Canada – New Changes to the Express Entry CRS System

According to new changes made on June 6, 2017, the candidates can receive extra points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Such candidates must be a part of Express Entry pool and have a sibling in Canada. The second noticeable change refers to the additional points, which a candidate with proven French ability can obtain. These are the latest improvements made to Express Entry by “Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)”.

Apart from noticeable and highly influential changes to the CRS, it is not mandatory for the candidates to have a provincial nomination registration or qualifying job offer. However, candidates can still enter the Job Bank and look for the employment opportunities through this service.

These new amendments were declared in March 2017, nevertheless their introduction was scheduled this week. The changes made are not as comprehensive as compared to those improvements made in the CRS system during November 2017.

In the previous amendments, IRCC altered the number of CRS points. At that time, the points awarded regarding qualifying job offer decreased from 600 to 50 or 200. In addition, those candidates who had undergone a study program in Canada received additional points for the first time.

Candidates Affected By June 6 Changes

Further discussing the changes made last November, candidates may not experience noticeable reduction with respect to CRS points total by the changes made on June 6. Most of the candidates will maintain their present score. On the other hand, few candidates who have a sibling in Canada and/or possess a proven French ability can enjoy the benefit of enhanced score.

It is a fact that every CRS point is essential for a candidate; hence, it is worth mentioning that there are some other necessary elements in the current existing mechanism. These factors are more significant for getting more points than promised by the newly introduced changes.

Those Candidates having a sibling in Canada can receive 15 additional points. Similarly, candidates possessing French ability can get 15 or 30 additional points. In addition, candidates who have a qualifying job offer may obtain 50 or 200 points, whereas those with a provincial nomination may obtain 600 points. The last factor is the most significant change made to the CRS system.

Talking about these changes/improvements to the CRS system, the Canadian Minister of Immigration Ahmed Hussain shared his thoughts in the following words.

“Economic immigration programs managed by the Express Entry system attract highly talented and skilled immigrants that businesses need to help grow and strengthen our economy.”

“As the improvements are implemented, I’m pleased that Canada will welcome more skilled immigrants with siblings in Canada who can help them quickly integrate into their new life here, and that we’ll continue to see Francophone minority communities flourish.”

Although CRS is a revolutionary system, most of the candidates may not experience any noticeable difference in these changes. The launch of latest additional factors on June 6 will possibly change the make-up of the express entry pool to some extent.

This suggests that these changes will affect not only those candidates who received extra points but also affect candidates who did not experience any change in their score but feel a noticeable change in their respective ranking.

Requirements to Obtain the Points through Sibling Factor

In this context, IRCC preferred having a sibling within Canada so that newcomers can enjoy their life. They must obtain the chance for better health and improved financial circumstances.

The candidates belonging to an Express Entry pool and have a sibling in Canada can get the advantage of 15 additional CRS point. The sibling must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen or at least 18 years of age. The 15 additional points are given for having a sibling and not for the each sibling associated with the candidate.

Changes As of June 6, 2017

Proving French proficiency

Candidates willing to enter the Express Entry pool should pass a language test in English and/or French. The test needs to be duly recognized by the Canadian government. Out of total 1,200 points of the CRS, the candidates having proficiency in the first language can receive 136 points.

The June 6 changes allow candidates with French ability to get more points. The total 15 CRS points, which are additional and can be obtained by a candidate showing better or having adequate French ability CLB7 and English ability of CLB 4 or minimum score.

The candidates having proficiency in French can access 15 CRS points, even if he/she has lower or even no proven English ability.