Is 491 a good CRS score?
Is 491 a Good CRS Score for Canada
Express Entry?
If you’re in the Express Entry pool
and wondering “Is 491 a good CRS score?”, the short answer is yes—491
is a very strong and competitive CRS score. In recent years, CRS cut-offs
have often stayed in the high 480s to low 500s, placing candidates with
a 491 CRS score in a favourable position for Canadian permanent
residence.
However, Express Entry outcomes
depend on draw type, category-based selection, and timing, so
understanding where 491 stands is important.
What Does a 491 CRS Score Mean?
A CRS Score 491 places you in
the upper tier of the Express Entry pool. Candidates in the 470–499
range are generally considered highly competitive.
Key points about a 491 CRS score:
- You are above the average Express Entry candidate
- You qualify for most federal and category-based
draws
- You are well-positioned for Canadian Experience
Class (CEC) and targeted draws
In fact, some past category-based
draws—such as STEM-focused selections—have had cut-offs close to or
exactly 491.
Is 491 Enough for General Express Entry Draws?
For general (all-program) draws,
CRS
cut-offs fluctuate based on:
- Number of invitations issued
- Pool size
- Immigration targets
In 2024 and 2025, many general draws
hovered between 490 and 510. This means:
- A 491 CRS score gives you a realistic chance
- You may receive an ITA if the cut-off dips slightly
- Patience and timing play a key role
While not a 100% guarantee, 491
is absolutely within the invite range for general draws.
Strong Advantage in Category-Based Draws
This is where a 491 CRS score
truly shines.
Canada now conducts category-based
Express Entry draws, targeting candidates with:
- Healthcare experience
- STEM occupations
- Trade skills
- French language proficiency
These draws often have lower CRS
cut-offs than general draws. With a CRS Score 491, your chances are very
high if your profile matches the targeted category.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): A Guaranteed Boost
If you want certainty, a Provincial
Nominee Program (PNP) can transform your profile instantly.
Why PNP matters:
- Adds 600 additional CRS points
- Pushes your score from 491 to 1091
- Virtually guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Many provinces actively invite
candidates in the 480–500 CRS range, making 491 an excellent score for
PNP pathways.
How Competitive Is the 491 CRS Score in the Pool?
While many candidates fall within
the 480–500 range, 491 still ranks in the higher percentile. Employers,
provinces, and IRCC all view this score as strong, skilled, and desirable.
You’re not just “eligible”—you’re competitive.
How to Improve Your Chances Further (Optional but Smart)
Even with a strong score, improving
your profile can speed things up:
- Increase language scores (CLB 9 or higher)
- Add French language results if applicable
- Gain additional Canadian work experience
- Secure a provincial nomination
- Optimize spouse points (education, language)
Small improvements can push you
above 500 CRS, making selection even faster.
Final Verdict: Is 491 a Good CRS Score?
Yes—491 is a very good CRS score
for Canada
Express Entry.
✔
Competitive for general draws
✔ Excellent for category-based
selections
✔ Strong candidate for PNP pathways
✔ Well above the average CRS score
While Express Entry is never
guaranteed, a 491 CRS score puts you in a strong, favourable position
for Canadian PR—especially with the right strategy and timing.
Want help improving or maximizing your CRS score?
A professional assessment can help
identify PNP options, category eligibility, and score-boosting strategies
tailored to your profile.
Note: Call us at +91 8285552527 Contact Number for Visa and Immigration