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

Express Entry Pool Breakdown

Date:  January 4, 2026
Total candidates in the pool: 236,554

Changes in the EE Pool – Key Takeaways

• The number of candidates in the pool decreased by 748. On December 15, 2025, the size of the pool was 237,302, and as of January 4, 2026, the pool had 236,554 on active profiles.

• All the ranges from 461-470, and above, show an increase in the number of candidates this week.

• Since this week’s PNP Draw, the 601-1200 score range experienced the highest decrease, with 779 fewer profiles. 

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 first Express Entry pool update of 2026, released on January 4, 2026, reports a total of 236,554 active candidates. This marks a slight decrease of 748 profiles compared with the final pool update of 2025.

While this early change does not yet indicate a broader trend, it establishes a baseline for tracking how the size of the Express Entry pool evolves throughout 2026. It’s also worth noting that the current pool size remains historically high, underscoring the continued competitiveness of Canada’s permanent residence system.

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 January 4, 2026, there are 559 candidates in the 601–1200 CRS range.

For context, the first Express Entry pool update of 2025, released on January 23, 2025, showed 200 candidates in the same score range. This means the number of very high-scoring profiles has more than doubled year over year, highlighting how competitive the upper end of the pool has become.

While this is only the first snapshot of 2026, it sets an important baseline for tracking how high-scoring candidates accumulate throughout the year.

Profiles in the 501-600 Range

This score range continues to be one of the most closely watched, as candidates here are often the most likely to receive invitations when Express Entry draws resume.

In the final pool update of 2025 on December 15, 2025, there were 21,792 candidates in the 501–600 CRS range. As of the first update of 2026 on January 4, 2026, that number has decreased to 21,013 profiles — a drop of 779 candidates.

While it’s too early in the year to call this a trend, this early dip may reflect year-end draw activity or temporary movement in the pool. We’ll continue tracking this range closely as additional 2026 pool updates are released.

Profiles in 491-500 Range

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.

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. 

• Note that IRCC has removed points for a valid job offer, effective March 25, 2025.

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. Join today to Moving2Canada community can help. 

Resources to Help You Boost Your CRS Score