Understanding the Advantages of Category-Based Selection
Recent trends suggest that Express Entry candidates eligible for category-based selection draws may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) even with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score below 500. CRS scores, based on human capital factors, are crucial as they determine the cut-off for each draw, representing the lowest score needed to receive an ITA for permanent residence.
CRS Scores for Category-Based Selection Draws in 2024
So far in 2024, eight category-based Express Entry draws have been conducted, all featuring CRS cut-off scores at least 33 points lower than those in general and program-specific draws. Here's a breakdown of these draws:
Date | Draw Type | Minimum CRS |
February 1 | French language proficiency | 365 |
February 14 | Healthcare | 422 |
February 16 | Agriculture and Agri-Food | 437 |
February 29 | French language proficiency | 336 |
March 13 | Transport | 430 |
March 26 | French language proficiency | 338 |
April 11 | Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) | 491 |
April 24 | French language proficiency | 410 |
Express Entry candidates with CRS scores below 500, who may not qualify in general draws, can benefit from these lower CRS requirements in category-based draws.
Eligibility for Category-Based Selection
To qualify for an ITA through a category-based draw, candidates must meet criteria specific to their category. For more details on each category, visit this dedicated webpage.
French Language Proficiency Category
Candidates must have a minimum score of 7 in speaking, reading, writing, and listening on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
Occupational Categories
Candidates with eligible work experience in healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, or agriculture and agri-food must have at least six months of full-time, continuous (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the past three years, in a single occupation under a qualifying NOC.
Who Benefits Most from Category-Based Selection Draws?
Candidates with a CRS score below 500, who are eligible for specific categories, are most likely to benefit from category-based draws, especially if they cannot increase their CRS score otherwise.
Strategies to Improve CRS Scores
Candidates who do not qualify for category-based draws can consider these strategies to improve their CRS scores for general draws:
Language Proficiency
Maximizing language abilities can earn up to 310 CRS points. Achieving higher Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels or proficiency in a second official language can add points.
Education
Educational credentials can count for up to 250 CRS points. Further education or obtaining Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for credentials obtained outside Canada can boost scores.
Work Experience
Assessing current work experience to align with skilled NOCs and gaining more experience can increase CRS points.
Changing the Principal Applicant
Reviewing the CRS scores of both partners in a couple and possibly switching the principal applicant can improve the profile’s score. Alternatively, submitting separate profiles for each partner may also be beneficial.
By understanding and utilizing these strategies, candidates can improve their chances of receiving an ITA for Canadian permanent residency.
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