Candidates in category-based Express Entry draws who meet the criteria have a good chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), even with a CRS score under 500, according to current trends.
CRS scores, determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), are numeric values reflecting a candidate’s human capital factors. These scores are assigned to all qualified Express Entry candidates when they become part of the pool.
Furthermore, these scores are used to create a cut-off for each Express Entry draw. The cut-off score indicates the lowest score among applicants who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in that specific draw. Again, CRS scores are highly important because no candidate will secure a seat if they lie below the ITA criteria.
In recent weeks, several sources have reported that many immigration candidates are worried about the high CRS cut-off scores. So far in 2024, there hasn’t been a general Express Entry draw with a minimum CRS cut-off score below 524.
Note: In 2023, 17 of IRCC’s 25 non-category-based Express Entry draws (general & program-specific combined) had CRS cut-off scores below 518. Of these, six draws had cut-offs between 500 and 517, while 11 draws had cut-offs under 496.
CRS SCORES FOR CATEGORY-BASED SELECTION DRAWS IN 2024
IRCC has held eight category-based Selection Express Entry draws so far this year.
Compared to IRCC’s nine general and program-specific draws this year, the department’s CRS cut-off for category-based draws has been at least 33 points lower in every draw of 2024.
Specifically, IRCC’s eight category-based draws so far this year are as follows:
February 1: French language proficiency draw: minimum CRS: 365
February 14: Healthcare draw: minimum CRS: 422
February 16: Agriculture and Agri-Food draw: minimum CRS: 437
February 29: French language proficiency draw: minimum CRS: 336
March 13: Transport draw: minimum CRS: 430
March 26: French language proficiency draw: minimum CRS: 338
April 11: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) draw: minimum CRS: 491
April 24: French-language proficiency draw: minimum CRS: 410
Therefore, Express Entry candidates worried about achieving a high enough CRS score for IRCC’s general draws might consider applying for an ITA through IRCC’s category-based Selection Express Entry draws. These draws typically have a lower CRS cut-off requirement, offering eligible candidates a better chance of receiving an invitation.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR CATEGORY-BASED SELECTIONS?
To be eligible for category-based Express Entry in Canada, you need to meet the general requirements of the programs.
More specifically, apart from fulfilling all requirements, applicants must also satisfy additional criteria relevant to the applicable category.
- Meeting language proficiency standards (IRCC announced in April that French language proficiency, with a minimum score of 7 in each ability (speaking, reading, writing, and listening) on the NCLC, will be the main factor (30%) in issuing ITAs in category-based Express Entry draws this year, emphasizing the importance of language skills in the selection process.”
More: In April, IRCC announced that French language proficiency will account for most (30%) ITAs this year.
- Occupational categories (In 2024, IRCC is prioritizing immigration candidates with qualifying work experience in five key industries:
- Healthcare
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Trades
- Transport
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
To qualify for category-based selection in these occupational categories, candidates need to have worked at least six months full-time (or part-time equivalent) within the last three years, whether that experience was gained in Canada or internationally.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS CATEGORY-BASED SELECTION DRAWS?
Immigration candidates whose CRS scores are around 500, or those who do not meet this requirement, may need a category-based selection draw to receive an ITA for Canadian permanent residence.
if they cannot increase their CRS score through other methods such as improving language proficiency, obtaining a higher level of education, gaining additional work experience, securing a valid job offer in Canada, or potentially securing a provincial nomination.
These factors can all increase a candidate’s CRS score and refine their chances in the category-based Selection Draws of Express Entry.
WHAT IF I AM NOT ELIGIBLE?
Discovering that you’re not eligible for Canada’s category-based Express Entry system can indeed be disheartening but candidates aiming to boost their CRS score for general draws can consider several strategies without switching occupations.
1. LANGUAGE:
Improving language skills can significantly increase a candidate’s CRS score in the Express Entry system. Language proficiency, worth up to 310 CRS points, plays a vital role in the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Exceeding the minimum CLB 7 requirement with higher levels like CLB 10 can significantly boost CRS points for each level achieved.
Proficiency in a second official Canadian language can further boost CRS points by up to 6 points per language ability.
2. EDUCATION:
Education plays a significant role in the CRS scoring system, potentially contributing up to 250 points depending on whether the candidate completed their educational credentials inside or outside of Canada.
Candidates can increase their CRS score by pursuing further education or obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for their existing credentials. This strategic approach can enhance their overall CRS score and improve their prospects in the Express Entry system.
Note: IRCC requires foreign-educated economic immigration candidates to obtain an ECA for their highest foreign educational credential.
3. WORK EXPERIENCE:
You can increase your CRS score by considering the level of your work experience in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). First, check if your job duties align with an NOC category recognized as “skilled” by IRCC. This alignment can earn you more points towards your CRS score. Secondly, the amount of time you’ve spent in your job matters too. IRCC awards points based on full-time or equivalent part-time work experience and the duration you’ve held the position. Lastly, gaining more work experience over time is another way to improve your CRS score steadily. These steps can help improve your chances in the Express Entry system without needing to switch to a different occupation.
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