How Can Express Entry Applicants Benefit From Category-Based Draws?

Recent trends indicate that candidates in the Express Entry system, who qualify for category-based selection draws, are likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) even if their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is under 500.

The CRS score is a numerical value assigned by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to each eligible Express Entry candidate based on their human capital factors when they enter the candidate pool.

Furthermore, CRS scores are used to set the cut-off mark for each Express Entry draw. The cut-off score is the lowest score among all candidates who received an ITA in a particular Express Entry draw.

These scores are very important because candidates whose CRS scores fall below the specified cut-off threshold will not be eligible to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence in that specific draw.

In recent weeks, multiple sources have reported that numerous immigration candidates are worried about the high CRS cut-off scores. So far in 2024, no general Express Entry draw has had a minimum CRS cut-off score below 524.

For comparison, in 2023, 17 out of 25 non-category-based Express Entry draws conducted by IRCC (including both general and program-specific draws) had CRS cut-off scores below 518. Among these, six draws had cut-off scores ranging between 500 and 517, while 11 draws had cut-off scores below 496.

Category-Based Express Entry Draws CRS Scores 2024

This year, IRCC has conducted eight category-specific Express Entry draws.

In comparison to the nine general and program-specific draws held in 2024, the CRS cut-off scores for the category-based draws have been at least 33 points lower in every instance.

The details of the eight category-specific draws conducted this year are as follows:

• February 1: French language proficiency draw with a minimum CRS of 365
• February 14: Healthcare draw with a minimum CRS of 422
• February 16: Agriculture and Agri-Food draw with a minimum CRS of 437
• February 29: French language proficiency draw with a minimum CRS of 336
• March 13: Transport draw with a minimum CRS of 430
• March 26: French language proficiency draw with a minimum CRS of 338
• April 11: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) draw with a minimum CRS of 491
• April 24: French language proficiency draw with a minimum CRS of 410

As a result, Express Entry candidates who are worried about achieving a high enough CRS score for the general draws may benefit from targeting category-based draws, as these often have lower CRS cut-off thresholds for those who meet the specific criteria.

Eligibility for Category-Based Selection

To qualify for an ITA through a category-based Express Entry draw, candidates need to meet specific criteria based on the category they belong to.

For more information on the six categories and to determine if you might be eligible for IRCC’s category-based draws based on your NOC code and other criteria, visit this dedicated webpage.

In particular, besides fulfilling all the general requirements outlined in the instructions for a specific round of invitations, applicants must also satisfy additional criteria relevant to the specific category.

French Language Proficiency Category

To be eligible under the French language proficiency category, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities (speaking, reading, writing, and listening) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).

For more information: In April, IRCC announced that French language proficiency will account for the majority (30%) of ITAs issued through category-based draws this year.

Occupational Categories

In 2024, IRCC is prioritizing immigration candidates with eligible work experience in the following five industries:

• Healthcare
• STEM
• Trades
• Transport
• Agriculture and Agri-Food

Candidates must have at least six months of full-time, continuous (or equivalent part-time) work experience within the last three years to be eligible for category-based selection in any of these occupational categories. This experience can be acquired either domestically in Canada or internationally abroad.

Note: The list of eligible National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes varies by occupational category. However, qualifying work experience must be in a single occupation under one of the qualifying NOCs within the specified category.

Beneficiaries of Category-Based Selection Draws

Foreign nationals who are most likely to benefit from category-based selection draws are those with a CRS score below 500, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Note: The above CRS score is based on the lowest CRS cut-off score of any general draw in 2024, which was 524 on March 25.

Immigration candidates with CRS scores around 500, as well as those who do not meet this benchmark, will likely need a category-based selection draw to receive an ITA for Canadian permanent residence if they are unable to improve their CRS score through other means.

What If I’m Not Eligible?

If you’re looking to improve your CRS score for general draws, here are some strategies to increase your score without changing occupations.

Language Skills

Language proficiency is a significant factor that can contribute up to 310 CRS points when combined with other factors like post-secondary education. Enhancing your language abilities in speaking, reading, writing, and listening beyond the minimum requirements for any of the three Express Entry-managed programs can help you gain more CRS points.

For instance, although the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) requires a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7, achieving up to CLB 10 can significantly boost your CRS score. Each level above CLB 7 can provide additional CRS points.

Moreover, proficiency in a second official Canadian language can add even more CRS points. In addition to the points earned for proficiency in your first official language, you can obtain up to 6 additional CRS points per language ability for proficiency in Canada’s other official language.

Additional Benefits of Learning a Second Language

Besides increasing your CRS score, learning a second official language has several other benefits for newcomers to Canada:

• Employment Opportunities: Being bilingual can make you more attractive to employers, increasing your chances of securing a job.
• Social Integration: Proficiency in a second language can make it easier to socialize and adapt to your new environment, helping you feel more comfortable and connected in Canada.

Education

The location where a candidate earns their educational qualifications, whether in Canada or abroad, can contribute significantly to their CRS score, with potential gains of up to 250 points. By pursuing further education or obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for current credentials, candidates can enhance their CRS score.

Note: IRCC mandates economic immigration candidates educated outside Canada to secure an ECA for their highest completed non-Canadian educational credential.

Work Experience

CRS scores can also benefit from the applicant’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) level. Evaluating current work roles to align with an NOC categorized as “skilled” by IRCC may increase CRS points. Similarly, reviewing the duration of employment can be advantageous, as IRCC awards points for full-time or equivalent part-time work experience based on length of tenure.

Moreover, acquiring additional work experience can serve as another effective method to boost your CRS score.

Changing the Primary Applicant in Your Express Entry Profile

In cases where an Express Entry applicant is applying with a spouse or common-law partner, it is recommended to compare CRS scores between the two individuals.

Suppose the assessment reveals that the initially chosen primary applicant has a lower CRS score than their spouse or partner. In that case, it may be beneficial to designate the spouse or common-law partner as the new primary applicant.

This adjustment can enhance the profile’s CRS score and increase the likelihood of receiving an ITA, provided all other eligibility criteria are still met.

Note: Alternatively, couples may also opt to submit separate Express Entry profiles for each spouse or partner.