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Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: A Pathway for Candidates with Low CRS Scores


Pathway for Candidates with Low CRS Scores

Last Updated On : June 11 , 2024


An applicant's eligibility for the Express Entry scheme is mostly dependent on CRS score. Anyone whose CRS score is below the cutoff can opt for alternative routes to entry into Canada.

Understanding the CRS Express Entry

The CRS score is a point system based on the candidate profile factor, such as age, education, work experience, language skills and other factors, in order to rank profiles.

The Canadian Government then selects the highest scoring candidates from the Express Entry Pool, who are invited to apply for a permanent residence visa by way of an invitation.

NOTE: The higher your CRS, the sooner you'll be getting ITA.

Alternatives For Express Entry With Low CRS Scores

Express Entry is the most popular pathway for applying for permanent residence in Canada, but a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) can be a barrier. To help you with this, go through some alternatives below if you are worried about your current CRS Score or have a low CRS Score (Express Entry Score).

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):

Each province and territory in Canada has its immigration policies. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) help immigrants who meet their labour market needs, as each PNP has its selection criteria (pnp crs score).

A province's nomination gives you 600 points to your CRS score, which guarantees the possibility of an invitation to apply for Canada PR. To determine which skills and experience are best suited to you, research the PNP networks in each province.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot:

This is for skilled workers who want to live and work in the Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador). With a view to addressing labour shortages in regions, the AIP provides for an easier application process and focuses on recruiting qualified immigrants.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a five-year federal program to attract and retain skilled worker immigrants to smaller communities struggling with ageing populations and labour shortages, focusing on community-driven benefits.

The pilot program requires communities with a population of 50,000 or less, located 75km from a Census Metropolitan Area, or up to 200,000 people, considered remote from larger cities, according to the Statistics Canada Remoteness Index.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

If you have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) could be your path to permanent residency. Although this program uses the Express Entry System, it has a lower CRS cut-off score than other/general Express Entry draws.

Study In Canada

Canada's immigration doors are open for anyone enrolled in a full-time program at an approved educational institution. Canadian education and work experience will be of great benefit to foreign students.

After graduation, you may be eligible for a work permit and a permanent residence programme designed for international graduates.

Caregiver Programs

Canada has a growing need for competent caregivers for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Living carer programs provide a path to continuous residence for those with experience in the care of others and who have successfully completed caregiver training programmes.

Self-Employed Persons Program

The Self-Employed Persons Programme could be a good fit if you've acquired experience and qualifications in an area of great demand. This program aims at persons who can set up businesses in Canada through self-employment.

Additional Considerations:

Obtain a Business Work Permit in Canada: In order to improve your CRS score and obtain useful job experience, apply for a temporary work permit in Canada.

Hold off until the CRS Score Drops: The CRS cut-off score is subject to variation; in exceptional circumstances, it may fall below 400 or even 300. If this occurs, be ready to raise your score.

Start-Up Visa Programme (SUV): This program helps entrepreneurs launch their firms and offers a clear route to permanent residence in Canada.

Enhances CRS score through increased work experience.

Aim to increase your Language Proficiency scores (IELTS - English Test) (TEF - French Test) to boost your CRS.

Category-Based Selection Draws: If you qualify for category-based selection draws, you may still receive an ITA despite a low CRS score in a general draw.

While Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer a valuable alternative, for those set on Express Entry, staying informed is key. The latest CRS score is published after each invitation round by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can use the IRCC CRS Official Tool for calculating Express Entry Score to see how you stack up against each other.

NOTE: You can use an official IRCC CRS tool for checking CRS score and see how it may change as a result of changes in your profile.

This will give you an idea of your current standing in the pool, but remember, a real application goes through a more comprehensive assessment.

For right guidance, contact an Immigration consultant so that he/she can understand your circumstances and help you to get started with your permanent residence process and increase your chances to get an ITA.