Aspiring immigrants to Canada are often interested in learning more about the Express Entry program. It is known as one of the most advanced immigration systems and has been used for years to help fill labor market shortages in the country. A major factor that determines your eligibility for Express Entry is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which comprises 1200 points. The highest-scoring applicants are eligible for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency (PR) in Canada. As experienced immigration consultants, we regularly hear questions from our clients regarding how to receive a high CRS score. So, let us address these queries today!
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online system that we use to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. Express Entry lets skilled workers who meet certain criteria enter and remain in Canada as permanent residents. Eligible candidates are placed in a pool, where they are ranked against others based on their skills and experience. The highest-ranking candidates in the pool are invited to apply for permanent residence.
What is a CRS Score?
A CRS score is a number between 0 and 1,200 that’s assigned to you when you create an Express Entry profile. The CRS uses the information in your profile to assess and score your eligibility for immigration to Canada through one of three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
A higher CRS score means you have a better chance of being invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The CRS is points-based and focuses on factors that have been shown to help newcomers prosper in Canada, such as age, education, work experience, and language skills.
There are a few ways you can increase your CRS score and improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence through Express Entry. These include:
• Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
• Completing an advanced level of education (master’s degree or Ph.D.) from a Canadian institution
• Gaining more work experience
• Improving your language skills in English or French
About the CRS Score Calculation
Comprehensive Ranking System scores are calculated based on the following factors:
- Educational background
- Experience and skills in the workplace
- Ability to speak English or French
- Nomination by the state (if applicable)
- (If any) A job offer under a positive LMIA – Labor Market Impact Assessment
- Education and linguistic ability of the spouse
LMIA can award between 50 and 200 points based on the NOC code of the job offer, and other skills, work, and education can help the candidate achieve 500 points. The objective is to achieve the highest CRS score of 1200 points.
Ways to Improve your CRS Score
Take into account all of the criteria when submitting your application for Canada PR through Express Entry. People often become concerned about their age, since individuals over 30 years old can lose points. We strongly recommend focusing efforts on areas that can be improved to make up for the missing points rather than fretting about factors outside of one’s control. Investing in honing language ability or adding another degree can be beneficial. Pay close attention to areas where it is possible to heighten marks for the Express Entry program.
If you would like to improve your CRS score, you should consider the Provincial Nomination Program. Yes, this is ideal for candidates who stay up-to-date on immigration news and have up-to-date applications. There are different PNPs, and the applicant must be proactive enough to know when a suitable one is opening and accepting applications. In terms of CRS score, this is the best method for obtaining 600 points that elevate a candidate’s profile.
Obtaining a job offer can be a great way of boosting your CRS score by up to 200 points, thus granting you an ITA. To ensure success in this pursuit, it is advisable to either put in the effort or hire an expert to carry out a detailed search in your field for a relevant offer. Additionally, staying active on LinkedIn and other job platforms, visiting recruitment fairs, and connecting with recruiters could increase your chances of achieving the desired outcome. It is important to keep in mind that the number of points awarded varies depending on the NOC Code, with ’00’ providing the highest possible amount.
The team at Cougar Immigration Services provides expert assistance for the Express Entry program. All you have to do is get in contact with us, and we will take care of you in every way we can.
