The Express Entry provides a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers in Canada or overseas.
Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs:
Provinces and territories can also recruit candidates from Express Entry through their Provincial Nominee Programs to meet local labor market needs.
To enter the Express Entry pool, you must meet the eligibility requirements for one of these programs and create an Express Entry profile. Candidates in the express entry pool are invited to apply for Permanent residence if they meet the minimum cut-off in any given draw.
The CRS score is a critical factor in the Express Entry system, as it determines your ranking against other candidates. The higher your CRS score, the more likely you are to receive an invitation to apply(ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.
While any score above 470 is considered good, the actual cutoff score varies with each pool draw.
Here's how you can maximise your CRS Score:
Education Credential Assessment (ECA): Under the Comprehensive Ranking System, education holds significant value. The first thing is to ensure that you are claiming all points for eligible education by ensuring all foreign education credentials are assessed and if you have multiple degrees this would lead to additional points in your express entry profile.
Language Proficiency: Language skills play a crucial role in CRS scoring. Yes, there is a minimum level you need to qualify based on your program but given the competition with the express entry system, you should aim for Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 10 which is the highest level. You can claim all the points you need for your primary language be it English or French, and learn a second language! If your primary language is English, add French because French at level 7 can set you up for an additional 62 points in your Express Entry profile. So dedicate your time to learning the French language to boost your point.
Work Experience: Ensure that you maximize your work experience as well, putting only the work experience you can support with sufficient supporting documents such as payslips, employment letters, and employment references. Both Canadian and non-Canadian work experience can contribute to your CRS score. Continuously update your work experience on your Express Entry profile, as additional years of experience can result in higher scores.
Maximizing Spousal Factors: If you have a spouse or partner that is on your profile, it is important that your spouse completes a language test and credential assessments as well to boost scores. If they don't, you will be losing points in the Express Entry system especially if they plan to accompany you. And if your spouse has earned Canadian work experience, ensure that you add that as well to get your point.
Leverage Family Ties: Having a sibling in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and is residing in Canada, can earn you an additional 15 CRS points.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Explore provincial programs you may be eligible for that can provide a substantial boost of 600 CRS points, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.
Express Entry is very competitive, so you must stay on top of the news and programs that are being announced as well.
Boosting your Express Entry CRS score requires careful attention to various factors and opportunities. To understand your options and know what is required to successfully become a Permanent Resident, you can book our Permanent Residency Consultation
Also, if you received an ITA, and would like us to work with you on your submission, do complete our intake form and expect a response from us.