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

Express Entry Pool Breakdown

IRCC Update Date:  May 10, 2026
Total candidates in the pool: 233,770

Changes in the EE Pool: Updates on May 10, 2026

• The number of candidates in the pool is 233,770, which has decreased by 682. On April 26, 2026, the size of the pool was 234,452.
• The largest increase was in the 501-600 range, which gained 1,799 candidates. Moderate increases were also seen across the 461-470 to 491-500 ranges.
• The biggest decrease was in the 401-450 range, with 1,901 fewer candidates. This decline was likely influenced by the latest CEC draw, where many candidates in this score range received Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
• The number of candidates with CRS scores above 500 increased overall, while lower score ranges such as 351-400 and 301-350 continued to decline slightly.

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

As of May 10, 2026, there are 372 candidates in the 601–1200 CRS range. This marks a decrease of 100 candidates compared to the April 26 pool update, likely due to the continued frequency of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws. Since April 13, IRCC has issued 1,177 invitations through PNP-specific rounds, helping reduce the number of high-scoring profiles in the pool.

Although this range remains relatively small compared to other CRS brackets, candidates with provincial nominations continue to receive invitations quickly due to the additional 600 CRS points awarded through a nomination.

Profiles in the 501-600 Range

The latest pool update shows that the number of profiles in the 501-600 range increased significantly from 13,860 to 15,659 candidates — an increase of 1,799 profiles in just two weeks.

This sharp increase comes despite multiple recent draws, including Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws on April 14 and April 28, which together issued 4,000 ITAs. The growth in this range suggests that many new high-scoring candidates are continuing to enter the pool, increasing competition for future CEC draws.

This CRS range remains one of the most important to monitor, as it is typically where CEC cut-off scores are concentrated. The latest CEC draw had a cut-off score of 514.

Profiles in the 491-500 Range

As of May 10, 2026, there are 13,325 candidates in the 491-500 CRS range, representing a moderate increase of 116 candidates since April 26.

Although recent CEC draws have focused on candidates with scores above 500, this range continues to grow steadily. Candidates in the high 490s remain relatively competitive, especially if IRCC increases draw sizes or if CRS cut-off scores begin to decline later in the year.

If you are currently in this range, improving your CRS score through additional work experience, language test improvements, or securing a provincial nomination could significantly improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Key Pool snapshots: Apr 12, 2026 → Apr 26, 2026 → May 10, 2026

451–500 Range

491–500: 13,174 → 13,209 (+35) → 13,325 (+116) — Total: +151
481–490: 12,663 → 12,815 (+152) → 13,109 (+294) — Total: +446
471–480: 16,246 → 16,487 (+241) → 16,598 (+111) — Total: +352
461–470: 15,968 → 15,973 (+5) → 16,160 (+187) — Total: +192
451–460: 15,512 → 15,175 (−337) → 15,108 (−67) — Total: −404

All together: 73,563 → 73,659 → 74,300 (+737 total)

This mid-to-upper tier of the pool has continued to grow overall, especially in the 471–500 range. The small decline in the 451–460 range is likely linked to the recent French-language draw on April 29 (4,000 ITAs, CRS 400), which likely removed many candidates from the lower part of this band. Despite recent draws, the pool continues to refill quickly.

What this means 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, but it is also where IRCC regularly issues invitations through Canadian Experience Class, French-language, and Trades draws.

401–450 Range

441–450: 14,606 → 14,305 (−301) → 14,247 (−58) — Total: −359
431–440: 14,775 → 14,456 (−319) → 14,171 (−285) — Total: −604
421–430: 12,973 → 12,613 (−360) → 12,709 (+96) — Total: −264
411–420: 12,753 → 12,956 (+203) → 12,096 (−860) — Total: −657
401–410: 11,845 → 12,185 (+340) → 11,391 (−794) — Total: −454

All together: 66,952 → 66,515 → 64,614 (−2,338 total)

This range declined noticeably overall, especially in the 401–420 ranges. The reduction is likely linked to the large French-language draw on April 29 (4,000 ITAs, CRS 400), which likely invited many candidates from this part of the pool. Recent CEC draws may have also contributed to declines in the upper 400s.

What this means for candidates in the 401–450 range

If your CRS is between 401 and 450, recent draws have created some movement in this range, especially for French-speaking candidates. However, competition remains high, and the pool continues to refill quickly as new candidates enter or improve their scores.

351–400 Range

52,309 → 52,874 (+565) → 52,286 (−588) — Total: −23

This score range remained mostly stable overall. The slight decline after April 26 is likely linked to the large French-language draw with a CRS cut-off of 400, which may have invited some candidates near the top of this range.

What this means for Candidates in the 351–400 range

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

301–350 Range

18,543 → 18,733 (+190) → 18,247 (−486) — Total: −296

This range saw a small increase followed by a larger decline. Some candidates may have left the pool, improved their scores, or moved into higher ranges.

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

0–300 Range

8,253 → 8,339 (+86) → 8,292 (−47) — Total: +39

This part of the pool remains very stable, with only small changes over time.

A Note for Candidates for scores below 350

If your CRS is below 350, receiving an invitation directly from Express Entry is very unlikely. Candidates in this range typically 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 how to improve your CR Score.