Path to permanent residence: How to boost your express entry score in 2024
Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2024 02:43:26 +0000
The path to obtain permanent residence is often filled with obstacles. Today perhaps the biggest obstacle is getting an opportunity to apply in the first place. And it’s all thanks to the continued trend of high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores for Express Entry draws.
Since resuming regular Express Entry in 2023 after COVID-19, CRS scores of the lowest-ranked candidate to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) have been trending at historically high levels. For all general draws within the past year, CRS scores were concentrated in the 481-561 range. Compare that with 2018 to 2020, where the CRS scores were concentrated in the 350-449 range.
While the exact reason behind this trend is difficult to pinpoint, it’s likely at least in part due to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s COVID-19 backlog. Another likely culprit is the introduction of category-based express entry ITAs in 2023, which allows IRCC to make targeted draws inviting only candidates who have a specific occupation, skillset or education. To make space for these category-based rounds of ITAs, fewer invitations will be issued to candidates in all categories, necessarily making CRS scores more competitive.
Although difficult to predict, a major decrease in the scores is unlikely as 2024 unfolds as immigration levels are projected to remain flat and building political pressure to reduce immigration continues to mount. Indeed, the first general draw of 2024 suggests this continued pattern, with the CRS score of the lowest candidate invited being 546.
Boosting your express entry score
The unfortunate reality for skilled immigrants who do not work in one of IRCC’s preferred occupations or speak French is that receiving an ITA will remain a challenge for the foreseeable future. Even “ideal” candidates – those younger than 30, with a master’s degree, Canadian work experience and English fluency – who a few years ago would have easily received an ITA are today finding themselves iced out of the program. Here are some of the most practical ways you can increase your chances of receiving an ITA.
Provincial nomination
Securing a nomination from a province gives applicants 600 extra CRS points. The catch is that in addition to meeting the eligibility requirements for one of the three Express Entry programs, you must also be eligible for one of the province’s PNP programs. Across Canada, there are dozens upon dozens of different PNP streams with varying requirements. Generally, you need to have a connection to or employment in the province and demonstrate intent to stay there. Obtaining a PNP nomination also requires submitting a separate application, meaning added time and an extra processing fee to consider.
Obtaining a job offer
While you don’t necessarily need a job offer for an ITA, arranged employment in Canada can earn you critical extra points. Depending on the occupation, a job offer can earn you 50-200 CRS points. However, to be valid under Express Entry, a job offer must meet specific and precise criteria. It also needs to be either supported by an LMIA or exempt from needing one, meaning that a job offer based on an open work permit will not qualify. Further, if your work permit is exempt from an LMIA, you need to have worked for the employer named on your work permit for at least one year to be eligible for the extra points. While it may not be easy to get a Canadian job offer I you’re outside Canada, it’s now easier than ever to receive a Canadian job offer thanks to the increased use of remote work.
Improving language scores
All Express Entry applicants must meet minimum levels of either English or French to qualify. Practicing and improving your language test scores can boost your CRS score. For example, if you are a single applicant who has obtained CLB 10 or more in all language abilities, you will earn 44 more points versus the same applicant who only obtained CLB 8. Although each test typically costs $200 to $300, there’s no limit to how many times you can take a test, and new test result scores can be added to your Express Entry profile at any time.
Learning French
Becoming proficient in both English and French can earn you an added 50 CRS points. To qualify, you’ll need a score of CLB 7 or more in French and CLB 5 in English. Also, adding French proficiency may make you eligible for IRCC’s targeted draws inviting candidates with French language proficiency, which often have noticeably lower cut-off CRS scores. There are even some government programs that offer temporary residents free French language learning classes.
While the outlook for those looking to obtain permanent residence through economic immigration may be grim, it’s important to keep in mind that IRCC has complete discretion in setting the low cut-off score. As such, if you meet the minimum requirements of one of the Express Entry programs but find yourself without a competitive score, you should still consider completing your profile to avoid missing any opportunities to receive a coveted ITA.
Maxine Blennerhassett is with Canadian immigration law firm Larlee Rosenberg.
The post Path to permanent residence: How to boost your express entry score in 2024 first appeared on Canadian Immigrant.
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