How Many People Are In The Express Entry Pool? (And What Does That Mean For You)

On this page, you will find our in-depth analysis of the current profiles in the pool along with what this may mean for you and your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

A Snapshot of Active Profiles in the Pool

• As of February 5, 2025, there are 234,052 profiles in the Express Entry pool.
• This is an increase of +1,128 candidates since January 23, 2025 — even with a massive draw inviting 4,000 CEC candidates on February 4, 2025. This means the increase during that 2 week period was 5,128 candidates, showing strong continued growth in the Express Entry pool.
• Want to know how competitive your CRS score is compared to the Express Entry pool? Check out our online Express Entry CRS points calculator.

What is the Express Entry Pool?

The Express Entry pool represents all candidates with an active Express Entry profile. The number of profiles in the pool changes daily as draws take place and as new applicants submit their profiles, while others leave due to expiry, receiving an invitation, or a change in eligibility.

How Many Express Entry Profiles Are Currently in the Pool?

Here’s a snapshot of the current candidate spread in the Express Entry pool:

CRS Scores and The Express Entry Pool

Note that we update these figures once per month, not after each draw.*

Overall Pool Size

January
The pool grew from 227,763 candidates on January 8 to 232,924 on January 23—a net increase of about 5,161 candidates in just over two weeks. This strong growth shows that more candidates are entering the system, likely as they become eligible for an Express Entry program.

Ongoing Growth into February
By February 5, the total had reached 234,052. This steady rise underscores sustained interest in Express Entry as a pathway to Canadian immigration.

A Glimpse into Growth Between February 4 and 5

Between February 4 and February 5, 2025, the overall pool grew by 1,339 candidates—from 232,713 to 234,052. During this time, the 501-600 range increased by 561 candidates, while the 451-500 range gained 385 candidates.

How Many People Have a Score of 500+ In the Express Entry Pool?

Here’s an overview of the candidate score ranges in the Express Entry pool:

601-1200 Range
Feb 4, 2025: 468 candidates
Feb 5, 2025: 173 candidates
Change: -295 candidates (due to the February 4 draw)

501-600 Range
Feb 4, 2025: 22,604 candidates
Feb 5, 2025: 23,165 candidates
Change: +561 candidates

451-500 Range
Feb 4, 2025: 68,525 candidates
Feb 5, 2025: 68,910 candidates
Change: +385 candidates

Subrange changes:

• 491-500: +73 candidates (from 13,414 to 13,487)
• 481-490: +72 candidates (from 12,931 to 13,003)
• 471-480: +101 candidates (from 15,551 to 15,652)
• 461-470: +83 candidates (from 13,732 to 13,815)
• 451-460: +56 candidates (from 12,897 to 12,953)

401-450 Range
Feb 4, 2025: 63,174 candidates
Feb 5, 2025: 63,508 candidates
Change: +334 candidates

351-400 Range
Feb 4, 2025: 50,876 candidates
Feb 5, 2025: 51,079 candidates
Change: +203 candidates

301-350 Range
Feb 4, 2025: 21,462 candidates
Feb 5, 2025: 21,576 candidates
Change: +114 candidates

0-300 Range
Feb 4, 2025: 5,604 candidates
Feb 5, 2025: 5,641 candidates
Change: +37 candidates

How Does Your CRS Score Compare?

Determining how your CRS score compares to others in the pool is a necessary component to a successful immigration strategy.

If you have a strong CRS score in comparison to others in the pool, your chances of receiving an ITA in an upcoming Express Entry draw are high therefore you may just need to wait for the next draw.

On the other hand, you may find that your CRS is not competitive enough, forcing you to look at ways to increase your score or explore Express Entry alternatives. 

Can You Get PR With Your Current Express Entry CRS? 

Whether or not you’re invited to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system depends on: 

• If you’re eligible for the program or category chosen by IRCC for invitations in that round. (ie. IRCC may invite Canadian Experience Class candidates, so you won’t receive an invitation if you’re only eligible for the Skilled Trades program).
• If your CRS score is above the cut-off; and
• If you meet other criteria, like the tiebreaker date if your score is equal to the score just drawn.

Once you have submitted your Express Entry profile, you will receive your CRS score. Bear in mind that this score may change due to factors like age therefore it is important to keep a note of your CRS and competitiveness. 

• To find detailed information about your chances of receiving an invitation based on your current CRS score, check out our analysis of CRS competitiveness. You’ll learn if you can get PR with a score of 300+, 400+, 500+ and find out what to do if your score isn’t competitive.

Staying informed about immigration in Canada can help you prepare for your Express Entry journey. A free Moving2Canada account can help. You’ll receive free access to our newsletters, immigration checklists, and a host of other settlement resources — all tailored to your immigration journey. Sign up here.