How to Improve Your Chances in Express Entry Over Time

Planning Ahead for Express Entry

If you want to get Canadian PR through Express Entry, planning early can make a big difference.
The system is competitive, and only candidates with the highest CRS scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
Moreover, your profile keeps changing with time so understanding those changes helps you improve your chances.

Key Things That Affect Your Chances

Your success in Express Entry depends on several important factors.
Here’s what to keep in mind as you plan your PR journey:

1. Your Eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Many candidates rely on CEC because it is one of the most active categories for invitations.
To qualify, you need:

• At least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience
• Experience gained as an employee
• Work experience not counted during full-time studies

If you’re still building this experience, you must plan ahead so you don’t lose future eligibility.

2. CRS Points for Canadian Work Experience

Canadian work experience gives you CRS points in two ways:

• Human capital points
• Skill transferability points

As you continue working in Canada, these points may increase and help your score rise over time.

3. CRS Points for Foreign Work Experience

Foreign work experience is also very valuable.
In fact, sometimes one year of foreign work experience increases your CRS more than an extra year of Canadian work experience.

You can gain:

• Up to 50 CRS points for foreign work experience
• Up to 100 CRS points when combined with education and language skills

However, gaining foreign work experience might also cause you to lose CEC eligibility, so plan carefully.

4. Your Age

Your age plays a big role in your score:

• Ages 20–29 = highest score
• At 30, points start dropping
• At 45+, age points become zero

Therefore, the sooner you apply, the better your chances.
If you apply with a spouse, listing the younger spouse as the main applicant may help.

5. Eligibility for Category-Based Selection (CBS)

To qualify for a CBS draw (like healthcare, trades, STEM, etc.), you need:

• At least 6 months of continuous work experience
• In a single eligible occupation
• Within the last 3 years

If you don’t yet meet this requirement, you may become eligible later as you gain more experience.

6. Language Test Expiry

Your IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF test is valid for 2 years.
If it expires before you apply, you must retake it.
So you need to keep track of the expiry date and plan accordingly.

7. ECA Expiry

Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is valid for 5 years.
If your ECA expires, you must get it updated before submitting your PR application.

Conclusion

Express Entry is not just about your score today, it’s about where your profile will be one or two years from now.
By understanding factors like age, work experience, language tests, category eligibility, and expiry dates, you can plan smarter and increase your chances of success.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).