Navigating Express Entry and Skilled Immigration: Options for Professionals with Lower CRS Scores

Canada’s Express Entry system has long been a popular and efficient way for skilled workers from across the globe to immigrate. However, as the competition intensifies, many professionals find it challenging to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA) due to lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. As a business immigration lawyer, I frequently receive questions from individuals concerned about how to improve their chances of immigrating despite lower CRS scores. In this blog post, I’ll break down the Express Entry system and explore the options available for professionals who find themselves with a lower CRS score.

Understanding Express Entry and CRS

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship program for skilled immigration, managing applications for three federal economic programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which scores candidates based on factors such as:

• Age
• Education
• Language proficiency (English/French)
• Work experience (Canadian and foreign)
• Spouse’s qualifications

While the system favors young professionals with strong language skills and Canadian experience, many skilled professionals fall short of the high CRS cutoff scores in recent draws, especially if they are older or lack Canadian experience.

Options for Applicants with Lower CRS Scores

If you find yourself with a lower CRS score, don’t lose hope. There are several strategies to enhance your score or explore alternative pathways to immigrate to Canada.

1. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

One of the most effective ways to increase your CRS score is to secure a Provincial Nomination. Under the PNP, provinces and territories nominate skilled workers to meet their specific labor market needs. A provincial nomination gives you an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.

Here’s a brief overview of some popular PNP streams:

• Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream: Targets candidates with work experience in in-demand occupations and strong language skills.
• Alberta Express Entry Stream: Focuses on candidates with CRS scores as low as 300 if they have ties to Alberta or experience in key occupations.
• Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker: A pathway for professionals with experience in occupations in demand in Saskatchewan.
• British Columbia Tech Stream: Ideal for professionals in tech-related fields, this stream fast-tracks applications for IT professionals.

Each province has its own eligibility criteria, and it’s worth researching the province where your skills are in demand.

2. Improve Language Proficiency

Your language score is one of the most significant factors affecting your CRS. Improving your IELTS or TEF scores can give your CRS a considerable boost. For example, increasing your IELTS score by one band in each category can add up to 50 or more points to your total score.

Tips to improve your language score:

• Invest time in targeted language training.
• Take the exam multiple times, aiming for the highest possible scores.
• Consider learning French, as Canada awards additional points for proficiency in both official languages.

3. Gaining Canadian Work Experience

One of the best ways to enhance your CRS score is by gaining Canadian work experience. Many candidates with lower CRS scores explore options such as:

• Work Permits: Obtaining a work permit, such as an LMIA-based permit or through programs like Global Talent Stream, allows you to work in Canada temporarily and gain valuable experience that will increase your CRS score.
• International Mobility Programs: Programs such as the Intra-Company Transfer or NAFTA offer opportunities for specific professionals to work in Canada.

Once you’ve accumulated sufficient Canadian experience, your CRS score will increase significantly, especially if you qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

4. Further Education in Canada

Many professionals with lower CRS scores choose to pursue higher education in Canada. Completing a diploma, degree, or postgraduate program in Canada not only improves your education score but also increases your chances of gaining valuable Canadian work experience through post-graduate work permits.

By studying in Canada:

• You gain additional CRS points for Canadian education.
• You become eligible for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada and potentially qualify under CEC.

5. Job Offer from a Canadian Employer

Securing a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can also significantly increase your CRS score. A job offer in a skilled occupation can give you 50 to 200 additional CRS points, depending on the position. The job offer must be backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or meet certain exemptions.

6. Family Sponsorship

If you have family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, you may be eligible for Family Sponsorship. While this is not part of the Express Entry system, it is an alternative immigration route that bypasses the CRS score entirely. Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, partner, dependent children, parents, or grandparents for permanent residency.

7. Start-Up Visa Program or Business Immigration

If you’re an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea, consider the Start-Up Visa Program or Provincial Business Immigration Streams. These programs are designed for business owners and investors who want to establish or expand their businesses in Canada. These pathways often bypass CRS scores and focus more on your business potential and entrepreneurial experience.

Conclusion

While a lower CRS score may seem like a roadblock, there are many viable strategies and pathways available to improve your chances of immigrating to Canada. Whether it’s through provincial nominations, gaining additional education or experience in Canada, or exploring alternative business immigration options, you have plenty of opportunities to make your dream of moving to Canada a reality.

As a business immigration lawyer, I’m here to guide you through these options and help you identify the best strategy based on your unique circumstances. If you're ready to explore your Canadian immigration journey, feel free to reach out for a consultation or connect with me here on LinkedIn.

Sajjad Malik Business Immigration Lawyer | SAM LAW www.samlaw.legal