Six Selection Factors of Express Entry

The Express Entry System is the Canadian government’s online application management system for economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. It uses a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess and rank candidates based on several factors. Understanding these six selection factors is crucial to maximizing your chances of success in the Express Entry pool.

At Exposure Immigration, we guide you through each of these factors to ensure your application is competitive and optimized for success

1. Age: Your age plays an important role in determining your Express Entry score. Younger applicants typically receive higher points, as they are considered to have more years ahead to contribute to Canada’s workforce and economy.

• Maximum points are awarded to candidates between 18-35 years old.
• Points decrease as candidates get older, with candidates over 50 receiving no points for age.

2. Education: The education level you have completed is another critical factor. Higher levels of education make you more competitive in the Express Entry system, as they indicate a higher potential to contribute to Canada’s economy.

• Maximum points are awarded for having a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) or professional degree
• You can earn additional points if you have Canadian educational credentials or if your foreign credentials are assessed and recognized as equivalent to Canadian standards through the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

3. Work Experience: Your work experience, particularly in skilled occupations (NOC 0, A, or B), is vital in the Express Entry
process. The more years of relevant work experience you have, the more points you can accumulate.

• Maximum points are awarded for 3 or more years of full-time work experience in a skilled job.
• Work experience in Canada is valued more highly than foreign work experience and can help boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

4. Language Proficiency: Language skills in English or French are essential for success in the Express Entry pool. Your ability to
communicate effectively in Canada’s official languages directly impacts your CRS score.

• Language test results from approved organizations (e.g., IELTS for English or TEF for French) are required.
• The higher your language score, the more points you can earn, with the maximum points being awarded to those who achieve high proficiency (e.g., CLB 9 or higher) in all four language abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

5. Arranged Employment: Having arranged employment Canada can significantly increase your CRS score. If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer for a skilled position, you can earn additional points.

• To qualify, the job offer must be full-time, non-seasonal, and for a position classified under NOC 0, A, or B.
• Candidates with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) approved job offer will receive additional points toward their CRS score.

6. Adaptability: Adaptability refers to how well you and your family may be able to adapt to life in Canada. This
factor rewards applicants who have certain factors in their profile that show they may have an easier
transition to living in Canada.

Adaptability factors that contribute to your CRS score include:

• Previous work or study experience in Canada (including a post-secondary degree from a Canadian institution).
• Spouse or common-law partner’s qualifications, such as their language ability or Canadian work experience.
• Relatives (such as siblings) living in Canada who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Spouse’s education level and work experience in Canada may add points as well.

Maximizing Your Express Entry Score

To optimize your chances of being invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency, it’s important to understand how the six selection factors of Express Entry work together to calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. At Exposure Immigration, we help you assess your eligibility, identify potential areas of improvement, and provide tailored guidance to increase your chances of success in the Express Entry pool.