Recent trends suggest that Express Entry candidates meeting the eligibility requirements for category-based draws are more likely to receive an ITA even with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score below 500. CRS scores represent a point value assigned to each candidate based on human capital factors. These scores are crucial for Express Entry draws, as the cut-off score determines the minimum CRS score required for an ITA invitation in a particular draw.

Challenges of High CRS Cut-Off Scores in General Draws

Many immigration candidates have expressed concerns regarding high CRS cut-off scores in general Express Entry draws. In 2024, none of these draws have had a cut-off score under 524. For comparison, in 2023, 17 out of 25 non-category-based draws had cut-off scores lower than 518.

Benefits of Category-Based Draws

IRCC has conducted eight category-based draws so far in 2024. Every single one of these draws has had a significantly lower CRS cut-off score compared to general draws this year, with a minimum reduction of 33 points. The specific cut-off scores for these category-based draws have ranged from 336 to 491.

Eligibility for Category-Based Selection Draws

To be eligible for an ITA through a category-based draw, candidates must meet specific criteria that vary depending on the category. These categories include French language proficiency, healthcare professions, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions, trades occupations, transport occupations, and agriculture and agri-food occupations. More details on these categories and their eligibility requirements can be found on the dedicated IRCC webpage.

Focus on French Language Proficiency

In 2024, IRCC has prioritized French language proficiency, anticipating it to be the leading category for ITAs issued through category-based draws this year (approximately 30% of total ITAs). To qualify under this category, candidates must have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score of 7 in all four language abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) test.

Focus on Specific Occupations

This year, IRCC has targeted immigration candidates with work experience in five key industries: healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture and agri-food. For all these categories, a minimum of six months of continuous, full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in the past three years is required, obtained in either Canada or abroad. The specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes eligible for each category may vary.

Who Can Benefit Most?

Assuming they meet the eligibility requirements, foreign nationals with CRS scores below 500 (based on the lowest general draw cut-off score in 2024, which was 524) are most likely to benefit from category-based draws. This includes both candidates whose scores fall near 500 and those who wouldn’t qualify for an ITA otherwise, even with a CRS score increase.

Alternatives for Ineligible Candidates

For candidates aiming to improve their CRS scores for general draws without changing occupations, there are a few strategies:

• Language Skills: Maximizing language proficiency can significantly increase CRS points (up to 310 points when combined with other factors like education). Scoring above the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements can be beneficial. Additionally, proficiency in Canada’s second official language (French) can grant further points.
• Education: Depending on where your educational credentials were obtained (inside or outside Canada), education can contribute up to 250 CRS points. Having Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) completed for foreign credentials or pursuing further education can improve your score.
• Work Experience: The level of your NOC and the duration of your work experience can influence your CRS score. Assessing your current work experience to see if it aligns with a skilled NOC and the total time spent working can help you gain more points. Gaining additional work experience can also be a strategy.
• Changing the Principal Applicant: In some cases, couples applying through Express Entry might benefit from reviewing their CRS scores. If a spouse or common-law partner has a higher CRS score than the initially selected principal applicant, switching the principal applicant on the Express Entry profile can improve the overall score and increase the chance of receiving an ITA. Alternatively, each spouse could submit a separate Express Entry profile.