are already in Canada on a work permit, each additional month is important for improving your ranking.

Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) is something you could explore while focusing on having a better CRS. You get an additional 600 CRS points for a provincial nomination, which guarantees receiving the ITA in the upcoming draw.

Actively monitoring the OINP streams that match your Express Entry profile can be a smart move.

Focus on What You Can Change Quickly

It is impossible to change your age or your work experience. But what you can change is:

• Retake the IELTS test
• Add French results
• Update your ECA
• Improve your spouse’s profile
• Correct errors in your profile

These steps are essential for adding 30-80 points to your CRS within weeks.

Final Takeaway

Getting through the Express Entry pool can be challenging, but all you need to overcome the challenges is strategic planning. Many candidates are stuck in the pool, not because they lack qualifications, but because they do not know how to improve their profile.

If you’ve made up your mind to move to Toronto, improving your CRS score is how you can achieve your dream.

All you need is a focused plan, professional guidance, and smart moves to ensure that you receive an ITA. Let us help you improve your CRS score and get lucky in the Express Entry draws. Book your consultation at Immigrationway today.

FAQs

1. What should be my CRS score to be eligible for Express Entry in Toronto?
   A CRS score above 500 is typically considered great to match or exceed the draw cut-offs. However, if you are just a few numbers away from the cut-off, you may consider improving your language scores, spouse factors, or credentials.
2. Will an improvement in my IELTS score help me get a better CRS score?
   Yes. You earn skill transferability points if you earn a CLB 9 from CLB 8. This adds 50 or more CRS points in addition to your education credentials and work experience.
3. Will my CRS score improve if I apply with my spouse?
   Absolutely. The language test results, education credentials, and Canadian work experience (if any) of your spouse can provide additional points, anywhere between 10 and 20 points, in your profile.
4. Will my French language skills really add credibility to my Express Entry profile?
   Even having basic French language skills can bring you additional CRS points and boost your eligibility for Express Entry draws. You get a strategic advantage in the competitive talent pool.
5. What are the common mistakes that can affect the CRS scores in my profile?
   Mismatch in your work dates, incorrect NOC codes, missing educational details, and unclaimed sibling points are some of the most common errors that can reduce your CRS scores. Having a professional review your profile can help restore your lost points.
6. Should I focus on Provincial Nominee Programs instead?
   You can consider Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) as the extra push in improving your Express Entry profile. You get an additional 600 CRS points on a provincial nomination, which can be your chance to receive an ITA.