December 18, 2025
Maximize Your CRS Score: Tips from the Best Immigration Consultant in Calgary
Optimize your CRS score for Express Entry. Learn how foreign work, non-continuous experience, and spouse strategy can increase your ITA chances.
Are You Losing CRS Points in Your Express Entry Application? Common Mistakes That Could Be Costing You
Canada’s Express Entry system is highly competitive, and your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score determines your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Many candidates unknowingly leave points on the table due to overlooked factors in their profile. At Career Wings Immigration Services, Calgary Alberta , we help skilled immigrants optimize their CRS scores and maximize their chances of success.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the most common mistakes affecting CRS points and show you how to gain an edge in the Express Entry pool.
1️⃣ Not Counting Eligible Foreign Work Experience
One of the most frequent CRS omissions is failing to include foreign work experience, especially work completed while studying abroad.
Key points to remember:
- Work in Canada while a full-time student: ❌ Does not count toward CRS
- Work abroad while a full-time student: ✔ Counts as foreign work experience
- Remote work for a foreign company from Canada: ✔ May count (case-by-case)
- Remote work for a Canadian company from outside Canada: ✔ Counts as foreign work experience
Example Scenario – Rahul:
Rahul, 28, completed a 5-year business degree in Canada and had one year of Canadian work experience. Before adding his foreign work experience in India during summer breaks, his CRS score was 482. After including over a year of foreign work, his score jumped to 520, an increase of 38 points.
Actionable Tip:
Review all international work, internships, and remote work carefully. Document each period with official letters, contracts, or pay stubs.
2️⃣ Ignoring Non-Continuous Skilled Work Experience
Many candidates only declare continuous employment and overlook gaps between jobs. CRS allows non-continuous skilled work experience (TEER 0–3) within the last 10 years to be combined.
Example Scenario – Priya:
Priya, a software engineer from India, initially counted only 21 months of continuous work. By including two additional short-term roles totaling 15 months, her foreign work experience increased to over 3 years, raising her CRS from 444 to 469—25 additional points.
Actionable Tip:
Add all paid, skilled employment periods within the last 10 years. Even part-time or short-term work abroad may contribute to your CRS.
3️⃣ Choosing the Wrong Principal Applicant in a Spousal Application
For couples, selecting the right principal applicant can significantly affect CRS. Age and education are heavily weighted for the primary candidate.
Example Scenario – Arjun & Sneha:
- Arjun (34, Bachelor’s, civil engineer) as principal: CRS 408
- Sneha (29, Master’s, data analyst) as principal: CRS 470
By switching the principal applicant, the couple gained 62 points, drastically improving their ITA prospects.
Actionable Tip:
Calculate CRS for both spouses as principal applicant before final submission. Sometimes the younger, higher-educated spouse is the stronger candidate.
4️⃣ How Career Wings Immigration Can Help You
Navigating the Express Entry system can be complex. Career Wings Immigration Services provides:
- Expert CRS evaluation and profile optimization
- Guidance on foreign and non-continuous work experience
- Spousal application strategy for maximum CRS points
- Documentation and compliance support for IRCC
Maximizing CRS points today could be the difference between receiving an ITA quickly or waiting months.
FAQs – Express Entry CRS Optimization
1. Can part-time work abroad count for CRS?
Yes, if it is skilled (TEER 0–3), paid, and within the last 10 years.
2. Does work done during full-time studies in Canada count?
No. Only foreign work during studies is considered.
3. Can I switch principal applicant after submitting my profile?
Yes, before receiving an ITA, you can create a new profile with the other spouse as principal.
4. How do I calculate foreign work experience correctly?
Add all eligible paid employment, whether continuous or non-continuous, within the past 10 years.
5. Does remote work for a foreign company from Canada count?
Potentially. It is considered case-by-case, depending on the employer and location.
6. How much CRS can I gain by optimizing work experience?
Examples show gains of 25–62 points, which can drastically improve ITA chances.
7. Can Career Wings help with documentation for foreign work experience?
Absolutely. We guide you in collecting and verifying employment letters, contracts, and pay stubs.
Maximize Your CRS Points Today
Don’t leave points—and your Canadian dream—on the table. Career Wings Immigration Services Ltd. Calgary Alberta helps skilled professionals optimize their Express Entry profile and receive ITAs faster.
Contact us today:
- Phone/WhatsApp: +1-778-881-6000
- Email: info@careerwingsimmigration.com
- Website: www.careerwingsimmigration.com
- Instagram: @careerwngsimmigration