What was the CRS score cutoff for Express Entry Draw #40?

The minimum CRS cut-off score for Express Entry Draw #40 was 490 points.

How many invitations were issued in Express Entry Round #40?

IRCC issued 754 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates.

Which category was targeted in Draw #40?

Draw #40 targeted candidates under the No Program Specified program category.

Express Entry Draw #40: General Cutoff 490 (August 10, 2016)

MINIMUM CRS CUT-OFF 🔺 +2 pts

490

INVITATIONS ISSUED (ITAs)

754

480

2016 General Avg

453

Lowest in 2016

538

Highest in 2016

33,223

2016 General ITAs

Historical Cutoff Trend — Last 8 Rounds

📊 Cut-off Dynamics & Intake Analysis

The cut-off score increased by +2 points (rising from 488 to 490). With 14 days elapsing between rounds #39 and #40, high-scoring candidates continued to enter the Express Entry pool. Because the intake was calibrated at 754 ITAs, the cut-off remained elevated among top-tier candidate profiles.

With a cutoff established at 490 points, this 2016 round permitted IRCC to access broader candidate tiers across the pool, enabling eligible applicants under the General category to receive invitations below standard general score thresholds.

🎯 Anatomy of a 490 CRS Profile (Competitive General Tier)

A 490 score represents a strong candidate foundation, commonly seen among post-graduation work permit (PGWP) holders working towards their second year of skilled experience.

Age Factor: Age under 30 (maximizing youth points at 110).
Education: Canadian Bachelor's degree (3 or 4-year degree awarding 120 points).
Language Level: CLB 8 or CLB 9 in IELTS / CELPIP.
Canadian Experience: 1 year of full-time skilled Canadian work experience under PGWP.
Growth Potential: Candidates can gain +13 to +25 points by accumulating an additional year of Canadian work experience.

Recent Same-Category Draws Comparison

Round	Date	Cut-off	Change	ITAs Issued
#40 THIS DRAW	August 10, 2016	490	🔺 +2	754
#39	July 27, 2016	488	🔺 +6	755
#38	July 13, 2016	482	= 0	747
#37	June 29, 2016	482	🔻 6	773
#36	June 15, 2016	488	🔺 +5	752
#35	June 1, 2016	483	🔻 1	762

⏱️ Received an ITA? The 60-Calendar-Day Action Plan

From the moment your Invitation to Apply (ITA) appears in your IRCC account, you have strictly 60 calendar days to submit a complete electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR). Late or incomplete packages are rejected without refund.

1. Police Clearance Certificates (PCC): Order certificates immediately for every country where you lived 6+ consecutive months since age 18.

2. Work Experience Reference Letters: Letters must include official letterhead, job title, exact duties matching the NOC code lead statement, dates, weekly hours (30+ hrs/wk), and remuneration.

3. Upfront Medical Examination (IME): Schedule with an official IRCC panel physician or provide your existing eMedical tracking information.

Settlement Funds: Ensure your bank balances meet the mandatory IRCC low-income cut-off (LICO) for your family size (unless exempt).

Will Your CRS Score Qualify in the Next Round?

Calculate your exact candidate pool rank, see how many applicants are ahead of you, and track real-time cutoff predictions.

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