Many Indians are travelling to Canada to study, work and settle eventually. But do you think it is possible to travel to Canada with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of around 400 for Canada PR for Indians, with the nationality of being Indian?
Yes, it is possible to travel to Canada with a CRS of 400 and make your Canadian dream a reality. But to achieve your goal, several factors play a crucial role in determining your profile.
What is CRS, and Why Does it matter?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the system which runs based on points to evaluate the profile of the individuals participating in Canada’s Express Entry Pool. The factors determined to evaluate the candidate’s profile are age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and some important factors like job offers or provincial nominations.
If you are an Indian, it is important to maintain a good CRS score to get ranked in the candidate pool and to receive the Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Get to know about CRS cut-off 2025 and Ways to increase CRS score from 400.
Is 400 a Good CRS Score in 2025?
In 2025, with the highest demand among the participants to get selected, the CRS score of 400 is considered moderate to low 2025. The standard Express Entry cut-offs are often determined as 500 and 540 for general draws. As said, the score of 400 is very low compared to the standard score for getting ITA through direct Express Entry streams.
But this is not a stagnant trend, as the Immigration trends are subject to changes, as Canada’s targeted occupation-based draws, as well as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), are the most opted pathways by the candidates having a very low CRS score. And the beneficiaries through these pathways are with such a low score that the candidate gets the possibility to secure PR.
Is PR Possible with 400 CRS?
400 CRS is not the end of the road for Canada PR for Indians, when your expectation shatters because you did not receive an ITA through participation in the general Express Entry draws.
Direct Express Entry: Low Chance
The candidates find it difficult to qualify under the occupation-specific draws, which focus on skilled workers' expertise in sectors like healthcare, tech, or the French-speaking sector. So, the chances are very low to get selected in a general Express Entry round for those with 400 CRS.
PNP: Most Viable Pathway
If you wish to get selected to relish your dreams, having a score of 400 CRS, the Provincial Nominee Programs is your best choice. Participating in PNP and getting selected will add 600 points to your CRS and lead to getting an ITA.
PNP Options for CRS 400 Canada offers various provincial immigration pathways, where the candidates are accepted even with a CRS score of 400 or below 400. Listed below are some of the provincial programs for your reference:
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Alberta is the most opted-for Provincial pathway by many candidates. In this province, they even select the candidates with a CRS score of around 300-400. This is due to the labour market demand in that region, and the candidates fill the places in the relevant fields.
Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream
Candidates who have participated in the Express Entry pool with CRS scores around 400–460 are selected in this stream. The preference is given to the skilled workers from the tech and healthcare sectors.
Saskatchewan Express Entry Stream
Saskatchewan do not consider the CRS score; they have drafted their own points grid to select the candidate. If the candidate has a strong profile with relevant experience in a demanding occupation in the province, they are likely to get selected. A good language score is an added advantage to get selected. This stream offsets the lower CRS score of the candidate.
Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
For the Nova Scotia Province, the specific NOC codes are used to determine the eligibility rather than the CRS score. If the skilled professional gets selected among any of the listed occupations by the province with their strong profile, the CRS score of 400 or lower than that is not considered.
British Columbia Tech and Entry-Level Streams
British Columbia gives priority to job offers in in-demand fields rather than the CRS score. A valid job offer from the province’s employer is in your hands, then your 400 CRS score may still be competitive.
Table: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Trends - Low CRS - Provincial Nominee Programs 2025
How to Increase CRS Score from 400
If your score is around 400 CRS and you wish to boost your score, go for the listed strategies:
Retake IELTS or TEF
The Candidate must focus on the language proficiency score. Aiming for CLB 9 or higher will reap the additional points.
Secure a Job Offer (LMIA Approved) - PR through job offer
The candidates who have a valid job offer from the employer that also with the certification of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), are likely to get selected. The points of 20 to 500 will be added based on the job level and nature.
Apply with a Spouse
When the candidate’s spouse fulfils the qualifications and factors like language scores and education, their profile will be added with spousal points and lead to increased points for the CRS.
Gain Canadian Work Experience
The candidate must have work experience in Canada, which will ultimately boost the CRS score and lead you getting selected under the Canadian Experience Class. This factor has its own draw with chances for profiles with lower CRS.
Get a Higher Education Credential
The candidate taking up a study in Canada, like a post-graduate diploma or master’s program, will automatically improve the credential assessment from WES, backed with additional CRS points.
A CRS score of 400 is not a dead end. A low CRS score may not guarantee selection through Express Entry, but a personalised strategy using Provincial Nominee Programs, job offers, or language improvements and concentrating on them can do wonders to relish your dreams.
Canada PR as an Indian applicant are the trend setter of recent years with many Indians being accepted. Homework and research to boost your low CRS score Canada with the given factors.
When 400 CRS is Enough
Targeted Express Entry draws may select your profile without the need for any factors to boost your score: PR chances with low CRS score
- When the candidate belongs to an in-demand occupation with years of work experience.
- When the candidate can speak French fluently
- When the candidate is an experienced healthcare or tech professional
- When the candidate is part of a regional or community-focused immigration pilot
FAQs
Can I get Canada PR with a 400 CRS score?
Yes, you can improve primarily through Provincial Nominee Programs or by boosting your score with language tests, job offers, or educational qualifications.
Which provinces accept 400 CRS in 2025?
PNP with 400 CRS - Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Ontario, certain draws, and British Columbia may accept candidates around this score.
How can I increase my CRS from 400?
Express Entry alternate options - You have to improve your IELTS/TEF scores, get an LMIA-backed job offer, study or work in Canada, or apply with your spouse for extra points.
