It may still be worth it for you to create an Express Entry profile even if you have a low CRS score. Fluctuating CRS scores and ways to increase your score may help you get invited to future draws. Learn more about what to do if you have a low CRS score below.
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The express entry system creates a pool of candidates for permanent Canadian immigration. Each applicant is scored and then ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This system is a subtotal of points based on Core/human capital, Spouse or common-law partner, Skill transferability factors, and Additional points. To be chosen from the pool of candidates and receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence, high-ranking scores are required.
Recent draws have scored over 460 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System. If you have a low CRS score and are looking for opportunities to apply for permanent residence, express entry may still be considered a valid option. Exploring options for economic immigration via Express Entry is still possible, and must be considered despite a low CRS score if the eligibility criteria to enter the express entry pool are met.
4 Reasons You Could Create An Express Entry Profile With a Low CRS Score
Only focusing on Express Entry for economic immigration may not be the best option, however, being eligible for economic immigration via express entry, increases the chances of immigrating to Canada. The following reasons must be considered when planning for immigration via Express Entry:
1. Fluctuating CRS Scores
CRS scores are not set in stone and vary significantly in each draw. CRS Scores have ranged in the past and have been unpredictable at times. An individual with a low CRS score, compared to previous draws, may be invited to apply in future draws, especially given the high number of invitations we are seeing this year.
2. Increasing Your Score is Possible
After entering the express entry pool, there are ways to increase your score. This includes additional work experience or training, working and/or studying in Canada, and retaking the language. Obtaining a job in Canada also increases the CRS score significantly. Your situation, as it changes, should be reflected in your Express Entry profile so that you can get any additional points that apply to you.
3. Provincial Nominee Programs Can Help
Through the PNP program, individuals may be allowed to apply for permanent residence via Express Entry by meeting the eligibility requirement for the province/territory and being eligible for one of the economic programs via Express Entry. This significantly increases the scores and will help cross the minimum threshold for Express Entry.
A provincial nomination provides an additional score of 600 points to the candidates. If you apply to the province and are approved for a provincial nomination, it usually guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence. The province/territory sends a ‘notification of interest’ to your account if you have already created an express entry profile, from where you can access the province’s offer electronically. Alternatively, you can contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination under Express Entry. Once nominated, you can create an Express Entry profile and show your nomination.
Upon having the additional score of 600 points, you only require a low score in the Core/human capital, Spouse or common-law partner, and Skill transferability factors category to cross the minimum threshold. On January 6, 2021, 250 express entry invitations were issued under the provincial nominee program. The CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 813. Thus, the candidate only required a CRS score of 213 in other factors (apart from provincial nomination) to be sent an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
4. The Number of Invitations will Likely Increase in 2021
Canada announced that the 2021’s immigration target is 401,000 permanent residents. 108,500 of the above-mentioned permanent residents are expected through the Express Entry program, i.e., approving 8,946 Express Entry candidates a month. The maximum expected immigration in one year via Express Entry is expected to be 113,750 permanent residents in 2023. Thus, it can be expected that the CRS threshold may be decreased in the future, to issue more invitations. Make sure you don't miss out on this wave of invitations by creating an Express Entry Profile ASAP.
What is Express Entry?
The Express Entry system is an application system that manages the pool of candidates applying for Canadian economic immigration. The Express Entry system facilitates economic immigration through the following three programs - the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Express Entry is a two-stage process, which starts with the creation of an express entry profile. A CRS Score is calculated for candidates which determines their rank in the pool. Periodic Express Entry draws are held by IRCC to invite candidates with certain scores. If you meet the express entry draw score, you are issued an invitation to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency.
Eligibility Criteria for entering the Express Entry Pool
Eligibility Criteria | Canadian Experience Class | Federal Skilled Worker Program | Federal Skilled Trades Program |
Language Skills |
| CLB 7 |
|
Type/Level of Work Experience | Canadian or foreign experience in either NOC 0, A, or B | Canadian or foreign experience in either NOC 0, A, or B | Canadian or foreign experience in skilled trade under key groups of NOC B |
Amount of Work Experience | One year in Canada in the last 3 years (either a combination of full-time or part-time work) | One year continuous within the last 10 years (combination of part-time, full-time, or more than 1 job in your primary occupation) | Two years within the last 5 years (either a combination of full-time or part-time work) |
Job Offer | Not required | Not required
| Required:
|
Education | Not required | Secondary education is required.
| Not required |
Provinces and territories can also recruit candidates from the Express Entry pool through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to meet local labour market needs.
Need Help Making Your Express Entry Profile Before The Next Draw?
Get started by booking a consultation. It is important to understand if your profile meets basic eligibility for this program and whether or not you have good prospects to immigrate through this program. During the consultation, our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants will review your profile and see if Express Entry is the best option for you. We will also assess your profile for other federal and provincial programs for Permanent Residency. Regardless of whether you retain our services, at the end of the consultation, you will have a plan for your path to Canadian permanent residency. If you choose to retain our services, we will adjust this fee to our full retainer fee.
A Cautionary Note: The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained, and the readers are asked to refer to the government website for the most updated information.
