Express Entry Category-Based Draws: Bypass the Competition

No, a job offer is not required for Express Entry. While job offers were once a qualifying factor for the FSWP and FSTP, they no longer guarantee success.

As of March 25, 2025, valid job offers no longer provide points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Previously, candidates could receive 50 or 200 additional CRS points with an eligible job offer under Express Entry.

Yes. A 2020 study conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicates that Express Entry immigrants are highly successful in Canada’s job market. They possess human capital characteristics that are highly sought after by Canadian employers. The study reveals that Express Entry immigrants tend to earn higher salaries than the average Canadian worker, exhibit high employment rates, and experience low unemployment rates. These immigrants are anticipated to continue thriving in the Canadian job market due to their skills remaining in demand as more workers retire in the next decade. Canada depends on immigration to mitigate economic and fiscal challenges arising from its rapidly aging population and low birth rate.

First, identify why you are currently ineligible. For example, you may not meet the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) requirements for work experience, language ability, or education. Addressing these issues can make you eligible to submit an Express Entry profile.

Second, consider an education pathway towards Canadian permanent residence. To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), you need at least one year of Canadian work experience within the last 3 years and meet minimum language requirements. Studying and working in Canada can help you gain eligibility for the CEC and earn more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.

If you do not qualify for Express Entry, explore Canada’s over 100 other skilled worker immigration streams.

The Express Entry CRS cut-off scores are unpredictable and can fluctuate significantly due to the dynamic nature of the system. Scores vary based on the number of candidates with high CRS scores in the pool.

If you are eligible for Express Entry, it is advisable to enter the pool regardless of your CRS score. The process is free aside from the required language test and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), which are necessary for most skilled worker immigration programs.

Entering the Express Entry pool, if eligible, can boost your chances of immigrating to Canada:

Firstly, there is no fee to enter the pool. You will need to pay for your language test and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), but these costs are common for most immigration programs.

Secondly, CRS cut-off scores change frequently and unpredictably. A low CRS score may still get you an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

While in the pool, you can improve your CRS score by retaking language tests, gaining more work experience, or studying in Canada.

Additionally, being in the pool could lead to a provincial nomination, increasing your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

You can also apply to other immigration programs while in the Express Entry pool.

There are two components to answer this question. The first component is identifying whether your CLB level is enough to make you eligible for an Express Entry program. The second component is identifying whether your CLB level is enough to make your CRS score competitive.

First, you need to ensure your CLB level meets the requirements of one of the three Express Entry programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program: You need at least a CLB 7 for reading, writing, speaking, and listening in one of the official languages to be eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

• Canadian Experience Class: You need at least a CLB 7 across all four language abilities under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) if you have a NOC TEER category of 0 or 1. You need at least a CLB 5 across all four language abilities under the CEC if you have a NOC TEER 2 or 3 category.

• Federal Skilled Trades Program: You need a minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening and at least CLB 4 for reading and writing.

Second, it is important to achieve the highest possible Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level on your language exam. Consider the significant weight that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) places on your language test score in the Comprehensive Ranking System. Prior to taking your language test, ensure you study thoroughly. Even if you are proficient in English and/or French, preparation for the test is essential to achieve the highest CLB level possible. If you believe you can attain a higher CLB level, you may retake the language test multiple times until you obtain a satisfactory score.