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

Express Entry Pool Breakdown

IRCC Update Date:  April 12, 2026
Total candidates in the pool: 233,555

Changes in the EE Pool: Key Takeaways April 12, 2026

• The number of candidates in the pool is 233,555, which increased by 3,369. On March 29, 2026, the size of the pool was 230,186

• CRS scores in the 501–600 range continue to decrease, with 26 fewer profiles. This is most likely due to candidates nominated in the previous draw who had scores over 786 in the PNP.

• The second largest drop was in the 391-500 range, with 384 fewer candidates. This decrease was mainly due to the first Trades draw, where the cut-off was 477.

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

Candidates in The Express Entry Pool over Time

The latest update on the Express Entry Pool was released by IRCC on April 12, 2026, indicating that there are currently 233,555 active candidates. 

The following chart illustrates how the pool has changed throughout the first months of 2026:

Number of candidates in the Express Entry Pool by Score

Below is a baseline snapshot of where candidates are currently distributed across CRS score ranges at the start of 2026.

Profiles in the 601-1200 Range

As of April 12, 2026, there are 325 candidates in the 601–1200 CRS range. In recent months, there has been a gradual decrease in the number of candidates scoring within this range, as the PNP draws have become more frequent. This trend also indicates that fewer candidates in the pool have received a provincial nomination.

Profiles in the 501-600 Range

This score range continues to be closely monitored, as candidates within this bracket are often the most likely to receive invitations in a Canadian Experience Class draw.

The update from April 12 indicates that the number of profiles in this category increased by 1,962 candidates, following a continuous decline since December 2025, which means more competitors for the next CEC draw.

Profiles in 491-500 Range

As of April 12, 2026,  candidates in the 491-500 range are 13,174, a small decrease of 384 candidates.

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.

Key Pool snapshots: Mar 16, 2026 → Mar 29, 2026 → Apr 12, 2026

451–500 Range

491–500: 13,421 → 13,558 (+137) → 13,174 (−384) — Total: −247
481–490: 12,992 → 13,075 (+83) → 12,663 (−412) — Total: −329
471–480: 15,751 → 16,153 (+402) → 16,246 (+93) — Total: +495
461–470: 15,272 → 15,421 (+149) → 15,968 (+547) — Total: +696
451–460: 15,122 → 15,238 (+116) → 15,512 (+274) — Total: +390

All together: 72,558 → 73,445 → 73,563 (+1,005 total)

This mid-to-upper tier of the pool has grown slightly overall, with stronger increases in the lower part of the range (451–470). This suggests more candidates are entering or moving into this band, while the very top (481–500) saw some declines, but most likely due to the previous Trades draw.

If your CRS is here, you are still in a good zone for upcoming draws, especially for targeted rounds.

401–450 Range

441–450: 14,195 → 14,173 (−22) → 14,606 (+433) — Total: +411
431–440: 14,247 → 14,334 (+87) → 14,775 (+441) — Total: +528
421–430: 12,471 → 12,433 (−38) → 12,973 (+540) — Total: +502
411–420: 12,288 → 12,348 (+60) → 12,753 (+405) — Total: +465
401–410: 11,437 → 11,494 (+57) → 11,845 (+351) — Total: +408

All together: 64,638 → 64,782 → 66,952 (+2,314 total)

This range has grown steadily across all subranges, showing that more candidates are entering or improving into the 400s. This increase suggests rising competition, especially in the mid-400s, as the pool continues to refill after previous draws.

351–400 Range

53,565 → 52,655 (−910) → 52,309 (−346) — Total: −1,256

This score range has declined noticeably, which may suggest candidates are either moving up into higher score ranges or leaving the pool. It remains a large segment, but with less pressure than before.

301–350 Range

18,903 → 19,007 (+104) → 18,543 (−464) — Total: −360

There was a small increase followed by a sharper drop. This suggests some movement out of this range, possibly due to profile updates or expirations.

Takeaway for Candidates in this range: There was some fluctuation, but overall numbers went down slightly. Many candidates are still waiting here, and improving CRS remains important.

0–300 Range

8,299 → 8,298 (−1) → 8,253 (−45) — Total: −46

This part of the pool remains very stable, with only minor changes.

This part of the pool is still quite stable, but candidates in this range are very unlikely to receive an invitation without major changes.

What This Means for Candidates in the Express Entry Pool

• If your CRS is between 451 and 500, you are still in one of the strongest positions in the pool right now. This range has remained relatively stable with some growth in the lower bands, and it continues to be where IRCC often selects candidates for targeted and category-based draws, including Canadian Experience Class and French-language draws.
• If your CRS is between 401 and 450, competition is increasing. This range has grown across all subranges, meaning more candidates are entering or improving into this band. If your score is in the low-to-mid 400s, improving your CRS — even slightly — can make a real difference.
• If your CRS is between 351 and 400, this range has decreased, but it is still a waiting zone. Invitations from this range usually depend on broader all-program draws or changes in IRCC priorities. Long-term improvements remain key.
• If your CRS is below 350, receiving an invitation directly from Express Entry is still very unlikely. Candidates in this range typically need a major score boost, such as a provincial nomination, strong Canadian work experience, or improved language scores, to become competitive.