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

Express Entry Pool Breakdown

IRCC Update Date:  March 1st, 2026
Total candidates in the pool: 232,534

Changes in the EE Pool: Key Takeaways March 2nd 

• The number of candidates in the pool decreased by 3,071. On February 15, 2026, the size of the pool was 236,605, and by March 2nd, 2026, it had decreased to 232,534 active profiles. 

• CRS scores in the 501–600 range experienced the largest decline compared to the previous draw, with a drop of 2,528 applicants in the range.

• The second largest drop was in the 451-500 range, with 1,929 fewer applicants. This decrease was mainly due to the previous Healthcare and Social Services Occupations draw, where 4,000 invitations were issued, and the lowest score was 467 points.

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 March 2, 2026, indicating that there are currently 232,534 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 March 1, 2026, there are 258 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 March 1st update shows that the number of profiles in this category dropped by 2,528. This decrease likely happened because of the large CEC draw on February 17. As a result, many invitees are submitting their documents for permanent residency and leaving the pool.

Profiles in 491-500 Range

Candidates in the 491-500 range: 13,321 as of March 1, 2026

There are no significant changes in this range compared to the previous pool update.

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: Feb 2, 2026 → Feb 15, 2026 → Mar 2, 2026

451–500 Range

491–500: 13,586 → 13,504 (−82) → 13,321 (−183) — Total: −265
481–490: 13,417 → 13,248 (−169) → 12,678 (−570) — Total: −739
471–480: 16,617 → 16,531 (−86) → 15,415 (−1,116) — Total: −1,202
461–470: 15,791 → 15,426 (−365) → 15,099 (−327) — Total: −692
451–460: 15,400 → 14,900 (−500) → 15,167 (+267) — Total: −233

All together: 74,811 → 73,609 → 71,680 (−3,131 total)

This range of the pool has shrunk noticeably over the past month. That usually means strong draw activity is pulling candidates out of this range. If your CRS is here, you are still in a very competitive zone, but recent invitations are clearly reducing the number of profiles sitting in this band.

401–450 Range

441–450: 14,700 → 14,142 (−558) → 14,334 (+192) — Total: −366
431–440: 14,923 → 14,239 (−684) → 14,481 (+242) — Total: −442
421–430: 13,267 → 12,425 (−842) → 12,746 (+321) — Total: −521
411–420: 13,197 → 12,183 (−1,014) → 12,511 (+328) — Total: −686
401–410: 12,175 → 11,316 (−859) → 11,796 (+480) — Total: −379

All together: 68,262 → 64,305 → 65,868 (−2,394 total)

The sharp drop between February 2 and February 15 suggests that many candidates in this range received invitations. The partial rebound by March 2 likely reflects new profiles entering the pool or candidates improving their scores into this band. Overall, this range is still smaller than it was at the start of February.

351–400 Range

53,276 → 53,650 (+374) → 53,727 (+77) — Total: +451

This score range continues to grow slowly. That means more candidates are entering the pool or moving into this band after updating their profiles. It remains a large waiting area in the system.

301–350 Range

18,949 → 19,009 (+60) → 18,694 (−315) — Total: −255

There was a small increase mid-month, followed by a noticeable drop. This suggests some movement upward or possible profile expirations, but overall, this range remains relatively stable compared to higher bands.

0–300 Range

8,288 → 8,283 (−5) → 8,276 (−7) — Total: −12

This part of the pool is very stable, with only minor changes. Candidates in this range continue to represent a small portion of the overall pool.

What The Latest Express Entry Pool Update Means for Candidates

• If your CRS is between 451 and 500, this is still one of the strongest positions in the pool. The noticeable decrease in this band suggests that recent draws are actively selecting candidates from here. If your score falls in this range, you remain in a very competitive zone for invitations.
• If your CRS is between 401 and 450, this range saw a significant drop followed by a partial refill. That pattern often happens after large draws. If your score is in the low-to-mid 400s, this is still an important zone to watch, especially for category-based draws such as Canadian Experience Class or French-language rounds. Even a small CRS improvement can move you closer to the top of this band.
• If your CRS is between 351 and 400, this remains a waiting zone. The steady growth shows that many candidates are sitting here. Invitations from this range usually depend on broader draw strategies or major policy shifts. Long-term score improvement remains key.
• If your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is below 350, it is unlikely that you will receive direct invitations based on current trends.
  The only draw this year that invited candidates with scores below 350 was on February 19 for the category Physicians with Canadian Work Experience; it invited candidates with scores as low as 169, marking the second-lowest score in the history of Express Entry draws.
  To improve your chances, you need to increase your score significantly. You can do this by getting a provincial nomination, achieving better language test results, or gaining Canadian work experience.