Lost CRS Points for Arranged Employment? Regain Your Competitive Edge with Language Proficiency!

If you’re pursuing Canadian permanent residency through the Express Entry system and recently found your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score drop due to changes in the points allocated for arranged employment, you’re not alone. Many skilled workers have been affected by the evolving immigration landscape, but all hope is not lost.

One of the most effective, flexible, and high-impact ways to recover those lost points—and even surpass your previous score—is by improving your official language test results. In fact, language proficiency can account for up to 310 CRS points, making it the single most powerful area to boost your ranking in the Express Entry pool.

In this post, we’ll break down:

• Why language tests matter more than ever

• How to strategically use IELTS or CELPIP to raise your CRS

• An example of a real-life CRS score increase through language

• French-language draws and additional points

• Study strategies and tips to maximize your results

• Resources to help you succeed

Let’s dive in.

Why Language Tests Matter More Than Ever

Canada’s Express Entry system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System to assess and rank candidates for immigration. Language proficiency is a major component of this system, and with recent updates reducing the weight of arranged employment, language scores have become a top strategy to recover or improve your ranking.

CRS Points for Language Proficiency

Depending on your profile, you can gain:

• Up to 136 CRS points for your first official language (English or French) as a single applicant.

• Up to 128 CRS points for the same as a married applicant.

• Up to 100 points through skill transferability, where strong language ability complements education and work experience.

• Up to 50 additional points for French-language proficiency.

In total, language skills can contribute up to 310 points in your CRS profile—a game-changing amount in a system where cut-off scores can vary by just a few points.

What Are Your Options? IELTS vs. CELPIP

For English-language proficiency, Canada recognizes two primary test options:

• IELTS General Training (International English Language Testing System)

• CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)

Both are approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and widely available across Canada and internationally. If you’re a French speaker, the TEF Canada or TCF Canada are the IRCC-approved French-language proficiency tests.

Test Structure Overview:

IELTS General Training

• Listening (30 mins)

• Reading (60 mins)

• Writing (60 mins)

• Speaking (11–14 mins)

CELPIP General

• Listening (47–55 mins)

• Reading (55–60 mins)

• Writing (53–60 mins)

• Speaking (15–20 mins)

Real-Life Example: How a Higher CLB Level Transformed One Candidate’s CRS

Let’s take the example of Amy, a skilled worker who recently found herself with a CRS score of 515—below the cut-off for several Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws, which hovered around 527–547.

Amy’s Profile:

• Age: 30

• Canadian bachelor’s degree

• 3 years of foreign work experience

• 5 years of Canadian work experience

• CLB 8 in all English language abilities

After studying for a few months, Amy improved her English proficiency to CLB 9. Her new CRS score? 559—a 44-point increase, enough to comfortably receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the most recent draws.

Here’s the breakdown:

That 44-point increase made all the difference.

French-Language Draws: A Hidden Advantage

Another powerful, often-overlooked option is targeting French-language draws. Canada has introduced category-based draws under Express Entry, specifically favoring candidates with strong French skills. These draws often have lower CRS cut-offs than traditional all-program or occupation-based draws.

Example:

In 2024 and 2025, several French-language draws were held with CRS cut-offs below 460—a significant opportunity for bilingual applicants who may not qualify under other categories.

If you already have some French proficiency or are open to learning, you could unlock:

• Up to 50 additional CRS points

• Access to exclusive, lower-score draws

• Greater flexibility with Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

No Limit on Retesting: Keep Improving and Reapplying

One of the most strategic aspects of language testing is that there’s no cap on how many times you can retake the test. If you’re not satisfied with your initial score, you can study, retest, and submit your updated results to IRCC.

This creates a unique opportunity to take control of your profile and boost your score over time.

Tips for Boosting Your Language Test Scores

Improving your language proficiency takes effort, but with a strategic approach, you can make impressive gains quickly. Here’s how:

1. Study Daily

Set aside dedicated time each day for English or French practice. Even 30 minutes a day adds up, and consistency beats intensity.

2. Immerse Yourself in the Language

Surround yourself with the language as much as possible:

• Watch movies or YouTube in English or French

• Listen to podcasts or audiobooks

• Read newspapers or blogs

The more natural your exposure, the quicker your comprehension and vocabulary will grow.

3. Get Real-World Practice

Join a conversation club, find a language exchange partner, or participate in community events where the target language is spoken.

Apps like Tandem or Meetup can help you connect with others practicing the same language.

4. Take Practice Tests

Familiarize yourself with the test structure and question types. Practice tests help in two ways:

• They build confidence and reduce test-day anxiety

• They expose your weak areas, so you can target your study more effectively

5. Use Official and Free Resources

Many CELPIP and IELTS providers offer:

• Free sample tests

• Online practice tools

• Interactive guides

• Instructor-led webinars

• Full-length simulated practice exams

These tools are often free or low-cost and designed specifically to help candidates succeed.

How We Can Help

At Guide Me Immigration, we’ve helped hundreds of clients strategically raise their CRS scores and navigate Express Entry successfully.

Whether you need:

• Help booking a CELPIP or IELTS test

• Guidance interpreting your current CRS score

• Support in improving your test results

• Advice on French language training

• A personalized immigration strategy

—our experienced team is ready to assist you.

Conclusion: Don’t Let a Score Drop Hold You Back

The removal of arranged employment points may have lowered your CRS score, but it doesn’t have to stop your Canadian immigration journey. Language proficiency is one of the most powerful tools in your control—and it can dramatically improve your chances of success in Express Entry.

Start today. Book your test, study with purpose, and climb back to the top of the pool.

📍 Visit Us:

Saskatoon Office: 535 20th St W, Unit-C, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0X6
Regina Office: Unit 170 – 2410 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK S4R 1H6
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📧 Email: info@guidemeimmigration.com
📞 Call: +1 (306) 700 7440
🌐 Website: www.guidemeimmigration.com

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