Unlocking Opportunities with Category Based Express Entry Selection | Canada Immigration Updates
Recent trends indicate that Express Entry candidates eligible for category-based selection draws are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) even if their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is below 500.
Gurmeet Sharma
The CRS score, assigned by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), evaluates candidates based on human capital factors. This score determines the cut-off for each Express Entry draw, representing the minimum score needed to receive an ITA for Canadian permanent residence.
In 2024, general Express Entry draws have had high cut-off scores, with no draw falling below 524. This has caused concern among many immigration candidates. In contrast, category-based selection draws have consistently had lower CRS cut-off scores, providing an alternative route for eligible candidates.
CRS Scores for Category-Based Selection Draws in 2024
IRCC has conducted eight category-based draws this year, all with significantly lower CRS cut-off scores compared to general draws. Here are the details:
- February 1: French language proficiency draw - Minimum CRS: 365
- February 14: Healthcare draw - Minimum CRS: 422
- February 16: Agriculture and Agri-Food draw - Minimum CRS: 437
- February 29: French language proficiency draw - Minimum CRS: 336
- March 13: Transport draw - Minimum CRS: 430
- March 26: French language proficiency draw - Minimum CRS: 338
- April 11: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) draw - Minimum CRS: 491
- April 24: French-language proficiency draw - Minimum CRS: 410
Given these lower cut-off scores, candidates with CRS scores under 500 may benefit significantly from category-based draws.
Eligibility for Category-Based Selection
To receive an ITA through a category-based draw, candidates must meet specific criteria related to their category. Here’s a summary of the main categories:
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French Language Proficiency:
- Minimum score of 7 in speaking, reading, writing, and listening on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
- French language proficiency is prioritized, accounting for 30% of ITAs in category-based draws this year.
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Occupational Categories:
- Relevant work experience in Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Transport, or Agriculture and Agri-Food.
- At least six months of full-time, continuous (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the last three years, in an eligible occupation.
Strategies to Improve CRS Scores
For candidates not eligible for category-based selection, here are ways to improve CRS scores:
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Language Proficiency:
- Maximize language test scores, which can earn up to 310 CRS points.
- Improve proficiency in both official languages (English and French) for additional CRS points.
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Education:
- Obtain further education or complete Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for existing credentials.
- Education can contribute up to 250 CRS points.
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Work Experience:
- Assess current work experience to align with NOCs deemed "skilled" by IRCC.
- Accumulate more work experience to increase CRS points.
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Change Principal Applicant:
- In cases involving a spouse or common-law partner, consider who has the higher CRS score.
- Submit separate Express Entry profiles for each spouse/partner to maximize chances of receiving an ITA.
Category-based selection draws offer a valuable opportunity for Express Entry candidates with lower CRS scores. By understanding eligibility criteria and strategies to enhance their profiles, candidates can improve their chances of receiving an ITA and achieving their goal of Canadian permanent residence.
