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

Express Entry Pool Breakdown

IRCC Update Date:  March 15, 2026
Total candidates in the pool: 231,362

Changes in the EE Pool: Key Takeaways March 2nd 

• The number of candidates in the pool decreased by 1,172. On March 2nd, 2026, the size of the pool was 232,534; it had decreased to  231,362 profiles. 

• CRS scores in the 501–600 range continue decreasing, with 992 fewer profiles.

• The largest drop was in the 451-500 range, with 1,230 fewer applicants. This decrease was mainly due to the previous Senior managers with Canadian Work Experience draw, where the lowest score was 429 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 15, 2026, there are 360 candidates in the 601–1200 CRS range. There has been a slow decline in recent months in the number 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 15 update shows that the number of profiles in this category dropped by 992. This decrease likely happened because of the large CEC draw on March 3rd. As a result, many invitees are submitting their documents for permanent residency and leaving the pool.

Profiles in 491-500 Range

As of March 15, candidates in the 491-500 range are 13,421, an increase of 100 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: Feb 15, 2026 → Mar 2, 2026 → Mar 15, 2026

451–500 Range

491–500: 13,504 → 13,321 (−183) → 13,421 (+100) — Total: −83
481–490: 13,248 → 12,678 (−570) → 12,992 (+314) — Total: −256
471–480: 16,531 → 15,415 (−1,116) → 15,751 (+336) — Total: −780
461–470: 15,426 → 15,099 (−327) → 15,272 (+173) — Total: −154
451–460: 14,900 → 15,167 (+267) → 15,122 (−45) — Total: +222

All together: 73,609 → 71,680 → 72,558 (−1,051 total)

This mid-to-upper tier of the pool declined first and then partially recovered. The drop between mid-February and early March likely reflects candidates receiving invitations, while the rebound by mid-March suggests new profiles entering the pool or candidates improving their scores into this band. Overall, this remains one of the most competitive ranges in Express Entry.

401–450 Range

441–450: 14,142 → 14,334 (+192) → 14,195 (−139) — Total: +53
431–440: 14,239 → 14,481 (+242) → 14,247 (−234) — Total: +8
421–430: 12,425 → 12,746 (+321) → 12,471 (−275) — Total: +46
411–420: 12,183 → 12,511 (+328) → 12,288 (−223) — Total: +105
401–410: 11,316 → 11,796 (+480) → 11,437 (−359) — Total: +121

All together: 64,305 → 65,868 → 64,638 (+333 total)

This range grew slightly in early March before stabilizing again. The small increase suggests candidates are moving into this band, likely by improving their CRS scores or entering the pool with competitive profiles. Overall, the size of this group remains relatively stable.

351–400 Range

53,650 → 53,727 (+77) → 53,565 (−162) — Total: −85

This score range has remained very stable, with only small fluctuations. It continues to represent one of the largest segments of the Express Entry pool.

301–350 Range

19,009 → 18,694 (−315) → 18,903 (+209) — Total: −106

Movement in this band has been modest, with a small drop followed by a partial recovery. Overall, the size of this group remains fairly consistent.

0–300 Range

8,283 → 8,276 (−7) → 8,299 (+23) — Total: +16

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

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. Even though the number of candidates in this range fluctuated over the past month, it remains the band where many invitations are typically issued during category-based or targeted draws.
• If your CRS is between 401 and 450, this range remains relatively stable. Candidates in the low-to-mid 400s should continue focusing on improving their CRS where possible, for example, through better language scores, Canadian work experience, or a provincial nomination, as even small improvements can help move you closer to the top of this band.
• If your CRS is between 351 and 400, this remains a waiting zone. Invitations from this range usually depend on broader draw strategies or shifts in IRCC priorities. Candidates here should focus on longer-term ways to increase their CRS score.
• If your CRS score is below 350, receiving an invitation directly from Express Entry remains unlikely under current patterns. Candidates in this range typically need a significant score boost, such as a provincial nomination, improved language scores, or additional Canadian work experience, to become competitive.