Overview

Canada, with its progressive immigration policies, welcomes skilled immigrants to address its declining workforce. The country has set an ambitious target of inviting 395,000 immigrants by 2025. One of the most popular pathways for immigration to Canada is through the Express Entry system. This system provides transparency and helps individuals pre-determine their eligibility for a Permanent Residency (PR) Visa through a point-based assessment.

Factors Determining Your Eligibility for a Canada PR Visa

The Express Entry system processes applications for three major federal immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

2. Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)

3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

To be eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), you must score at least 67 points out of 100 on the assessment grid. The points are awarded based on various factors, which we will explain in detail below.

Points Calculation Breakdown

1. Language Proficiency (Maximum 28 Points)

Proficiency in English or French, Canada’s two official languages, plays a critical role in your points calculation.

• First Official Language (Maximum 24 Points)

Your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores in speaking, listening, reading, and writing will determine your points:

• Second Official Language (Maximum 4 Points)

You can earn additional points for proficiency in a second official language:

Age (Maximum 12 Points)

Age is another critical factor in your eligibility:

Educational Qualifications (Maximum 25 Points)

Points are awarded based on your highest educational level:

Work Experience (Maximum 15 Points)

Points are awarded based on the number of years of full-time work experience:

Arranged Employment (Maximum 10 Points)

You can earn 10 points if you have a permanent job offer from a Canadian employer that falls under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A, or B.

Adaptability (Maximum 10 Points)

Points for adaptability are awarded based on your or your spouse’s connections to Canada, including work experience, education, and relatives living in Canada.

How to Improve Your Score

If you do not score 67 points, consider the following strategies to increase your points:

• Get a job offer from a Canadian employer.

• Improve your language skills in English or French.

• Pursue higher education to increase your qualifications.

How to Apply for a Canada PR Visa

Once you score 67 or higher, you can create an Express Entry profile online. After submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI), your profile is placed in the Express Entry pool with other candidates. Your profile is ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points based on your credentials.

If your profile ranks high enough in a round of invitations, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. You will then have 60 days to submit your PR application, along with the required documents, to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

How the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Calculator Works

The CRS calculator evaluates two types of factors to assign points:

1. Core Factors: Up to 600 points are awarded based on:

   • Human capital factors (age, education, work experience)

   • Skills transferability

   • Spouse or common-law partner factors

Additional Factors: An additional 600 points can be awarded for:

• Provincial nomination

• Canadian education

• Valid job offer

• French language proficiency

• Siblings living in Canada

How to Increase Your CRS Score

Here are some ways to improve your CRS score:

• • Improve your language skills: Higher IELTS or French proficiency can boost your score.

  • Obtain a provincial nomination: A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score.

  • Get a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

  • Pursue education in Canada to earn up to 30 additional points.