Can I Get PR with a CRS Score of 400?
Get PR with a CRS Score of 400
Yes,
you can get Canada PR with a CRS score of 400, but not usually
through regular Express Entry draws. A score of 400 works best when combined
with Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), category-based draws, or smart
score-improvement strategies.
For many candidates, seeing a CRS
score of 400 can feel frustrating or even disappointing. You may wonder if all
the effort—language tests, education assessments, work experience—was worth it.
The truth is, a CRS score of 400 is not a dead end. In fact, it places
you closer to Canadian PR than you might think, as long as you follow the right
approach and explore alternative pathways.
Every year, thousands of applicants
with similar or even lower scores successfully receive Permanent Residence by
choosing strategies that go beyond the standard Express Entry draws.
Is 400 a Good CRS Score for Canada PR?
A CRS score of 400 is considered
low to moderate in today’s Express Entry system.
- General Express Entry draws usually cut off between 450–500+
- A 400 CRS score rarely receives an ITA in
all-program draws
- However, targeted and provincial pathways make
PR absolutely possible
This means that while a CRS score of
400 may not be competitive in general draws, it can still be highly effective
when combined with other immigration programs. Canada’s immigration system is
designed to meet labor market needs, and many programs focus on skills,
occupations, and provincial demand rather than just CRS numbers.
Why Express Entry Draws Usually Don’t Select 400 CRS Scores?
Canada uses the Comprehensive
Ranking System (CRS) to rank profiles based on:
- Age
- Education
- Language proficiency
- Work experience
- Adaptability factors
In recent years:
- High application volumes
- Skilled immigration targets
- Global competition
…have pushed cut-offs higher.
As more skilled professionals enter
the Express Entry pool, competition naturally increases. This is why candidates
with scores above 450 are often selected first in general draws. However, this
does not mean candidates with 400 CRS are ignored—it simply means they need to
look beyond standard draws and focus on alternative selection routes.
Best Ways to Get PR with a 400 CRS Score
1. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – The Strongest Option
If you have a CRS score
of 400, PNP is your best route to PR.
✔
A provincial nomination gives +600 CRS points
✔ Your score jumps from 400 →
1000+
✔ You are guaranteed an ITA in
the next draw
Provincial governments actively
search the Express Entry pool to meet their workforce needs. If your skills
match what a province is looking for, your CRS score becomes far less
important.
Provinces That May Accept Lower CRS Scores:
Many provinces focus on:
- Occupation demand
- Work experience
- Connection to the province
—not just CRS score.
This is why candidates with CRS
scores between 350 and 420 regularly receive provincial nominations and
successfully move forward with their Canada
PR applications.
2 Category-Based Express Entry Draws (Game Changer)
Canada now conducts category-based
draws, where CRS cut-offs are often much lower than general draws.
You may qualify if you have
experience in:
- Healthcare
- STEM occupations
- Trades
- Transport
- Agriculture
- French-language proficiency
These draws are designed to address
skill shortages in specific sectors. Because fewer candidates qualify under
each category, the comprehensive
ranking system cut-offs tend to be more accessible. Many applicants with
CRS scores around 400 have benefited from these targeted invitations.
3 Improve Your CRS Score (Small Changes, Big Impact)
Even a modest increase can unlock
new opportunities.
Practical
Ways to Boost CRS:
- Retake IELTS/CELPIP
for higher language bands
- Improve French proficiency (huge bonus points)
- Add 1 more year of work experience
- Include spouse credentials strategically
- Gain Canadian education or work experience
Sometimes, improving your score by
just 20–30 points can shift you into a much stronger position for
category-based or provincial selection.
4 Job Offer with LMIA Support
A valid Canadian job offer can add:
- 50 points
(most NOC TEER 1–3 jobs)
- 200 points
(senior managerial roles)
While securing an LMIA-approved job
offer may take time and effort, it can significantly strengthen your profile.
In many cases, a job offer also increases your chances of receiving a provincial
nomination, making it a valuable option to consider.
Who Has the Best Chance with a 400 CRS Score?
You’re in a strong position if you:
- Work in an in-demand occupation
- Are open to provincial settlement
- Have foreign skilled experience
- Are willing to improve language scores
- Qualify for category-based draws
Candidates who remain flexible and
proactive often succeed faster than those who wait only for general draws.
Common Myths About 400 CRS Score
❌ “400 CRS means no chance for
PR”
✔ False. Many PRs happen through
PNPs.
❌ “Only 470+ candidates get PR”
✔ False. Targeted draws select lower
scores.
❌ “Express Entry is the only
option”
✔ False. Canada has 80+
immigration pathways.
Understanding these facts can help
you make smarter decisions and avoid unnecessary stress.
Should You Create an Express Entry Profile with 400 CRS?
Absolutely, yes.
Even with 400 CRS:
- You become visible to provinces
- You can receive PNP Notifications of Interest
- You qualify for future category-based draws
- Your profile stays active for 12 months
Many candidates receive provincial
nominations several months after entering the pool, simply by keeping their
profile active and updated.
Final Verdict: Can You Get PR with 400 CRS Score?
Yes—you can.
But success depends on strategy, timing, and pathway selection, not just
the score itself.
Best routes for CRS 400:
✔
Provincial
Nominee Programs
✔ Category-based Express Entry draws
✔ Language score improvement
✔ LMIA-backed job offers
With the right approach, 400 CRS is not a
barrier—it’s a starting point.