Month: April 2024

For skilled immigrants seeking a fast-track path to Canadian permanent residency, Express Entry holds immense appeal.  Boasting a processing timeframe of just six months, this system, overseen by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), hinges on a key factor: your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.  The higher your score, the more likely you are to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Recent general draws within Express Entry have seen minimum CRS scores exceeding 500, leaving many with lower scores to question their chances.  Should they explore alternative immigration pathways, or is there still value in joining the Express Entry pool?

Here’s the encouraging news: the minimum CRS score required for an ITA fluctuates with each draw, and the draw type (general, program-specific, or category-based) plays a role.  2024 has witnessed significant variations in CRS scores.  As of March 12th, general draws, considering candidates from all programs and categories, ranged from 525 to 541.

However, category-based draws, introduced in May 2023, offer a glimmer of hope for those with lower scores.  These draws target specific in-demand skills, with CRS scores ranging from 336 to 437 depending on the category.  For example, a February draw targeting French language proficiency saw a score of just 336, with another draw issuing ITAs to those with a CRS of 365.  These figures highlight the possibility of receiving an ITA even with a CRS score deemed too low for a general draw.

Understanding Express Entry

Express Entry functions as a system managing three federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).  Individuals seeking to apply for one of these programs must first assess their eligibility through a self-evaluation process.  If eligible, they’ll need to create and submit their Express Entry profile, ultimately obtaining their CRS score.  Once they receive this score, they must wait for an ITA from IRCC.

Boosting Your Score While You Wait

The good news for candidates with lower CRS scores is that they can actively work on improvement while they await an ITA.  Any updates impacting your human capital factors can be reflected in your profile.

Language Skills: Numerous studies, including a recent one from Statistics Canada, highlight the significant role language proficiency plays in a newcomer’s economic success.  The study found that immigrants with a higher reading ability level earned considerably more compared to those with lower proficiency.  The maximum CRS score a candidate receives for language skills is 136 points (34 points each for reading, writing, listening, and speaking, assessed in either English or French).  Candidates can take IRCC-approved language tests as many times as needed to achieve their desired score

Education:  IRCC awards points for higher levels of education.  Candidates without an accompanying spouse who hold a one-year post-secondary degree receive 90 points for education, while those with a three-year or higher post-secondary degree get 120 points.  Depending on your situation, returning to school might be a strategic option for increasing your overall CRS score.

Age:  The earlier you apply to an Express Entry program, the better. Younger candidates receive more points compared to those who wait until their 30s or 40s.

Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs)

For Express Entry candidates, receiving a provincial nomination translates to an automatic 600 CRS point boost, practically guaranteeing an ITA in an upcoming draw.  There are two approaches:

Direct Application:  Candidates already in the Express Entry pool can directly apply for a nomination to their desired province of residence.

Provincial Expression of Interest (EOI):  Alternatively, you can wait for the provincial government to issue an EOI for a specific Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw before submitting your application.  EOIs for nominations function similarly to ITAs for Express Entry.

Through PNPs, provinces nominate candidates deemed most likely to integrate successfully into the provincial workforce and contribute to the local economy by filling crucial job vacancies.  Each province offers multiple streams targeting in-demand skills and experiences.  For instance, some provinces prioritize specific occupations, international graduates, entrepreneurs, or even candidates willing to work in rural areas or on farms.

Important Considerations:

Separate Application and Fees: Be aware that the PNP is a distinct immigration program requiring a separate application and fee submission to the nominating province.

Not a Guarantee of Permanent Residency: A nomination isn’t the same as obtaining permanent residency (PR), but it signifies to IRCC that you’re a potentially strong candidate, strengthening your PR application.

Conclusion

Entering the Express Entry pool can be a strategic move, even for individuals with lower CRS scores. By actively improving your profile through language development, potentially pursuing further education, or strategically considering your age at the time of application, you can increase your CRS score over time.

Furthermore, exploring Provincial Nomination Programs opens doors to additional points and can significantly enhance your chances of receiving an ITA.  Remember, the Express Entry system is dynamic.  Persistence, coupled with continuous improvement efforts, can pave the way for your successful Canadian immigration journey.

Canada’s Express Entry system provided a gateway for skilled workers worldwide. It provides a route to long-term residence there. With an estimated target of 110,770 new arrivals each year and growth to 117,500 in 2025 and 2026, this system is a ray of hope for people eager to establish a future in Canada.

Understanding Express Entry

At its core, Express Entry is a sleek system designed to manage applications for three main federal immigration programs:

• The Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)
• The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Each program focuses on different categories of workers, students, and business individuals to line up with Canada’s economic objectives and requirements.

Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) is designed for individuals with skills who are willing to get permanent residency in Canada. Every applicant must meet some key requirements to qualify for this program. The essential requirements are mentioned below:

Skilled Work Experience

The candidate needed to have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in an occupation classified under NOC levels 0, 1, 2, or 3.

Language Proficiency

Language proficiency is a must. You need to have a good command of English or French (essentially), having achieved a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 (minimum) in all four language skills.

Education

Educational qualifications are assessed, and higher levels of education often earn additional points.

Settlement Funds

Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their accompanying family members upon arrival in Canada.

Candidates who fulfil these requirements can join the Express Entry pool, where their rankings are determined by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS assigns points based on factors such as work experience, language skills, education, age, and adaptability factors, among others.

 Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The CEC offers permanent residency pathways for individuals with Canadian work experience. To qualify under this program, applicants must:

Canadian Work Experience

Possess at least one year of skilled, professional, or technical work experience in Canada within the last 36 months.

Language Proficiency

Demonstrate proficiency in English or French equivalent to a CLB level 5 for NOC TEER category 2 or 3-level jobs.

Intent to Reside Outside Quebec

CEC applicants are required to plan to live and work outside the province of Quebec.

Unlike other programs, CEC candidates are not required to show proof of settlement funds as part of their application, making it an attractive option for those with significant Canadian work experience.

 Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Moving toward individuals with experience in eligible skilled trades, the FSTP provides a route to permanent residency for skilled tradespersons. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Skilled Trade Experience

Gain full-time experience in a skilled trade for a minimum of two years during the past five years.

Job Requirements

Meet the job requirements outlined under the NOC for the respective skilled trade.

Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification

Provide a valid job offer of continuous, paid, full-time employment (at least 30 hours per week) from up to two employers in Canada for at least one year. Alternatively, candidates can present a certificate of qualification from a provincial or territorial body in Canada.

Language Proficiency

Demonstrate language proficiency at a CLB/NCLC level 5 for speaking and listening and a CLB/NCLC level 4 for reading and writing.

Settlement Funds

Show proof of funds for settlement in Canada unless currently authorized to work and be employed there.

Individuals qualifying under the FSTP contribute essential skills to Canada’s workforce, playing a significant role in various industries nationwide.

 The Express Entry Pool and CRS System

Upon meeting the eligibility criteria for any of the three programs, candidates are entered into the Express Entry pool. This pool is a dynamic repository of skilled workers eager to contribute to Canada’s economy. Within the pool, candidates are assigned a CRS score based on various factors:

Work Experience: Candidates must demonstrate at least one year of skilled work experience within the last ten years, aligning with the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.

Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French is crucial, with candidates required to achieve a CLB score of at least 7 in all four language abilities.

Education: A candidate’s level of education plays a significant role, with higher qualifications often garnering additional points.

Age: The CRS awards points based on the candidate’s age at the time of application, with younger applicants receiving higher scores.

Adaptability Factors: Factors such as spousal language proficiency, Canadian education, and work experience, among others, contribute to the overall CRS score.

 Strategies to Improve CRS Scores

Given the competitive nature of Express Entry, candidates often seek ways to enhance their CRS scores for a better chance of being invited to apply for permanent residency. Some strategies include:

1. Improving Language Skills: Investing time in language training programs to achieve higher CLB scores.
2. Obtaining Education Credentials: Pursuing additional educational qualifications to earn more points.
3. Getting More Experience at Work: Maintain your career in a specialized field to earn additional points.
4. Obtaining the Nomination of Provinces: CRS scores can be greatly increased by obtaining a nomination from a Canadian province via the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
5. Enhancing Spousal Credentials: If relevant, make sure a spouse or partner satisfies the educational and linguistic competency standards in order to gain extra points.

You can raise your CRS scores and raise your chances of being invited to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada by concentrating on the previously mentioned factors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Canada’s Express Entry system offers a hopeful pathway to skilled individuals looking to make Canada their home. Applicants can start a successful journey toward permanent residency by comprehending the eligibility criteria and tactics to enhance CRS scores under the FSWP, CEC, and FSTP programs. With its focus on drawing skilled individuals who can positively impact Canada’s economy, Express Entry serves as a guiding light of opportunity, inviting talented workers from across the globe to shape a better future in the Great White North.