Is 480 a good CRS score?
Is 480 a Good CRS Score for Canada
Express Entry?
If you’re in the Express Entry pool
with a CRS score of 480, it’s completely natural to wonder: Is this
score actually good enough for Canada PR?
The simple answer is yes—480 is a strong and competitive CRS score, but
whether it leads to an Invitation to Apply (ITA) depends on a few important
details.
Let’s walk through it in a clear,
realistic way.
What Does a CRS Score of 480 Mean?
Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking
System (CRS) ranks Express Entry candidates based on factors like age,
education, language skills, work experience, and adaptability.
A score of 480 places you in a
very strong position compared to most candidates in the pool and shows that
your profile already meets many of Canada’s immigration priorities.
CRS Score Ranges (General Understanding)
- 500+
– Excellent (very high chances in general draws)
- 470–499
– Very good (strong chances in many draws)
- 450–469
– Good (possible, but less predictable)
- Below 450
– Low to moderate chances
With 480, you’re clearly in
the “very good” category.
Why 480 Is Considered a Good CRS Score?
1. Strong Competitive Range
CRS scores between 470 and 499
are widely seen as competitive. Many Express Entry draws—especially targeted
ones—fall within or close to this range.
If your score is 480, you’re already
ahead of a large number of candidates.
2. Excellent for Category-Based Draws
Canada now conducts category-based
Express Entry
draws, and these often come with lower CRS cut-offs than general
draws.
A score of 480 works especially well
if you fall under categories such as:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare occupations
- STEM / Tech roles
- Skilled trades
In these draws, cut-offs can range
from the high 460s to low 500s, which puts a 480 score in a strong
position.
3. Very Strong with French Language Skills
If you have French proficiency at
CLB 7 or higher, a CRS score of 480 becomes even more competitive.
French-category draws often have lower cut-offs, significantly improving your
chances of receiving an ITA.
4. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Can Be a Game-Changer
If you receive a Provincial
Nomination, you automatically gain 600 additional CRS points.
That means:
- 480 + 600 = 1080 CRS
- This almost guarantees an ITA in the next draw
Many provinces actively target
candidates in the 470–490 range, making 480 a very strong base score for
PNP opportunities.
When 480 Might Feel Borderline?
It’s also important to be honest
about the limitations.
General (All-Program) Draws
In recent years, general Express
Entry draws have often seen cut-offs:
- Around 500 CRS or higher
- Especially when the pool is crowded
In such cases, a score of 480 may
be close but slightly below the cut-off, meaning your profile is strong—but
an ITA isn’t guaranteed through general draws alone.
Factors That Influence Your Chances with a 480 CRS Score
Your score matters, but it’s not the
only thing IRCC looks at.
Draw Type
- General draws
usually have higher cut-offs
- Category-based and PNP draws often have lower ones
Occupation
Candidates working in healthcare,
tech, STEM, or skilled trades often have better chances due to targeted
invitations.
Language Ability
- Strong English scores help
- French proficiency
can significantly boost your chances
Ties to Canada
Factors such as:
- Canadian education
- Canadian work experience
- Provincial interest
can all strengthen your profile
beyond just the CRS number.
Is 480 a Good CRS Score in 2026?
Based on recent trends and future
projections:
- A CRS score of 480 in 2026 is still considered very
good
- It performs especially well for:
- Category-based draws
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- French-speaking candidates
However, Express Entry is constantly
changing. Cut-offs depend on:
- Canada’s immigration targets
- The size of the candidate pool
- Government priorities
Can You Improve a CRS Score of 480?
Yes—and even small improvements can
make a noticeable difference.
You may be able to increase your
score by:
- Retaking language tests (IELTS or
TEF)
- Improving your French proficiency
- Gaining additional skilled work experience
- Completing another educational credential
- Securing a Provincial Nomination
Sometimes, even an extra 10–20
points can move you into a much safer range.
Final Verdict: Is 480 a Good CRS Score?
Yes. A CRS score of 480 is solid,
competitive, and places you in a strong position for Canada
PR.
It offers good potential, especially through:
That said, it’s best described as strong
but not guaranteed, particularly for general draws with higher cut-offs.
In the end, your overall profile—not just the
number—will decide your success.