March 17, 2025

How Leaving Canada Can Boost Your CRS Score and Improve Express Entry Chances

If you’ve been stuck in the Express Entry pool, watching others get Invitations to Apply (ITAs) while your CRS score remains just short of the cutoff, you’re not alone. Many skilled workers in Canada face the same problem—doing everything “right” but still falling behind.

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But what if the answer isn’t in Canada? What if, instead of waiting, you could take action by gaining experience elsewhere and actually improve your CRS score? An Immigration Consultant in Canada can help assess if this strategy is right for you.

Why Canadian Work Experience Alone Might Not Be Enough

A lot of people assume that the more Canadian work experience they have, the better their CRS score. While that’s true to an extent, there’s a limit. Once you hit a certain threshold, additional experience won’t give you a big boost. Take Rahul, an IT professional from India. After completing his studies in Canada, he landed a skilled job and worked for two years. Even with good language scores and solid work experience, his CRS score was stuck at 487—just shy of recent cutoffs. Frustrated, he considered his options. Then he found out that by working outside Canada for two more years, he could add up to 50 extra CRS points. That was the game-changer. With the help of an Immigration Consultant in Mississauga, he planned his next move.

How Foreign Work Experience Can Give You an Edge

According to the Government of Canada’s CRS criteria, combining foreign work experience with Canadian work or strong language skills can add up to 50 CRS points. Here’s how it works:
  1. Foreign Work Experience + Canadian Work Experience: If you already have at least a year of work experience in Canada, adding foreign work experience can give you a significant boost.
  2. Foreign Work Experience + High Language Proficiency: If you have CLB 7 or higher in English or French, foreign experience adds even more value.

Rahul’s Journey: How He Boosted His CRS Score

Rahul returned to India and took a remote IT job with an international company while staying connected to the Canadian job market. After two years, he updated his Express Entry profile with:
  • Two years of foreign work experience
  • CLB 9 in IELTS
  • His existing two years of Canadian experience
The result? His CRS score jumped from 487 to 537, well above the recent cutoff. Shortly after, he got his ITA and secured Canadian PR. Working with an Immigration Consultant in Toronto helped him strategize efficiently.

Other Ways to Boost Your CRS While Working Abroad

If you’re considering this approach, don’t stop at just gaining work experience. Here are other smart moves to maximize your CRS score while outside Canada:

1. Improve Your Language Score

Language proficiency is one of the highest-scoring CRS factors. A better IELTS or TEF score can add up to 160 points. Websites like IELTS.org offer free resources to help you prepare.

2. Get a Higher Educational Credential

Earning another diploma, degree, or certification could give you up to 150 CRS points. Even online courses from accredited institutions count. Visit WES Canada to ensure your credentials are properly evaluated.

3. Apply for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

If your occupation is in demand, you might qualify for a PNP, which instantly adds 600 points to your CRS. Check out IRCC’s PNP page for details.

4. Optimize Your Spouse’s Profile

If your spouse has strong credentials, consider making them the principal applicant. Alternatively, improving their education and language scores could add extra CRS points.

Keep Your Express Entry Profile Updated

Some people think they can only update their Express Entry profile once. That’s a mistake. You should update it whenever you gain experience, improve your language score, or complete a new credential. Staying on top of these updates ensures you get the maximum CRS points possible. An Immigration Consultant in Brampton can help you optimize your profile.

Is This Strategy Right for You?

This approach isn’t for everyone. If you’re close to getting a provincial nomination or have a job offer that might lead to PR, staying in Canada might be a better option. But if you’re stuck with a lower CRS score and no immediate pathways to PR, working abroad could be the solution you need.

Book an Appointment with Sahil for any Immigration related Queries

At Sayal Immigration, we specialize in helping skilled workers navigate Express Entry with tailored strategies. Whether you need help evaluating your CRS score, exploring overseas job opportunities, or finding the best PR pathway, we’re here to guide you. Want to see how much your CRS score can improve? Contact us today for a personalized assessment!
March 13, 2025

Protect Yourself from Immigration Fraud: Recognizing the Warning Signs

Moving to Canada is an exciting journey, but it’s important to stay cautious. Unfortunately, many newcomers and applicants become targets of immigration scams. Every year, thousands of people lose money to fraudsters, some even jeopardizing their chances of settling in Canada. In 2024 alone, Canadians were scammed out of over $638 million, with immigration fraud being a major issue (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre).

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How Immigration Scams Work

Scammers have learned how to sound convincing. They often pretend to be officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Service Canada, or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Their goal? To pressure people into handing over money or personal details. Some common scam tactics include:
  • Fake visa or PR problems – Fraudsters claim your application has an issue and you must pay immediately to fix it.
  • Deportation threats – They scare people into sending money to avoid being removed from Canada.
  • Asking for sensitive information – They request Social Insurance Numbers (SINs), banking details, or passport numbers.
  • Untraceable payment methods – Government offices never demand payment via gift cards, Bitcoin, or wire transfers.
If you ever get a suspicious call or email, pause before you act. Real government offices don’t make urgent demands over the phone.

Real Stories: How People Have Been Tricked

Take Raj, a 23-year-old international student in Toronto. One day, he got a call from someone pretending to be from Service Canada. The caller told him his SIN had been linked to illegal activities and that he would be deported unless he paid a fine of $6,000. Frightened and unfamiliar with Canadian laws, Raj did what many others in his situation would do. He withdrew the money and followed the scammer’s instructions, depositing it into a Bitcoin ATM. Only later did he realize it was a scam. “I lost my savings in minutes,” Raj said. “I didn’t know who to turn to for help.” His experience is not unique. Many victims feel ashamed or afraid to report these scams, but raising awareness can help prevent others from being deceived.

How to Recognize and Avoid Immigration Scams

1. How IRCC and Government Offices Contact You

IRCC and other agencies do not call or email people asking for urgent payments. They usually communicate through official letters and secure online portals. If you receive a suspicious call, don’t panic. Instead:
  • Hang up and verify by calling IRCC’s official number (1-888-242-2100).
  • Check your IRCC online account for updates.
  • Never share personal details unless you’re 100% sure of the recipient’s identity.
For official updates, always visit the Government of Canada’s Immigration website.

2. Watch for Warning Signs

Some red flags to look out for:
  • They rush you – Scammers want you to act fast so you don’t think carefully.
  • Poor spelling and grammar – Many scam emails contain obvious mistakes.
  • Unusual payment requests – The government never asks for money through cryptocurrency or prepaid gift cards.

3. Report Suspicious Activity

If you suspect a scam, report it to: By speaking up, you help protect yourself and others from becoming victims.

Success Stories: Avoiding Immigration Fraud

Not all scammers succeed. Sarah, a skilled worker from Nigeria, received an email saying her Express Entry application was approved—but that she needed to pay a “processing fee” immediately. Something felt off. Instead of paying, Sarah logged into her IRCC account and found no such message. She called IRCC and confirmed the email was a fraud. “Always double-check before sending money,” Sarah advises. “If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.”

Common Immigration Scams to Be Aware Of

Fake Job Offers

Some fraudsters send fake job offers, promising high salaries and guaranteed work permits. Before accepting a job, verify it on Job Bank Canada.

Fraudulent Immigration Consultants

Some people pose as immigration consultants and charge high fees for fake services. Before hiring a consultant, check if they are registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). If you’re looking for a trusted Immigration Consultant in Mississauga, Sayal Immigration provides licensed and expert services to help you navigate the Canadian immigration process.

Fake Government Websites

Some scammers create websites that look official to steal personal data. Always verify URLs before entering your information.

Final Thoughts: Stay Alert and Stay Safe

Scammers prey on fear and urgency, but by staying informed, you can protect yourself. Remember:
  • Government offices don’t threaten deportation over the phone.
  • Verify suspicious calls, emails, and job offers.
  • Report fraud to the proper authorities.
  • Always check official government websites for updates.
At Sayal Immigration, we believe in empowering newcomers with the right information and support. If you need a trusted Immigration Consultant in Toronto, Immigration Consultant in Brampton, or anywhere in Canada, we’re here to help. Contact us today to make sure your immigration journey is secure and scam-free.

Book an Appointment with Sahil for any Immigration related Queries

Need Immigration Help?

If you have concerns about your application or need expert advice, reach out to Sayal Immigration today for reliable guidance on moving to Canada safely.