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5 min read
There are various ways to boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, from getting your degree certified by a Canadian authority to filling in information about any family members in Canada, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. However, one of the best ways to boost your CRS score is through language.
One of the most important qualifiers for the Express Entry immigration system is a sufficient language level.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the authoritative body that decides who gets to work, study, and immigrate to Canada. They place great importance on foreigners being able to speak and understand one of Canada's national languages: English and French.
Having a basic knowledge of one of these languages will benefit foreign workers, students and immigrants in integrating into the Canadian environment.
Here is how to boost your CRS score using Canadian language tests
Step 1: Understand the Relationship Between CRS and Language Test Scores
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used by Canada to rank skilled worker candidates who want to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry. The CRS assigns you a score based on factors such as age, education, language skills, and work experience.
Canada uses the CRS system to pick the best candidates to welcome into the country. It ensures that those who are given Invitations to Apply (ITAs) can contribute to Canada's economy in a positive and meaningful manner. There is a limit to the number of points you can get in a specific category. For example, the maximum amount of points you can get for language is 136, and the total amount of CRS score you can receive is 1200.
There are three sections of the CRS:
- Core Human Capital Factors
- Skill Transferability Factors
- Additional Factors
Core Human Capital Factors
This cluster looks at your age, level of education and language ability. You must take a language test recognized by the Canadian authorities to prove your language ability. The two most common Canadian language tests that can be taken in English are the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) which you can do IELTS Preparation course to assist. For French, you can take the Test d'évaluation de français (TEF).
Canadian Language Tests
The language tests will examine you on four different skills:
- Speaking
- Writing
- Reading
- Listening
You will receive scores for these skills, which can be transferable to a standardized Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) System. Once converted to a CLB score, you will receive CRS points accordingly. The table below explains what CRS scores you can expect based on your CLB points
| CRS Scores Based on CLB Points | |
|---|---|
| CLB Point | CRS Score |
| CLB 3 or lower | 0 |
| CLB 4 | 6 |
| CLB 5 | 6 |
| CLB 6 | 9 |
| CLB 7 | 17 |
| CLB 8 | 23 |
| CLB 9 | 31 |
| CLB 10 or more | 34 |
In addition to the points gained for level improvements, achieving a CLB 9 in each skill ability results in a point increase under the skills transferability factors (the same jump depends on your education and work experience). One small step in your language ability equals one giant leap in your CRS score.
Step 2: Do the Preparation Work
You can boost your chances of getting a better CRS score by getting good scores on your language test. That requires good preparation. There are various ways you can study for this important test. You can watch Youtube videos, look up old tests and learn how to answer the questions. The best way to prepare is by doing a course that teaches you how to get the maximum amount of points. The IELTS preparation course is a great option to get better CRS scores.
Here are seven quick pointers to help you prepare for the IELTS
- Take a practice exam.
- Understand the format of the test.
- Keep in mind the time constraints of the exam.
- Improve your English skills and IELTS strategies.
- When listening to English, you can multitask.
- Develop a diverse set of reading skills
- When writing, use appropriate and assertive English terms.
Step 3: Take The French Test
Learning basic conversation french and taking the TEF exam can boost your CRS scores. You can take it as a secondary language test. The table below tells you how many extra points you can gain based on the CLB conversion results. The maximum number of points you can get is 34 here
| CRS Scores Based on CLB Points | |
|---|---|
| CLB Point | CRS Score |
| CLB 4 or lower | 0 |
| CLB 5 or 6 | 1 |
| CLB 7 or 8 | 3 |
| CLB 9 or more | 6 |
Under the CRS, you can earn points for both English and French. If you are fluent in both languages, take an approved language test in English and French to ensure you get as many points as possible. Furthermore, bilingual candidates receive bonus points, and specific PNP streams are only open to French speakers. Don't pass up this opportunity if you can communicate in both English and French.
Step 4: Retake The Language Test
To meet certain requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP), you need to get certain points. For example, you must get a minimum of 7 in all four skills to apply for the FSWP. You can try again if you don't meet this language requirement the first time.
Retake the language exam with more preparation and study. There are no restrictions on the number of times you can take the IELTS exam. You can retake the IELTS as soon as you believe you are ready. It would help if you were prepared to retake the exam once you re-evaluated yourself and understand the strategy you must employ to get the maximum points. If you didn't do a preparation course before, starting one this time around will be a good idea.
If you haven't maximized your approved language test scores, this option may be the deciding factor in obtaining a competitive CRS score.
Language ability can earn you up to 260 CRS points or a couple up to 270 points. Language ability is not only the most valued human capital factor in the Comprehensive Ranking System, but it is also a factor where minor improvements can make a big difference.
Step 5: Have Your Spouse Take The Test
If you're planning to move with your spouse, their points can positively affect your application (and vice versa). For example, your points will go up if your spouse has a qualification, degree or trade. Additionally, if your spouse takes a language test, you can get more points if they do well in their language results. The reason for this is that Canada encourages couples moving together, with support, migrants are sure to adjust to the language and culture of the country.
Moving to Canada
Now that you understand how to boost your CRS score using Canadian language tests, you can calculate your CRS score with these considerations in mind. Get an eligibility test to determine if you qualify for Express Entry with your current points or if you need to take one of these steps to get higher scores.
Learning a new language can be scary, and even native English speakers need assistance in how to take the exam. That's why our IELTS Preparation course is so important. Contact us today for more information.
FAQs
Can I Move to Canada Without an IELTS?
While there are some specific ways to move to Canada without an IELTS, for the most part, you can’t. Check this video out below for more information.
Are There Other Ways to Improve My CRS scores?
Yes! There are many ways to improve your CRS score, including staying up to date with the latest news, getting your qualification certified by Canada and more. Here is a video on how to Improve Your CRS Score and Get Express Entry to Canada in 5 Easy Steps
