Express Entry Pool Breakdown: Active Candidates by Score Range

Express Entry Pool –  Aug 30, 2026 Update

• IRCC Update Date:  September 13, 2026
• Total candidates in the pool:  226,793 active profiles.

The Express Entry pool now holds 226,793 candidates, an increase of 120 applicants. From 226,673 candidates since the last update on August 30.

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 September 13, 2026, there are a total of 574 active profiles, which is an increase of 15 applicants from the previous update of 559 on August 30. In the last three 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 EE Draw.

Profiles in the 501-600 Range

This range saw an increase of 1242 active profiles from the previous update, bringing the total to 19,542. 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 remained steady around the 13,000 applicants band since January 2026; we have not seen significant changes in this range this year.

This steady growth keeps competition in the high 490s strong for candidates in the pool.

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 1147 candidates in this range, which now stands at 61,560 active profiles.

The number of applicants has remained steady at around 60,000 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.

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