If you dream of making Canada your home but have a low CRS score. Then you don't have to worry about it. There is good news now that international applicants have several ways through which they can achieve Canadian permanent residency with a low CRS score. 

Canada is a dream destination for many immigrants due to its high quality of life, universal healthcare, and abundant job opportunities. However, you can get permanent residency through programs like the Provincial Nominee Program, Atlantic Immigration Program, etc. Let's explore these pathways in detail.

If you have a low CRS score for Canada PR 2025, you can consider these pathways:

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

• Family Sponsorship 

• Immigration Pilots

Provincial Nominee Program

Provincial nominee programs are one of the best routes to obtain Canada PR with a low CRS Score. Based on your skills, employment offer, and intention to settle in the province and territory, immigration authorities may nominate you through PNPs.

There are two types of Provincial nominee programs:

• Base PNPs

• Enhance PNPs

1. Base Provincial nominee programs

In this you can directly apply to the provinces; if your application is successful, you get a certificate of nomination, which you can use to apply to Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship, and Canada. The processing time for base PNP is 12 months.

2. Enhance Provincial nominee programs

The enhance PNP works with Canada's federal Express Entry system, and to be eligible for this one, you must qualify in one of the three federal Express Entry programs: the federal skilled worker program, the federal skilled trade program, and the Canadian experience class.

Enhanced Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) provide an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, significantly improving your position within the candidate pool. The processing duration is approximately six months.

The Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is tailored for proficient workers who possess job offers from employers located in Atlantic Canada that can help you to get Canada PR with a low CRS Score. The provinces included in this program are:

• New Brunswick

• Newfoundland and Labrador

• Nova Scotia

• Prince Edward Island (PEI)

To qualify, candidates must have a legitimate job offer from a designated employer and must satisfy specific language, educational, and work experience criteria. Employers are instrumental in this process, as they are responsible for obtaining a Certificate of Endorsement for the applicants.

Family Sponsorship

If you have relatives residing in Canada, they might have the ability to sponsor you for permanent residency. The available programs include:

• Spousal Sponsorship: It is essential to be in a legitimate relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Marriages conducted solely for immigration benefits are strictly forbidden.

• Dependent Child Sponsorship: Candidates must be under the age of 22 and financially reliant on their parents.

• Parents and Grandparents Program: This program allows foreign nationals to be sponsored by an eligible child or grandchild.

Immigration Pilots

Immigration pilots are specialized initiatives aimed at particular categories of foreign nationals. The details of these programs differ based on the province and the unique requirements established by each pilot.

Examples include:

• Agri-Food Pilot

• Caregiver Pilot (upcoming)

• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

• Certain pilot initiatives, such as the Atlantic Immigration Program, have transitioned to permanent status. It is crucial to closely observe these programs and adhere to all application deadlines.

Ways to Enhance your CRS score

You can obtain the Canada PR with a low CRS score; however, if you can enhance it, it would be a better plan for you to gain it earlier than expected.

1. Language proficiency

It is crucial to demonstrate your language proficiency in English or French for Canadian migration. You can retake exams like IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL to improve your linguistic skills and crack the test with a good band score.

2. Work Experience

Try to gain additional work experience in Canada, as it will enhance your CRS score. The more years of Canadian work experience you have, the better chance you have to enhance your CRS score.

3. Education

You must have a higher education or degree. Your education must be equivalent to a Canadian one and is an in-demand occupation. If not, you can pursue further education in Canada that can earn you more points.

4. Job Offer

Having employment from a Canadian employer can help you to gain up to 200 additional CRS points. However, the points range between 50 and 200 points, and the points offered to you depend on the type of job (classified under NOC codes 0, A, or B). 

5. Age

Younger applicants receive a higher CRS: if you can apply earlier, it would be a plus point for you. The right age to apply for Canada PR is between 20 and 29 as these age obtain more points compared to older one.

A low CRS score does not automatically eliminate your chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency. By considering alternative options such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP), family sponsorship, and various immigration pilot programs, you can identify a pathway that aligns with your qualifications.