Thousands of candidates have profiles in the Canada Express Entry Pool with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores below 400.
Federal Express Entry draws in most categories have seen scores of more than 500 recently. The exception to that has been draws aimed at French-speakers, which have seen several scores below 400.
This means that most candidates in the pool with scores below 400 are not being issued with Invitations to Apply. How can these candidates immigrate to Canada?
For those with scores below 400, adding a few points to their score is not enough. What can these candidates do to receive the coveted Invitation to Apply?
On This Page You Will Find:
- Challenges of CRS Scores Below 400: Why low scores make it difficult to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA) under Express Entry.
- Effective Strategies for Boosting CRS Scores: Including job offers, provincial nominations, and Canadian work experience.
- How Education and Language Skills Impact Your Profile: The role of ECAs, Canadian credentials, and language proficiency in improving CRS scores.
- Opportunities in High-Demand Fields: Tips for targeting industries with labor shortages.
- Importance of Staying Informed: How monitoring Express Entry trends can help low-scoring candidates.
Express Entry Job Offer
Job offers backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) are worth 200 or 50 points under Express Entry, enough to make a significant difference to a candidate’s profile. level of the job. Senior managerial positions (NOC TEER 0 Major group, 00) are worth 200 points, while all other qualified job offers (TEER 1, 2 or 3, or any TEER 0 other than Major group 00) are worth 50 points.
Obtaining a qualified job offer remains the fastest way to convert a failing Express Entry profile into a successful one, significantly boosting a candidate’s score.
Provincial Nomination Programs
Provincial nomination programs attract economic immigrants who meet specific provincial labour market needs.
This is good news for immigration candidates to Canada who does not meet the requirements of federal economic class programs. A coveted provincial nomination is worth 600 points and a guaranteed ITA under Express Entry.
Canada’s Provincial Nomination Programs
- Ontario
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland
- Nova Scotia
- Saskatchewan
- Prince Edward Island
A qualified job offer backed by a provincial nomination is another fast and effective way to receive the extra points needed to qualify for Canadian permanent residence.
Provinces often target candidates with lower CRS scores. Ontario and Alberta are two that regularly conduct draws with lower thresholds than federal Express Entry draws. It is worth monitoring these and others if your score is below 400.
Canadian Work Experience
Gaining Canadian work experience is another effective strategy, as it significantly increases CRS points. You can achieve this by applying for a work permit through programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or the International Mobility Program (IMP). If you pursue education in Canada first, you may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work and gain valuable experience. This Canadian work experience not only boosts your CRS score but also qualifies you for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) within Express Entry.
Improving Language Skills
Improving your language test scores can also yield substantial benefits. Tests like IELTS (English) and TEF (French) carry significant weight in the CRS calculation. Retaking these tests to achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 9 or higher can unlock additional points, especially when combined with work experience or education. If you are bilingual, taking both the IELTS and TEF can provide even more points for French proficiency.
Education Credentials
Enhancing your educational credentials is another powerful option. Completing a higher-level degree, such as a master’s or doctorate, can increase your CRS score. If you already hold foreign qualifications, obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) ensures they are recognized in Canada. For those looking to boost their scores quickly, completing short-term educational programs in Canada can also open doors to PNPs and help you gain Canadian experience.
In-Canada Education
Another strategy involves pursuing education in Canada. Canadian credentials not only increase your CRS score but also open pathways to additional immigration streams, such as the Canadian Experience Class and PNPs. Enrolling in a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and subsequently applying for a PGWP can help you gain both educational and work experience in Canada.
High-Demand Fields
Building work experience in high-demand fields is another way to stand out. By targeting industries that align with Canada’s labor needs, you increase your appeal to PNPs and category-specific draws. Identifying roles in demand through the National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 system and tailoring your resume to meet these requirements is an effective approach.
Keep Up To Date
Finally, staying updated on Express Entry draws can make a difference. Regularly monitoring the trends and changes in CRS cutoffs, particularly for category-based draws that target healthcare or trades, can help you identify opportunities when thresholds are lower. Keeping your profile active and updated ensures you remain eligible for consideration.
FAQ: CRS Scores Under 400
Why is it difficult to immigrate to Canada with a CRS score below 400?
Express Entry draws typically have high CRS thresholds, often exceeding 500, making it hard for low-scoring candidates to secure ITAs. While some category-based draws target scores below 400, they are rare and usually aimed at French-speaking applicants. For most candidates, alternative pathways like job offers or provincial nominations are essential to bridge the score gap.
How can a job offer improve my Express Entry score?
A valid job offer backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can add 50 to 200 points to your CRS score. Senior managerial positions in NOC TEER 0 Major Group 00 provide 200 points, while other qualifying job offers contribute 50 points. This can significantly enhance your profile, making a low-scoring candidate eligible for an ITA in a federal Express Entry draw.
What is the benefit of a provincial nomination for low CRS scores?
A provincial nomination is worth 600 CRS points, which virtually guarantees an ITA under Express Entry. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) target candidates with skills that meet regional labor market needs, offering an excellent option for those with CRS scores under 400. Combining a provincial nomination with a job offer can further strengthen your application.
How does Canadian work experience impact Express Entry profiles?
Canadian work experience significantly boosts CRS scores and qualifies candidates for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) within Express Entry. Work permits, such as those under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), provide opportunities to gain this experience. Combined with language skills or education, Canadian work experience can elevate your profile.
Can education or language improvements help with low CRS scores?
Yes, completing a higher degree or improving your language test scores can add substantial points to your CRS profile. For instance, achieving a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 9 or higher on the IELTS or TEF unlocks bonus points. Additionally, obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees or pursuing education in Canada can open pathways to PNPs and the CEC stream.
