How Express Entry Candidates Can Benefit from Category-Based Selection Draws

In recent times, there's been a noticeable trend showing that Express Entry candidates eligible for category-based selection draws are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) even with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores below 500.

Understanding CRS Scores

The CRS scores are calculated based on various human capital factors, assigned by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to every eligible Express Entry candidate when they enter the pool. These scores are crucial as they determine the cut-off for each Express Entry draw. The cut-off score represents the lowest CRS score among candidates who receive an ITA in a specific draw. Candidates with scores below this cut-off are not considered for an ITA.

High CRS Cut-Off Scores in 2024

Many immigration candidates have expressed concerns over the high CRS cut-off scores. As of 2024, no general Express Entry draw has had a minimum cut-off score below 524. In contrast, in 2023, many draws had lower cut-off scores, with some even below 500.

Lower Cut-Offs in Category-Based Selection Draws

This year, IRCC has conducted eight category-based Express Entry draws. These draws have consistently had cut-off scores at least 33 points lower than those for general draws. Here are the details:

• French Language Proficiency Draws:
• February 1: Minimum CRS 365
• February 29: Minimum CRS 336
• March 26: Minimum CRS 338
• April 24: Minimum CRS 410
• Healthcare Draws:
• February 14: Minimum CRS 422
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Draw:
• February 16: Minimum CRS 437
• Transport Draw:
• March 13: Minimum CRS 430
• STEM Draw:
• April 11: Minimum CRS 491
  
  

These lower cut-off scores in category-based draws provide a valuable opportunity for candidates worried about not meeting the high CRS scores required in general draws.

Eligibility for Category-Based Selection

To qualify for an ITA through a category-based draw, candidates must meet specific criteria for the category they are applying under. This includes satisfying general requirements and additional criteria specific to the category.

French Language Proficiency Category

Candidates need a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities (speaking, reading, writing, and listening) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). French language proficiency is significant, with 30% of ITAs in category-based draws expected to be for this category.

Occupational Categories

For 2024, IRCC focuses on candidates with work experience in healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture and agri-food. Candidates must have at least six months of full-time continuous work experience in the last three years in a qualifying occupation.

Who Benefits Most from Category-Based Selection?

Candidates with CRS scores below 500 are most likely to benefit from these draws. If a candidate cannot increase their CRS score through other means, a category-based selection draw might be their best chance to receive an ITA.

Improving Your CRS Score

For candidates not eligible for category-based draws, improving their CRS score can increase their chances in general draws. Here are some strategies:

• Language: Maximizing language abilities can significantly boost CRS points. Achieving higher levels in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) and proficiency in a second official language can add valuable points.
• Education: Obtaining further education or completing Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for existing credentials can improve scores.
• Work Experience: Aligning current work experience with a higher NOC level or gaining more work experience can increase CRS points.
• Principal Applicant: In cases where an applicant has a spouse or common-law partner, it might be beneficial to review who has the higher CRS score and adjust the principal applicant accordingly.

These strategies can help candidates enhance their profiles and improve their chances of receiving an ITA for Canadian permanent residence.