Navigating Canada’s Express Entry System: A Path to Immigration Amid High Competition

The Express Entry system is Canada’s most popular immigration route for skilled workers looking to make the country their new home. However, as the demand for Canadian permanent residency soars, the system has become increasingly competitive, with high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores making it more challenging for many applicants to qualify. Let’s break down how Express Entry works, who is eligible, why it’s become tougher recently, and what hopeful applicants can do to improve their chances of success.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry system is a points-based immigration system that manages applications for three main federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). These programs target skilled workers, whether they are living in Canada or abroad, and help them gain permanent residency if they meet specific criteria.

Here’s how it works: Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile to the Express Entry pool. Based on their qualifications, such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors, applicants are awarded points according to the CRS. Periodically, the government invites applicants with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residency.

The CRS and Why It’s So Competitive

The CRS score is one of the main elements of Express Entry that determines your eligibility for permanent residency. It is a points-based system that awards points for various factors like age, education, language skills, work experience, and whether you have a valid job offer in Canada. In short, the higher your CRS score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

In recent months, however, the competition has intensified. With high numbers of applicants entering the Express Entry pool, the required CRS scores for invitations have skyrocketed. While a score of around 440 was once enough to receive an ITA, today, scores in the mid-470s or even higher are required, making it increasingly difficult for many qualified applicants to be invited.

This challenge is particularly hard on applicants from countries with large populations or those with less experience in the Canadian labor market. It can feel like an uphill battle, especially for those who might have met all the eligibility requirements but fall short on the CRS score.

Eligibility for Express Entry

To be eligible for Express Entry, you must first qualify under one of the three programs it manages. Let’s take a closer look at two of the most common ones: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW).

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class is for individuals who already have experience working in Canada. It is an excellent option for those who have worked in the country under a temporary work permit and now want to transition to permanent residency.

To qualify under Canadian Experience Class (CEC), you must:

• Have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the past three years.
• Meet the language requirements (CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, CLB 5 for NOC B jobs).
• Plan to live outside Quebec (as Quebec has its own immigration system).

If you’ve been working in Canada for a while and have built strong connections, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) could be your quickest path to permanent residency. However, due to the rising CRS scores, even Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants may struggle to receive an ITA unless they boost their profile with higher language scores, additional education, or a job offer.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is aimed at skilled workers who do not have Canadian work experience but have experience working abroad. It targets those who can contribute to the Canadian economy with their skills and expertise.

To qualify under Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), you must:

• Have at least one year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation (classified under NOC 0, A, or B).
• Meet the language proficiency requirements (CLB 7 or higher).
• Hold a valid educational credential assessment (ECA) showing your foreign education is equivalent to Canadian standards.
• Meet the minimum CRS score requirement.

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program opens doors for skilled professionals from around the world. But like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) applicants must contend with increasingly high CRS scores, especially those without Canadian job offers or Canadian work experience.

Why Are CRS Scores So High?

You might be wondering: why are CRS scores so high right now? Well, the simple answer is that demand is higher than ever. More applicants are submitting profiles to the Express Entry pool, and many have strong qualifications, such as higher education, excellent language skills, or work experience in in-demand fields.

Furthermore, the government of Canada has been welcoming more immigrants through Express Entry, yet the number of applicants has continued to rise. This means only the best candidates (those with the highest CRS scores) are getting the coveted ITAs.

What Can You Do to Improve Your CRS Score?

Don’t despair if your CRS score isn’t quite there yet. There are several strategies you can use to improve your chances of receiving an ITA.

1. Improve Your Language Scores

Language proficiency is one of the most significant factors in the CRS system, and improving your language test scores can significantly increase your points. If you’ve taken a language test like IELTS or CELPIP and didn’t score as well as you hoped, retaking it and improving your score can make a big difference. The higher your language score, the more CRS points you’ll earn.

2. Get a Job Offer

A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can give you a significant boost in your CRS score. If you’re currently working in Canada, try to secure a job offer, especially one in a high-demand field or in a designated occupation. Getting a work permit supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment  (LMIA) can give you anywhere from 50 to 200 additional points towards your express entry application.

3. Consider Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are a great way to improve your CRS score. Many provinces in Canada nominate individuals for permanent residency based on their skills and the labor market needs of that province. If you receive a provincial nomination, you will get an additional 600 points, virtually guaranteeing that you’ll receive an ITA.

4. Gain More Work Experience

If you don’t have enough work experience, consider gaining more experience in your field. While this is a longer-term strategy, it can increase your CRS score and improve your chances of qualifying for Express Entry.

The Bottom Line

Canada’s Express Entry system is competitive, but with a solid strategy, applicants can still increase their chances of receiving an ITA. Whether you qualify under the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, or another pathway, make sure to improve your CRS score through better language test results, securing a job offer, or exploring provincial programs. While it may feel difficult right now with high CRS scores, persistence, and careful planning can still get you across the finish line to Canadian permanent residency.

Help with Express Entry

At Akrami and Associates Immigration Law firm, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of the Express Entry process. Whether you’re a skilled worker or an international student looking to make Canada your home, we guide you through every step—from assessing your eligibility to maximizing your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. With the recent changes and high competition in the Express Entry pool, our experienced team is here to provide tailored advice and strategies to boost your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). From gathering the necessary documents to ensuring your application is error-free, we are committed to making your Express Entry journey as smooth and successful as possible. Let us help you take the stress out of your Canadian immigration process and turn your dream of living in Canada into a reality.

Contact us today!

info@thevisa.ca

416.477.2545