Want to apply for Permanent Residency in Canada but uncertain about your eligibility?
This article not only covers the process of achieving the minimum 67 points required for immigration to Canada but also delves into the various factors influencing your score. Additionally, it provides insights on how to enhance your score and explores alternative points requirements, specifically the CRS Score, crucial for obtaining the visa.
Continue reading for more information.
Express Entry Minimum Point Threshold
In order to be eligible for a Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) application through the Express Entry system, a minimum score of 67 out of 100 points is required.
Applicants undergo evaluation based on the following criteria when applying for Canadian PR.
Canada Express Entry Eligibility | 67 points on 6 factors
Factor | Maximum Points Available |
Language skills – in English & French | 28 |
Education | 25 |
Work experience | 15 |
Age | 12 |
Arranged employment (job offer in Canada) | 10 |
Adaptability | 10 |
TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE | 100 |
Important Points to Consider:
Ensure your occupation is listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Scoring 67 points does not automatically secure a PR visa; however, it qualifies you to apply for Canadian PR through the Express Entry system.
After scoring 67 points, choose the appropriate immigration program based on your profile traits.
The options include:
1. Federal Skilled Trades Program
2. Federal Skilled Workers Program
3. Canadian Experience Class
4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP Program)
5. Being accepted into the Express Entry pool does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. To receive an invitation, you must have a high CRS Score.
6 Main Factors that Affect your Score
The Federal Skilled Workers Program employs a 6-factor selection process to determine scores and assess eligibility for Permanent Residency. These factors include:
1. Age (Maximum 12 points)
To qualify for the maximum 12 points in this category, individuals must be between 18 and 35 years old. Scores decrease for those above 35. Therefore, it is recommended to make citizenship and immigration decisions early in one’s career.
Age (In Years) | Points Awarded |
Under 18 | 0 |
18-35 | 12 |
36 | 11 |
37 | 10 |
38 | 9 |
39 | 8 |
40 | 7 |
41 | 6 |
42 | 5 |
43 | 4 |
44 | 3 |
45 | 2 |
46 | 1 |
47 or older | 0 |
2. Proficiency in Language (Up to 28 Points)
Canada has two official languages: English and French.
Achieving proficiency in the primary official language can earn you a maximum of 24 points, while proficiency in the secondary official language can contribute up to 4 points.
1. Primary Official Language – Up to 24 points:
CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Scores given per ability |
7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 5 |
9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
2. Second Official Language – maximum of 4 points:
CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points |
4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 |
Important Information:
In this context, the CLB level, or the Canadian Language Benchmark, is a scale ranging from 1 to 12. It evaluates the English language proficiency of individuals for whom English is their second language.
To determine your CLB score, you are required to take the IELTS language test in your country. Proficiency and mastery in both the CLB level and IELTS can significantly enhance your prospects, as effective communication with potential employers becomes more achievable.
3. Education Qualification (Maximum 25 points)
Education Level | Points |
Doctoral level | 25 |
Professional Degree or Master’s degree | 23 |
2 or more Postgraduate credentials or certificate courses. | 22 |
3 years or longer post-secondary educational credential assessment | 21 |
2-year post-secondary qualifications or courses | 19 |
1 year post-secondary program qualifications or credentials | 15 |
Secondary School Education | 5 |
4. Work Experience (Maximum 15 points)
Individuals with one year or more of full-time work experience are eligible for selection.
Work in Canada Experience | Maximum points |
1 year | 9 Points |
2-3 years | 11 Points |
4-5 years | 13 Points |
Above 6 years | 15 Points |
5. Adaptability (Maximum 10 points)
Your partner, whether it be your spouse or joint law partner, also contributes to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, with a potential maximum of 10 points.
Factors Affecting Adaptability
Maximum Points
1. Previous work experience in a skilled occupation in Canada for a minimum of one year
10 Points
2. Any form of arranged employment in Canada
5 Points
3. Having relatives in Canada
5 Points
4. Previous research or study experience in Canada
5 Points
6. If your partner or spouse possesses prior work experience in Canada
5 Points
7. If your partner or spouse has completed any post-secondary courses or studied in Canada
5 Points
6. If your partner or spouse has a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level of four or higher
5 Points
6. Employment Arrangement (Up to 10 points)
Fulfill one of the criteria below:
1. Currently employed in the Canadian territory under a work permit or an LMIA-exempt work permit granted under a territorial or provincial agreement.
2. Presently engaged in work with a permit based on the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in a skilled trades profession.
3. Authorized to work in Canada through an open work permit or a similar type of permit.
Want to know if you’re eligible for a Canada PR?
How to enhance your score?
Having gained insight into the calculation of your score, it is essential to grasp the methods for improving it. Familiarize yourself with the factors influencing your score and learn how to enhance them.
There are three primary avenues to boost your baseline score:
1. Enhance your language proficiency.
2. Accomplish an additional degree, diploma, or certificate.
3. Secure an offer of arranged employment in Canada.
How are CRS points computed?
The CRS score helps Canadian authorities select applications with the highest points in the Express Entry System.
1. Core/Human Capital
Factors | With Spouse/ common-law partner | Without Spouse/ common-law partner |
Age | 110 | 100 |
Education level | 150 | 140 |
Official languages proficiency (IELTS) | 160 | 150 |
Canadian working experience | 80 | 70 |
Spouse – Level of education | 10 |
|
Spouse – Official language proficiency | 20 |
|
Spouse Required IELTS Score (General) | 10 |
|
Total | 540 | 460 |
2. Skill Transferability Factor
| Factors | Maximum points per factor |
|---|---|
| Maximum points per factor or Education and Canadian Work Experience | 50 |
| Language Ability and (Foreign work experience) Non-Canadian Work Experience or Canadian work experience and Foreign work experience (Non- Canadian Work Experience) | 50 |
| Certificate of Qualification in a Trade and Language Ability | |
| total | 100 |
3. Additional Factors
Factor | Max. points per factor |
Brother or sister living in Canada who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada | 15 |
Post-secondary education in Canada – credential of one or two years | 15 |
Post-secondary education in Canada – credential of three years or longer | 30 |
Arranged employment – NOC 00 | 200 |
Arranged employment – any other NOC 0, A or B | 50 |
Provincial Nomination | 600 |
Maximum points to be claimed | 600 |
Other Important FAQs
Achieving 67 points enhances your eligibility, but additional factors come into play. It’s a positive step, but success is not guaranteed.
Yes, retaking language proficiency tests is allowed. However, thorough preparation is crucial to ensure improved results.
Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and other immigration streams can provide alternative pathways if you fall short of 67 points.
Proof of adaptability includes factors like previous Canadian work experience, education in Canada, and close family ties in the country.
Age is a crucial factor, with maximum points allocated to candidates in the 18-35 age bracket. Plan strategically to capitalize on age-related points.
