Breakdown of the Express Entry Pool: Active Candidates by Score Range

Express Entry Pool Candidates Distribution

Total candidates:  As of December 15, 2025, the total candidates in the pool was 237,302

Changes in the EE Pool – Key Takeaways

• The number of candidates in the pool decreased by 5,077. On December 12, the size of the pool was 242,379, and as of December 15, 2025, the pool had 237,302 on active profiles.

• All the ranges from 481-490, and above, show a decrease in the number of candidates this week.

• Since this week’s PNP Draw, the 601-1200 score range experienced the highest decrease, with 701 fewer profiles. 

Want to know how competitive your CRS score is compared to the Express Entry pool? Check out our online Express Entry CRS points calculator.

Express Entry Pool Breakdown – December 15, 2025

Total number of candidates in the pool over time

After a long period of rapidly increasing pool size from March 2025 to mid-June 2025, the Express Entry pool experienced stabilization and began a continuous decrease.

It’s also worth noting that this stabilization is still at a historically high level of individuals in the Express Entry pool.

Number of candidates in the Express Entry Pool by Score

Month after month, the profiles focused on improving their scores have increased their chances of receiving an invitation. Based on the trend we’ve seen throughout the year, we don’t expect the minimum score per category to drop, at least for the remainder of 2025.

Here’s an overview of the most competitive score ranges in the Express Entry pool and how they changed during 2025:

Profiles in the 601-1200 Range

This year, the competition is intense. In the past month, we have noticed a significant increase in candidates within this range, with the number of profiles almost doubling every 15 days. As of December 7, 2025, the number of candidates in this range is the highest for the year.

Profiles in the 501-600 Range

This range is also increasing, and candidates in this range are the most likely to receive an invitation in the upcoming EE draws.

Profiles in 491-500 Range

If you’re currently in the pool in this range, working to improve your score and consider getting a PNP nomination is critical if you want to receive an invitation to apply in the next round.

How Does Your CRS Score Compare?

Determining how your CRS score compares to others in the pool is a necessary component to a successful immigration strategy.

If you have a strong CRS score in comparison to others in the pool, your chances of receiving an ITA in an upcoming Express Entry draw are high therefore you may just need to wait for the next draw.

On the other hand, you may find that your CRS is not competitive enough, forcing you to look at ways to increase your score or explore Express Entry alternatives. 

• Note that IRCC has removed points for a valid job offer, effective March 25, 2025.

Can You Get PR With Your Current Express Entry CRS?

Whether or not you’re invited to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system depends on:

• If you’re eligible for the program or category chosen by IRCC for invitations in that round. (ie. IRCC may invite Canadian Experience Class candidates, so you won’t receive an invitation if you’re only eligible for the Skilled Trades program).
• If your CRS score is above the cut-off; and
• If you meet other criteria, like the tiebreaker date if your score is equal to the score just drawn.

Once you have submitted your Express Entry profile, you will receive your CRS score. Bear in mind that this score may change due to factors like age therefore it is important to keep a note of your CRS and competitiveness. 

• To find detailed information about your chances of receiving an invitation based on your current CRS score, check out our analysis of CRS competitiveness. You’ll learn if you can get PR with a score of 300+, 400+, 500+ and find out what to do if your score isn’t competitive.

Staying informed about immigration in Canada can help you prepare for your Express Entry journey. Join today to Moving2Canada community can help. 

Resources to Help You Boost Your CRS Score