Express Entry-managed programs have gained popularity among skilled individuals aspiring to immigrate to Canada. This is due to various reasons, including the efficiency and speed of the application process. Managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), these programs offer a streamlined pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
As the name suggests, Express Entry signifies its rapid nature compared to other immigration pathways. The processing time for visa applications through this program is typically six months, making it one of the quickest routes to PR in Canada managed by IRCC.
In Express Entry, getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency depends on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Your CRS score is determined based on various factors, including education, age, work experience, and language proficiency. A higher score means better competitiveness for getting an ITA for permanent residency through Express Entry.
The Express Entry draws have recently set the bar high, consistently asking for CRS scores surpassing 500. It is like aiming for the highest peak; only the best can make their dream move to Canada. However, out of 211,487 candidates in the pool as of February 28, only 18,106 meet this criterion. This means less than one-tenth of candidates qualify for general draws, prompting those with lower CRS scores to question the viability of entering the pool or exploring alternative immigration paths to Canada.
The minimum CRS score for receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) fluctuates with each Express Entry draw, influenced by the draw type. In 2024, CRS scores have varied significantly across ten draws as of March 12.
In recent Express Entry draws, six were general draws open to all candidates, requiring high CRS scores from 525 to 541. Meanwhile, the other four draws employed category-based selection, with lower CRS scores ranging from 336 to 437.
Introduced in May 2023, category-based selection draws allow IRCC to target Express Entry candidates with specific in-demand qualifications. Five of the six categories are occupation-based and include healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, and agriculture.
The remaining category is for candidates with strong French language skills. In a February 29 draw, candidates in this category saw the lowest score of the year (336) for 2,500 ITAs. Another draw on February 1 issued 7,000 ITAs to those with a CRS of 365.
This implies that candidates with CRS scores too low for a general draw may still have an opportunity to receive an Express Entry ITA if they qualify for category-based selection. IRCC extended invitations to more than 16,000 Express Entry candidates through such draws last year.
Express Entry is Canada’s immigration system for managing applications from skilled workers eligible for permanent residency. It facilitates the selection and processing of candidates who meet specific eligibility criteria.
It manages various economic immigration programs like,
Through Express Entry, candidates create an online profile detailing their skills, work experience, education, age and other factors. They are then ranked against other applicants using the CRS. As mentioned earlier, the highest-ranked candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency during regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
As Express Entry candidates wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA), those with lower scores can boost their chances by updating their profiles. They can improve their CRS scores by updating any changes in their skills and experience. Let us discuss how to increase your CRS scores:
Education plays a significant role in Express Entry scoring. Candidates without a spouse can earn 90 points for a one-year post-secondary degree and 120 points for a three-year or longer degree. This suggests that pursuing further education could be a valuable strategy for boosting CRS scores, depending on individual circumstances.
Language proficiency holds substantial weight in Express Entry. According to Statistics Canada, language skills significantly influence the economic success of skilled newcomers. A study revealed that those with a CLB or NCLC level 10 reading ability earned 25% more than those with a level 7. Candidates can earn a maximum of 136 CRS points for language ability without a spouse.
Candidates can take IRCC-approved language tests multiple times until they achieve their desired English and/or French scores. This opportunity allows them to demonstrate their proficiency effectively and maximize their chances of earning higher CRS points for Express Entry. The approved tests include:
1. TEF Canada: Test d'évaluation de français
2. TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
3. Age
Age significantly impacts CRS scores in Express Entry. Candidates between 20 and 29 enter the pool to receive 110 points, gradually decreasing to 50 by age 40. Thus, applying earlier is advisable, as younger candidates receive more points than those who apply later in their 30s or 40s.
4. Provincial Nomination
Provincial nomination is a program within Canada’s immigration system where provinces and territories select candidates meeting their specific economic and labour market needs. This grants candidates an additional 600 CRS points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Candidates can apply directly or wait for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws.
Each province tailors its nomination streams to specific attributes, like in-demand occupations or local graduates, aligning with workforce needs. This approach ensures the efficient integration of skilled workers to address regional labour shortages and promote economic growth. Additionally, provinces target entrepreneurs and rural settlements to stimulate development and distribute opportunities more evenly across territories.
While a provincial nomination does not directly lead to permanent residency (PR), it significantly enhances a candidate’s prospects. A nomination signals to IRCC a candidate’s suitability, offering a notable advantage in the PR application process. Candidates need to understand that the PNP operates as a separate immigration program within the Canadian immigration system. Therefore, candidates must submit a separate application and pay the associated fee for provincial nomination.
In conclusion, Canadian immigration remains an attainable goal, even for individuals with lower CRS scores. The Express Entry system offers various pathways and opportunities for candidates with lower CRS scores to improve their standings and increase their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Through dedication and strategic planning, such as provincial nomination, language skills improvement, and education enhancement, candidates can enhance their CRS scores and boost their prospects of immigrating to Canada. Candidates must explore all available options and utilize resources and support to maximize their immigration opportunities, regardless of their initial CRS score.
For more information or assistance regarding Express Entry profile creation or immigration-related queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. ImmiLaw Global comprises proficient immigration lawyers and overseas study consultants to make your immigration journey smooth and successful.
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