Draw #49

Express Entry draw #49 was held on December 16, 2016, issuing 1,936 invitations to apply for permanent residence under the General category with a minimum CRS score of 497.

The CRS cutoff rose 27 points from the previous General draw, indicating higher competition among candidates in this category.

A cutoff of 497 is in the typical range for General draws. Candidates with a combination of youth, a master's degree, and strong language scores would generally clear this threshold.

General draws are open to all Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades).

Candidates below this cutoff should consider strategies like improving language scores, obtaining a provincial nomination, or gaining Canadian work experience to close the gap.