How to Boost Your CRS Score While Living in the UAE

Nationwide Visas
[Published 21 Jun, 2025 | 11:15 AM]
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If you're planning on immigrating to Canada from Dubai, your first step is understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), the backbone of the Canada PR Visa Process through Express Entry Program. A lot of UAE applicants suffer because of a low CRS score, but here is the good news: you can increase it. 

This blog will discuss the ways to improve your CRS score when residing in the UAE and enhance your possibility of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residency.

What Is the CRS Score?

The CRS score is a points system under which Express Entry ranks candidates according to several factors, such as:

• Age
• Education
• Work experience
• Language proficiency
• Adaptability
• Arranged employment

A higher score increases your likelihood of being issued an ITA. 

Canada PR Eligibility from UAE: Minimum CRS Score

The CRS cut-off varies normally between 465 and 525 (as of 2025), program-dependent and based on the type of draw. To meet Canada PR eligibility from UAE, you need to cross the cut-off score in at least one of the Express Entry programs.

Check Your Eligibility for Canada PR

Best Tips to improve your CRS score

1. Get Better Language Test Scores

IELTS or CELPIP English language proficiency plays a significant role in the CRS Points calculator. You can get a lot of points if you have a higher score in any of the four modules (reading, writing, listening, speaking).

• Try again, aiming for CLB 9 or higher.
• You should also consider studying French (TEF Canada) as your second language; bilingual candidates will be given bonus points.
• Join the language coaching centres in the UAE or subscribe to online IELTS preparation programmes.

2. Higher Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

In case you have more than one degree or postgraduate diploma, have them all evaluated. Some applicants only take one degree into consideration, which costs them valuable educational points.

Note: For ECAs that are valid under the Canada PR Visa Process, use approved organisations such as WES, IQAS, or CES.

3. Get More Work Experience (Canadian or Foreign)

You benefit from having full-time work experience in a skilled field. Additionally, you will receive extra points if your work experience falls within a Canada NOC-listed occupation.

Trick: Make the best of your existing UAE job by having the employer reference letters prepared in the Canadian immigration preferred format.

4. Apply As a Spouse as the Main Applicant

There are certain instances where your spouse could qualify better in the CRS profile. They could have a better score in the language tests, be younger, or be better educated, in which case it can be a good idea to allow them to apply as a primary applicant.

Additional Points: You also earn points on the education of your spouse and language skills, which is another reason to study together.

5. Obtain a Provincial nomination (PNP)

In case you have a low CRS score, you may want to apply to one of the Provincial Nominee Programs. An ITA is guaranteed when a nomination completes the 600-point bonus.

Look for provinces that correspond with the in-demand occupations in the United Arab Emirates.

6. Canadian education

Younger applicants could find the door to post-graduation work permits, Canadian work experience, and ultimately additional CRS points by studying in Canada on a short-term diploma or certificate course.

7. Canadian Employer Job Offer

Obtaining a valid LMIA-approved job offer is hard when residing outside of Canada, but it provides 50 - 200 CRS points (depending on the occupation).

Visit websites such as Job Bank Canada or employ the services of an honest recruiter who knows the ropes of recruiting internationally for Canadian positions.

8. Recalculate CRS Regularly

Never stop monitoring your CRS using the official Canada CRS Calculator. It is useful to monitor the areas of improvement and see how every change (new IELTS result, new work experience, etc.) affects your score.

Book a Free Consultation

Connect with the Best Immigration Consultants in UAE

Immigration to Canada is complicated. Using the services of a trusted, RCIC-registered immigration consultant allows you to find methods of optimising your profile.

Whether it is selecting the correct stream or creating a bulletproof Express Entry profile, professional help goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

If your goal is to apply for Canada PR from the UAE, don’t let a low CRS score discourage you. One can greatly improve his or her profile with the correct strategy even without migrating to Canada first.

Is it time to take a step forward? Talk to a licensed consultant, optimise your profile, and be informed of the recent Express Entry draws. Get ready to increase your score and fulfill your Canadian desires!

Read more:- IELTS vs CELPIP: Best English Language Test for Canada PR