If you've built an Express Entry profile and you're waiting for an invitation (ITA), there's probably one number on your mind: your CRS score. That's the score that decides whether you land above or below the cut-off line in each draw. The good news is that CRS isn't fixed — with a few well-planned moves you really can push it up. This is general information only, not personal legal or immigration advice; for your own case, consult a licensed consultant (RCIC) or an immigration lawyer.
First, see where your score comes from
The CRS system scores you out of 1200 and has four parts:
- Core human capital factors (age, education, language, Canadian work experience)
- Spouse factors (if your spouse is immigrating with you)
- Skill transferability (the combination of language + education + work experience)
- Additional points (up to 600 points; the biggest is a provincial nomination)
An important, up-to-date note: as of March 25, 2025, IRCC removed the points for a job offer (arranged employment). That means those 50 or 200 job-offer points no longer exist, and they stay removed through the middle of 2026. So if your plan was to earn points with a job offer, you'll need to change course.
The biggest levers: start here
1) Take language seriously (the highest payoff)
Your language score is the one factor that gives direct points on its own and is also counted again under "skill transferability." That means one band higher on IELTS or CELPIP can shift dozens of points.
- Your target should be CLB 9 in all four skills; that's where the points jump.
- If one skill (usually writing or speaking) is lagging, work on just that one and retake the test.
- The test isn't cheap, but a few extra points are worth it.
2) Learn French (the big hidden points)
If you also become proficient in French, you earn between 25 and 50 extra points. More importantly, there are "category-based" draws just for French speakers, and their cut-off is usually much lower. Learning French means reaching a TEF/TCF level, but for many Farsi-speakers this one decision has changed the game.
3) Get your education fully assessed
Assess every credential you have through an ECA (an assessment of a foreign credential). If you hold a higher credential you haven't submitted yet, or if you can earn a second one (say a second diploma or a higher degree), your education points and "transferability" go up.
Medium-term moves that really work
Provincial nomination (PNP) — the heaviest trump card
A provincial nomination gives you 600 points — in practice, an almost guaranteed invitation. Many provinces have streams tied to Express Entry, and some are looking for specific skills or for people who've shown interest in that province. If your score is stuck below the cut-off in the general draws, the most serious thing you can do is put your profile in front of different provinces and read the requirements of their streams.
Canadian work experience
Work experience inside Canada both gives direct points and is counted again under "skill transferability." If you're in Canada on a work permit, each year of skilled work (TEER 0 to 3) raises your score. Even one full year makes a noticeable difference.
Don't forget age
After age 29, your age points slowly decline. So don't wait — if you're in a position to, strengthen your profile sooner and get invited before the age drop hits.
If you have a spouse, factor this in
Sometimes it's better to make the spouse with the higher language and education scores the "principal applicant." The system scores the principal applicant and the spouse separately; just swapping the roles can make a difference of dozens of points. Before you submit, try both setups in the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does a job offer still give points?
No. Since March 25, 2025, job-offer points (whether with or without an LMIA) have been removed, and they remain gone through mid-2026. IRCC has said this is a temporary decision but hasn't announced a date for its return.
What's the fastest way to raise your CRS?
Usually improving your language score, because it gives direct points and is also counted again in the skill-transferability section. After that, French and a provincial nomination.
How much does having a sibling in Canada help?
If your sibling is a citizen or permanent resident (PR) living in Canada, is 18 or older, and shares at least one parent with you, you get 15 points.
How often are draws held?
IRCC usually runs a round of invitations every few weeks, and the score cut-off differs each time. That's why it's worth keeping your profile up to date and strong at all times.
Your next step
Before any decision, see exactly where you stand right now. With our free CRS calculator at canadafarsi.com/#calculator, work out your score in a few minutes and try different scenarios (higher language, French, swapping the spouse role) to see which move pays off the most.
And if you don't want to miss changes to immigration rules and draw cut-offs, join our free weekly newsletter — simple, in Farsi, and made for Farsi-speakers in Canada.
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