Is 475 a Good CRS Score for Express Entry?

475 CRS Score for Express Entry

Yes, a CRS score of 475 can be considered a good score for Express Entry, but it is not guaranteed. It places a candidate in a competitive position for category-based draws such as healthcare, trades, or French-language selection, and becomes extremely strong when combined with a Provincial Nomination Program (PNP). However, in recent general Express Entry draws, cut-offs have frequently crossed 480–500, which means a CRS score of 475 may fall just short unless supported by the right draw type or additional factors.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a CRS Score?
2. Why CRS Score Matters in Express Entry
3. How Express Entry CRS Scores Work
4. Is 475 a Good CRS Score in 2025–2026?
5. When 475 CRS Is Considered Strong
6. When 475 CRS Can Be Challenging
7. CRS 475 vs Other CRS Score Ranges
8. Benefits and Limitations of a 475 CRS Score
9. Common Misconceptions About a 475 CRS Score
10. Related Questions
11. Frequently Asked Questions
12. Summary

What Is a CRS Score?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the official points-based ranking method used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the Express Entry system. Every candidate who enters the Express Entry pool is assigned a CRS score out of 1,200 points, which determines their position relative to other applicants.

The CRS score reflects how well a candidate is expected to integrate into Canada’s workforce and society. It evaluates measurable factors such as age, education level, language ability, and professional experience, along with additional factors that increase long-term economic contribution.

In practical terms, the CRS score is not a pass-or-fail number. Instead, it functions as a competitive ranking tool, where higher scores improve the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Why Does CRS Score Matter?

The CRS score matters because Express Entry is invitation-based. Simply being eligible does not mean a candidate will receive an ITA. Invitations are issued only to those whose CRS scores meet or exceed the cut-off score of a specific draw.

This means:

• A score can be strong in one draw and insufficient in another
• Cut-offs fluctuate depending on labor demand and policy priorities
• The same CRS score may perform differently across years

As Canada increasingly relies on targeted immigration pathways, CRS scores must be evaluated in context, not in isolation. Understanding where 475 stands helps candidates set realistic expectations and plan next steps strategically.

How Does Express Entry CRS Work?

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Profile Creation

Candidates create an Express Entry profile by submitting personal, educational, and professional information. This includes language test results, education credential assessments, and work history.

2. CRS Calculation

The system automatically assigns points based on:

• Age
• Education
• Language proficiency (English and/or French)
• Foreign and Canadian work experience
• Spouse factors, if applicable

3. Additional Points

Extra points may be added for:

• Provincial Nomination (+600 points)
• French-language proficiency
• Canadian education
• Sibling in Canada

4. Ranking in the Pool

All candidates are ranked against one another in the Express Entry pool.

5. Invitation Rounds

IRCC conducts draws and invites candidates above the announced cut-off score.

This structure explains why a CRS score of 475 can be strong in some scenarios but insufficient in others.

Is 475 a Good CRS Score?

A CRS score of 475 sits in a borderline yet competitive range in 2025–2026. It is neither low nor fully secure. Instead, it occupies a middle ground where outcomes depend heavily on draw type, occupation, and immigration priorities.

Recent trends show:

• General draws frequently crossing 480–500
• Category-based draws inviting candidates in the 470–480 range
• PNP-supported profiles receiving ITAs well below general cut-offs

As a result, 475 should be viewed as a strategically viable score, not a guaranteed one.

When 475 CRS Is Considered Strong?

Category-Based Draws

Category-based draws were introduced to better align immigration with Canada’s labor shortages. These draws target candidates with specific occupational backgrounds or skills.

Recent category-based draws have included:

• Healthcare and social services
• Trades
• STEM occupations
• Transport
• Agriculture

In several of these draws, CRS cut-offs have dipped to 475 or slightly above, making this score competitive for candidates whose occupations align with IRCC’s targeted categories.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

A Provincial Nomination is one of the most powerful tools in Express Entry. It adds 600 CRS points, dramatically increasing the chance of selection.

For example:

• Base CRS score: 475
• With PNP: 1,075 CRS

At this level, an ITA becomes virtually guaranteed. Many candidates with CRS scores between 450–480 rely on provincial pathways to secure permanent residence.

French Language Proficiency

French-language proficiency has become increasingly valuable in Express Entry. Candidates who demonstrate strong French skills may qualify for:

• Dedicated French-language draws
• Additional CRS points

These draws often have lower cut-offs, making a CRS score of 475 more competitive for bilingual candidates.

When 475 CRS Can Be Challenging?

General Draws

General Express Entry draws include candidates from all programs (FSW, CEC, FST). Due to limited invitations and a growing pool of highly qualified applicants, cut-offs in these draws have risen.

In many recent draws:

• Cut-offs exceeded 480
• Some crossed 500

In this context, a CRS score of 475 may fall short unless draw sizes increase or policies change.

High-Competition Occupations

Certain occupations attract a large number of highly educated, bilingual candidates. In such cases, competition intensifies, and CRS scores near 475 may struggle without additional advantages.

CRS 475 vs Other CRS Score Ranges

Benefits and Limitations of a 475 CRS Score

Benefits

• Indicates a solid education and language profile
• Competitive for category-based draws
• Strong base score for PNP pathways
• Close to recent historical cut-offs

Limitations

• Not reliable for general draws
• Dependent on draw timing and volume
• Requires strategic planning
• Competition continues to rise

Common Misconceptions About a 475 CRS Score

Myth: 475 guarantees an ITA
Fact: No CRS score guarantees selection without PNP or targeted draws.

Myth: Scores below 480 are not useful
Fact: Many candidates below 480 receive ITAs through PNP or category draws.

Myth: CRS cut-offs are fixed
Fact: Cut-offs change based on labor needs and immigration policy.

Related Questions

Is 475 a good score for Express Entry?

It is competitive for category-based and provincial pathways but uncertain for general draws.

Can I get PR with a CRS score of 470–475?

Yes, particularly through targeted draws or provincial nominations.

Will CRS scores drop to 475 again?

They may, but this depends on draw size, labor demand, and policy direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 475 enough for Canada PR?

It can be enough under the right draw conditions, but it is not guaranteed.

Is 475 good for healthcare or trade draws?

Yes. Recent healthcare and trade draws have invited candidates around this score.

Does PNP make 475 a strong CRS score?

Yes. A provincial nomination transforms 475 into a near-certain ITA score.

Is 475 competitive in 2026?

It remains competitive for targeted pathways but challenging for general draws.

Can my CRS score improve after submission?

Yes. Language improvements, PNP, or additional experience can raise your score.

Summary

• A CRS score of 475 is competitive but not guaranteed
• Best suited for category-based draws and PNP pathways
• Less reliable for general Express Entry draws
• Draw type and occupation matter more than the number alone
• Strategic planning significantly improves outcomes