The Canadian Express Entry System has proven to be the most productive and lucrative method for proactively assessing, recruiting, and selecting skilled and qualified immigrants under federal economic immigration programs and allocating permanent residency to chosen applicants.
Comprehensive Ranking System, as the name suggests, is a ranking system to arrange and order immigration applications under Federal Skilled Workers Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.
This is a merit-based points system that assigns a score to each candidate in the Express Entry pool. Since there are thousands of applicants for the programs, applicants work really hard to boost their CRS scores on any of the merit basis such as education, work experience, language skills, etc.
Here are some of the ways you can boost your CRS score:
Applying with your Spouse?
- a) Get assessed for the better principal applicant
Whether it’s Express entry or PNP, Spousal age, qualifications, job NOC, and experience can sometimes make a better CRS score aggregate. It is worth putting in the time to assess who is the best principal applicant- you or your spouse.
- b) Your spouse can add points
Once the principal applicant is decided, the other partner can elevate the CRS score by concentrating on factors such as getting Canadian work experience, increasing education, or improving language skills. Well-qualified spouses can also attain points from provincial programs.
- Improve Your Language Test Scores
English and French are Canada’s official languages. An express entry candidate can garner up to 260 CRS points after proving high language proficiency, the threshold being a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 9 in each of the language aptitudes (writing, reading, speaking, and listening).
Francophone and French-speaking Express Entry candidates are now eligible to receive up to 50 additional CRS points, up from 30 points previously. 25 additional points can be obtained by French-speaking applicants with proven French ability, even if they have not proven strong English skills. This was set at 15 additional points earlier..
Pro Tip: Always assess your language skills on free online tools such as https://ieltsonlinetests.com/ so that you know your language weaknesses and target those areas in test prep.
- Add more Educational Credentials to your profile
Although it may be the most time-consuming thing to do, if you are a young applicant and have a year or two to add value to your express entry profile, you must invest time and effort in upgrading your education. This will boost your human capital points and skills transferability points.
Pro Tip: Always assess possibilities of studying in Canada vs studying in your own country with the immigration consultant. There are a number of programs and colleges that can provide excellent opportunities to learn in Canada. Canadian study experience is a significant parameter to increase your score. It will also be beneficial for your long-term career plans in Canada.
- Add more Work Experience
Outland applicants must accumulate at least three years of work experience. If you have less than 3 years of experience, gain an extra year or two to get more skills transferability points.
If you are already working in Canada on a work permit, you can gather more CRS points for Canadian work experience, so aim for five years or higher if you can.
Pro Tip: Always enlist extra work experience and expertise in your profile as your NOC or skills may be in high demand in a specific province which could lead you to the most sought- after Provincial Nomination!
Also, In-Canada CEC applicants must be employed during their application and continue working to keep adding points for work experience.
- Aim for a Provincial Nomination
The IRCC has slowly been allocating more spots for PNP-express entry-linked applicants so it’s always beneficial to indicate the provinces that interest you in your application. A provincial nomination automatically adds 600 points to an applicant’s profile. With the maximum CRS score of 1200, a provincial nomination will, in most cases, secure an invitation to apply in the next draw.
The IRCC has issued a record number of invitations to PNP and CEC candidates in 2020 and 2021. Last year had been an unparalleled year for Express Entry when IRCC issued a total of 107,350 ITAs. This year, the total number of Express Entry invitations is already at 110,377 with three months still remaining.
Candidates who have previously visited a province are also eligible for extra points, so while submitting an express entry application is also worth mentioning.
Pro Tip: PNP categories often open and close quickly with just a formal announcement on provincial websites, sometimes within days or even hours. For prompt action always keep your profile updated and documents ready.
- Get a Job Offer in Canada
It’s worth trying to get a job offer in Canada, especially for skilled workers such as IT professionals, by conducting a comprehensive job search, through networking that can be followed by visiting Canada
NOC | Job Description | Job Requirements | Points added |
Skilled occupation (NOC 0, A or B) | A job offer in a professional, managerial, or technical position | LMIA / job offer letter from an employer in Canada while on a closed work permit (other conditions apply) | 50 points |
Senior Managerial Position (NOC Major Group 00) | These positions are generally for highly skilled, experienced candidates in select occupations | LMIA / job offer letter from an employer in Canada while on a closed work permit (other conditions apply) | 200 points |
Pro Tip: With the pandemic shifting work online, it’s easier to network and apply on job sites such as Workopolis, Indeed, and Job Bank Canada. You must design your resume as per the Canadian format and prepare well for your interviews.
- Hire an Employment Recruiter
If you are struggling to find a job online, then you may hire a recruiter to tweak your digital resume, provide you with database related Canadian job offer that match your qualifications, skills, and work experience. They can share other tips that will increase your chances of getting hired in Canada.
Pro Tip: Use professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to compare and connect with Canadian recruiters and strike a deal with the one who is more aligned with your goals and dreams of working in Canada!
- Use Points for Siblings in Canada
Did you know that just by having a brother or sister, currently residing in Canada, who is either a citizen or permanent resident, your chances of success automatically increase by 15 points? Just by providing proof of your relationship with your sibling – for example, a birth certificate – these points can be availed.
Pro Tip: If you don’t qualify for Express Entry you may also be eligible to apply through Canada’s family sponsorship program.
Navigating your application through the Canadian immigration system can be confusing and time-consuming.
Every program comes with satisfying a number of rules and regulations, filling appropriate and complete forms and attaching relevant documents. All this, along with strict submission dates, can lead to extreme pressure and plentiful areas of making errors. But that’s where we are proficient!.
Call us today for a free assessment!
Let our expert Immigration Consultant take care of your application while you focus on building a new life in Canada! All you have to do is completely fill our online form and we’ll take care of the rest. It’s just that simple.
