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

Express Entry Pool –  May 24, 2026 Update

• IRCC Update Date:  May 24, 2026
• Total candidates in the pool: 238,847

Key Changes in the EE Pool Update

• The number of candidates in the pool is 238,847, which has increased by 5,077 since the previous update on May 10, 2026, when the pool size was 233,770.
• The largest increase was in the 501-600 range, which gained 2,286 candidates in just two weeks. This continues the recent trend of more high-scoring candidates entering the pool, increasing competition for future Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws.
• All score ranges from 461-470 to 491-500 also saw moderate increases, with the 471-480 range recording one of the biggest gains among mid-to-high CRS scores.
• The number of candidates in the 601-1200 range decreased from 372 to 332, likely due to the Provincial Nominee Program draw held on May 11, 2026, which issued 380 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
• The 401-450 range increased by 1,349 candidates after several previous updates showed declines in this score range. This rebound suggests that more candidates with moderate CRS scores are entering the pool following recent French-language and category-based draws.
• Overall, the latest pool update shows strong growth across most CRS ranges, especially among candidates scoring above 500, indicating that competition in the Express Entry system remains very high and scores cut-offs are going to continue increasing.

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

Number of candidates in the Express Entry Pool by Score over Time

Profiles in the 601-1200 Range

As of May 24, 2026, there are 332 candidates in the 601–1200 CRS range. This represents a further decrease of 40 candidates compared to the May 10 pool update, continuing the downward trend seen over the past several months.

The decline in this range is likely linked to ongoing Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws. Since IRCC has issued 714 invitations through PNP-specific rounds:

• 380 ITAs on May 11
• 334 ITAs on May 25

Although this remains one of the smallest CRS ranges in the Express Entry pool, regular PNP draws continue to prevent significant accumulation of candidates in this category.

Profiles in the 501-600 Range

The latest pool update shows a sharp increase in the 501-600 range, rising from 15,659 to 17,945 candidates, an increase of 2,286 profiles in just two weeks.

This was the biggest increase across all CRS ranges, showing that more high-scoring candidates continue entering the pool faster than IRCC is issuing invitations. As a result, CEC cut-off scores could remain high in the coming draws.

This range remains one of the most important to monitor, as it continues to heavily influence CEC draw cut-off scores.

Profiles in the 491-500 Range

As of May 24, 2026, there are 13,449 candidates in the 491-500 CRS range, an increase of 124 candidates since the May 10 update.

While the increase was smaller than in higher CRS ranges, this category continues to grow steadily. Being selected in the high 490s remains competitive.

This is also evident in the latest CEC draw on May 27, which had a high cut-off score of 518, showing that competition is still very strong among top-ranked candidates.

Key Pool snapshots: Apr 26, 2026 → May 10, 2026 → May 24, 2026

451–500 Range

491–500: 13,209 → 13,325 (+116) → 13,449 (+124) — Total: +240
481–490: 12,815 → 13,109 (+294) → 13,323 (+214) — Total: +508
471–480: 16,487 → 16,598 (+111) → 17,040 (+442) — Total: +553
461–470: 15,973 → 16,160 (+187) → 16,262 (+102) — Total: +289
451–460: 15,175 → 15,108 (−67) → 15,274 (+166) — Total: +99

All together: 73,659 → 74,300 → 75,348 (+1,689 total)

This mid-to-upper tier of the pool has continued to grow across almost all subranges, especially in the 471–480 range. Despite several recent draws, including French-language and CEC rounds, the pool is refilling very quickly with new candidates and profile improvements.

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

What this means for Candidates in the 451–500 range

If your CRS is between 451 and 500, you are still in one of the strongest positions in the pool right now.

This range continues to grow, but it is also where IRCC regularly issues invitations through Canadian Experience Class, French-language, and Trades draws. Competition is increasing, especially in the upper 470s and 480s.

401–450 Range

441–450: 14,305 → 14,247 (−58) → 14,463 (+216) — Total: +158
431–440: 14,456 → 14,171 (−285) → 14,401 (+230) — Total: −55
421–430: 12,613 → 12,709 (+96) → 12,915 (+206) — Total: +302
411–420: 12,956 → 12,096 (−860) → 12,402 (+306) — Total: −554
401–410: 12,185 → 11,391 (−794) → 11,782 (+391) — Total: −403

All together: 66,515 → 64,614 → 65,963 (−552 total)

This range first declined sharply and then partially recovered. The large drops in the lower 400s are likely linked to the French-language draw on April 29 (4,000 ITAs, CRS 400), which likely invited many candidates from this part of the pool. By May 24, the pool had started refilling again as new profiles entered or candidates improved their scores.

What this means for candidates in the 401–450 range

If your CRS is between 401 and 450, there is still movement happening in this range, especially for French-speaking candidates. However, competition remains high, and the pool continues to refill quickly after large draws.

Even a small CRS improvement can still make a big difference in this score range.

351–400 Range

52,874 → 52,286 (−588) → 52,581 (+295) — Total: −293

This score range declined first and then increased slightly again. Overall, it has remained relatively stable, although many candidates are still concentrated in this range.

What this means for Candidates in the 351–400 range

If your CRS is between 351 and 400, this is still mostly a waiting zone. Some candidates may benefit from French-language draws or future policy changes, but improving your CRS score remains the best long-term strategy.

301–350 Range

18,733 → 18,247 (−486) → 18,375 (+128) — Total: −358

This range saw a noticeable decline followed by a small recovery. Some candidates may have improved their CRS scores, moved into higher ranges, or left the pool.

Takeaway for Candidates in this range: There is still limited movement in this score range, and many candidates are waiting here. Increasing your CRS score remains very important.

0–300 Range

A Note for Candidates for scores below 350

If your CRS is below 350, receiving an invitation directly from Express Entry is very unlikely. Candidates in this range typically need a major boost in their scores, such as a provincial nomination, Canadian work experience, or improved language scores, to become competitive.

Check our article on how to improve your CR Score.