Top Ways to Raise Your CRS Score for Express Entry 2025

Top Ways to Boost Your CRS Score for Express Entry in 2025

If you’re dreaming of becoming a permanent resident in Canada through Express Entry, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score. With Express Entry draws becoming increasingly competitive — especially throughout 2025, with cut-off scores ranging from 518 to 547 for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — even a small boost in your score can make all the difference.

In this article, we’re walking through the top ways you can increase your CRS score and improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. We’ll break down each factor you can control and give you practical tips that could bump your score by 50 points or more.

Key Highlights

• Improving your language test results can add up to 82 CRS points
• Upgrading your education can lead to 90+ additional points
• One year of Canadian work experience can provide a 90-point jump
• Skill transferability factors can contribute up to 100 extra points
• Canadian education and French proficiency offer valuable bonus points
• Every single upgrade can significantly impact your place in the Express Entry pool

Why Every Point Matters in Express Entry

If you’re anywhere near the cut-off threshold, increasing your CRS score by even a few points can mean the difference between getting that golden ITA or staying in the pool. The good news? There are several factors within your control that can bring your score up significantly — and we’re here to walk you through them.

1. Language Proficiency: Your Biggest Booster

Language ability is often the fastest and most impactful way to improve your CRS score. A single jump in your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level across all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) can boost your score by up to 82 points.

For example, moving from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in your first official language gives you:

• 32 points under core human capital
• Up to 50 points under skill transferability (25 each for education and foreign work experience)

If your current language scores are below CLB 9, it’s definitely worth investing time in improving them. Even one level up can be a game-changer.

2. Education: Invest in Your Future

Education is another major contributor to your CRS score. You can earn up to 150 points under core human capital for your educational background, plus an additional 50 points under skill transferability.

Key ways to increase your score through education include:

• 60-point boost for upgrading from secondary to a post-secondary credential
• 30-point boost for going from a one-year post-secondary credential to a three-year credential or bachelor’s degree

If you already have a post-secondary credential, adding a second diploma or degree (especially if one is three years or longer) can earn you up to 50 more points under skill transferability.

To count your foreign education, you’ll need to complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

3. Canadian Work Experience: One Year Can Make a Huge Difference

Gaining work experience in Canada is a huge advantage. It’s worth up to 80 points under core human capital and another 50 points under skill transferability.

The biggest jump comes when you hit the one-year experience mark, which gives you:

• 40 points more than having less than a year
• Up to 50 points under skill transferability (25 for education, 25 for foreign work experience)

Plus, one year of Canadian work experience is required to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class program — one of the key streams under Express Entry.

4. Skill Transferability: A Hidden Gem

This often-overlooked section can contribute up to 100 points to your CRS score. It rewards a strong combination of education, foreign work experience, and language skills.

To maximize this category, most candidates need to:

• Have foreign work experience paired with strong language proficiency (usually CLB 9+)
• Hold a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade (if foreign work experience is lacking)

Even if you can’t max out this section, trying to increase your language score or gaining foreign experience can help you get closer.

5. Canadian Post-Secondary Education: Bonus Points on Top

If you’ve studied in Canada, good news — you can earn up to 30 additional CRS points on top of your base score.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• 15 points for a credential of at least one year
• 30 points for a credential of three years or longer

These points are considered “additional,” meaning they’re stacked on top of your core and skill transferability scores. If you’re considering further education, studying in Canada might be your best bet for long-term immigration success.

6. French Language Proficiency: A Powerful Bonus

If you’re bilingual, your French skills can earn you up to 50 additional points — again, on top of all other CRS sections.

To qualify for the full bonus, you’ll need:

• NCLC 7 or higher in all four French language abilities
• At least CLB 5 in all English language abilities

French isn’t for everyone, but if you already speak it (or are interested in learning), it can give you a real edge — especially for programs like Manitoba PNP, which value bilingual candidates.

Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Gains

When it comes to Express Entry, every point counts — and the competition in 2025 is fierce. Whether you’re improving your language test results, investing in education, or gaining Canadian work experience, each step you take could bring you that much closer to receiving an ITA.

Not sure where to start? Use our CRS calculator to see where you stand and identify the areas that could give you the biggest boost.

Ready to take action? Use the CanadaVisa+ CRS Planner to map out your next steps and optimize your chances of success.

Explore more tips on boosting your Express Entry profile or contact us for personalized guidance!