Boost Your Express Entry CRS with Better Language Scores
How Language Proficiency Can Boost Your Express Entry CRS Score
If you’re planning to apply for Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry, your language test score is more than just a formality — it’s a powerful tool that can make or break your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Whether you’re fluent in English, French, or both, sharpening your language skills could be the boost your application needs.
Key Highlights
- You can earn up to 310 CRS points from language proficiency alone as a single applicant.
- Improving your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level can significantly increase your Express Entry score.
- Retaking your language test is allowed — and encouraged — if your score improves.
- High French proficiency opens up eligibility for special category-based draws with lower CRS cut-offs.
- Even a one-level jump in CLB can make you much more competitive in the pool.
- Daily practice, real-world usage, and test prep resources are key to improving your score.
Why Language Scores Matter in Express Entry
Language proficiency plays a major role in Canada’s Express Entry system. It’s one of the few areas where you can actually influence your CRS score relatively quickly. For solo applicants, up to 310 points can be earned through language-related categories:
| Section of CRS | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Core Human Capital | 160 |
| Skill Transferability | 100 (50 + 50) |
| Additional Points – French | 50 |
That’s a huge portion of your CRS score, and it means that language proficiency is one of the most effective areas to focus on if you want to boost your ranking and get noticed.
Real World Example: How a Language Score Changed Amy’s Future
Let’s take a look at a real-life example to see how powerful this can be. Amy, a 30-year-old applicant with a bachelor’s degree from a Canadian university, had a CRS score of 515. Despite her strong qualifications, that just wasn’t enough to meet the recent Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw cut-offs, which were 527, 521, and 547.
After dedicating a few months to studying, Amy retook her English language test and moved from CLB 8 to CLB 9. That improvement raised her CRS score to 559 — well above the cut-off scores — and made her eligible for an ITA in the next draw.
Here’s a breakdown of how her score changed:
| Factor | CLB 8 | CLB 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 105 | 105 |
| Education | 120 | 120 |
| Language Proficiency | 92 | 124 |
| Canadian Work Experience | 80 | 80 |
| Skill Transferability (Language + Education) | 13 | 25 |
| Other Transferability Factors | 105 | 105 |
| Canadian Education Bonus | 30 | 30 |
| Total CRS Points | 515 | 559 |
That’s a 44-point increase from just one CLB level improvement — a game-changer for Amy. This example shows that even a modest upgrade in test performance can open the door to Canadian permanent residency.
Tips to Improve Your Language Test Score
Ready to bump up your test scores and give your Express Entry profile a lift? Here are some practical tips to help you get there:
1. Make Language Practice a Daily Habit
Consistency is key. Try to carve out a small block of time each day to study. Whether it’s reading news articles, watching movies with subtitles, or working on grammar exercises, regular exposure helps cement new knowledge. Reward yourself for sticking to your routine — even small wins deserve a pat on the back!
2. Immerse Yourself in the Language
If you’re learning French, consider joining an immersion program or language exchange. Surrounding yourself with native speakers can rapidly improve your fluency. The same goes for English — the more you hear, speak, and think in the language, the more natural it becomes.
3. Practice in the Real World
Flashcards and apps are great, but nothing beats real conversations. Join an English or French conversation group, volunteer in a bilingual environment, or even start a book club. Real-world use helps you gain confidence and develop a more natural speaking style.
4. Take Practice Tests
Mock exams are your secret weapon. They don’t just help you get familiar with the test format — they also train your brain to stay calm during the real thing. Many people perform better after a few trial runs because they know what to expect and can manage test-day nerves more effectively.
5. Use Free Prep Resources
There’s no need to break the bank on test prep. Many testing organizations offer free sample tests, study guides, and even video tutorials to walk you through the process. These resources can give you a clear idea of what to expect and how to focus your study efforts.
Check out our free language prep resources to help you study smarter, not harder.
Final Thoughts: Language Skills Give You an Edge
Whether you’re aiming to improve your English or French proficiency, investing time in language learning can pay off in a big way when it comes to Canada’s Express Entry system. As we saw with Amy, even a small jump in test scores can lead to an enormous difference in your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency.
So, if you’re not quite at the level you’d like to be — don’t worry. You’re not out of chances. Keep learning, keep practicing, and consider retaking your test when you feel ready. The improvements you make today could be the reason you call Canada home tomorrow.
Looking to boost your language score and stand out in the Express Entry pool? Explore more immigration tips and get started on your journey today.
