Express Entry in 2025: How to Boost Your CRS Score and Secure PR

If permanent residency in Canada is your goal, Express Entry is a popular route — but getting selected can feel like a moving target. In recent years, Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores have climbed significantly, making it harder for many eligible candidates to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

This guide will walk you through what’s changing in the Express Entry landscape and the practical steps you can take to increase your chances of success in 2025.

Why Is It Getting Harder to Get an ITA?

Let’s be real — competition is fierce. Since Express Entry resumed post-COVID, CRS scores have stayed high, with general draw cut-offs landing between 481 and 561. That’s a big jump from the 350–449 range we saw between 2018 and 2020.

There are a few key reasons for this spike:

• Backlogs from COVID-19 are still playing out.

• Category-based draws introduced in 2023 allow IRCC to prioritize certain job sectors or French-speaking candidates.

• Fewer general ITAs mean more people are competing in every round.

As of early 2025, things don’t look like they’ll ease up. Immigration levels are projected to hold steady, while political pressure is growing to slow them down. Case in point: the first general draw of 2025 had a cut-off score of 546.

Strategies to Improve Your CRS Score

If your current CRS score isn’t cutting it, don’t give up. Here are the most effective ways to give your profile the boost it needs:

1. Get a Provincial Nomination

This is the big one. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score — almost a guaranteed ITA.

Each province has its own set of eligibility rules under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), but most are looking for people with job offers, work experience in high-demand fields, or strong ties to the province.

Yes, it’s an extra application, and yes, there’s a processing fee, but the upside is worth it. Need help figuring out which PNP is best for you? Explore our provincial nominee guides at www.howtothriveincanada.com.

2. Secure a Valid Job Offer

A job offer from a Canadian employer could give you 50 to 200 additional CRS points, depending on your occupation. But here’s the catch:

• The offer needs to meet specific IRCC requirements.

• It must be backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or fall under LMIA-exempt categories.

• Offers tied to open work permits don’t count.

If you’re outside Canada, remote work opportunities are opening new doors. Just make sure any job offer meets IRCC’s criteria for Express Entry points.

Looking for help with your job search? Our job kit is a great place to start:www.howtothriveincanada.com/post/new-to-canada-struggling-to-find-a-job

3. Retake Your Language Test

Language scores can significantly impact your CRS.

For example, jumping from CLB 8 to CLB 10 in all four English abilities could earn you 44 extra points. You can retake your IELTS or CELPIP as many times as needed — your best score counts.

Yes, each test costs about $200–$300, but if it pushes your score past the ITA threshold, it could be the best investment you make.

4. Learn French (Seriously!)

If you’re bilingual or even open to learning, this is your golden ticket. French proficiency can net you up to 50 bonus points, plus access to category-based draws specifically for French-speaking candidates — which tend to have lower CRS cut-offs.

Bonus: some provinces and federal programs offer free or subsidized French classes for newcomers. Why not take advantage?

Even if your CRS score isn’t competitive right now, creating an Express Entry profile is still a smart move. You never know when IRCC will shift gears — and you don’t want to miss a surprise draw or targeted invitation.

And if your arrival date is near, don’t forget to fill out our Pre-Arrival Support Form so our team can help you prepare:www.howtothriveincanada.com/cdss-form

Thrive in Canada is here to help you navigate immigration confidently. Stay informed, stay prepared — and don’t stop pushing forward.