How to increase your CRS score
A better result on a test you have already taken, or French at NCLC 7 in all four skills, can add tens of points. Here is what each change is worth on IRCC's grid.
| Maximum score | 1,200 points |
|---|---|
| Core and spouse factors | Up to 500 |
| Skill transferability | Up to 100 |
| Additional points | Up to 600, including a provincial nomination |
| Job offer | No points since 25 March 2025 |
Start with language
Your first official language is scored per skill. Going from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in one skill adds 8 points if you apply alone. CLB 9 in all four can also raise transferability points: with a bachelor's degree and one or two years of work abroad, each of those two parts goes from 13 to 25.
- First official language, CLB 7 to 8 in one skill: +6 points, alone or with a spouse
- First official language, CLB 8 to 9 in one skill: +8 points alone, +7 with a spouse
- First official language, CLB 9 to 10 in one skill: +3 points, alone or with a spouse
Then French
NCLC 7 in all four French skills earns 50 additional points when your English is CLB 5 or more in all four, or 25 if it is not. French also counts as a second official language: 12 points at NCLC 7 in all four, up to 24 at NCLC 9 alone (22 with a spouse). And NCLC 7 or higher in all four meets the language requirement for French-language rounds, whose cut-offs in 2026 have been far below the Canadian Experience Class rounds.
Everything else
- A provincial or territorial nomination: 600 points
- A year of skilled work in Canada: 35 to 40 points for the first year
- A Canadian post-secondary credential: 15 or 30 points
- A brother or sister aged 18 or older living in Canada, who is a citizen or permanent resident: 15 points
- Your spouse or partner's language test: up to 20 points
What does not add points
Since 25 March 2025, a job offer adds no CRS points, for candidates already in the pool and new ones. Age points start falling at 30 and reach zero at 45.
Next step
Questions people ask
What is the fastest way to increase my CRS score?
For many candidates, a better language result: one more sitting of IELTS, CELPIP or PTE Core can move a skill up a CLB level, and CLB 9 in all four can also raise transferability points. The calculator shows what each change is worth for your own profile.
Does a job offer still give CRS points?
No. IRCC removed arranged employment points on 25 March 2025, for profiles already in the pool and new ones.
How many points does French add?
With NCLC 7 in all four French skills and CLB 5 or more in all four English skills: 50 additional points plus 12 second-language points, 62 in all. At NCLC 9 in all four it is up to 74 if you apply alone.