Canada has long been a dream destination for Indian students seeking quality education and promising career opportunities. With its welcoming immigration policies, post-study work permits, and pathways to permanent residency (PR), Canada remains a top choice for those looking to build a future abroad. However, navigating the Express Entry system and improving your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score can be challenging. Surprisingly, one unconventional strategy to boost your CRS score might involve leaving Canada temporarily.

In this blog, we’ll explore how gaining international work experience outside Canada can enhance your CRS score, making you a stronger candidate for Canadian PR. This guide is tailored specifically for Indian students and professionals who are considering or already pursuing studies in Canada.

Understanding the CRS Score and Its Importance

The CRS score is a points-based system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability. The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

For many Indian students, achieving a high CRS score can be challenging, especially if they lack significant work experience or have limited points in certain categories. However, one often-overlooked way to boost your score is by gaining skilled work experience outside Canada.

How Foreign Work Experience Can Add Up to 50 CRS Points

Under the Skill Transferability Factors section of the CRS, candidates can earn up to 50 additional points for foreign work experience. This is particularly beneficial for those who haven’t maxed out their points in this category.

Let’s break this down with an example:

Case Study: Khalil’s Journey

Khalil, a 25-year-old Indian student, moved to Canada to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business with a specialization in marketing. After graduating, he obtained a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and gained two years of Canadian work experience in marketing.

Here’s how his CRS score looked initially:

With the current CRS cut-off hovering above 500, Khalil’s score wasn’t high enough to receive an ITA.

The Turning Point: Gaining International Experience

After his PGWP expired, Khalil moved to Dubai and worked in a skilled marketing role for two years. Upon updating his Express Entry profile, his CRS score increased significantly:

With a score of 537, Khalil now stands a strong chance of receiving an ITA in future Express Entry draws.

How Foreign Work Experience Points Are Calculated

The CRS awards points for foreign work experience based on two key combinations:

1. Foreign Work Experience + Language Proficiency
   • CLB 7 or higher: Up to 25 points for 1-2 years of experience; 50 points for 3+ years.
   • CLB 9 or higher: Up to 25 points for 1-2 years of experience; 50 points for 3+ years.
2. Foreign Work Experience + Canadian Work Experience
   • 1 year of Canadian experience: Up to 25 points for 1-2 years of foreign experience; 50 points for 3+ years.
   • 2+ years of Canadian experience: Up to 25 points for 1-2 years of foreign experience; 50 points for 3+ years.

Even if your total points exceed 50, the maximum awarded under this category is capped at 50.

Other Ways to Improve Your CRS Score While Abroad

1. Enhance Language Skills
   • Improve your English or French proficiency to CLB 9 or higher for additional points.
   • Learning French can earn you up to 50 bonus points under the additional points category.
2. Pursue Higher Education
   • Earning a master’s or PhD while abroad can add up to 150 points to your CRS score.
   • Ensure your degree is assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
3. Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
   • A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
4. Spousal Factors
   • If married, your spouse’s qualifications and language proficiency can also contribute to your CRS score.

Key Considerations for Indian Students

• Eligibility for Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Even if you leave Canada, you remain eligible for CEC draws if you have at least one year of Canadian work experience within the last three years.
• Updating Your Express Entry Profile: You can update your profile with new language test scores, work experience, or educational credentials to reflect your improved qualifications.
• Tie-Breaking Rule: Enter the Express Entry pool early to benefit from the tie-breaking rule, which prioritizes candidates based on the date and time of profile submission.

Final Thoughts

For Indian students and professionals, gaining international work experience can be a strategic move to enhance your CRS score and improve your chances of securing Canadian PR. While leaving Canada might seem counterintuitive, it can open doors to valuable opportunities that strengthen your Express Entry profile.

If you’re considering this path, ensure you stay updated on the latest immigration policies and CRS trends. With careful planning and persistence, your dream of building a life in Canada can become a reality.

For personalized guidance on your Express Entry journey, consider consulting an immigration expert or using free assessment tools to evaluate your CRS score.

Share on Facebook

Post on X

Follow us

Save