Explore the possibility of the CRS score dipping below 500 in August 2025, understand the factors influencing this, and discover strategies to improve your score.

Introduction

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been implementing a dynamic selection system to manage applications for permanent residence in economic immigration programs since 2015. Known as the Express Entry system, this mechanism uses a comprehensive ranking system (CRS) to score applicants based on their skills, work experience, language ability, and other factors. In recent times, the question on many hopeful immigrants’ minds is: Will the CRS score drop below 500 in August 2025?

IRCC’s Approach in 2025

In 2025, IRCC started taking out more draws than ever before, increasing the prospects for numerous potential immigrants. We have seen scores falling from high 500’s to lower scores at this stage. On July 22, 2025, IRCC held an Express Entry draw inviting 4,000 candidates under the Healthcare and Social Services occupations category with a minimum CRS score of 475, following previous draws for PNP candidates (202 invited with a score of 788 on July 21) and Canadian Experience Class (3,000 invited with a score of 518 on July 8).

The recent trends suggest a downward trajectory of CRS cut-off scores. The last few draws have seen the CRS scores fall, albeit marginally. This trend has sparked hope among many applicants who were previously deterred by high cut-off scores.

Factors Affecting CRS Score

Foreign Work Experience and CRS Score

One of the significant components of the CRS score is foreign work experience. Interestingly, applicants can boost their foreign work experience points by going back home.

The CRS awards a maximum of 50 points for foreign work experience. However, these points are only awarded if the candidate has at least 1 or more years of continuous foreign work experience and has achieved a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in English or French.

So, can going back home boost your foreign work experience points? The answer is yes. If you have less than One year of foreign work experience, going back to your home country to accumulate more can indeed improve your CRS score. However, this strategy should be carefully considered, as it also means time away from Canada, which can impact other aspects of your CRS score, such as Canadian work experience.

Making Your Spouse Non-accompanying

Another strategy that potential immigrants might consider to increase their CRS score is making their spouse non-accompanying. This means that the spouse of the primary applicant will not immigrate to Canada with them, but may be sponsored for immigration at a later date.

Making your spouse non-accompanying can increase your CRS score because the system awards fewer points for applicants with accompanying spouses or common-law partners. However, this decision should not be taken lightly. It involves significant personal and emotional considerations. Moreover, sponsoring a spouse for immigration later can be a lengthy and complex process.

Will the Score Go Below 490?

As of now, it is challenging to predict with certainty whether the score will dip below 500, let alone 490, in August 2025. Several factors influence the CRS cut-off score, including the number of candidates in the Express Entry pool, the frequency of draws, and the number of invitations issued.

However, the recent trends and the IRCC’s ambitious immigration targets suggest that it is possible for the score to fall below 500. If the IRCC continues to hold frequent draws and issue a large number of invitations, the CRS score is likely to decrease.

The possibility of the score going below 490 is more uncertain. It would require a significant increase in the number of invitations issued or a substantial decrease in the number of high-scoring candidates in the Express Entry pool.

Conclusion

While it is difficult to predict with certainty, the downward trend in CRS scores and the IRCC’s aggressive immigration targets suggest that the score could potentially fall below 500 in August 2025. However, potential immigrants should not rely solely on this possibility. It is crucial to continue improving your CRS score through language proficiency, higher education, skilled work experience, and other factors.

Strategies like going back home to accumulate more foreign work experience or making your spouse non-accompanying can boost your CRS score. However, these decisions involve significant personal considerations and potential drawbacks. It is advisable to consult with an immigration expert before making such decisions.

While the future of CRS scores remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Canada remains committed to welcoming skilled immigrants. And with the right preparation and strategy, your Canadian dream can become a reality.

As we look ahead to August 2025, many prospective immigrants and students are wondering if the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score will go below 500. The answer to this question is rooted in various factors, including immigration policy changes, the economic landscape, and the impact of global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CRS score is a critical part of the Express Entry system, which is used to manage applications for permanent residence in Canada. The score is calculated based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. A higher score increases an applicant’s chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

If your current score is below 500, it’s crucial to remain patient and proactive. The CRS score threshold fluctuates based on the pool of candidates and the government’s immigration targets. In recent years, we have seen the score dip below 500, particularly in draws targeting specific categories such as we have seen recently when CRS went till 475 albeit for specific NOC code people.

For applicants waiting in the pool, it’s essential to explore all possible avenues to increase your score. This could include improving your language proficiency, gaining higher education, or acquiring additional work experience. Keep an eye on PNP streams as well, as these often have lower CRS requirements and can provide an alternative pathway to permanent residence.

For individuals who have just completed their education, it’s a good idea to gain some work experience in your field before applying. Work experience can significantly boost your CRS score, especially if it’s Canadian work experience. Additionally, gaining work experience will provide you with valuable skills and could open up additional immigration pathways.

Canadian experience is given significant weight in the CRS score calculation. This is because individuals with Canadian work experience are seen as more likely to integrate successfully into the Canadian labor market. They have proven their ability to work in a Canadian workplace, understand the culture, and communicate effectively in English or French.

Moreover, the recent trend of only CEC draws is a clear indication of the importance of Canadian experience. The government has shifted its focus towards retaining individuals who have already contributed to the Canadian economy and society, rather than bringing in new immigrants. This is likely a response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government seeks to stabilize the economy and reduce unemployment.

That being said, international students and temporary foreign workers have an advantage here. They can gain Canadian work experience while still in the country and then use this to boost their CRS score. If you’re an international student, consider seeking work in your field of study after graduation. If you’re a temporary foreign worker, consider extending your work permit or seeking permanent employment.

In conclusion, while it’s uncertain whether the CRS score will go below 500 by August 2025, there are still many steps you can take to improve your chances of receiving an ITA. Focus on improving your language skills, gaining higher education and work experience, and exploring PNP streams. Remember the importance of Canadian experience, especially in light of recent CEC-only draws. Stay informed about changes in immigration policies and economic trends, and remain patient yet proactive throughout your immigration journey.

For more information about immigration to Canada, visit Aara Immigration’s website.