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

Express Entry Pool Breakdown

Update Date:  February 15, 2026
Total candidates in the pool: 235,695

Changes in the EE Pool – Key Takeaways 15 February 

• The number of candidates in the pool decreased by 3,315. On February 2, 2026, the size of the pool was 238,920, and by February 15, 2026, it had decreased to 235,605 active profiles. 
  

• The decrease in the number of active profiles is likely a result of the massive French category draw we saw on February 6th.

• CRS scores in the 501–600 range have increased over the past two weeks, likely due to the absence of a CEC draw in the first week of February.

• Whilst the 501–600 range increased, the 401–500 range decreased, likely in response to the large French category draw we saw on February 6th.

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 on February 15, 2026, indicating that there are currently 235,605 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 February 15, 2026, there are 280 candidates in the 601–1200 CRS range. There has been a slow decline in recent months of candidates scoring within this range. This shows that fewer candidates are entering the pool with a provincial nomination.

Profiles in the 501-600 Range

This score range continues to be one of the most closely watched, as candidates in this bracket are often the most likely to receive invitations in Canadian Experience Class draws.

The February 15 update shows a reversal of the gradual decline we’ve seen in this range over the past few months, with an increase of 1,648 profiles. This is likely due to the absence of a CEC draw in the first week of February, potentially ending the streak of two CEC draws per month that had been in place since October.

Profiles in 491-500 Range

Total of candidates in the 491-500 range: As of February 15, 2026, there are 13,504 candidates, a very slight decrease of 82.

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: Dec 7, 2025 → Jan 4, 2026 → Feb 2, 2026 → Feb 15, 2026

451–500 Range

• 491–500: 12,445 → 12,873 (+428) → 13,586 (+713) → 13,504 (-82)— Total: +1,059
• 481–490: 12,303 → 12,499 (+196) → 13,417 (+918) →13,248 (-169) — Total: +945
• 471–480: 14,851 → 15,435 (+584) → 16,617 (+1,182) → 16,531 (-86) — Total: +1,680
• 461–470: 14,351 → 14,881 (+530) → 15,791 (+910)  → 15,426 (-395) — Total: +1,075
• 451–460: 14,729 → 14,835 (+106) → 15,400 (+565) → 14,900 (-500) — Total: +171

All together: 68,679 → 70,523 → 74,811 → 73,609 (+4,930 total)

This mid-to-upper tier of the pool has grown strongly, signalling more competition but also stronger opportunities for candidates around the typical cut-off ranges, if your CRS is here, you are in a “good zone” for upcoming draws.

401–450 Range

• 441–450: 13,844 → 14,139 (+295) → 14,700 (+561) → 14,142 (-558) — Total: +298
• 431–440: 14,166 → 14,285 (+119) → 14,923 (+638) → 14,239 (-684)— Total: +74
• 421–430: 12,613 → 12,816 (+203) → 13,267 (+451) → 12,425 (-842)  — Total: -188
• 411–420: 12,193 → 12,442 (+249) → 13,197 (+755) → 12,183 (-1014) — Total: -10
• 401–410: 13,486 → 11,438 (−2,048) → 12,175 (+737) → 11,316 -859) — Total: −2,170

All together: 66,302 → 65,120 → 68,262 → 64,305 (-1997 total)

The decrease in 401 to 430 is likely a result of the huge French language draw we saw on February 6. A good portion of the 8,500 candidates who received an invitation must have scored between 401 and 410.

351–400 Range

• 52,344 → 52,469 (+125) → 53,276 (+807) → 53,650 — Total: +1,306

This score range is slowly growing, which means more people are entering or moving into it due to changes in their profiles. This can change how future draws look, especially if IRCC invites a wider group of candidates.

301–350 Range

• 18,799 → 18,745 (−54) → 18,949 (+204) — Total: +150

Takeaway for Candidates in this range: There was not much change in this score range, and the number of candidates stayed mostly the same. This means many people are still waiting here.

0–300 Range

• 8,049 → 8,125 (+76) → 8,288 (+163) — Total: +239

This part of the pool is growing slowly, which means new profiles are still being created or renewed at very low CRS scores. However, 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 in one of the strongest positions in the pool right now. This range has grown, but it also sits right where IRCC often selects candidates for targeted and category-based draws, including Canadian Experience Class and French-language draws. Many candidates in this range are invited without needing a provincial nomination.
• If your CRS is between 401 and 450, your chances are improving, but patience and strategy matter. This range has shown steady movement, and recent draws have reached into the low-to-mid 400s, especially for CEC and French-speaking candidates. Improving your CRS, even by a small amount, can make a real difference here.
• If your CRS is between 351 and 400, you are likely in the waiting zone. Invitations from this range usually depend on broader all-program draws or shifts in IRCC priorities. Candidates here should focus on longer-term improvements, such as gaining Canadian work experience, increasing language scores, or exploring provincial nominee programs.
• If your CRS is below 350, receiving an invitation directly from Express Entry is very unlikely. Candidates in this range typically need a major score boost, such as a provincial nomination, strong Canadian work experience, or significantly improved language results, to become competitive.

Resources to Help You Boost Your CRS Score