Canada attracts a vast number of migrants every year. It is a famous immigrant-friendly country where people come for good job prospects, a better standard of living, high-quality education, running businesses and visiting tourists. Are you planning to settle in Canada? Firstly, you need to check out the province where you want to live, then the job opportunities, living cost and other available services in that province. However, before moving to Canada, you need to know about the various immigration programs Canada offers for any newcomer.
Usually, newcomers apply for Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada through point-based immigration programs- Express Entry (EE) or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These popular choices require only a simple application process, resulting in higher intakes. However, remember that submitting an EE profile does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation to apply for Canadian PR.
Online Canadian Immigration Assessment Form
Then what are the selection criteria? It is based on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Let us find out what CRS is, how to calculate your score, and tips to increase your scores, increasing your chances of qualifying for immigration through EE and PNP programs.
The Canadian government uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess applicants' eligibility for the Express Entry immigration program. The applicant will score points based on this system, and then the federal government ranks accordingly.
Express Entry uses CRS score while considering applications for three immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program. Federal Skilled Trades Program. Canadian Experience Class. Also, CRS Scores are considered for various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for assessing and ranking Express Entry candidates in Canada.
The Canadian government uses CRS and ranks the immigration candidates based on CRS scores. The points assigned to each applicant are called the CRS score. The points allotted for every question are pre-decided and fair from any bias.
Approximately every two weeks, the Canadian government conducts Express Entry draws. The federal government issues a round of Invitations to Apply (ITA) for PR to the highest-ranking candidates. But remember that you will receive ITA only if your CRS score is equivalent to or more than the cut-off at the draw time.
After submitting a profile to the Express Entry pool, applicants will be assigned a CRS score of 1200 points. Your CRS score depends upon various factors that help the government determine your job preferences, contribution to the economy, and how likely you are to integrate into Canadian society. While filling out the EE profile, you must mention your age, experiences, job offer, etc., which will reflect in your final score. Remember that the higher your CRS score, the better your chances of qualifying for Invitations to Apply for PR.
CRS points are tied mainly to the applicant's age, language proficiency, education, and work experience. Let us discuss the focus area in detail:
Age:
Anyone under 17 years receives zero points for their age. Applicants between 20 and 29 years qualify for 110 points (100 points if you apply with your spouse or common-law partner), which is the maximum score you can attain in this category. After 30, the score starts reducing; once you reach 45, you won't earn any points afterwards.
Education:
You can earn points for the highest degree, diploma, or certificate pursued from inside/ outside Canada. Ph.D. or Doctoral holders receive the maximum score of 150 (but 140 if you're applying along with your spouse or partner). To check the validity and authenticity of your certificates, the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is mandatory for those who have pursued education outside Canada.
Language Proficiency (first language):
Canada has English and French as their official languages. So, you must take a language test (IELTS/ CELPIP–G for English, TCF /TEF for French) to prove proficiency in either or both languages. The tests focus on your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, and you will receive an overall score based on that. The maximum score you may get is 136 (128 if you apply with a spouse or common-law partner). Depending upon the province selection, you may decide whether English or French tests are required.
Canadian work experience:
Applicant must possess a minimum of one year of Canadian work experience to get points under this category. If you have five or more years of Canadian experience, you will earn 80 points (70 if you apply with a spouse or partner).
Skill transferability:
Based on your education, language skills and Canadian work experience, you may get up to 100 points for skill transferability. For instance, you earn 50 points if your foreign work experience includes three or more years and a CLB 9 or higher. Similarly, you earn 50 points if you have three years of foreign work experience and two or more years of Canadian work experience.
Spouse or common-law partner:
If you apply for Express Entry jointly with your spouse, you may obtain up to 25 points for their education, language test report, and Canadian work experience.
As an applicant, you can increase your chance of getting a maximum score of 600 points through factors that include:
Post-secondary Canadian education:
You may earn 15 points if you pursue a Canadian one or two-year diploma or certificate program. Applicants with degrees (Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D.) or another three-year credential will get 30 points for Canadian study.
Second official language:
Proficiency in English and French can earn you up to 50 additional points.
Provincial Nomination:
If you apply for immigration through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and receive a nomination certificate, then you will get 600 CRS points.
Valid job offer from a Canadian company:
The score under this factor depends on your job offer's National Occupation Classification (NOC) code. For a job offer for a NOC TEER 0, you get 200 CRS points; for a NOC TEER 1, 2, OR 3 job offer, you get 50 points.
Sibling in Canada:
If your brother or sister is over 18 years old, resides in Canada, and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you earn 15 extra CRS points on your EE profile.
Now that you know how CRS scores play a deciding factor in obtaining Canadian PR, it is highly recommended to check your score on the website of the Canadian government. You may compare your score with the current CRS cut-off and assess yourself. Always remember that the CRS cut-off changes from draw to draw, and candidates with higher scores will benefit from securing an Invitation to Apply.
Visit the Canadian government website and go directly to the CRS calculator. You will be requested to answer basic questions regarding your age, education, work experience, etc. It will be better to take Language tests before checking your status. You may still add your estimated scores and check your eligibility if you have yet to appear for any language test. Again, if your spouse or common-law partner intends to accompany you, add their information as well.
Also, check for other eligibility criteria and ensure you meet them all to proceed with the CRS calculator. If you receive an ITA, then that will make a significant impact on your CRS score.
What is the desired and competitive score for immigration? What scores make you eligible for PR qualification? These are the frequently asked questions that every applicant has. There's no clear-cut answer to this. But as mentioned earlier, the CRS cut-off differs every time with each draw. Usually, it depends on the government's immigration pre-determined targets and the number of applications received in the EE pool.
After submitting the Express Entry profile, the application remains valid in the pool for up to one year or until you get an Invitation to Apply. Still, many draws will be conducted during this period. If your score meets or exceeds the cut-off in any of these draws, you will be eligible to receive an ITA for PR.
In the Express Entry draw conducted on August 15, 2023, the CRS cut-off for Provincial Nominee Programs was 496. Please check out the federal government's website to track the details of the latest and all Express Entry draws and also for the next draw prediction.
A Canadian job offer can make you score up to 200 CRS points, making it a wiser decision to qualify for an ITA. However, obtaining a Canadian job offer is challenging if you reside outside Canada and don't have a work permit. Still, you have the chance if you continue to try for a valid job offer with a constant try.
In the world of high-speed networks and connectivity, you may check for job opportunities through various job portals, virtual job fairs, and social media like LinkedIn, social networking, etc., while you are still living in your country.
To begin with, you may choose the province you wish to settle in advance. Then, apply for the Provincial Nominee Program of that province. For your luck, some provinces may choose applicants from the larger Express Entry pool. So, always fill out the preferred province and territory while creating your profile.
A provincial nominee certificate may fetch 600 CRS points, the maximum possible score for additional factors. Usually, the CRS cut-off for the PNP is 700 plus points; if you receive a provincial nomination, you may drastically improve your CRS score, thereby making you eligible for ITA.
You need to decide carefully who should be the primary applicant if you intend to submit your EE profile along with your spouse. Your spouse's score will be added to the secondary applicant's education, language test report and work experience. But always remember that the primary applicant's score will be mostly considered. So, to get the maximum CRS points, it is always advisable to choose a partner with higher qualifications, more work experience, or better language skills as the primary applicant. Also, keep in mind that once you submit the EE profile, you cannot change the primary applicant.
Your chances of calling for ITA increase depending on the language test score. The better your scores for four sections, the better your overall score will be. Good test results can earn points between 24- 144 points. However, you may prepare again and opt for retests if your scores are low or unworthy.
You may take any number of attempts for official language tests, but each attempt costs you CAD 300. The most significant part is that by improving your language test score by one Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level can significantly improve your CRS score.
If you jointly apply as a couple, then the partner should also take the language test. The secondary applicant can get a maximum of five CRS points for language skills; it is an added advantage for your profile.
If you are proficient in both English and French, that can earn you extra CRS points. For instance, a CLB 7 or more score in French and a CLB 5 or more in English will give you 50 points. So, if you are a beginner or have intermediate-level proficiency in a second language, start preparing and attempt for the highest scores for both language tests. Whether it's IELTS, CELPIP, TEF or TCF, these test results can improve your overall CRS score and chances of obtaining ITA.
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is essential to verify your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is valid and equal to a Canadian one. It would be best if you got an ECA specifically for immigration purposes. Usually, you need an assessment for your highest level of education only. For instance, if you have a Master's degree, you only need an assessment for that, not your Bachelor's degree.
However, you can earn more CRS points by submitting two or more post-secondary credentials documents, but the program duration must be at least three years or longer. Most ECA-issuing organizations charge by application rather than by the number of credentials. It would be wise to assess the certificates simultaneously to conserve money and time.
If you intend to apply with your spouse jointly, you earn up to 10 extra points for your foreign education. And for this, they must submit a separate ECA application.
You may earn 15-30 CRS points if you have pursued education in Canada. And this also increases your chances of qualifying for PR later.
Interestingly, there is no age limit for international students to apply for a Canadian study permit. Even workers with several years of work experience abroad can choose this pathway. Before applying for a study permit, please do check for the study and living costs of your desired program in Canada.
Consider applying for work in Canada if you still need to meet the CRS cut-off score. With a valid job offer, you may start working in Canada. A minimum of one year of work experience can add 40 points to the CRS score. You may also get skill transferability points if you're fluent in English or French and have foreign work experience.
Another option is to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after studying on a study permit in Canada. You may work under a PGWP permit, and students don't require a job offer to get a PGWP. It would be wise to opt for a one-year-long study program since the duration of your PGWP is directly linked to the study period.
With one year of work experience, there is a chance to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program under Express Entry.
The more you educate in your country, the more you earn points for CRS. For instance, If you have an undergraduate degree, by completing a master's, you get an extra 15 points to your CRS score. However, before exploring this option, ensure you won't gain education points at the expense of age points.
If you have three or more years of work experience anywhere outside Canada, then additional points will be reflected in your CRS score. So, before applying for immigration, always gain three or more years of work experience to avail yourself of this benefit.
Foreign work experience is a skill transferability factor, and you obtain points if you have good language test scores (preferably CLB 7 and above) or Canadian work experience. With each year adding to your age after 30, you will lose points every year, so consider all these factors before applying to immigration in Canada.
It would be best to have a competitive CRS score to qualify for Canadian immigration through Express Entry or a PNP. Even though Canada's immigration targets are increasing yearly, intense competition has driven CRS cut-offs upwards.
As mentioned throughout this article, before applying for immigration, please assess that you meet all the requirements and self-check for CRS score through the CRS calculator. Since the Express Entry profile remains active for a year, you can qualify for draws if not for the latest draw.
However, if you still don't meet the expected CRS score, you can try out for other immigration programs where a CRS score isn't mandatory. It is advisable to visit the federal government website and gather the necessary information while planning for any immigration program.
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Read To Know: How to Settle and obtain PR status in Canada
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