What are the chances of getting an Ontario PNP if I have a CRS around 397-400 and if my IELTS score is of CLB level 9?

It has always been your desire to immigrate to Canada and work there. You have laid your preparation to study and clear all the obstacles to obtain the Express Entry. But you are unaware of the exact score requirements that will enable you to get the Ontario PNP. Ontario PNP or the Provincial Nominee Program is the first-ever nomination program that matches the immigrant’s skills to that of Ontario’s employers. It is created to maintain an influx of employment, job sustainability, and economic advancement. The Ontario PNP program also aids in investments and catering to industries that are in the search of fresh talents. Now, Ontario PNP acknowledges you as a nominee if your employer is pre-screened, you have been selected as an employee, and your employer offers a nominee application package from the PNP program.

The Ontario PNP program offers permanent residence as well as facilitated by Citizenship and Immigration Canada(CIC). To successfully obtain the Ontario PNP, having an English or French language level of Canadian Language Benchmark or CLB is necessary. Generally, the IELTS General Training exam is taken as the English language proficiency test. IELTS General Training is taken by candidates who are aiming to work or immigrate abroad. Having a score of CLB 9 overall as well as an overall score is mandatory to secure the Ontario PNP. Now, you might already know how the IELTS score is leveled with the CLB benchmark. To understand the IELTS and CLB scoring method, follow the below table:

To achieve a CLB level of 9, you need to achieve an IELTS score of 7 in reading, writing, and speaking and 8 in listening. There are other exams accepted for English language proficiency like CELPIP or the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (only General Test).

Check IELTS Score for Canadian Immigration

Coming to the CRS requirement, CRS or Comprehensive Ranking System is a metric used for assessing the Skilled Immigrant Entry in Ontario and Canada. CRS is a points-based exam that is a mandatory requirement that evaluates you based on your:

• Skills
• Educational Qualifications
• Proficiency in Language
• Work Experience
• Other important factors

Now, a score of 397 in CRS is considered pretty low. Generally, a score of 460 and above is considered sober for consideration. There are many factors that come into play when the assessment of Ontario PNP is considered. If you are someone who has scored CRS 397 then you really need to buck up. For IELTS it is a considerably good score. If you have scored in a similar manner, it is hoped your spouse has a master’s degree along with a work experience that will escalate the score. It has been stated by many candidates that the days of securing an Ontario PNP even over 400 are long gone. Though there is a possibility then you may get an invitation for the program. It should also be noted that it is still unclear on what grounds the invitation selection is done. IELTS score can be considered, or based on the years of work experience, or simply a lucky draw. It so happens that a person scoring 401 in CRS gets the call but the one scoring 410 doesn’t. It is advised to retake the IELTS if necessary to increase the IELTS band score. A high IELTS score opens the doors to acceptance in Ontario PNP.

Since the invitation to apply for ITA for Canada PR is based on language proficiency, age, education, work experience, and more, candidates can try boosting those sections to gain points out of 1200. Additionally, you never know how your luck favors and your names come up in the lucky draw carried out every 15 days. Another way is to apply in PNP and get a nomination from one of the Canadian provinces which will provide 600 points to your express entry account. This huge addition of points will increase the CRS score and you will eventually get a call of invitation.