How Many People Are In The Express Entry Pool? (And What Does That Mean For You)

On this page, you will find our in-depth analysis of the current profiles in the pool along with what this may mean for you and your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

A Snapshot of Active Profiles in the Pool

• As of January 8, 2025, there are 227,763 profiles in the Express Entry pool.
• This is an increase of +6,453 candidates candidates since December 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, receiving an invitation, or a change in eligibility.

How Many Express Entry Profiles Are Currently in the Pool?

As of January 8, 2025, there are 227,763 profiles in the Express Entry pool, which is an increase of +6,453 candidates candidates since December 16, 2024.

CRS Scores and The Express Entry Pool

Note that we update these figures once per month, not after each draw.*

Overall Pool Size

December 16, 2024: 221,310 candidates

January 7, 2025: 227,305 candidates

January 8, 2025: 227,763 candidates

Changes:

• From December 16 to January 7: +5,995 candidates
• From January 7 to January 8: +458 candidates
• Total growth since December 16: +6,453 candidates

How Many People Have a Score of 500+ In the Express Entry Pool?

Here’s an overview of the candidate score ranges in the Express Entry pool:

601-1200 Range

December 16: 1,203 candidates

January 7: 633 candidates (-570 candidates from December 16)

January 8: 171 candidates (-462 candidates from January 7)

Total change since December 16: -1,032 candidates — due to IRCC conducting PNP draws.

501-600 Range

December 16: 19,885 candidates

January 7: 23,021 candidates (+3,136 candidates from December 16)

January 8: 23,240 candidates (+219 candidates from January 7)

Total change since December 16: +3,355 candidates

There is clearly strong interest in Express Entry and a high number of skilled candidates are entering the pool and, likely, improving their scores.

451-500 Range

December 16: 63,369 candidates

January 7: 65,492 candidates (+2,123 candidates from December 16)

January 8: 65,699 candidates (+207 candidates from January 7)

Total change since December 16: +2,330 candidates

401-450 Range

December 16: 58,543 candidates

January 7: 60,416 candidates (+1,873 candidates from December 16)

January 8: 60,704 candidates (+288 candidates from January 7)

Total change since December 16: +2,161 candidates

351-400 Range

December 16: 50,506 candidates

January 7: 50,452 candidates (-54 candidates from December 2024)

January 8: 50,607 candidates (+155 candidates from January 7)

Total change since December 16: +101 candidates

301-350 Range

December 16: 22,183 candidates

January 7: 21,746 candidates

January 8: 21,788 candidates

Total change since December 16: -395 candidates

0-300 Range

December 16: 5,621 candidates

January 7: 5,545 candidates

January 8: 5,554 candidates

Total change since December 16: -67 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 find that your CRS is not competitive enough, forcing you to look at ways to increase your score or explore Express Entry alternatives. 

Can You Get PR With Your Current Express Entry CRS? 

Whether or not you’re invited to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system depends on: 

• If you’re eligible for the program or category chosen by IRCC for invitations in that round. (ie. IRCC may invite Canadian Experience Class candidates, so you won’t receive an invitation if you’re only eligible for the Skilled Trades program).
• If your CRS score is above the cut-off; and
• If you meet other criteria, like the tiebreaker date if your score is equal to the score just drawn.

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. 

• To find detailed information about your chances of receiving an invitation based on your current CRS score, check out our analysis of CRS competitiveness. You’ll learn if you can get PR with a score of 300+, 400+, 500+ and find out what to do if your score isn’t competitive.

Staying informed about immigration in Canada can help you prepare for your Express Entry journey. A free Moving2Canada account can help. You’ll receive free access to our newsletters, immigration checklists, and a host of other settlement resources — all tailored to your immigration journey. Sign up here.