How can you immigrate to Canada from India with a low CRS score?

Express Entry is the fastest way to immigrate to Canada but to qualify for the program, you first need to obtain minimum points required in the Canada PR points calculator. This calculator assesses your age, work experience, education, language skills, and other factors and assigns you a score, which decides your eligibility. A minimum of 67 points, out of 100, are required to be eligible for Canada Express Entry. 

When you enter the Express Entry pool, your profile is given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to rank it against other candidates. The higher your score is, the more chances you have of getting selected for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada PR. 

You must understand that receiving an ITA is not easy. The competition is high and thus, you need a higher score. Sometimes, low CRS can get in the way of you and your dreams. 

So, to answer your question “Can you move to Canada from India with a low CRS score?” NO. But there are ways to increase your score and gain ITA for PR.

Ways to Boost your CRS score for Express Entry

There are various ways to increase your CRS score:

• Obtaining a Canadian job offer 

You can apply for jobs in Canada online through portals like Indeed and Job Bank Canada to find jobs aligning with your skill set and work experience. Though having a job is not mandatory to qualify, but it can increase your score for a Canada PR Visa from India. 

Attend online conferences, make a profile on LinkedIn and connect with industry professionals. Sometimes, jobs are not advertised and you can access them through your network. Make sure to send your customized, ATS-friendly resume to hiring managers.

• Retake the language test

A minimum of 6 bands is required to qualify for a Canada PR visa. But you can take the IELTS exam again and get higher bands to increase your CRS score. There is no limit on the number of times you can appear for the language test. But remember, the cost adds up. 

Make sure to prepare well and take online tests to practice. The scores of your spouse can also be added to yours, adding 5 CRS points, which can be beneficial if your CRS is just than the cut-off. 

• Take the French exam

If you can, learn the second official Canadian language, French to obtain 50 points for your CRS score. This can make up for the points lost in other factors and boost your chances of getting selected for an ITA. Score a minimum of CLB 7 in the French language exam to get those scores.

• Secure a job offer

Another way to get CRS points is to get a job offer from an eligible Canadian employer. Work in Canada for at least one year on a work permit and gain Canadian work experience. This will improve your score and chances of getting selected for an invitation to apply for Canada PR. After one year of working in Canada, 40 points will be awarded to you, using which you can apply for the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry. 

Improve your CRS score through a provincial nomination 

A provincial nomination is one of the best ways to increase the CRS score for Canada PR. If you get nominated by a province, 600 CRS points will be awarded to you, which is more than the average cut-off in Express Entry draws – guaranteeing an ITA. 

Many provinces in Canada have Express Entry-aligned streams, through which they pick candidates from the pool to meet their local labour market needs. 

Here are some popular PNPs you can consider:

• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

No doubt, Express Entry is the most preferred way to apply for permanent residence and immigrate to Canada. The program evaluates your age, work experience, language proficiency, educational credentials, and other factors. So, if you meet the requirements, you receive an ITA from IRCC.

However, if you do not wish to fulfil the minimum required CRS score, apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the second-best way to receive an ITA. 

That said, provinces in Canada also invite candidates from the Express Entry pool under the Express Entry stream of Canada PNP, based on your score and eligibility.

Seek help?

Reach out to the best immigration consultants in Delhi, Nationwide Visas. The experienced immigration consultants are willing to assist you with all your immigration-related issues and make the process of moving to Canada hassle-free.