Express Entry Criteria and the Comprehensive Ranking System
The Express Entry system creates a pool of candidates for immigration to Canada. Candidates are assessed based on a number of criteria, and the highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply to immigrate to Canada.
There are requirements not only to get into the pool but also to be chosen from it.
To get into the Express Entry pool, foreign nationals need to meet the criteria of one of the federal immigration programs subject to Express Entry:
the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or
the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Comprehensive Ranking System
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system that is used to assess and score a candidate’s profile to rank them in the Express Entry pool.
The CRS will assess the profile information candidates submit, including:
skills
work experience
language ability
education and other factors
These factors all play a role in economic success for immigrants once in Canada. Additional points will be awarded for candidates who have a job offer or a nomination by one of Canada’s provinces or territories under a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues Invitations to Apply (ITA) to the highest-ranking candidates from the pool through regular “rounds of invitations”. Once a candidate receives an ITA, they can apply to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident.
The Express Entry system is designed to prioritize economic immigration that will support the Canadian labour market. For that reason, qualified candidates who also have a job offer will receive more points, which increases their odds of receiving an invitation to apply.
An employer will need to ensure the job offer is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA process shows that the employer first tried to find a Canadian to fill the position.
Similarly, a nomination by a province or territory will give the candidate additional points to rank high enough to be invited to apply at the next eligible round of invitations.
how are CRS scores calculated?
All Express Entry candidates are given a score out of 1,200, based on the four parts of the Comprehensive Ranking System formula:
Skills and experience factors (factors that are key to economic success for immigrants once in Canada);
Spouse or common-law partner factors (such as their language skills and education – these are known to result in better economic success for both the spouse or common-law partner and the candidate);
Skills transferability (including education and work experience – factors that when combined, result in better chances of being employed, and higher earnings);
Additional points for those with a nomination from a province or territory or a valid job offer.
Want to apply for Express Entry? Want to have your eligibility for Express Entry assessed? We can help you identify:
Which Express Entry program is best for you
What you can do to improve your CRS score
How long it may take you to get Permanent Residency
Book a virtual appointment with us today to start your Express Entry application.
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
