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

Express Entry Pool Breakdown

Update Date:  February 3, 2026
Total candidates in the pool: 238,920

Changes in the EE Pool – Key Takeaways

• The number of candidates in the pool increased by 1,800. On January 20, 2024, the size of the pool was 237,120, and by February 2, 2026, it had grown to 238,920 active profiles. 
  

• We observed an increase in most of the ranges; however, since today’s draw is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, it is normal to see a decrease in the 501-600 and 601-1,200 ranges.

• Also, we saw fewer profiles entering the pool on the ranges 0-300 and 301-350!

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 latest update on the Express Entry Pool was released on February 3, 2026, indicating that there are currently 238,920 active candidates. 

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

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 February 2, 2026, there are 426 candidates in the 601–1200 CRS range.

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 previous pool update on January 20, 2026, there were  16,341 profiles; that number has decreased to 14,911, a drop of 1,430 candidates!.

This change may reflect year-end profiles expiring or temporary movements in the pool. We’ll continue tracking this range closely as additional 2026 pool updates are released.

Profiles in 491-500 Range

Total of candidates in the 491-500 range: As of February 2, 2026, there are 13,538 candidates, an increase of 308 profiles.

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.

Key Pool snapshots: Dec 7, 2025 → Jan 4, 2026 → Feb 2, 2026

451–500 Range

• 491–500: 12,445 → 12,873 (+428) → 13,586 (+713) — Total: +1,141
• 481–490: 12,303 → 12,499 (+196) → 13,417 (+918) — Total: +1,114
• 471–480: 14,851 → 15,435 (+584) → 16,617 (+1,182) — Total: +1,766
• 461–470: 14,351 → 14,881 (+530) → 15,791 (+910) — Total: +1,440
• 451–460: 14,729 → 14,835 (+106) → 15,400 (+565) — Total: +671

All together: 68,679 → 70,523 → 74,811 (+6,132 total)

This mid-to-upper tier of the pool has grown strongly, signalling more competition but also stronger opportunities for candidates around the typical cut-off ranges, if your CRS is here, you are in a “good zone” for upcoming draws.

401–450 Range

• 441–450: 13,844 → 14,139 (+295) → 14,700 (+561) — Total: +856
• 431–440: 14,166 → 14,285 (+119) → 14,923 (+638) — Total: +757
• 421–430: 12,613 → 12,816 (+203) → 13,267 (+451) — Total: +654
• 411–420: 12,193 → 12,442 (+249) → 13,197 (+755) — Total: +1,004
• 401–410: 13,486 → 11,438 (−2,048) → 12,175 (+737) — Total: −1,311

All together: 66,302 → 65,120 → 68,262 (+1,960 total)

Even though some lower scores went up and down (especially 401–410), the 401–450 range grew slightly overall. This is especially good news for French-speaking candidates and people in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), because recent draws for these groups have reached into this score range and because there are fewer people with higher scores above you.

351–400 Range

• 52,344 → 52,469 (+125) → 53,276 (+807) — Total: +932

This score range is slowly growing, which means more people are entering or moving into it due to changes in their profiles. This can change how future draws look, especially if IRCC invites a wider group of candidates.

301–350 Range

• 18,799 → 18,745 (−54) → 18,949 (+204) — Total: +150

Takeaway for Candidates in this range: There was not much change in this score range, and the number of candidates stayed mostly the same. This means many people are still waiting here.

0–300 Range

• 8,049 → 8,125 (+76) → 8,288 (+163) — Total: +239

This part of the pool is growing slowly, which means new profiles are still being created or renewed at very low CRS scores. However, candidates in this range are very unlikely to receive an invitation without major changes.

What This Means for Candidates in the Express Entry Pool

• If your CRS is between 451 and 500, you are in one of the strongest positions in the pool right now. This range has grown, but it also sits right where IRCC often selects candidates for targeted and category-based draws, including Canadian Experience Class and French-language draws. Many candidates in this range are invited without needing a provincial nomination.
• If your CRS is between 401 and 450, your chances are improving, but patience and strategy matter. This range has shown steady movement, and recent draws have reached into the low-to-mid 400s, especially for CEC and French-speaking candidates. Improving your CRS, even by a small amount, can make a real difference here.
• If your CRS is between 351 and 400, you are likely in the waiting zone. Invitations from this range usually depend on broader all-program draws or shifts in IRCC priorities. Candidates here should focus on longer-term improvements, such as gaining Canadian work experience, increasing language scores, or exploring provincial nominee programs.
• If your CRS is below 350, receiving an invitation directly from Express Entry is very unlikely. Candidates in this range typically need a major score boost, such as a provincial nomination, strong Canadian work experience, or significantly improved language results, to become competitive.

Resources to Help You Boost Your CRS Score