Canada PR options with a CRS score of 350–399
Quick answer
A CRS score of 350 to 399 sits below recent general Express Entry cut-offs but within the range several French-language category rounds have reached. At this level the two routes that most often matter are French-language proficiency and provincial nomination, alongside the language and credential improvements that lift a score into the 400s.
What a score in this range usually means
Scores here usually reflect a complete but not maximised profile: a solid language result short of CLB 9, a bachelor's degree, some foreign work experience, and little or no Canadian experience. The gap to a general round is real but not extreme, and it is most often closed by language improvement, French, Canadian experience or a nomination.
Recent rounds in this range
Rounds from the published record whose lowest invited score fell inside CRS 350–399. Historical data only — it does not indicate what a future round will do.
| Date | Round type | Invitations | Lowest CRS invited |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-16 | Senior managers with Canadian Work Experience, 2026-Version 1 | 250 | 389 |
| 2026-08-19 | French-Language proficiency 2026-Version 2 | 5,000 | 382 |
| 2026-08-06 | French-Language proficiency 2026-Version 2 | 5,000 | 391 |
| 2026-07-23 | Skilled Military Recruits, 2026-Version 1 | 4 | 368 |
| 2026-07-22 | French-Language proficiency 2026-Version 2 | 5,000 | 399 |
| 2026-07-10 | Senior managers with Canadian Work Experience, 2026-Version 1 | 500 | 392 |
| 2026-03-18 | French-Language proficiency 2026-Version 2 | 4,000 | 393 |
| 2026-03-04 | French-Language proficiency 2026-Version 2 | 5,500 | 397 |
Express Entry rounds last synced from IRCC on September 16, 2026. Explanatory content last reviewed 2026-08-22. Full draw history.
Worth reviewing at CRS 350–399
French-language category rounds
French-language proficiency rounds have used markedly lower cut-offs than general rounds. Reaching NCLC 7 in all four abilities is what makes a profile eligible for consideration in those rounds.
French Express EntryCategory-based selection
Healthcare, trades, education, transport, agriculture and STEM categories are drawn separately from the general pool, with their own cut-offs.
Category-based selectionProvincial nomination
A nomination adds 600 points and effectively removes the cut-off question. Provinces select on occupation, employment and ties.
Provincial Nominee ProgramsLanguage retesting
Moving every ability to CLB 9 affects core points and skill transferability together, which is why it is usually the largest non-nomination gain available.
Convert my test scoresYour occupation
The NOC code on your profile drives category eligibility and several provincial streams.
Find my NOC
What could improve this score
- Reaching CLB 9 in all four English abilities, not only in your strongest
- Adding French at NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities
- Completing a further credential, where a master's or second degree applies to you
- Adding a year of skilled Canadian work experience
- Securing a provincial nomination
- A spouse's language test and credential assessment, where you have a spouse on the application
What does not improve it
- A job offer by itself — arranged-employment points no longer apply
- Additional unpaid or volunteer experience that is not skilled work
- Re-entering the pool with the same profile details
- Choosing a province on the profile without an actual nomination
In this range the difference between a profile that progresses and one that does not is usually French or a province, not a general round. We would rather spend the review on whether a provincial stream genuinely fits your occupation and history than on predicting a cut-off that nobody can predict.
Common questions
- Is 380 a good CRS score?
- It is below recent general Express Entry cut-offs but within the range some French-language category rounds have reached. Whether it is workable depends far more on your French ability, occupation and provincial options than on the number alone.
- How much does French add to a CRS score of 350–399?
- French adds points for the language ability itself and through skill transferability, and it can also make a profile eligible for French-language category rounds. The exact amount depends on your existing English result and your NCLC levels.
Other CRS ranges
Review my CRS strategy
Tell us where you are today and a licensed RCIC will explain which routes are worth exploring at CRS 350–399.
No obligation · Your information is kept private · Reviewed by CICC Licence No. R709890