Points System in Migration: How It Works and How to Improve Your Score

The Points System was created to identify candidates who have the highest likelihood of success economically and in relation to their integration in their new country. It evaluates your profile based on various aspects such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, etc. However, in many instances, the spouse of a married applicant may be awarded extra points for their language ability and/or educational or skills evaluation. Australia and Canada select skilled migrants based on points. Seeking candidates in Australia, a minimum of 65 points is required in order to submit an Expression of Interest [EOI]. Those who are invited to apply for permanent residency are restricted to those who meet the requirements. The minimum points for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) in Canada are 67. This is a requirement for entering into the Express Entry pool. The candidates are then ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System [CRS]. An Invitation to Apply [ITA] is more likely to be given with higher CRS scores. The higher the score in CRS, the more likely the Invitation to Apply [ITA] will be issued. Enhancing migration points can be done by receiving high scores in English tests [IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, CAE, OET, CELPIP, LanguageCert, or MET], having more skilled work experience, and having factors that make you more adaptable (spouse skills, arranged employment, regional study, or community language credentials).

In Canada, having French language proficiency with a TEF Canada or TCF Canada can add extra points and boost your Express Entry profile. A good score in French can help boost your CRS score and increase the odds of receiving an Invitation to Apply [ITA] for Permanent Residency. Additional points are awarded in Australia for achieving high English marks, NAATI CCL in languages such as Malayalam (+5 points), state/regional nomination, and partner qualifications.

There are several pathways to enhance your immigration profile and boost your odds of getting an Invitation to Apply [ITA]. Advanced English scores, some more work experience, French proficiency, employment arranged and Provincial Nominee Programs [PNPs] can be significant factors in improving your CRS score. Your move to Canadian Permanent Residency can be more competitive and successful through regional immigration pathways, as they may also offer bonus points and quicker processing. Points systems are reviewed and modified over time by governments to reflect the varying needs in the labour market and policy priorities. Many migration pathways around the world are not points-based, but for economic and skilled migration, the key destinations, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, rely heavily on a points-based selection system to manage large numbers of applicants and to focus on attracting candidates with the desired skills. For this reason, it is important to understand how the points system functions and how to maximise your points for those who want to migrate through the skilled or economic pathways.