Canada’s most popular immigration program is Express Entry. Express Entry applicants are evaluated using a point-allocation grid called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
A Brief Introduction To Express Entry And The CRS
A Canadian immigrant who applies through any of the Express Entry programs is ranked using the Canadian Residency Ranking System (CRS). Among these programs are
- the Canadian Experience Class (CEC),
- the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), and
- the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
In the CRS, “core human capital factors” are measured, including age, education, first language ability, and Canadian work experience.
This analysis focuses on age as the first item.
Applicants between 20 and 29 (100 points) get the most age points from CRS systems. As you get older, you lose age category points (95 points if you’re 30, 90 points if you’re 31, etc.). Over 45s don’t get age category points.
The age of 30 does not mean you must give up on Express Entry. If you apply at or after 30 years of age, you can maximize your CRS score in many ways.
Strategy 1: Getting a Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) nomination
You can maximize your CRS score by enhancing the Provincial Nominee Program streams linked to Express Entry. A nomination can earn you 600 points when applying through Express Entry before receiving a Canadian permanent residency invitation.
The Canadian provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) have permanent resident nomination programs to nominate candidates for permanent residency.
Canadian immigration is historically disproportionate; thus, the PNP distributes benefits throughout the country. Over 80 streams are available under 11 PNPs.
Applicants who receive an Express Entry invitation, apply, and receive a provincial nomination certificate can upload their certificate and receive 600 CRS points.
Strategy 2: Receiving a job offer
A valid job offer, including salary, responsibilities, and employment conditions, can also help maximize CRS scores if you apply through Express Entry. Boosting an applicant’s CRS score is as simple as making a valid employment offer.
Strategy 3: Assess your experience
Work experience can improve your CRS score in several ways. For one thing, getting more experience can boost your score. For another, the better you articulate your current knowledge, the better your chance of being hired.
Strategy 4: Enhancing language skills
Language ability is an essential component of CRS scores. As mentioned above, English and French proficiency are tested in two categories. Since this component can add up to significant points, Express Entry applicants must include it.
A candidate’s ability to apply language proficiency (including reading, writing, speaking, and listening) earns 128 to 136 points.
Furthermore, language factors can be used across multiple sections, maximizing CRS scores. Language factors can be categorized into four types: human capital factors; spouse factors; skills transferability; and additional factors.
The language score can be improved by including other factors, such as education.
Strategy 5: Enhancing educational credentials
Education generally counts for 200 to 250 CRS points, depending on where the applicant is from. Express Entry CRS scores can be raised by obtaining an extra degree or Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Strategy 6: Consider spouse/partner as a principal applicant
CRS scores of Express Entry applicants may be higher than spouses’. Swapping the principal applicant for the dependent spouse or common-law partner may be a good idea.