The Current State of the Express Entry Pool: An In-Depth Analysis

Key Takeaways: A Snapshot of Active Profiles in the Pool.

• As of December 16, 2024, there are 221,310 profiles in the Express Entry pool.
• This is an increase of 3,143 candidates since November 18, 2024.
• Want to know how competitive your CRS score is compared to the Express Entry pool? Check out our online Express Entry CRS points calculator.

What is the Express Entry Pool?

The Express Entry pool represents all candidates with an active Express Entry profile. The number of profiles in the pool changes daily as draws take place and as new applicants submit their profiles, while others leave due to expiry or a change in eligibility.

How Many Express Entry Profiles Are Currently in the Pool?

As of December 16, 2024, there are 221,310 profiles in the Express Entry pool, which is an increase of 3,143 candidates since November 18, 2024.

Key Insights

1. Overall Pool Growth: The total pool size increased by 2,820 candidates since December 1, continuing the trend of high demand for Express Entry as a popular immigration pathway.
2. 601-1200 Range Surge: The most significant growth occurred in the 601-1200 range, which saw an addition of 465 candidates, most of whom would have a provincial nomination.
3. Sustained Growth in 501-600 Range: The 501-600 range experienced an increase of 1,212 candidates, highlighting the continued competitiveness of this high-scoring segment. Many of these candidates may have improved their CRS scores through updated credentials or language tests.
4. Moderate Growth in Mid-to-High Ranges: Both the 451-500 and 401-450 ranges saw growth, with increases of 384 and 953 candidates, respectively.
5. Stability in Lower Ranges: The 351-400 and 301-350 ranges experienced only minor fluctuations, with a net decrease of 200 candidates across both ranges.

Data From The Express Entry Candidate Pool

Overall Pool Size:

As of December 16, 2024, there are 221,310 profiles in the Express Entry pool.

CRS Score Ranges In The Express Entry Candidate Pool

601-1200 Range:

• December 1, 2024: 738 candidates
• Current: 1,203 candidates
• Change: An increase of 465 candidates.
  This significant growth reflects recent additions of high-scoring profiles, possibly through provincial nominations or other targeted measures.

501-600 Range:

• December 1, 2024: 18,673 candidates
• Current: 19,885 candidates
• Change: An increase of 1,212 candidates.
  The continuous rise in this range underscores the competitiveness of profiles with strong CRS scores.

451-500 Range:

• December 1, 2024: 62,985 candidates
• Current: 63,369 candidates
• Change: An increase of 384 candidates.
  • 491-500: Increased by 39 candidates (from 12,316 to 12,355).
  • 481-490: Decreased slightly by 21 candidates (from 11,984 to 11,984).
  • 471-480: Slight increase of 8 candidates (from 14,371 to 14,379).
  • 461-470: Small decrease of 89 candidates (from 12,610 to 12,521).
  • 451-460: Increased by 169 candidates (from 11,872 to 12,041).

401-450 Range:

• December 1, 2024: 57,590 candidates
• Current: 58,543 candidates
• Change: An increase of 953 candidates.
  • 441-450: Increased by 237 candidates (from 11,219 to 11,456).
  • 431-440: Increased by 198 candidates (from 12,313 to 12,511).
  • 421-430: Increased by 183 candidates (from 11,217 to 11,400).

351-400 Range:

• December 1, 2024: 50,609 candidates
• Current: 50,506 candidates
• Change: A slight decrease of 103 candidates.

301-350 Range:

• December 1, 2024: 22,280 candidates
• Current: 22,183 candidates
• Change: A small decrease of 97 candidates.

0-300 Range:

• December 1, 2024: 5,615 candidates
• Current: 5,621 candidates
• Change: An increase of 6 candidates.

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 determine that your CRS is not competitive enough, forcing you to look at ways to increase your score or explore Express Entry alternatives. 

There is a current breakdown of the CRS score range and the number of candidates in the pool. 

Is Your CRS Score Competitive? 

Your competitiveness within the Express Entry pool is based on your CRS score. 

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. 

If your projected CRS score is less than 300

You should consider alternative ways to move to Canada. Express Entry might not be for you, because it’s going to be tough — though not impossible — to get enough points to secure an invitation to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. If you have a CRS score of less than 300, chances are you will need to do many things to boost your chances of receiving an ITA. Follow our ways to increase your CRS score guide for pointers. 

If your projected CRS score is between 300 and 400

A CRS score in this range is not very competitive, however, there are ways to boost your points total. To get from the 300’s into the competitive range would probably require you to secure a provincial nomination, get a job offer and/ or show both French and English language ability.

If you qualify for the French Category Based Draws, a CRS score above 360 may be all that is needed. If you do not possess any French language ability, consider taking this up. In a year, you may have enough proficiency to claim French points and an ITA in the French draws. 

If your projected CRS score is between 400 and 500

This score may be competitive, depending on the trend in recent draws (the lowest cut-off score ever for an all-program draw was 413 points however recent trends are more around the 540 mark). Candidates in this range can shoot up the rankings with some seemingly minor improvements that can have a big effect, especially when it comes to proving language ability. There may also be additional PNP options for candidates in this range.

If your projected CRS score is between 500 and 550

This is a competitive score, with a decent chance of being sufficient to receive an ITA, especially if you are eligible for a Category-Based Draw. Candidates should still explore any opportunities to increase their scores to make their profile as competitive as possible.

If your projected CRS score is above 550

This is a super competitive CRS score and will likely be sufficient to receive an ITA in an upcoming draw.

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