March 23rd, 2024 at 05:55 am
Joining the Express Entry pool with a low CRS score | Canada Immigration Guide
Is it possible to enter the Express Entry pool with a low CRS score? Let us investigate the many facets of this option. To begin with, Express Entry has gained prominence among talented newcomers seeking Canadian immigration. This is partly due to IRCC’s official six-month service standard for Express Entry applications, which highlights the agency’s potential to speed the Canadian permanent residence process.
Joining the Express Entry pool with a low CRS score: Is it worthwhile?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score plays an important role in the Express Entry process. It has a substantial impact on a candidate’s prospects of earning an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency status. Higher CRS scores frequently correspond to increased chances of receiving an invitation.
CRS scores are a combination of human capital attributes such as age, education, occupation, work experience, and language skills.
The Express Entry pool is very competitive. The most recent draws, particularly general draws, have featured a minimum CRS score of more than 500 points. From February 28 onwards, the current Express Entry pool includes 18,106 candidates with scores more than 500. According to the same numbers, the Express Entry pool contains approximately 211,487 individuals.
In short, less than one-tenth of Express Entry candidates have higher CRS scores than are required to be considered for an Express Entry general draw in 2024.
This is a tricky scenario for those with lower CRS scores (less than 500). Given their lower CRS ratings, they are unsure whether they can continue to enter the Express Entry pool.
Latest Express Entry draws
The minimum score required by the Comprehensive Ranking System for the issuing of an ITA in each Express Entry draw is constantly changing. Furthermore, the type of draw, whether program-specific, general, or category-based, influences the CRS score.
In addition, in 2024, the CRS scores in each Express Entry lottery varied significantly. Since March 12, there have been eleven Express Entry draws. Six out of ten draws were general, indicating that candidates from all Express Entry categories and programs received invitations. The CRS scores in the general draw ranged from 525 to 541.
The remaining four draws in 2024 were held for candidates who were selected depending on their category. CRS ratings for category-based selection drawings have been lower than general ones. The scoring range for each category has been 336 to 437.
The category-based Express Entry drawings gained popularity in May 2023 as a way for IRCC to target Express Entry candidates with specific in-demand attributes.
The six categories are listed below:
- Healthcare Occupations;
- Trade Occupations – Carpenters, Plumbers and Contractors
- Transport Occupations;
- STEM Professions;
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations;
- Solid proficiency in the French language
Candidates in the French language category received the lowest CRS score of 336 in a February 29 draw for 2,500 hopefuls. Another draw in the same category took place on February 1, with 7,000 ITAs and a CRS score of 365.
Furthermore, if candidates with much lower CRS scores in general drawings qualify for category-based draws, they may be eligible for an ITA under Express Entry. In 2023, the IRCC issued 16,000 ITAs to Express Entry candidates through category-based draws.
Express Entry
The Express Entry system processes immigration applications and oversees the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the FSTP, and the CEC. Candidates who wish to apply for any of the three programs must first assess their own eligibility. This implies that they must meet the eligibility requirements for the program they are interested in.
Once the candidates have completed the eligibility conditions, they must upload their Express Entry profile to obtain the CRS score. After receiving the CRS score, they must get an ITA from IRCC.
Joining the Express Entry pool with a low CRS score: Steps to increase your score
Express Entry candidates can certainly improve their CRS scores if they have lower scores while waiting for an Invitation to Apply. They must also update the profile based on changes to the human capital traits.
Language skills
Statistics Canada has published a paper focusing on the economic outcomes of competent new immigrants based on their language skills. The survey stated that language has emerged as a significant predictor of effective economic integration. For example, it claimed that immigrants with reading language proficiency levels of NCLC OR CLAB 10 achieved 25% more than those with language proficiency 7 level abilities.
A candidate without an accompanying partner or spouse can only receive a maximum CRS score of 136. This translates to 34 points for each of the four assessed language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Candidates can take any IRCC-recognized and acceptable language test several times, depending on the requirements. In this manner, they can achieve their desired CRS score in either French or English, or possibly both.
The IRCC accepts the following language tests:
- CELPIP General Test;
- IELTS General Training;
- Pearson Test of English Core – PTE
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
IRCC offer points for higher education levels. Candidates without an accompanying partner who complete a one-year postsecondary degree will receive 90 points for the education element. Those who complete a three-year postsecondary degree, on the other hand, will earn 120 points.
Depending on individual circumstances, returning to school could be an excellent option for improving the overall CRS score.
Age
Candidates interested in applying to an Express Entry program should do so as soon as possible, rather than waiting until a later date. This is because youthful candidates tend to get more points than those who wait until their 30s and 40s. Candidates aged 20 to 29 who enter the pool without a spouse receive 110 points. Once the candidate reaches the age of 30, this reduces to 95 points and continues until 40, when the maximum point decline occurs at 50 years.
Obtaining a Provincial nomination
Express Entry candidates who receive provincial nominations often receive an additional 600 points, which are added to their CRS scores. Furthermore, the candidate is certain to receive an ITA in the upcoming draw.
Those in the Express Entry pool may apply for a nomination directly to the province in which they wish to settle. Alternatively, individuals could request that the province government issue an Expression of Interest (EOI) in a province Nominee Program draw before filing their application. An EOI is equivalent to an express entry ITA.
Provinces nominate candidates who are most suited to establishing themselves in the provincial workforce and effectively contributing to the local economy by closing the labour shortage gap. These provinces assure this through Provincial Nominee Programs.
Each Canadian province has various streams that focus on in-demand features within the province. For example, provinces may prioritize individuals with specific vocations, international graduates, and entrepreneurs. Some even provide PNP streams to people looking to work in rural areas and farms.
Notably, Express Entry candidates must recognize that the PNP is a separate immigration program that requires a separate application and cost from the nominating province.
A nomination differs from obtaining permanent residence in Canada. However, it demonstrates the candidate’s potential, which is useful for a PR application to IRCC.
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