If you’re currently navigating Canada’s immigration system and aiming for Permanent Residency (PR) through Express Entry, you may be surprised to learn that leaving Canada temporarily could actually increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. While the idea of moving back to your home country may seem counterintuitive, it could be a stepping stone to success in your immigration journey.

How Does Leaving Canada Impact Your CRS Score?

The CRS is the system used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. The score is based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. One factor that could significantly boost your CRS score is the foreign work experience component.

By leaving Canada and gaining foreign work experience, you can earn additional points, particularly in the “Skill Transferability” section. If you have less than 100 skill transferability points and have not yet maxed out this factor, moving home could potentially help you achieve the necessary points to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

Let’s take a deeper dive into how this works.

Gaining Foreign Work Experience to Improve CRS Points

International skilled work experience, especially in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), can significantly impact your CRS score. The CRS awards up to 50 points for foreign work experience, which could make all the difference in helping you reach the score required to receive an ITA.

Example: Khalil’s CRS Score Calculation

Consider a hypothetical candidate, Khalil, a 25-year-old with a bachelor’s degree and a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 9 proficiency in English. Khalil worked for two years in a Canadian company in the marketing department, after completing his studies in Canada. His CRS score might look like this:

Factors	Qualifications	Points
Age	25 years old	110
Level of Education	Bachelor’s Degree	120
Official Languages	CLB 9	124
Canadian Work Experience	2 years	53
Skill Transferability (Education + Canadian Work Experience)	CLB 9 + Bachelor’s degree = 25 points	50
Skill Transferability (Foreign Work Experience)	No foreign work experience	0
Study in Canada		30
Total		487

With a score of 487, Khalil’s chances of receiving an ITA are slim, given that current CRS cut-off scores are above 500. However, when Khalil’s post-graduation work permit (PGWP) expires, he moves to Dubai and gains two years of international work experience. After these two years, his CRS score could look like this:

Factors	Qualifications	Points
Age	27 years old	110
Level of Education	Bachelor’s Degree	120
Official Languages	CLB 9	124
Canadian Work Experience	2 years	53
Skill Transferability (Education + Canadian Work Experience)	CLB 9 + Bachelor’s degree = 25 points	50
Skill Transferability (Foreign Work Experience)	2 years foreign work experience	50
Study in Canada		30
Total		537

With a new CRS score of 537, Khalil is now more competitive in the Express Entry pool and stands a much better chance of receiving an ITA.

How Foreign Work Experience Is Calculated in the CRS System

The CRS grants points for foreign work experience based on the candidate’s language proficiency and their Canadian work experience.

• If you have foreign work experience along with language proficiency (CLB 7 or above), you can earn up to 50 points.
• Foreign work experience combined with Canadian work experience also provides points, with the maximum being 50 for those with three or more years of experience.

For candidates like Khalil, adding two years of foreign work experience combined with Canadian work experience significantly increases their chances of being invited to apply for PR.

How Leaving Canada Can Help You Achieve More Points

While the idea of leaving Canada might seem risky, for some candidates, it can lead to more opportunities to boost your CRS score. By gaining international work experience, improving language proficiency, or earning additional qualifications, you can enhance your profile and increase your CRS score.

If you are considering leaving Canada temporarily, there are other ways you can further improve your CRS score during your time abroad.

Other Ways to Improve Your CRS Score While Abroad

1. Improving Language Proficiency

One of the most effective ways to boost your CRS score is by improving your language skills. Both English and French proficiency are crucial to a successful Express Entry profile. A higher CLB score can increase your chances of receiving an ITA, and even small improvements in your language skills can result in substantial point increases.

2. Getting Another Degree

While abroad, consider pursuing further studies. A higher level of education can significantly increase your CRS points. Having your educational credentials assessed by an authorized body (such as WES) will allow you to have your foreign qualifications recognized in Canada, which can further improve your CRS score.

3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

If you are already outside Canada, you can apply through one of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that are aligned with Express Entry. A successful nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, making you highly likely to receive an ITA. Many provinces prioritize skilled workers for nomination, so it’s worth researching and applying to these programs while abroad.

4. Spousal Factors

If you have a spouse or common-law partner, you can include them in your application to improve your overall CRS score. The qualifications and work experience of your partner can contribute valuable points, so it’s essential to account for this in your profile.

ICC Immigration Can Help You Achieve Your Goals

At ICC Immigration, we understand that navigating Canada’s immigration system can be complex. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you secure your future in Canada by guiding the most effective PR pathways.

We offer a range of services tailored to your needs:

• Permanent Residency Applications: Whether through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or other pathways, we ensure your PR application is processed efficiently.
• Work Permits and Study Permits: We help you explore temporary options that may eventually lead to a PR application.
• Family Sponsorships: If you have family in Canada, we can assist you with reuniting and securing your PR status.
• Expert Legal Advice: We provide professional legal guidance to ensure your application meets the latest regulations, maximizing your chances of success.

Instead of taking risks with uncertain asylum claims, trust ICC Immigration to help you take control of your future. We will guide you step-by-step toward a stable and secure path to Permanent Residency in Canada.

Conclusion

Leaving Canada could be the key to unlocking more opportunities for your immigration journey. By gaining international work experience, improving your language skills, and pursuing further education, you can significantly enhance your CRS score and increase your chances of securing an ITA. With professional assistance from ICC Immigration, you can confidently navigate this process and take the right steps toward building a prosperous future in Canada.