Canada’s Express Entry draws are competitive meaning that when you’ve submitted your online profile and you discover that your score is a smaller amount than the typical CRS scores, it’s time to sit tight and up your game and claim those extra points! Let’s take a glance at a number of the common ways in which you can improve your chances to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system by increasing your CRS score.
1. Improve Your Language Test Scores
This is probably the quickest and easiest way to spice up your CRS score and there are two ways this can be done:
- Learn a second language; or
- just retake your original mother tongue test.
The highest Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level you’ll be able to achieve is CLB 9 so if you’ve scored anything less, there’s always room for claiming extra points.
Say, for instance, if you’re already fluent in English and have always wanted to have knowledge and understanding of the French language, you can get an extra 22 points for a second language skill if you’re applying together with your spouse or partner and 24 additional points if you’re applying alone.
You’ll also earn more points if you’ve got a high level of proficiency (CLB7 or higher) and a post-secondary degree under skill transferability factors.
2. Increase Work Experience
If you’re applying for your Canadian visa from outside Canada and haven’t been able to gather up to three years of work experience, doing your best to gain an extra year or two is possibly a good idea in order to for you to gain more skills transferability points.
If you’re already working in Canada on short-term working papers, the same applies. Nonetheless, it will be wise for you to aim for five years or more years of work experience as you will be able to claim more CRS scores in accordance with the number of years of work experience you possess.
Do not use your discretion to choose which work experience and expertise to list and which not to list in your express entry profile as you do not know if a skill you possess in the area of your expertise will be in demand in specific provinces which to lead to a desired provincial nomination.
3. Get a Provincial Nomination (PN)
Getting a provincial nomination will earn you a whooping CRS score of 600; Fantastic right? Meaning since the highest attainable CRS score is 1200, you are halfway through getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
The cut-Off mark for the CRS in 2020 has span between 431 and 808 so far, which indicates that even in a tie with a top score of 800, you still need an extra 200 points to qualify.
On average, the cut-off CRS score of overall ties in 2020 has been 551 points, which can only mean that by have a provincial nomination, you may already be on your way to Canada.
Be sure to indicate your interest in your choice of the province when creating your express entry profile as the IRCC has been giving more spots for Provincial Nomination Program express entry linked applicants.
4. Complete another Qualification
Taking and completing another educational program is essential as it will help in increasing your CRS score.
While you are able to earn more skills transferability points, you will also be able to earn more human capital points with a higher level of education.
5. Get employment Offer in Canada
Getting an employment offer in Canada before you make the move is usually ideal but it’s crucial to take note that if you would like to earn points for it, it has to meet certain standards.
It has to be a full-time continuous paid employment offer for a minimum of one year and you’ll need the offer in writing from your employer.
Having an authentic job offer in Canada will not only make things easier for you once you arrive but you’ll be able to have up to 200 CRS points added to your score.
6. Hire a Recruiter to assist you secure a job Canada
When trying to find and secure a job in Canada, it is always advisable to seek the assistance of a professional as they are knowledgeable in helping you create a digital resume and they are able to access a wide range of databases of potential employers nationwide as well as jobs in Canada that match your qualification, expertise, and work experience.
Optimizing your chances to the highest possibility will be at your advantage; so, if you require the assistance of a recruitment agency in Canada, do it!
7. Having a Sibling in Canada
Having a sibling who is currently living in Canada and is either a citizen or has the status of permanent residency automatically increases your chances of success,
Having a sibling through blood or by adoption, partners in a marriage, or common-law partnership, grants you the liberty to claim an additional 15 points but you will be required to provide proof of your relationship, for instance, a certificate.
8. Apply together with your Spouse
Another way to really increase your CRS score is by submitting your application together with your spouse.
You can earn up to 20 CRS points for your language skills, 10 points if any of you has Canadian work experience, additional 10 points each for educational qualifications which sum up to 40 points.
As a single applicant as well, you can also be allowed to claim these points in other areas.
You can also change things up by deciding who the principal applicant is going to be depending on whoever has the best CRS points.
You can, of course, apply separately but there’s the danger of your beloved possibly not receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). However, if you both receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you’ll have to submit your Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence together.
9. Use a CRS Calculator
If you are not sure about ways to enhance your CRS score, the best available option is to use a CRS calculator.
The Canadian government has made a provision for a great CRS tool that’s free for everybody to use.
Nonetheless, some immigration companies will either offer free evaluation or take payment for using their own developed CRS calculator which may offer a more accurate result that’s tailored to your specific needs.
The rules that come with the Express Entry immigration system are likely to change as time goes because the Canadian government has been modeling for new ways to the process can be improved.
Provinces are seasonally improving their programs to effectively respond to the labour markets across Canada under their respective jurisdiction.
Staying Up-to-Date on Express Entry Immigration News and keeping tabs with all the programs at both the federal and provincial levels will give you a cutting edge at adjusting to the new rules before others.
