What was the CRS score cutoff for Express Entry Draw #408?

The minimum CRS cut-off score for Express Entry Draw #408 was 477 points.

How many invitations were issued in Express Entry Round #408?

IRCC issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates.

Which category was targeted in Draw #408?

Draw #408 targeted candidates under the Trades Occupations, 2026-Version 3 program category.

Express Entry Draw #408: Trades Cutoff 477 (April 2, 2026)

MINIMUM CRS CUT-OFF 🔻 28 pts

477

INVITATIONS ISSUED (ITAs)

                        3,000
                    

476

2026 Trades Avg

476

Lowest in 2026

477

Highest in 2026

6,500

2026 Trades ITAs

Historical Cutoff Trend — Last 8 Rounds

📊 Cut-off Dynamics & Intake Analysis

The minimum CRS threshold declined by 28 points (from 505 down to 477). This point easing was primarily enabled by IRCC issuing 3,000 invitations — an adjustment from the 1,250 ITAs issued during round #368 (196 days prior). Larger invitation sizes directly allow ministerial instructions to reach deeper into candidate tiers within the pool.

By issuing invitations with a cutoff of 477, this round successfully bypassed the high-density 500+ score band. Targeted category selection under ministerial instructions allows Canada to address specific labor shortages without requiring candidates to achieve unreachable general human capital scores.

🎯 Anatomy of a 477 CRS Profile (Competitive Trades Tier)

A 477 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
#408 THIS DRAW	April 2, 2026	477	🔻 28	3,000
#368	September 18, 2025	505	🔺 +72	1,250
#321	October 23, 2024	433	🔻 3	1,800
#300	July 4, 2024	436	🔺 +11	1,800
#276	December 19, 2023	425	🔺 +37	1,000
#261	August 3, 2023	388	🔻 27	1,500

⏱️ 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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