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

Express Entry Pool Breakdown

IRCC Update Date:  April 26, 2026
Total candidates in the pool: 234,452

Changes in the EE Pool: Updates on April 26, 2026

• The number of candidates in the pool is 234,452, which has increased by 897. On April 12, 2026, the size of the pool was 233,555

• All scores in the pool from 461-470 to 501-600 saw a slight increase in candidates.

• The largest drop was in the 401-450 range, with 437 fewer candidates. This decrease could be mainly due to the latest French draw, where the cut-off score was 419.

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 April 26, 2026, there are 472 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. But in today’s pool update, we saw a huge increase of 147 new profiles.

Profiles in the 501-600 Range

The update from April 26 indicates that the number of profiles in this category had a small increase of 250 candidates, which means more competitors for the upcoming CEC draw this week.

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.

Profiles in 491-500 Range

As of April 26, 2026,  candidates in the 491-500 range are 13,209, a small increase of only 35 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 29, 2026 → Apr 12, 2026 → Apr 26, 2026

451–500 Range

491–500: 13,558 → 13,174 (−384) → 13,209 (+35) — Total: −349
481–490: 13,075 → 12,663 (−412) → 12,815 (+152) — Total: −260
471–480: 16,153 → 16,246 (+93) → 16,487 (+241) — Total: +334
461–470: 15,421 → 15,968 (+547) → 15,973 (+5) — Total: +552
451–460: 15,238 → 15,512 (+274) → 15,175 (−337) — Total: −63

All together: 73,445 → 73,563 → 73,659 (+214 total)

This mid-to-upper tier of the pool has remained mostly stable, with small increases overall. The top end (481–500) declined slightly, likely due to recent draws such as CEC and Trades, while the mid ranges (461–480) continued to grow. 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 has remained stable, and it continues to be where IRCC often selects candidates for targeted and category-based draws, including Canadian Experience Class, Trades, and French-language draws.

401–450 Range

441–450: 14,173 → 14,606 (+433) → 14,305 (−301) — Total: +132
431–440: 14,334 → 14,775 (+441) → 14,456 (−319) — Total: +122
421–430: 12,433 → 12,973 (+540) → 12,613 (−360) — Total: +180
411–420: 12,348 → 12,753 (+405) → 12,956 (+203) — Total: +608
401–410: 11,494 → 11,845 (+351) → 12,185 (+340) — Total: +691

All together: 64,782 → 66,952 → 66,515 (+1,733 total)

This range grew strongly overall, especially in the lower part (401–420). The slight drop after April 12 is likely linked to the large French draw (4,000 ITAs, CRS 419) and recent CEC draws, which likely pulled candidates from this range. Still, more candidates are entering or improving into the 400s, keeping competition high.

What this means for Candidates in the 401–450 range

If your CRS is between 401 and 450, competition is increasing, especially in the lower part of this range. Recent draws — particularly the large French draw and CEC rounds — have pulled candidates from here, but the pool continues to refill quickly. Improving your CRS, even slightly, can make a real difference.

351–400 Range

52,655 → 52,309 (−346) → 52,874 (+565) — Total: +219

This score range first declined and then increased again. The drop may be linked to the French draw on April 15 (CRS 419), where some candidates likely moved up or were invited. Overall, this range remains large and relatively stable.

What this means for Candidates in the 351–400 range

If your CRS is between 351 and 400, this remains a waiting zone. Some movement is happening due to candidates improving their scores or being selected in targeted draws, but invitations from this range still depend on broader draw strategies or policy changes.

301–350 Range

19,007 → 18,543 (−464) → 18,733 (+190) — Total: −274

There was a noticeable drop followed by a partial recovery. This suggests some candidates may have left the pool or improved their scores, but overall this range remains fairly stable.

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

8,298 → 8,253 (−45) → 8,339 (+86) — Total: +41

This part of the pool remains very stable, with only small changes over time.

A Note for Candidates for scores below 350

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, Canadian work experience, or improved language scores, to become competitive. Check our article on how to improve your CR Score.