Work Experience Strategies to Increase Your CRS Score

Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the most popular immigration pathways for skilled workers around the world. At the heart of this system is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a points-based system that ranks candidates based on factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience.

If you’re wondering how to get the maximum CRS points for your work experience, this blog will guide you step by step.

What is the CRS and Why Does Work Experience Matter?

The CRS is used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Work experience plays a major role in this score — it can contribute points in multiple ways:

Core CRS points under human capital factors
Skill transferability points
Additional points (like for Canadian work experience)

CRS Points for Foreign Work Experience

You can earn up to 50 CRS points for foreign work experience under skill transferability.

Years of Work ExperienceCRS Points

1 year 13 points

2-3 years 25 points

3+ years 50 points

These points are only awarded when combined with good language scores (CLB 7 or higher) or a Canadian post-secondary credential.

CRS Points for Canadian Work Experience

If you have Canadian work experience, you can get much higher CRS points.

Years of Canadian ExperienceCRS Points

1 year 40 points

2 years 53 points

3 years 64 points

4 years 72 points

5 years 80 points

And that’s just for core CRS factors — there’s more available through skill transferability.

Combining Foreign and Canadian Work Experience

If you have both foreign and Canadian work experience, you can earn additional CRS points through skill transferability.

Foreign Work Experience + Canadian Work ExperienceExtra CRS Points

1 year + 1 year 13

2-3 years + 1 year 25

3+ years + 1 year 50

This means that by strategically combining experience from both countries, your CRS score can increase significantly.

Strategy 1: Target Canadian Work Experience

The best way to boost CRS points through work experience is by working inside Canada. You can do this through:

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – for international students
LMIA-based Work Permit – employer-specific work
IEC/Working Holiday Visa
Spousal Open Work Permit – if your spouse is studying or working in Canada

Even 1 year of Canadian experience can significantly increase your CRS.

Strategy 2: Maximize Foreign Experience With Language or Education

If you only have foreign experience, combine it with either:

CLB 9+ IELTS score (very high language ability)
Canadian education credential (like a diploma or degree)

This allows you to unlock skill transferability points (up to 50 points), which many people overlook.

Strategy 3: Use the NOC System Wisely

CRS only counts skilled work experience under specific NOC TEER categories (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3).

Your job must match the NOC code, and you must prove:

Duties match 80% of what’s listed in NOC
You worked at least 30 hours/week
You were paid (volunteer/internship doesn’t count)

Strategy 4: Avoid Gaps & Use Proper Documentation

To maximize CRS for work experience:

Don’t leave gaps in your work history
Keep pay stubs, employment letters, contracts, and reference letters
Make sure the employment letters include:
- Job title
- Duties
- Hours worked per week
- Duration of employment
- Company letterhead and contact info

IRCC is very strict in verifying this information.

Strategy 5: Consider Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Many PNPs give preference to candidates with foreign or Canadian work experience in specific NOC codes. Getting a PNP can give you 600 CRS points, which basically guarantees an ITA.

Popular PNPs include:

Ontario PNP (OINP)
British Columbia PNP (BCPNP)
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Saskatchewan SINP

Strategy 6: Keep Updating Your Profile

Your CRS can go up over time if:

You gain more work experience
You get a better IELTS score
You study in Canada and get new credentials

Update your Express Entry profile regularly so IRCC considers your most current score.

Conclusion

Your work experience can play a massive role in improving your CRS score — especially when combined with language skills, education, and Canadian work history. Plan your path wisely, gather all documentation, and keep your profile updated.

Still confused about how your specific work experience fits into the CRS score? Contact The Millennium Immigration today for a free profile assessment and expert guidance on maximizing your CRS.