How to Increase Your CRS Score and Improve Your Chances for PR (2025 Edition)

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is at the heart of Canada’s Express Entry program. It determines your rank in the pool of candidates and ultimately whether you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

If you’ve created an Express Entry profile but your CRS score isn’t quite where you want it to be, don’t worry — there are many ways to improve it. This guide explains how you can strengthen your profile and increase your chances of being selected for Canadian permanent residency in 2025.

  1. Improve Your Language Test Scores

Language proficiency is one of the most influential factors in your CRS score. Even small improvements in your test results can make a big difference.

Approved tests include:

  • IELTS General Training (English)
  • CELPIP General (English)
  • PTE Core (English)
  • TEF Canada (French)
  • TCF Canada (French)

If your results are below CLB 9 (Canadian Language Benchmark), consider retaking your test. Achieving higher scores in listening, speaking, reading, or writing can substantially raise your overall CRS score.

  1. Learn or Improve French

Bilingual applicants have a major advantage under Express Entry. If you already speak English, adding French proficiency can earn you additional points — and even open doors to category-based draws focused on French-speaking candidates.

You don’t need to be fluent to benefit. Even intermediate-level French (CLB 5 and above) can add valuable points and increase your competitiveness in 2025.

  1. Pursue a Higher Level of Education

Your education plays a significant role in your CRS ranking. Completing an additional diploma, postgraduate certificate, or master’s degree can increase your points for both education and skill transferability.

If you already have multiple degrees, make sure all are included and properly assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) by a recognized organization such as WES, IQAS, ICES, CES, or ICAS.

  1. Gain More Skilled Work Experience

Work experience adds value — especially if it’s in a skilled occupation classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
You can improve your CRS score by:

  • Gaining additional full-time experience before applying.
  • Demonstrating consistent employment in your field.
  • Updating your Express Entry profile as soon as you reach new experience milestones.

If you’re already in Canada on a work permit, continuing to work legally can enhance both your CRS score and your eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream.

  1. Secure a Provincial Nomination (PNP)

A nomination from a Canadian province or territory adds 600 points to your CRS score — almost guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw.

Each province has its own eligibility criteria and priorities.

You can explore:

  • BC PNP (British Columbia)
  • OINP (Ontario)
  • AINP (Alberta)
  • SINP (Saskatchewan)
  • NSNP (Nova Scotia)
Work experience adds value — especially if it’s in a skilled occupation
  1. Add a Spouse or Common-Law Partner

If you’re married or in a common-law relationship, you can choose whether to apply as a principal applicant or with your spouse included.
Sometimes, your spouse’s higher education or stronger language test results can contribute extra CRS points when entered correctly in the profile.

  1. Keep Your Profile Updated

Express Entry is dynamic — your CRS score can change anytime.
Always update your profile when you:

  • Complete a new qualification.
  • Gain more work experience.
  • Improve your language score.
  • Change marital status.

An updated profile ensures you’re always ranked accurately in upcoming draws.

  1. Apply Under Category-Based Draws

Since 2023, IRCC has introduced category-based draws targeting specific occupations and language groups. In 2025, these include:

  • French-language proficiency
  • Healthcare occupations
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) occupations
  • Trade occupations (cooks, welders, electricians, carpenters, etc.)
  • Transport occupations

Agriculture and Agri-food occupations

If you qualify under one of these areas, your chances of receiving an invitation increase significantly.

Need Professional Help?

Boosting your CRS score can be challenging — but the right strategy makes all the difference.
You can get tailored advice from a licensed immigration professional to identify the most effective steps for your profile.

Visit our Contact Us page to connect with our team for a personalized CRS improvement consultation.

Final Thoughts

“Improving your CRS score isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy.
Focusing on language skills, education, experience, and provincial opportunities can help you reach your immigration goals faster.

For professional guidance on improving your CRS score and applying for PR, contact Landscape Immigration Solutions today.

Our team will help you identify the best route to maximize your profile and achieve your dream of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

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