How to Score High on the Canada PR Point Calculator

Candidates who submit Expressions of Interest under the three federal Express Entry streams are ranked by a point-allocation system that determines their eligibility for immigration to Canada. The tool that allocates points out of 1200 to each registrant based on several selection factors is called the Comprehensive Ranking System or the Canada PR point calculator.

The point score of a candidate indicates their employability and potential for success in Canada. Only the highest-ranking candidates can apply for permanent residence (PR) to the federal government. Thus, it is essential to enhance your point score by meeting the parameters. Mentioned below are some practical tips to increase your score and accumulate as many points as possible:

Gain Work experience: Gaining at least one year of work experience under an employer in Canada can allow you to accumulate points based on human capital and skills transferability factors. Gaining more years of work experience in a country other than Canada can add points under skills transferability factors. Work experience need not be in a job that features on the Canada Occupation in Demand List. The applicant can belong to any occupation listed under National Occupational Classification Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B.

Upgrade Your Academic Qualifications: Completing a higher level of education from a recognized institution in your home country will increase your score under human capital and skills transferability factors. If you complete higher education from a Canadian post-secondary academic institution, you can gain even more additional points.

Improve Your English/French Language Test Score: A significant amount of points are awarded for your English and/or French language skills. You should aim to attain the highest possible score in an approved English and/or French language proficiency examination, to gain more points under human capital and skills transferability factors. Plus, if your French language skills meet a certain requirement, you can also claim additional points.

Obtain a Provincial Nomination: 11 of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories nominate foreign nationals for permanent residence through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Obtaining a provincial nomination adds significantly to the score. For instance, being nominated under the Ontario PNP adds 600 points to your score, which is a major advantage.

Leverage Your Spouse/Common-law-partner’s Qualifications: Points can be claimed for your spouse or common-law-partner’s English language skills, Canadian work experience, and level of education. If your spouse/common-law-partner is more qualified than you, they should be the primary applicant.

Secure a Canadian Job Offer: Arranged employment in Canada adds surplus points to the score, depending on what kind of job you have been offered.

Sibling Connection in Canada: If you have a brother or sister living in Canada as a permanent resident or citizen, additional points can be claimed.

Candidates who meet the minimum point requirement or cut-off of the Canada PR point calculator are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws. The federal immigration authority – Immigration, Refugees and citizenship Canada (IRCC) – determines the cut-off, which varies for each draw. To find out how to be eligible for more points and obtain a provincial nomination, it is advisable to contact licensed immigration consultants.