Canadian Immigration Boost: Master’s Degree Raises CRS Score

How a Canadian Master’s Degree Can Boost Your Express Entry CRS Score

If you’re dreaming of making Canada your permanent home but your Express Entry CRS score isn’t quite where it needs to be, a Canadian master’s degree could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. Not only can it give your profile a serious boost, but it also opens doors to Canadian work experience and eligibility for popular immigration pathways like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Let’s explore how studying in Canada at the graduate level can help raise your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Key Highlights

• A Canadian master’s degree can boost your CRS score by up to 45 points as a sole applicant.
• Graduates are eligible for a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
• Canadian work experience gained post-graduation can add even more CRS points.
• Master’s degree holders benefit from both core and additional CRS points.
• Funding options may be available to help offset the cost of tuition for international students.
• Combining education and local experience makes applicants eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream.

Why a Canadian Master’s Degree Matters for Immigration

Canada’s Express Entry system ranks immigration candidates based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points for factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability. The higher your score, the more likely you are to be invited to apply for permanent residence.

Here’s where a Canadian master’s degree really shines. For education alone, a master’s degree earns you up to 135 points under the core CRS factors. And if that degree is from a Canadian institution, you receive an additional 30 bonus points under the “Additional Points” category. That’s a potential 165 points just for your education!

When you add in the potential for Canadian work experience — made possible by the three-year PGWP you’ll qualify for after graduation — your score can climb even higher.

Real-Life Example: How a Master’s Degree Changed Anna’s Immigration Journey

To put all this into perspective, let’s look at the story of Anna, a young professional from India who wanted to immigrate to Canada.

Anna’s Background

• Age: 24
• Occupation: Project Manager
• Education: Bachelor’s degree from India
• Work Experience: 2 years in her home country
• Language Ability: CLB 10 (excellent English)

Despite her impressive background, Anna’s CRS score was only 416 — too low for most Express Entry draws, where the cut-off ranged between 515 and 547 for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants in 2025.

Instead of giving up, Anna applied to a one-year master’s program at the University of Toronto. After completing her degree, she received a three-year PGWP and gained one year of valuable Canadian work experience. With these additions, her score jumped to 539.

CRS Score Comparison: Before and After Her Master’s

Thanks to her higher score, Anna would have qualified for 13 out of 15 CEC draws in 2025. That’s a remarkable transformation — and it all started with a Canadian master’s degree.

What If You Already Have Canadian Experience?

It’s true that not every applicant may experience the same bump in CRS points as Anna. If you’ve already studied or worked in Canada, your increase might be smaller. But even then, moving from a foreign bachelor’s to a Canadian master’s earns you an extra 45 CRS points as a sole applicant. If you’re upgrading from a Canadian bachelor’s to a Canadian master’s, you can still net 30 extra points.

These little boosts can make a big difference in a competitive system where every point counts.

Cost Considerations and Funding Opportunities

Worried about the cost of a master’s program in Canada? Don’t be discouraged just yet. Some Canadian universities offer generous funding packages, especially for academic or research-based master’s programs. In some cases, international students receive enough funding to cover tuition — and sometimes even living expenses.

It’s worth exploring your options and applying to programs that align with your budget and goals. A little research can go a long way.

Other Immigration Pathways Enhanced by a Master’s

While Express Entry is the most popular federal immigration system, other programs also value Canadian education and experience. For example, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) offers points for study in Manitoba and Canadian work experience — both of which a master’s program can help you achieve.

So whether you’re aiming for Express Entry or exploring provincial nominee programs, a Canadian master’s degree can give you a strong edge.

Final Thoughts: Should You Consider a Master’s in Canada?

If your CRS score isn’t quite high enough for an ITA, pursuing a master’s degree in Canada might be your golden ticket. It’s an investment — in both time and money — but the long-term benefits can be well worth it. You’ll gain Canadian credentials, work experience, and a significantly stronger immigration profile.

Plus, you’ll get to live, study, and work in one of the most welcoming countries in the world. Not a bad way to start your Canadian journey, eh?

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Curious about where you stand? Use our handy tool to check your eligibility and get your estimated CRS score today.

Check Your CRS Score Now

And if you’re considering studying in Canada, don’t forget to explore funding opportunities and apply early to increase your chances of success.