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.