Boost Your CRS Score: Study in Canada for Express Entry

How Going Back to School Can Boost Your CRS Score for Express Entry

If you’re an Express Entry candidate with a college certificate or bachelor’s degree but your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score isn’t quite high enough to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), don’t worry—you’re not out of options. One strategic pathway to improve your score is going back to school to add another credential to your profile.

Whether you pursue a second diploma, a master’s degree, or any other recognized post-secondary program, the CRS boost can be significant—sometimes up to 50 points or more. And with Express Entry draws becoming increasingly competitive, every point counts.

Key Highlights

• Adding a new educational credential can increase your CRS score by up to 50 points.
• Even a diploma at the same or lower level than your current credential may improve your profile.
• Canadian education credentials can earn you up to 30 bonus CRS points.
• Your age may affect your CRS, so timing your return to school is important.
• Canadian study can open doors to additional immigration pathways like Provincial Nominee Programs.
• Be aware of limitations like PGWP eligibility and restricted work hours as an international student.

Why Going Back to School for Immigration Makes Sense

Before we dive into specific examples, let’s look at a few important points to keep in mind if you’re thinking about returning to school to improve your Express Entry profile.

Your Age Affects Your CRS Score

The CRS gives maximum age points to candidates aged 20 to 29. After that, the score gradually declines each year until no points are awarded after age 45. So, if you’re nearing 30 or older, consider how time spent in school might impact your age points when you update your profile later.

You Can Only Get One PGWP

Many international students rely on the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain Canadian work experience after their studies. But here’s the catch: you can only get a PGWP once. If you’ve already received one after a previous program, you won’t be eligible for another, even if you return to school in Canada.

Work Hour Limits for Students

While studying full-time in Canada, international students can typically work up to 24 hours per week off campus during the semester. That limit is lifted during breaks, but still, you’ll want to plan your finances accordingly—especially since work done as a full-time student doesn’t count toward CRS points.

How Much Can Another Credential Boost My CRS?

CRS points for education are awarded in two key areas:

• Core/human capital: Based on your level of education alone.
• Skill transferability: Combines your education and language abilities.

On top of that, if you complete a Canadian post-secondary credential, you could earn 15 to 30 additional CRS points—a bonus that can make a big difference.

Scenario 1: Adding a One-Year Canadian Diploma to Your Canadian Bachelor’s

How It Works

If you already have a Canadian bachelor’s degree (three years or longer), adding a one-year diploma can move you into the “two or more credentials” category. This bump alone adds 8 core education points. If your language proficiency is CLB 9 or higher, you’ll also receive a larger skill transferability bonus. Altogether, you could gain an extra 33 CRS points.

Example: Sam’s Story

Sam, 30, has a four-year Canadian bachelor’s degree in business. With CLB 9 English, three years of foreign skilled work experience, and one year of Canadian work experience, his CRS is 494. By enrolling in a one-year project management diploma at a designated learning institution (DLI), Sam increases his education-related CRS from 175 to 208. Even though he loses 6 points due to age (he turns 31), his overall score jumps to 521—a solid improvement!

Note: Sam has already used his PGWP, so he won’t be eligible for another.

Scenario 2: Adding a Master’s Degree to Your Canadian Bachelor’s

How It Works

Upgrading from a bachelor’s to a master’s can give you around 40 extra CRS points. You gain 15 points for moving into the “master’s degree” category and an additional 25 points if your language level is CLB 9 or higher.

Example: Aisha’s Journey

Aisha, 26, has a Canadian bachelor’s in computer science and CLB 9 English. With three years of skilled foreign work experience, her CRS is 459. She then completes a two-year master’s program and updates her profile at age 28. Her score jumps to 499, thanks to the education boost. Since she never used a PGWP, she’s eligible to apply for one now and gain valuable Canadian work experience to strengthen her profile even more.

Scenario 3: Adding a Two-Year Diploma to a Foreign Bachelor’s

How It Works

If your bachelor’s degree is from outside Canada and recognized through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), adding a two-year Canadian diploma can significantly improve your CRS. You could gain:

• 8 core education points
• 25 skill transferability points (doubling your previous 25)
• 15 Canadian education points

That brings your total CRS increase to around 48 points.

Example: Diego’s Plan

Diego, 30, has a foreign bachelor’s in software engineering and CLB 9 English. His CRS is 424. After coming to Canada and completing a two-year construction management diploma, his education-specific CRS goes from 145 to 193. At age 32, he loses 11 age points but still sees his total CRS increase to 461—a net gain of 37 points. Plus, he’s now eligible for a PGWP, which opens the door to Canadian work experience and even more CRS points.

Why Canadian Education Gives You an Edge

While both Canadian and foreign education count toward CRS, Canadian credentials offer extra advantages. Here’s why:

• Bonus points: Up to 30 extra CRS points for Canadian education.
• Work permit eligibility: New Canadian graduates can get a PGWP (if they haven’t already).
• Access to more immigration streams: Canadian study can help you qualify for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), including the Manitoba PNP.

In short, studying in Canada can do more than improve your CRS—it can unlock entirely new pathways to permanent residency.

Final Thoughts: Is Going Back to School Worth It?

If your CRS is hovering below the draw cut-offs, adding another educational credential—especially one earned in Canada—can be a game-changer. Whether you’re looking to boost your score by 30, 40, or even 50 points, the right study program could make the difference between waiting indefinitely and receiving that long-awaited ITA.

Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Consider your age, finances, work limitations, and PGWP eligibility. Then map out a strategy that aligns with your goals and timeline.

Ready to explore your options? Use our free tool to see how your profile stacks up and what steps you can take to improve your CRS.

Still have questions about improving your Express Entry profile? Check out our guides on Canadian education credentials and work experience rules for more helpful insights.