Canada Express Entry: Points for siblings and French speakers

Immigration authorities have announced new ways for permanent residency hopefuls to gain the points they need to qualify for a permanent residency invite under the Express Entry system.

Candidates can now gain additional points for having a sibling in Canada. Those with French language skills are also set to benefit from increased points under the new rules.

Express Entry points for French language skills
CRS Express Entry points are available for proficiency in English and/or French.

Previously, permanent residency hopefuls receive 136 points for their first official language, and 24 points for their second official language.

Since June 6, 2017, 15 bonus points are available to candidates with strong French language skills. 30 bonus points can be availed of by candidates with a proficiency in both languages.

To avail of the 15 points, candidates must:
Achieve test results at Level 7 or higher in all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) of the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NLC).Receive an English language test result of CLB 4 or lower.

To avail of the 30 points, candidates must:

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Achieve test results at Level 7 or higher in all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) of the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NLC).Receive an English language test result of CLB 5 or higher.
“French-speaking newcomers contribute to the growth, vitality, and prosperity of Francophone minority communities across Canada,” IRCC explained.

Previously, all candidates had to create a Job Bank account if they did not already have a valid job offer or provincial / territorial nomination. This step was necessary in order to be placed into the Express Entry pool and become eligible for an invitation.

Since June 6, 2017, Job Bank registration is voluntary. Eligible candidates are now placed in the Express Entry pool regardless of whether they have registered for Job Bank.
Candidates who choose to start their job search may register for Job Bank if they wish.

Express Entry changes
These are the latest changes to the Express Entry system, which was introduced in January 2015 to select candidates for permanent residency in Canada.

Last November, a series of changes meant the CRS points awarded for a qualifying job offer fell dramatically, from 600 to either 50 or 200. Bonus points were also awarded to candidates who completed education in Canada.

This raft of changes is not as dramatic as those that occurred last November. As such, it’s unlikely to lead to a major shift in the number of CRS points required by candidates before they can qualify for an invitation to apply for residency.

It will however be welcomed by those with siblings in Canada, and French speakers, and is in line with the Canadian government’s stated objective to make it easier for families to relocate and reunite in Canada.