If you are part of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Express Entry system, your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score might actually be higher than you realize. Many applicants unknowingly omit certain factors that could boost their CRS score, simply because they are unfamiliar with all the eligibility rules. Recognizing and claiming these often‑overlooked factors can significantly improve your profile’s competitiveness and increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Below is a breakdown of common omissions — and how to ensure you are not leaving potential points on the table.
Common Omissions that Could Be Dragging Down Your CRS Score
1. Not Counting Foreign or Pre‑Study Work Experience Correctly
Many applicants fail to count foreign work experience or certain employment done before a study period — especially work done abroad or before enrolling as a full-time student. While time spent working full-time or part-time during full-time studies in Canada does not count toward CRS, valid, full-time work before your student status or abroad often does. Overlooking this can mean missing out on valuable work‑experience points.
2. Ignoring Work Experience for Skill Transferability Points
CRS awards additional points when you combine education, work experience, and language proficiency in certain ways. If you don’t correctly record all your eligible work history — domestic or foreign — you may lose out on these “skill‑transferability” bonus points.
3. Underestimating Spouse or Common‑Law Partner’s Credentials
If you submit a joint application with a spouse or partner, their credentials — education level, language test scores, and other qualifying factors — can add substantial points to your CRS total. Many applicants overlook this, treating their application as if they were single, thus missing out on easy gains.
4. Overlooking Language or Education‑Related Extras
Even if your primary language test and education credentials are in order, sometimes additional details — like higher versions of credentials, proof of better language proficiency, or overlapping education and work periods — can earn you extra points. Not documenting these properly can prevent you from reaching a higher CRS tier.
5. Failing to Re‑Evaluate Profile with Updated Credentials
Life circumstances change: you might gain more work experience, retake language tests with better scores, or complete additional education. If you don’t update your Express Entry profile to reflect these changes, your CRS score remains outdated — and likely lower than what you truly deserve.
Commonly Missed Areas Worth Reviewing
| Omission / Mistake | What to Check / Do Instead |
| Foreign or pre-study work not included | Review and include all full‑time work experience before study or outside Canada |
| Partner’s credentials ignored (in joint application) | Add your spouse/partner’s valid education, language test scores, or work experience |
| Skill‑transferability bonuses omitted | Combine eligible education, language, and work to maximize transferability points |
| Outdated language or education credentials | Update with any improved IELTS/CELPIP/TEF results or additional credentials |
| Profile not updated with recent changes | Regularly refresh your Express Entry profile to reflect updated experience or qualifications |
What You Should Do to Maximise Your CRS Score
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List all eligible work experience, whether from India, abroad, or before you studied — as long as it meets IRCC’s criteria.
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If applying with a spouse/partner, include their credentials — you might gain significant additional points.
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Update and claim skill‑transferability bonuses by combining your strong education, language skills, and work history intelligently.
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Retake language tests, upgrade credentials, or add new qualifications, then update your application.
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Periodically review and update your profile — don’t assume a once-complete profile stays optimal.
Final Thoughts
Many Express Entry candidates assume their CRS score is set once they submit the application. The truth is — if you overlook eligible work experience, partner credentials, or fail to update your profile after improvements, you may be leaving valuable points on the table.
A few simple updates or corrections might boost your score by dozens — or even hundreds — of points, significantly improving your chances of receiving an ITA.
If nothing else, your profile should be a true reflection of all your qualifications and experience. That way, you maximize your opportunity to secure permanent residence in Canada.
