Myths about low CRS score for Canada’s Express Entry

Immigration candidates who wish to migrate to Canada must submit their profiles to the Express Entry pool. They are assigned a CRS score out of 1200 points. The Express Entry draw is conducted at regular intervals and those who meet the required CRS score for that particular draw receive an Invitation to Apply or ITA for the PR visa. The CRS score usually varies with every Express Entry draw. Your chances of being eligible for the draw improves if you have a high CRS score.

CRS score factors

The CRS score has four important factors. Your profile will be given a score based on these factors.

The CRS score factors include:

• Human capital factors
• Spouse or common-law partner factors
• Skill transferability
• Additional points

There are various myths associated with a low CRS score and getting an ITA. Here we explore some of them.

Myth-You should not apply for Express Entry if you have a low CRS score

A low CRS score should not discourage you from trying to enter the Express Entry pool. And the good news is there is still a very good chance that you will enter the Express Entry pool.

The CRS score as we mentioned earlier varies with every Express Entry draw, so if you do not have the required score for the present draw, there is every chance that you will meet the required score in a future draw and get an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

 Myth-You cannot improve your CRS score

This is not true. There us every chance for you to improve your CRS score.

When calculating your CRS points, if you find that your CRS score is much lesser than the average score, then it is time you worked on improving your CRS score. Here are some ways to do it.

• Improve your language score: If you score well in language tests such as the IELTS, you will have significant addition to your CRS score. For instance, if you score a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 9 in the language test, you will get up to 136 direct points added to your CRS score. You can also add up to 24 points by appearing for a language test in French.
• Get a job offer: A job offer from a Canadian employer will give you 200 additional points.
• Get education in Canada: If you complete a recognized degree or diploma in Canada, you can get up to 30 extra points.
• Apply for PR with your spouse: Applying for the visa with your spouse can give you both additional points. Your spouse’s language proficiency will be worth 20 points, while the level of education and Canadian work experience can amount to 10 points under each category. So, you can get up to 40 points to add to your CRS score.
• Get an LMIA approved job offer: You can add up to 600 points to your CRS score if you secure a job offer that is recognized by the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), from an employer in Canada.
• Continue working: If you have less than three years of full-time work experience, you have the chance to add points to your CRS score if you continue working.
• Apply under a Provincial Nominee Program linked to Express Entry: If you get a provincial nomination under the PNP you have applied for which is linked to the Express Entry system, you will have 600 points added to your CRS score. For instance, if the required CRS score in a particular draw is 825 and you have already received your provincial nomination, you will have 600 points added to your CRS score and will need to score only 225 points to receive an ITA.

Myth- Even if your points improve after you create your Express Entry profile, you won't be able to change it.

 The truth is you can change your profile at any moment while in the Express Entry pool as a candidate.

In fact, you'll be encouraged to keep your profile up to date because any improvements you make to your core criteria (such as learning a new language, earning a new certification, or acquiring new job experience) will increase your overall points in the Comprehensive Ranking System.

 You might potentially get a provincial nomination or a job offer from a Canadian firm, which would help you gain a lot of points. Your profile will not be ‘locked' at any point while it is still in the pool.

 Myth- The CRS score for Express Entry draws will only become higher

This is not a fact and it is proved by the biggest Express Entry draws held in 2021 (February and September) where the required CRS points was between 470 to 472 points.

Canada wants to bring in more immigrants to help in its economic recovery once the pandemic is under control. In order to reach this year’s 85,800 ITA target for new permanent resident admissions, the government needs to start issuing larger numbers of invitations in every draw. This will be possible with lower CRS score requirements.