Express Entry ranks every candidate with a score out of 1,200 points: the CRS score. Only profiles above a draw’s cut-off get an invitation to apply for permanent residence. The good news: most profiles have points to gain.
1. Aim for NCLC 7 in French
With NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills, you gain up to 50 extra points and become eligible for French-speaker draws, whose cut-offs are often much lower.
2. Improve your language test
Going from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in all four skills can earn more than 50 points: language points, plus transferability points with your education and experience.
3. Add the second language
A good result in the other official language earns up to 24 points, and English at CLB 5 or higher raises the French bonus from 25 to 50 points.
4. Have all your degrees assessed
Two or more degrees, one of them at least three years long, are worth more than one. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for each can make the difference.
5. Choose the right principal applicant
For couples, the score changes depending on who files as principal applicant. Work out both scenarios before creating the profile.
6. Target a province
A provincial nomination adds 600 points, which practically guarantees an invitation. Some provinces recruit directly from the pool, depending on the occupations they need. Quebec has its own programmes and does not use Express Entry.
Key points
- French can earn up to 50 points.
- A provincial nomination is worth 600 points.
- Calculate your score before creating the profile.
