How Leaving Canada Can Boost Your CRS Score for Express Entry

If you are aiming for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) through the Express Entry system, moving back to your home country might actually improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Many candidates overlook the foreign work experience skill transferability factor, which can significantly enhance their overall score.

Understanding the Impact of Foreign Work Experience on CRS

The Express Entry system allocates up to 50 CRS points for foreign work experience under the skill transferability category. If you have not yet maximized your foreign work experience points, spending time working abroad could be a strategic move to improve your score and enhance your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

How Foreign Work Experience Helps Your CRS Score

Foreign work experience plays a crucial role in the CRS system when combined with other factors such as Canadian work experience and language proficiency. Here’s how you can maximize your CRS score:

• Up to 50 points can be awarded for skill transferability if you have foreign work experience + language proficiency (CLB 9 or higher) or foreign work experience + Canadian work experience.

• If you already have Canadian work experience, gaining at least two years of foreign work experience can add 25 to 50 additional points.

Real-Life Use Case: How Foreign Work Experience Helps

Case Study: Khalil’s Journey to PR

Scenario 1: Khalil, 25 years old, completed a Bachelor’s in Business and obtained a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). He worked in Canada for two years but lacked foreign work experience. His CRS score was 487, below the typical 500+ cut-off for general draws.

Scenario 2: Khalil’s PGWP expired, so he moved to Dubai and worked in a TEER 1 skilled job for two years. This allowed him to claim the foreign work experience points, increasing his CRS score to 537—above the recent cut-off of 529.

Now, Khalil is in a strong position to receive an ITA for PR, either through the general Express Entry draws or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw.

How Foreign Work Experience Is Calculated

To receive 50 CRS points for foreign work experience, you need:

Additionally, combining foreign and Canadian work experience boosts your CRS score:

Other Ways to Improve Your CRS Score While Abroad

If you are outside Canada and looking to improve your CRS score, here are some strategic steps you can take:

1. Improve Your Language Skills

• Achieving CLB 9 or higher can significantly boost your CRS score.

• Learning French can earn up to 50 extra points, making you eligible for French-speaking immigration pathways.

2. Obtain a Higher Degree

• A master’s or Ph.D. earns more CRS points than a bachelor’s degree.

• Ensure your education is recognized in Canada through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

3. Secure a Provincial Nomination (PNP)

• Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) offer 600 additional CRS points, guaranteeing an ITA.

• Research provinces that have in-demand occupations aligned with your experience.

4. Consider Your Spouse’s Profile

• If you’re married, your spouse’s education, language skills, and work experience can increase your CRS score.

• You can also apply with your spouse as the primary applicant if they have a higher CRS potential.

What Happens to Your Express Entry Application If You Leave Canada?

• Your Express Entry profile remains active for 12 months.

• You can update your profile at any time with new work experience, education, or language test results.

• Entering the pool early gives you priority in tie-breaking rules, increasing your chance of receiving an ITA.

Final Thoughts: Strategic Planning for PR Success

Leaving Canada temporarily to gain foreign work experience can be a game-changer in your Express Entry journey. With careful planning, you can maximize your CRS score and improve your chances of receiving an ITA. Whether through international work experience, language improvements, or additional education, every step you take brings you closer to achieving Canadian Permanent Residency.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policies may change, and it is advisable to consult an authorized immigration professional for the latest guidance on Express Entry.