Nightmares do happen sometimes, like when the IRCC has removed the additional Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS) points for candidates who have acquired a valid job offer from the employer under the Express Entry System, technically Lost CRS points for job offer. Due to this decision, many applicants who were confident and previously relied on these points are facing confusion. But there is a solution! For Express Entry without job offer
The applicant does not need to be discouraged, as there is another way to boost CRS Score. Focusing on improving language proficiency can increase the points, and that is one of the strategic ways to compensate for the lost points. This method can be focused on increasing the CRS Score.
Understanding the CRS and the Impact of Job Offer Points Removal
What is the CRS?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system which was drafted by the IRCC. This system is used to evaluate and rank the position of the candidates in the Express Entry Pool. To award the points for the candidates and evaluate their profiles, the factors like age, education, work and years of experience and language proficiency are taken into consideration. The maximum amount of points that can be gained for the CRS Score is 1200 points; the points are divided into 600 for core human capital factors, and the remaining 600 points are allocated for the additional factors.
Impact of Job Offer Points Removal
In the above-listed factors, the job offer is one of the important factors that is taken into consideration when evaluating the points. But on 25 March, 2025, IRCC have removed this provision for the points calculation. Candidates having a valid job offer will earn up to 200 additional CRS points:
- IRCC allotted 200 points for the candidate having a valid job offer in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0 occupation. Mostly, for example, the roles include the role senior management roles.
- And also, candidates from other NOC TEER 1,2 or 3 categories are awarded 50 points for a valid job offer in other skilled occupations.
How Language Test Scores Can Compensate for Lost CRS Points - Language Test CRS Boost
Though the job offer score is not taken into account by IRCC, candidates can choose one of the effective paths to have an increased score.
Candidates can improve their score by improving their language proficiency. This is applicable for both the English language and the French Language as their language skills will be assessed based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system. Improving this area will improve the CRS score of the candidate who has lost their score on the job offer.
English Language Proficiency: IELTS vs. CELPIP
Canada recognises two main English language proficiency tests for immigration purposes:
For Immigration purposes, Canada recognises two language proficiency tests for evaluation. The two language proficiency tests for English are:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Improve CRS with IELTS,this test is not only accepted by Canada, but the majority of English-speaking countries widely accept and recognise it globally for evaluating non-immigrants to enter the country.
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): This test is crafted by Canada, which is specifically designed for global nationals seeking Canadian immigration and also the immigrants seeking citizenship.
If the candidate scores higher, then it will be reflected in the results with higher CRS points for the profile. For example, if the candidate takes the test and has improved their IELTS score, achieving CLB 10 in the writing, then it can automatically boost their CRS score from 450 to 470.
French Language Proficiency: TEF Canada
When the candidate has proficiency in the French language, it is a sign of having a further enhanced boost CRS score. The Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) Canada is the test to be taken by the candidate to evaluate and assess their French proficiency and language skills. When the candidate secures a high score then 50 points, we will be waiting in a row to be added as additional CRS points. The candidate profile is considered stronger when having a combined high score with strong English proficiency and result in language test CRS boost.
Maximising CRS Points Without a Job Offer
The candidate who has lost CRS points for job offer or the candidates present even without a valid job offer, can still increase their CRS score by focusing on the following factors of their profile:
1. Aim for CLB 9 or Higher
The candidates should aim to achieve the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) at a score of 9 or higher in all the abilities, like listening, reading, writing, and speaking, for the language. For instance, an IELTS score of the candidate is 8 and 7 in other modules will correspond to CLB 9.
2. Combine English and French Proficiency
The candidate having proficiency in both English and improve CRS with IELTS and French can earn up to 50 additional CRS points. This is where the candidates must make use of the opportunity when they do not possess a valid job offer.
3. Retake Language Tests if Necessary
If the candidate has scored the points below CLB 9 in the language test, then it is better to take a retest after good preparation. Because improving the score with higher points can increase the chances of getting selected and also of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Additional Strategies to Boost CRS Score
Apart from the scores for the language test, some other factors can also be strategies to enhance your CRS score:
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Candiadtes can opt for Provincial Nominee Program for receiving a nomination from a Canadian province. For this the candidate will be added with 600 points to their CRS score.
- Canadian Education: If the candiadet have completed post-secondary education in Canada will earn additional CRS points.
- Spouse’s Credentials: In some cases, the candidates’s spouse language proficiency and education can alos be a added contribution to the CRS score.
- Siblings in Canada: If the candidate is having a sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can enjoy the extra CRS points.
Real-Life Example: Boosting CRS Score Through Language Tests
An applicant from Croyez Immigration lost out on CRS points due to the removal of arranged employment points. But after heavy preparation, the applicant took the retest for the IELTS exam and have achieved higher scores. They increased their CRS score by 62 points, eventually receiving an ITA in the next draw.
Conclusion
It is so true that the removal of arranged employment or Express Entry without job offer points have greatly impacted many candidate’s profile in express entry. But focusing on other factors like improving language proficiency, improve CRS with IELTS and through the exams like CELPIP, or TEF Canada, can compensate for the lost points and will help enhance the score and also chances of immigrating to Canada. Use CRS score calculator to know about your profile points.
All the best!
