Navigating Express Entry – How to Be a Successful Applicant
Every year 300,000 applicants are successful in immigrating to Canada as permanent residents. For skilled workers, the majority of applicants enter through the Express Entry system through the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class, or Provincial Nominee streams.
Proposed candidates build an express entry profile and are assigned a score under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS score is based on education, age, work experience, and language ability in either English or French. Those applicants with the highest scores are given an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
In the most recent draw during the week of September 19th a CRS score of 441 was the minimum to receive an ITA. No one factor will make an application more competitive. There are some useful tips candidates should consider if they want to immigrate under Express Entry.
EDUCATION
CRS points are awarded for the level and for the number of credentials with degrees at the Masters level or higher receiving the most points. Candidates without a Masters degree can receive maximum points if they possess two credentials at least three years in duration. In our experience candidates with both foreign and Canadian credentials will receive the most CRS points.
LANGUAGE
Language ability in either English or French is one of the most important factors. Candidates will be tested in four skills areas: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. To be competitive and receive the most points a candidate should receive a Canadian Language Benchmark Score of 9 or higher.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Express Entry candidates receive CRS points for both foreign and Canadian work experience. Optimal points will be awarded for at least three years of foreign work experience in a skilled class and must be verified by an employer reference letter that includes, length of employment, number of hours worked, and a description of duties as outlined in the National Occupational Classification system. Candidates both foreign and Canadian work experience will gain the most CRS points.
CONCLUSION
The ideal Express Entry client will have both foreign and Canadian education credentials and work experience as well as high proficiency in English or French. If you are skilled working thinking of coming to Canada contact us today!
by: Adam Pawlovich