5 Ways To Improve Your CRS Score For A Better Shot At Canada's Express Entry Draw

Improve your English language skills 

Possibly the easiest way to improve your score, albeit a slightly more expensive option, is to improve your English language skills on paper, Rodriguez says.

For this, you'd have to retake your English language test (like the IELTS) and get a higher score which can instantly boost your points.

"There are free YouTube videos that you can watch and practice tests you can take to help you with that," adds Rodriguez.

Learn French

If you're pretty proficient in English and have already maxed the points you can get there, another route to take would be to learn another language – specifically, French.

"Once you learn French, not only will you get more points on your CRS score, [but] French opens many other possibilities when it comes to immigration," says Rodriguez.

As he points out, it does more than just boost your Express Entry profile.

It can also improve other aspects of your life in Canada, from job prospects, to meeting and communicating with new people.

Applying directly to provinces

If you're not set on going to a specific province or region of Canada, applying directly to specific areas is another way to go.

"When you create an express entry profile, you can show interest in being nominated for one or all provinces. However, you can also apply directly to provinces and ask for that nomination," Rodriguez says.

"Be proactive and approach it from both angles," he advises.

Securing a provincial nomination gives your profile more express entry points, and the chances of getting an invitation are then higher.

"So, scan all province's immigration programs, see which program is a better fit for you, and apply to that program. It is time-consuming, but can lead to more points and an eventual invitation."

Get more work experience

This is a great one, whether you're inside Canada already or not.

"If you are on a work permit, you can get more work experience. As time goes by, and you're in the pool as a candidate, your work experience will be only increasing."

This can help you as more work experience equals more points.

Consider further education

If you are looking to upskill while also increasing your chances of becoming a Canadian permanent resident, it might be time to think about your degrees.

"If you got a bachelor's degree back home and a master's degree in Canada, ensure you get that degree from another country assessed against Canadian education standards," says Rodriguez.

There are organizations, like World Education Services, that do exactly that.

"Or, even better, you can pursue a second degree or accreditation in Canada. More education whether it's in Canada or outside of Canada can potentially lead to more points," he adds.