Trends in the Express Entry Scores and Options available for Candidates with the lower scores
Express Entry is the most effective pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers. Canada is increasing its immigration targets for 2019 and 2020, extending the multi-year immigration levels plan through 2021. The stage is set for welcoming 1.3 million new permanent residents between 2018 and 2021.
Of the 1.3 million new permanent residents, 331,000 are projected to come through the express entry program. There has been a drastic increase in the number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued through the Express Entry system this year. Compared to the number of ITAs issued by this same -period in 2018, there is an overwhelming increase of 6,350. Canada Government is all set to surpass last year’s record issuance of 89,800 ITAs.
To apply under the Express Entry, candidates need to be eligible for either of the three permanent residency programs:
Express Entry ranks every candidate through a Comprehensive Ranking System, and candidates with the highest-ranking get invited on a periodical basis.
The recent Express Entry draw increased the score to 475. This was a substantial increase from the level of 452, which was the cut-off in May 2019.
What are the option available for more than 97% of the Candidates who have a lower CRS Score?
If you are a candidate, you can improve your ranking in the Express Entry pool in several ways to increase the chances of getting an ITA in the subsequent Express Entry Draws.
There are many ways of improving the scores and some of them being:
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination has the most significant impact. Express Entry candidates nominated by a Canadian province or territory receive an additional 600 points toward their ranking score. Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island are some of the provinces that target Express Entry candidates. Express Entry candidates can apply for their provincial nomination if they meet the criteria for the provincial nominee program.
Candidates who wish to benefit from the enhanced provincial nomination sometimes are required to register a separate Expression of Interest profile with the respective provinces based on the program that they qualify for.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
The rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program that was announced recently by the Canadian government is another option to look at. The program targets the communities in rural Canada who are looking to benefit from the economic immigration.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is largely a community-driven program. Most of the people who want to immigrate to Canada think about immigrating to bigger cities, most popular being Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary etc. Rural communities are not able to get the immigrants that they need for their economic development. This program is designed to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities by creating a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in the participating communities.
One should look out for the labour market needs for these communities as they are announced from time to time.
Increasing your points through Studying in Canada
One of the excellent ways of improving your points is by Studying in Canada. You can gain points for education in Canada once you complete your program of study. A post-graduate work permit can also help you in gaining Canadian experience. Having a one year experience in ‘O’, ‘A, and ‘B’ level positions also qualify you to apply under the Canadian Experience Class and many provincial nominations programs. If you decide to Study in Canada, your spouse is also eligible for an Open Work Permit based on the program that you join. You can also apply for the Study Permits for your children.
Canada offers many options for International Students to stay and work in Canada after graduation. You may be eligible for a 1-year to 3-year Post Graduate Work Permit once you complete your program of Study. You also become eligible for more pathways through Provincial Nominee Programs that are only available to International Students or foreign workers in Canada.
Express Entry immigration selection system enables you to immigrate to Canada within just a few months. However, each candidate’s profile is different. It is important to understand what is the best path available for you for immigrating to Canada before investing your time and money. If you would like to know what is the best pathway for you to immigrate to Canada.
Work Permit Options
Besides the above, you should also look at Intra-company Work Permit if your company has a branch or subsidy in Canada. If you have a skill that Canadian Employers need, try applying for the jobs. You may be able to find an employer who is willing to hire you if they are not able to find any Canadian with the same unique skills that you have.
