Are you looking for the fastest way to make Canada your new home? Consider the Express Entry-managed programs for lightning-fast processing times and a chance to become a permanent resident of Canada. Receiving an invitation to apply depends on a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System score, with recent draws having minimum scores above 500. Candidates with scores less than 500 may consider other pathways to Canadian immigration.
Recent Express Entry draws
The minimum CRS score for ITA changes in each Express Entry draw and can be influenced by the type of draw. As of March 12, ten draws have taken place in 2024, with scores ranging from 525 to 541 for general draws and from 336 to 437 for category-based selection draws introduced in May 2023. Category-based selection draws target candidates with in-demand attributes. Five of the six categories are occupation-based for:
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Express Entry candidates with strong French language proficiency saw the lowest score of the year in a February 29 draw for 2,500 candidates. This category offers a chance for candidates with a lower CRS score to get an ITA if they are eligible for category-based selection. Last year, over 16,000 candidates were invited in category-based draws.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry manages the FSWP, FSTP, and CEC. Interested applicants must self-evaluate eligibility, submit an Express Entry profile for a CRS score, and wait for an ITA from IRCC.
How to improve your score
Express Entry candidates with lower scores can work on improving it while they wait for an ITA. Any update to human capital factors can be updated in their profile.
Language skills
Language ability is the biggest indicator of economic integration for skilled newcomers, according to a recent study by Statistics Canada. Those with a level 10 reading ability earn 25% more than those with a level 7 ability. Candidates can take language tests recognized by IRCC as many times as they need to get their desired score in English and/or French. The maximum CRS score for language ability is 136 for candidates without a spouse.
Eligible tests include:
- CELPIP General Test
- IELTS General Training
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core
- TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
- TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
Education
Higher education levels can increase your CRS score. A one-year post-secondary degree can get you 90 points, while a three-year or more degree can get you 120 points. Going back to school can be a good option to improve your overall CRS score.
Age
Candidates applying to the Express Entry program should do so early as younger candidates receive more points. Those entering the pool between 20 and 29 receive 110 points, which decreases each year until the age of 40, where the maximum points for age goes down to 50.
Provincial Nomination
Candidates in the Express Entry pool who receive a provincial nomination get an additional 600 CRS points, which almost guarantees an ITA. You can apply for a nomination directly to the province or wait for an Expression of Interest (EOI) in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw before applying. EOIs for nomination are similar to an ITA for Express Entry.
The PNP is a program that allows provinces to nominate candidates for jobs in their area. Each province has different streams targeting specific attributes. Note that PNP is a separate program from Express Entry and requires a separate application and fee. A nomination doesn’t guarantee PR but can be an advantage on a PR application.
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