Written by Yvanna Sol

Canada opens its doors to skilled immigrants from all over the world thanks to the direct route known as Express Entry. This immigration plan started in 2024 with a good trend, in fact, recently the 282nd lottery draw was held. 282nd lotteryThe 282nd lottery, aimed at French-speaking foreigners, invited 7,000 French-speaking internationals who achieved the minimum score of 365, according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), the lowest minimum score of the year so far. Now, this score can be raised in this or any other category and you should know that achieving the most points will be crucial to stand out in this competitive selection process. For this reason, in this Planeta Immiland article, we present 7 key strategies to maximize your score. Read each one carefully below.

How to earn more Express Entry points

1. Obtain a Language certification in English or French: this will give you up to 290 points!

Proficiency in English and/or French is essential in Canada. Therefore, we recommend you to obtain recognized certifications, such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, and TEF for French. Don't settle for just speaking the language, you must have the backing of official certifications, this can make a difference in your score. 

2. Accumulate sufficient work experience (minimum one year full time): this will give you up to 150 points!

Work experience is highly valued in Canada, as there are jobs that cannot be filled by native Canadians and the government urgently requires skilled labor in every field, but this can only be achieved through years of experience; moreover, this must be verifiable, so be sure to obtain detailed work references and check if your occupation is on the list of qualified jobs. On our recruiting page, you can keep up to date with job openings, click here.

3. Raise your education level: this will give you up to 230 points!

Post-secondary education and advanced degrees carry significant weight with the Canadian government. While you meet all the requirements to apply, seek to continue your studies in your country following a logical thread, i.e., the programs you choose should complement what you have already studied so that you present yourself as a skilled professional in an area with the best possible profile. Also, consider obtaining the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreigners, which is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma or certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid and equal to a Canadian one. Read more here.

4. Get a job offer: this will give you up to 200 points!

A valid job offer in Canada adds valuable points. You complete this process once you have met all the requirements in terms of study skills, languages and job training, then make sure that the offer meets the requirements of the law and is supported by an LMIA, if necessary. On our Immiland page, you will find enough information about the LMIAthe job offerincluding how to make a good Canadian-style resume.

5. Take advantage of your youthful age: this will give you up to 100 points!

According to the First State of Canada's Youth Report, young people are exceptionally well positioned to inform an innovative and inclusive future for all, so, indisputably, age is a determining factor in Canada. 

Get the maximum score by entering the system before you turn 30, as after 30, the score will gradually decrease. You can read the report here.

6. Work on your spouse's skills together: this will give you up to 40 points!

The idea of living in Canada is to achieve a better quality of life, but if you have a partner, nothing will be the same if your spouse cannot accompany you, so as a couple you must work together to achieve the highest possible score. The applicant's spouse should also maximize his or her language skills, education and work experience. 

7. Accumulate additional points: this will give you up to 600 points!

This additional can be achieved through a provincial nomination, experience in Canada or a valid job offer. Of the maximum 1600 points awarded by Express Entry, 600 points can lead to an invitation to apply (ITA). 

In conclusion, the Express Entry candidate is called upon to maximize his or her score so that his or her profile stands out and can be taken into account above the rest. This system is very lenient in terms of the process of arriving in Canada as a permanent resident, but it is also highly competitive, so working on your profile score is critical. Now that you have the key to raising your score, strategically plan how you are going to improve your skills. 

At Planeta Immiland, we can help you to level your language for Express Entry in 18 weeks.At Planeta Immiland, this course is designed with special emphasis on achieving the required proficiency levels for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). In addition, our methodology is focused on a curriculum that will allow you to develop each of the language skills necessary for you to function in any French-speaking environment. For details of this course, click here.

Contact us through this link for more information and we will help you get one step closer to making your Canadian dream come true. Be prepared and be patient because emigrating to Canada is possible!

With love,

Planet Immiland