What was the CRS score cutoff for Express Entry Draw #238?

The minimum CRS cut-off score for Express Entry Draw #238 was 490 points.

How many invitations were issued in Express Entry Round #238?

IRCC issued 5,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates.

Which category was targeted in Draw #238?

Draw #238 targeted candidates under the No Program Specified program category.

Express Entry Draw #238: General Cutoff 490 (January 18, 2023)

MINIMUM CRS CUT-OFF 🔻 17 pts

490

INVITATIONS ISSUED (ITAs)

                        5,500
                    

503

2023 General Avg

481

Lowest in 2023

561

Highest in 2023

76,700

2023 General ITAs

Historical Cutoff Trend — Last 8 Rounds

📊 Cut-off Dynamics & Intake Analysis

The minimum CRS threshold declined by 17 points (from 507 down to 490). This point easing was primarily enabled by IRCC issuing 5,500 invitations — an adjustment from the 5,500 ITAs issued during round #237 (7 days prior). Larger invitation sizes directly allow ministerial instructions to reach deeper into candidate tiers within the pool.

With a cutoff established at 490 points, this 2023 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
#238 THIS DRAW	January 18, 2023	490	🔻 17	5,500
#237	January 11, 2023	507	🔺 +16	5,500
#236	November 23, 2022	491	🔻 3	4,750
#235	November 9, 2022	494	🔻 2	4,750
#234	October 26, 2022	496	🔻 4	4,750
#233	October 12, 2022	500	🔻 4	4,250

⏱️ 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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