Canada’sExpress Entry immigration selection system, designed to welcome skilled workers from around the world quickly and simply, will reward candidates who can prove that they or their spouse or common-law partner have a sibling living in Canada. Candidates with French ability will also benefit from changes brought into effect on June 6, 2017.
Candidates with a sibling in Canada may be awarded 15 additional CRS points if the sibling is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and at least 18 years of age. The maximum number of points that may be awarded for this factor is 15, even if the candidate or his or her spouse/common-law partner has multiple siblings living in Canada.
These points may also be awarded if the candidate’s spouse or common-law partner has a sibling in Canada. The candidate or his or her spouse/common-law partner must share a mother and/or father with the sibling in Canada. This relationship can be through blood, adoption, marriage, or common-law partnership.
To be in line for additional points for French proficiency, a candidate must take the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) and come away with results equal to or better than adequate intermediate level (Canadian Language Benchmark, or CLB, 7). Those who prove this and have an English level of CLB 5 or better may be awarded 30 CRS additional points, whereas those who have not proven this level of English ability may receive 15 CRS points.
