Express Entry Pool Breakdown: Active Candidates by Score Range

Express Entry Pool –  October 12, 2026 Update

IRCC Update Date:  October 12, 2026

Total candidates in the pool: 229,456 active profiles.

Total Number of 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 EE Pool by Score Range in 2026

Profiles in the 601-1200 Range

As of the update on October 12, 2026, there are a total of 749 active profiles, an increase of 21 applicants from the previous update of 728 on September 16. In the last three PNP draws, nearly all applicants within this range have received an invitation to apply.

If you are an applicant in this range, you have a very strong profile and great chances of receiving an invitation on the next PNP Draw.

Profiles in the 501-600 Range

This range saw an increase of 568 active profiles from the previous update, bringing the total to 21,638. This range remains highly competitive for CEC candidates.

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 (515+).

Profiles in the 491-500 Range

This range has decreased from the 12,700-applicant band in July 2026 to the 12,100 candidate range in October 2026.

This keeps competition in the high 490s strong for candidates in the pool. If you’re currently in the pool in either this range, or the 500-510 range, remember that many of these 12,00+ candidates are likely working towards increasing their CRS as soon as possible. In other words, it’s not likely that competition will ‘ease’ in the 500+ range in the near term.

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 490s. But it is also where IRCC regularly issues invitations through Canadian Experience Class, French-language, and Trades draws.

Profiles in the 401–450 Range

On the latest update, there was an increase of 917 candidates in this range, which now stands at 63,528 active profiles.

The number of applicants has remained steady at around 61,000 during the final quarter of 2026. We typically observe the highest fluctuations after French-language draws; however, the latest French draw scores have been below 399 points.

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. Read our article on how to improve your Express Entry Score.

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.