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

Express Entry Pool –  July 5, 2026 Update

• IRCC Update Date:  July 5, 2026
• Total candidates in the pool:  235,127 active profiles.

Key Changes in the EE Pool Update

The Express Entry pool now holds 235,127 candidates, a decrease of 4,51 from the 239,645 candidates in the pool on June 21, 2026.

Key changes by score range:

• 601–1200 range: As of the latest update, there are 416 fewer profiles in this range compared to the previous update on June 21, which reported 941 applicants. This decrease is likely attributed to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on June 22, during which 955 applicants received invitations. Some of these applicants may have exited the pool.
• 501–600 range: This range saw a decrease of 1,401 active profiles from the previous update, bringing the total to 18,611. However, this decrease does not indicate a decline in this range; on the contrary, we have noticed continuous growth. Currently, the average number of profiles stands at 18,000, up from 13,000 at the beginning of 2026.
• 451–500 range: This range experienced the most significant decrease, with 2,247 fewer applicants, particularly within the 471–490 sub-ranges. However, it’s important to note that this decrease does not indicate an ongoing decline; instead, this range has shown consistent growth. Currently, the average number of profiles stands at 73,500, an increase from 71,500 at the beginning of 2026.
• 401–450 range: There was an increase of 1,011 candidates, which is a typical fluctuation for this range. The number of candidates has remained steady between 64,000 and 66,000 throughout 2026. Reductions in this range typically follow French-language draws.

Overall, the pool continues to expand within the highest CRS ranges. Competition in the Express Entry system remains intense, and cut-off scores are expected to keep 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

This range typically fluctuates between 300 and 500.

Profiles in the 501-600 Range

This range typically experiences significant changes every two weeks, with multiple increases and decreases, yet it continues to grow.

This indicates that a greater number of high-scoring candidates are entering the pool in this range faster than the IRCC is issuing invitations. As a result, the cut-off scores for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) may remain high in upcoming 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

This range has remained steady in the 13,000 applicants band since January 2026; we have not seen significant changes in this range this year.

This steady growth keeps competition in the high 490s strong for candidates in the pool.

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

Tips 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, and competition is increasing, especially in the upper 470s and 480s. But it is also where IRCC regularly issues invitations through Canadian Experience Class, French-language, and Trades draws.

Profiles in the 401–450 Range

The number of applicants has fluctuated between 64,000 and 66,000 throughout 2026, indicating that this range has remained steady.

Typically, we observe the highest fluctuations following French-language draws. The most recent French draw occurred on May 28, which issued 4,500 ITAs to candidates with a CRS score of 409 or higher. This is why we noticed a decrease in candidates within this CRS range in the June 21 pool update.

Tips 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.

Profiles in the 351–400 Range

While many candidates are still concentrated within this score range, the number has consistently remained at 52,000 average candidates.

Tips for Candidates in the 351–400 range

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

Profiles in the 301–350 Range

This range continues to decrease, which suggests that candidates may have improved their CRS scores and moved into higher score ranges, while others may have had their profiles expire and been removed from the pool.

Tips for Candidates in the 301–350 Range

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

Profiles in the 0–300 Range

This part of the pool remains very stable, with only small changes over time.
This range continues to show very little movement, and candidates with scores below 300 remain very unlikely to receive an invitation without major changes to their profiles.

A Note for Candidates for scores below 300

The only category that has issued invitations for applicants with scores under 300 CRS points during 2026 is Physicians with Canadian Work Experience. If you are a healthcare professional waiting for an invitation for this category you chances are high, but for the rest of the categories, receiving an invitation if your profile score is in this range is very unlikely.

The majority of candidates in this range 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 the different strategies for improving your CR Score.

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