Ways to Get Canadian PR When Your CRS Score is Low

Canada's Express Entry system is a highly competitive immigration pathway that is driven by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a points-based system used to assess candidates for permanent residency (PR). While the CRS score is a crucial component of the Express Entry process, it is not the only factor determining Canadian permanent residency (PR) eligibility. In some cases, applicants with lower CRS scores may still find ways to obtain Canadian permanent residency.

If your CRS score is below the required threshold for receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through regular Express Entry draws, there are several strategies you can explore to increase your chances of qualifying for Canadian PR.

Discover Your CRS Score

What is Canadian Permanent Residency?

Canadian PR grants individuals the right to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely. PR holders are not Canadian citizens but enjoy many of the same benefits, including access to healthcare, social services, and the ability to work in any province or territory. Permanent residents can travel in and out of Canada. However, they must meet residency obligations, typically by living in Canada for at least two years within five years, to maintain their status.

PR holders can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements, which include living in Canada for at least three out of five years. There are several pathways to obtain PR, including Express Entry (for skilled workers, tradespeople, and international graduates), the Provincial Nominee Program, and family sponsorship. While PR holders do not have the right to vote or run for office, they are a step away from full citizenship and enjoy a stable, long-term status in Canada.

What Can I Do to Get Canadian Permanent Residency With a Low CRS Score?

If your CRS score is lower than the typical cutoff for Express Entry draws, don't be discouraged. Here are several ways to improve your chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency.

Consider the Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is one of the most effective ways to gain Canadian permanent residency with a low CRS score. The PNP allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on their ability to contribute to the local labor market. If a province nominates you, you receive a significant boost to your CRS score- 600 points - effectively guaranteeing an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.

Each province has its own set of eligibility requirements for the PNP, and some provinces run streams explicitly targeting individuals with lower CRS scores. Here are some steps to explore the PNP option.

Research Provincial Programs

Look into the various PNP streams available in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. Some provinces focus on specific occupations or skill sets in demand locally, which may benefit applicants with lower CRS scores.

Targeted PNP Streams

Certain Canadian provinces, such as Saskatchewan and Ontario, regularly open streams to applicants with lower CRS scores. For example, Saskatchewan's Occupation In-Demand stream doesn't require a job offer or a high CRS score, making it an excellent option for individuals with specific work experience.

Apply for a Provincial Nomination

Once you determine which province's stream best matches your qualifications, you can apply for a provincial nomination. A nomination will significantly increase your chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency. By securing a nomination, your CRS score will rise dramatically, and you'll have a much better chance of receiving an ITA from the Express Entry system.

Improve Your Language Skills

Language proficiency is one of the most influential factors in the CRS scoring system. Improving your English or French language skills can make a significant difference if your CRS score is low. Language proficiency is assessed using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for English or the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF Canada) for French. Here are a few ways to improve your language skills and boost your CRS score.

Take Language Classes

Enroll in English or French courses to improve your reading, writing, listening, and speaking proficiency. Better results in the IELTS or TEF exams can lead to higher CRS points, particularly in the language proficiency category.

Practice with Native Speakers

Immersing yourself in conversations with native speakers can help improve fluency and understanding of the language. Numerous language exchange platforms and apps allow you to connect with speakers for free or at a low cost.

Re-take the Language Test

If your previous language test results were not as strong as you hoped, consider retaking the test after significantly improving your skills. Achieving a higher band score can increase your CRS score considerably if you improve your performance in speaking or writing, where candidates often score lower. Even modest improvement in language skills can substantially increase your CRS score, making you a more competitive candidate for an ITA.

Take the Express Route

Obtain a Provincial Job Offer

A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can provide significant CRS points, even if your score is initially low. However, the job offer must meet certain criteria to qualify for Express Entry:

• The job offer must be in a skilled occupation in Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER 0, 1, or 2),
• The job offer must be full-time and permanent, and
• The employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), demonstrating that the job offer is genuine and does not negatively affect the Canadian labor market.

A valid job offer can add 50 points to your CRS score. Some PNP streams prioritize applicants with job offers, particularly in regions facing labor shortages. For example, Alberta's Express Entry Stream targets candidates with a job offer from a province-specific employer.

If you don't have a job offer yet, consider networking and looking for opportunities in regions actively seeking skilled workers. Websites like Canada's Job Bank and Indeed Canada provide job listings for various industries, and many employers are willing to sponsor foreign workers through the LMIA process.

Consider the Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway to permanent residency that targets skilled workers, international graduates, and other professionals in the four Atlantic provinces:

• Nova Scotia,
• New Brunswick,
• Newfoundland and Labrador, and
• Prince Edward Island.

The program does not rely on CRS scores but instead focuses on securing a valid job offer from an employer in one of these provinces. To be eligible for the AIP, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces,
• Demonstrate sufficient work experience, education, and language skills to contribute to the province's economy, and
• Have a provincial endorsement from the province of your job offer.

The AIP can be an attractive option for individuals with low CRS scores willing to work in Atlantic Canada. By obtaining a job offer and an endorsement from one of the provinces, you can apply for permanent residency without relying on your CRS score.

Gain Canadian Work Experience

If you are already in Canada or plan to move there temporarily, gaining Canadian work experience can significantly improve your chances of obtaining permanent residency. The Express Entry system highly values Canadian work experience, and applicants who have worked in Canada may see a significant increase in their CRS score. There are two main ways to gain Canadian work experience.

Canadian Work Permits

If you are not currently in Canada, applying for a work permit (e.g., through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or International Mobility Program) can allow you to gain work experience in Canada. After one year of full-time work in a skilled occupation, you may qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), one of the three Express Entry programs. Canadian work experience earns higher CRS points than foreign work experience.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

If you are an international student who has graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, you may be eligible for a PGWP, which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years. The longer you work in Canada, the more CRS points you earn. After gaining Canadian work experience, you can apply through the CEC, which typically has lower CRS score thresholds for Express Entry draws.

Apply as a Family Member

If you are married or have a common-law partner, their qualifications and work experience can improve your chances of securing permanent residency. Your spouse or partner's education, language skills, and work experience can contribute additional CRS points to your application.

If their language skills or work experience are higher than yours, it may make sense for your spouse to be the principal applicant, resulting in a higher CRS score overall. If your spouse is already in Canada on a work or study permit or has Canadian work experience, your CRS score could increase further.

Are There Any Recent Express Entry System Changes Affecting Low CRS Candidates?

Yes, recent changes to the Express Entry system have impacted candidates with low CRS scores. Recently, Canada introduced more targeted draws to address specific labor shortages and provincial needs. These draws allow for the selection of candidates based on factors beyond just CRS score, such as work experience, educational background, or proficiency in French. For example, draws focused on candidates with specific skills or language abilities, mainly French, have become more common, providing opportunities for low CRS candidates with demanding qualifications.

The new CRS Tie-breaker rules have been adjusted to make the system more flexible. Canadian provinces and territories also utilize the PNP more frequently to select candidates with lower CRS scores. Nominations from provinces can add 600 points to a candidate's score, dramatically improving their chances of being invited to apply. This shift creates more pathways for low CRS candidates to achieve permanent residency in Canada.

Start Your PR Process!

FAQs

What Are Immigration Pilots, And How Can They Assist With Low CRS Scores?

Canadian immigration pilots are specialized programs designed to attract workers in specific sectors or regions, providing pathways to Canadian permanent residency for those with low CRS scores. These pilots, such as the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, often have unique eligibility criteria that can bypass traditional CRS requirements, making them viable options for candidates struggling with their scores.

Can Family Sponsorship Help Me Obtain Canadian Permanent Residency?

Family sponsorship is crucial for obtaining Canadian permanent residency, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses, partners, children, parents, and grandparents. This program bypasses the CRS system entirely, providing a more straightforward route to PR for eligible sponsors and their relatives.

Can I Increase my CRS Score After Submitting My Profile?

Yes, you can increase your CRS score after submitting your profile by improving your qualifications or obtaining additional credentials. Options include enhancing language proficiency through retaking language tests, gaining relevant work experience in Canada, or securing a job offer from a Canadian employer. Participating in PNPs can significantly boost 600 points if nominated, increasing your chances of receiving an ITA for Canadian permanent residency.