Maximize Your Chance in the Express Entry
How to Maximize Your Chance in the Express Entry
The road to Canadian PR is often overwhelming and a significant portion of this journey requires waiting. Even after securing an invitation to apply (ITA) upon entry into the Express Entry pool, applicants should anticipate a minimum processing time of six months, often even longer. However, candidates can always utilize this time to maximize their chance in the Express Entry, and there are numerous ways candidates can increase their chances of PR eligibility and better prepare for life in Canada upon receiving their ITA.
Update Your Express Entry Profile
Here are some ways to boost your CRS scores:
1. Increase Language Proficiency
Proficiency in either English or French plays a crucial role in the evaluation process. Candidates are assessed in four language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Each skill category receives a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) rating. To earn points, candidates must have at least a CLB 4 rating, with significant increases in points as proficiency levels rise. Proficiency in both languages can provide additional advantages. You can check how your language proficiency score can be converted using the language test equivalency charts.
2. Foreign Work Experience
While foreign work experience alone does not increase your CRS score, it can be advantageous when combined with high CLB scores. For instance, with a CLB of 7 and one year of foreign work experience, you can expect a 13-point boost. Additional years of overseas work experience can further increase your score.
3. Canadian Work Experience
Gaining work experience in Canada can significantly augment your CRS score by up to 80 points, depending on the duration of the experience. Just one year of work experience in a skilled occupation in Canada can contribute 40 points.
4. Obtaining Additional Credentials
Earning an additional educational qualification can also raise your score. If you’ve already completed a three-year or longer program resulting in a certificate, diploma, or degree, you’ll receive 112 points. Completing another one-year program and obtaining an additional certificate, diploma, or degree can elevate your score to 119 points.
5. Research Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Candidates within the Express Entry pool can further boost their CRS scores by researching and applying to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs are a vital pathway for economic immigration to Canada, allowing provinces (excluding Quebec) to nominate candidates to immigrate. Express Entry candidates can benefit from enhanced nominations through PNPs, which can yield an additional 600 CRS points. However, be aware that provincial nominations typically require a commitment to settling in the nominating province.
6. Obtaining Canadian Professional Licensing
For many immigrants, securing employment in Canada can be delayed as they wait to receive professional Canadian credentials or licensing, which is often required to work in regulated professions. Express Entry candidates can get a head start on this process by researching the steps needed to obtain licensing for their specific profession in Canada. Additionally, many private institutes in Canada offer bridging programs designed to help internationally trained professionals adapt their skills and receive professional licensing
While waiting for the Express Entry is overwhelming and frustrating, you can always increase your chance by improving your CRS score. You can make the most of this waiting period and increase your chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residence.