Should I Create an Express Entry Profile with My Current IELTS Scores?

The question of whether to create an Express Entry profile with your current IELTS scores (L7 R7 S7.5 and W6) is not straightforward and depends on several factors. Here, we will explore the language requirements, Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, potential to retake the IELTS, and other important aspects of your profile.

Language Requirements

To be eligible for the Express Entry program, you need to meet the language proficiency requirements for the program you are applying under. These include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class.

Federal Skilled Worker Program: Generally, a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 is required, which corresponds to IELTS scores of L6 R6 S6 and W6.

In your case, the listening (L7) and reading (R7) scores meet the CLB 7 requirement, but the writing (W6) score is just slightly below, corresponding to a CLB 6. This discrepancy means that the writing score might limit your competitiveness in the pool.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score

Your overall CRS score is highly influenced by your language proficiency. Higher scores in all four categories of the IELTS (Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing) will significantly boost your CRS score. Even if your overall profile is strong in other areas like education, work experience, and age, a writing score of 6 might limit your competitiveness.

It is crucial to assess your current CRS score. If it is above 450, you are likely to receive an invitation to apply. However, if your CRS score is below this threshold, you might benefit from retaking the IELTS to improve your writing score.

Potential for Retaking the IELTS

Consider whether you can retake the IELTS to improve your writing score. A higher score can substantially enhance your CRS score and overall profile.

Other Factors to Consider

Beyond language proficiency and your CRS score, other aspects of your profile can affect your eligibility and CRS score. These include:

Your education background Your work experience Any provincial nominations you may have received Whether you are married and if your spouse also has a high CRS score

It is also worth noting that IF you are married, having your spouse take the IELTS and improving your overall CRS score can be highly beneficial.

Conclusion

If your overall profile, including other strong factors like education, work experience, or a provincial nomination, is compelling, it may still be worthwhile to create an Express Entry profile. However, if you feel confident that you can improve your writing score, it could be beneficial to wait until you achieve a stronger score before applying.

Checking Your CRS Score

The key is to check your current CRS score. If it is above 450, you should consider applying. If it is below 400, you might want to increase it above 400, as points matter significantly. Regularly check draw announcements to see if you can benefit from the next draw.

If you are still unsure, seeking advice from an immigration consultant or attending a local immigration office can provide you with personalized guidance and help you make the best decision for your situation.