Tips to calculate your CRS score - Federal Skilled worker - Canada express entry program

The express entry CRS score i.e. points for Canadian immigration is ultimately the basis on which you will get an invite. A lot of people ask me if they would get an invite based on their profession. But remember that there are a lot of factors on the basis of which your score is calculated. The IRCC page details the minimum requirements for the "Federal Skilled worker" express entry programs. The detail requirements are listed here. 

What are the various factors on which the points are calculated? 

In order to improve your CRS score i.e. points, you should understand the various factors involved.

1. Skilled work experience - 
• You could have worked multiple job roles. For instance you could have started off as a software developer and worked your way to manager. You can show both since it is skilled experience. Only thing to keep in mind is that the primary NOC code that you applied for should be a good part of your experience, preferably the current job. 
• You should have at least one year of skilled experience to be able to apply.
• Work experience beyond 6 years secures 15 points.
2. Age - You get points for age until you are 46. This is a huge factor. You get more points if you are younger.                        
3. Language tests - Refer to the Cic link  for details. This will help you decide if you want to retake the test. Each part of the test has certain weightage. 
4. Education requirements - Post graduate degrees have more weightage. 
5. Arranged employment in Canada - If you are able to secure a job then you get maximum 10 additional points for that too.                                                         
6. Adaptability factors like having immediate family in Canada would secure an additional points.
7. When applying as a family, your spouse's profile helps to add more points. However, it isn't a lot. For instance, if your CRS score is say 450 then out of that only 40-50 points can be attributed to the spouse (even if their profile is the same as yours).

How can I improve my score?

1. Due to all the above factors, we highly recommend to try the tool twice i.e. once with you as primary and the next time have your spouse as primary. See how your score differs. 
2. Huge caveat - The free tool will not give you the same score as the actual one in the profile. However,  before you submit your profile, it will show your score at all times.
3. If your language score i.e.IELTS or Celpip score is not good, please work on it.  Now all things considered and with a higher score determine what your points come to. If that makes a difference then retry and aim for the same. If it doesn't then try other avenues!
4. If you know French, give the French test. You can get additional points for the same. This can be handy if applying as a single applicant. 
5. For candidates, who are still falling short of points, consider working in Canada for a year. Canadian immigration values local experience in the last 3 years. 
6. If you have post-secondary education in Canada then you get additional points. You would lose 1 point per person in 1 year but gain points for Canadian experience or education.  You could qualify for the CEC program too.
7. If you worked in Canada for a year in a province for a skilled NOC,  you are likely to qualify for a provincial nomination. Each of the provinces have their rules. Ontario is competitive but immigration thru other provinces like Nova Scotia (also known as Atlantic immigration) might be easier.  PNP nomination can get you almost 600 points! Need patience but totally worth it!

What is Post-ITA impact on my score?

After you have got the invite, your score should remain the same. If your score includes job offer or PNP nomination then you should be cautioned.

1) Will my score decrease if I have a birthday post-ITA and before document submission? - No! After you have ITA, your score won't decrease because of only your birthday.

2) What if my job offer or PNP nomination is revoked? - You would have to recalculate your score and inform IRCC using the web form. Since you would have to recalculate your score, age would again be a factor here. It would likely decrease even more. 

Conclusion - 1) If you want to decide who should be primary i.e. you or your spouse, calculate the score with both scenarios and decide. 2) If you want to decide if you want to retake your language test, then calculate your score and check if it is really impactful. 3)There are draws every 15 days. Compare your score with those and decide if you need to retake language tests. The tests are expensive and if it isn't going to add value, you can skip it. 4) Post-ITA, keep an eye on your score if you have claimed points for PNP nomination or job offer.

Hope this helps you take thoughtful decisions and get optimal points for your Canadian immigration thru Express entry!

Next steps -
1. Calculated your score? - Here are tips to submitting your expression of interest application!

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