IRCC Announces Changes to Canada’s Immigration System

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had recently announced significant changes in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of Canada Express Entry. The changes in the points based system will be in effect from 6th June, 2017.

As per the announcement additional points will be awarded to the applicants who show strong French language ability and to those who have a sibling residing in Canada on PR or on Citizenship.

Previously during the month of November 2016 the points awarded for a qualified job offer were reduced under the CRS ranking of the Express Entry system.

As per the new rules to be implemented from June 6th the applicants will be getting additional 15 points for scoring a level 7 in all the four modules i.e. speaking, listening, writing and reading in the Niveu de Competence Liguistique Canadiens (NLC) test when combined with a score of CLB 4 or below in English Language. An applicant can claim up to 30 points if his/her French level 7 is combined with a CLB score of 5 or above in English.

These 15-30 points will be in addition to the present CRS point’s structure. Presently an applicant can claim up to 136 points for first official language and 24 points for the second.

Apart from the addition in the points based system for the first and second language the CIC has also announced that the candidates having a sibling residing in Canada on Citizenship or Permanent Residency will be awarded with 15 extra points under Express Entry Draw.

The sponsoring sibling must be at least 18 years of age or above.

Lastly as per the announcement it won’t be mandatory for the applicants to register with the Job Bank of Canada.