As a foreign national in Canada, receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR) through the Express Entry draw is a monumental moment. In the past month, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made significant strides towards family reunification by refreshing its targets for the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) program. Additionally, a favorable adjustment came with the reduction in health insurance thresholds under the super visa, making it easier for families to connect with Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
However, for many applicants, the path to gaining PR might sometimes feel out of reach. In such instances, one of the most effective strategies is to enhance your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which can make a noteworthy difference in your prospects of receiving an ITA.
What Exactly is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)?
Similar to scoring systems in various sectors, Canada employs the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) as a means to evaluate skilled worker applications for immigration via the Express Entry program. This 1,200-point scoring system serves as a critical metric—higher CRS scores increase the likelihood of being selected during drawn rounds of applications.
Though certain demographics like age can be challenging to modify (worth up to 110 CRS points), applicants can improve their scores through factors such as education, work experience, and provincial nomination. Thus, skill enhancement becomes paramount.
Boosting Your CRS Score through Foreign Work Experience
An often-overlooked strategy for many foreign nationals seeking permanent residency in Canada is to return to their home countries to acquire foreign work experience, which can significantly ramp up their CRS scores. Under the IRCC guidelines, foreign work experience can net you an additional 50 points under the Skill Transferability Factors. This beneficial score increase can considerably impact your chances of getting invited to apply for PR.
Let’s delve into a hypothetical scenario to illustrate this concept effectively. Meet Aisha, a 28-year-old marketing professional holding a bachelor’s degree who scores CLB 9 on her English proficiency test. After completing her studies in Canada, she worked for two years under a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), achieving a CRS score of 482. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough as recent draws saw cut-offs above 500.
Upon the expiration of her PGWP, Aisha decides to move back to Mumbai, where she secures a position in her field. After another two years there, she re-evaluates her CRS score. By incorporating her newly acquired foreign work experience, alongside her Canadian education and work history, she discovers her new CRS score is 532—a figure that opens the door to future ITAs.
It’s important to note that if you choose to leave Canada for this reason, you are still on track for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws as long as you’ve accumulated at least one year (1,560 hours) of Canadian work experience in the three years preceding your application.
Learning or Improving a Second Language
Don’t underestimate the benefits of investing time in language enhancement during your time outside Canada. Proficiency in a second language can dramatically boost your CRS score. Without a spouse, an applicant could earn up to 160 points just for language abilities.
Many candidates opt to retake standardized tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF to increase their scores. Just a jump from CLB 9 to CLB 10 can lead to remarkable additional points. Moreover, if you take the initiative to learn French, you could earn up to 50 bonus points even if English is your first language.
Enhancing Your Education Credentials
While staying away from Canada, enhancing your educational qualifications could significantly affect your CRS score. The CRS awards up to 150 points solely for educational achievement (without including your spouse). If you manage to obtain a higher degree or certification during your time outside the country, it can substantially bolster your PR application.
Active Express Entry Profile During Your Absence
A unique advantage for Express Entry candidates is that your profile remains active for 12 months post-submission, regardless of your location. This timeframe provides ample opportunity to strategize your approach. Whether it’s researching provincial nomination streams that align closely with your skills or retaking language assessments to boost your CLB level, you have various options at your disposal.
The immigration landscape in Canada is ripe for exploration, so take advantage of the available pathways and resources to maximize your chance of becoming a permanent resident. Remember that each improvement—be it skill enhancement, acquiring foreign work experience, or enhancing language proficiency—sets the stage for a more fruitful outcome in your immigration journey.
