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

Express Entry Pool –  May 24, 2026 Update

• IRCC Update Date:  May 24, 2026
• Total candidates in the pool: 238,847

Key Changes in the EE Pool Update

The Express Entry pool now holds 238,847 candidates, up 5,077 from 233,770 on May 10, 2026.

Key changes by score range:

• 601–1200 range: Down 40 candidates (372 → 332), likely due to the Provincial Nominee Program draw on May 11, 2026, which issued 380 ITAs.
• 501–600 range: The biggest mover, an increase of 2,286 candidates in two weeks, continuing a trend of high-scoring candidates entering the pool or improving their scores.
• 461–500 range: Moderate gains across all sub-ranges, with the 471–480 band seeing one of the largest increases in this tier (441 new profiles).
• 401–450 range: Up 1,349 candidates, a routine fluctuation for this range, which has held steady between 64,000 and 66,000 candidates throughout 2026. Reductions in this band typically follow French-language draws or the only Senior Managers draw issued so far this year.

Overall, the pool has grown across most CRS ranges, with the sharpest gains above 500. Competition in the Express Entry system remains high, and cut-off scores are likely to keep rising.

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 24, 2026, there are 332 candidates in the 601–1200 range, down 40 from the May 10 update. The decrease is likely linked to the PNP draw issued the previous week.

Also, with another PNP draw following shortly after, further reductions are expected in the next pool update as candidates accept their ITAs and exit the pool.

Although this remains one of the smallest CRS ranges in the pool, regular PNP draws happening in 2026 continue to prevent significant candidate accumulation in this band.

Profiles in the 501-600 Range

The latest pool update shows a sharp increase in the 501-600 range, rising from 15,659 to 17,945 candidates, an increase of 2,286 profiles in just two weeks.

This was the biggest increase across all CRS ranges, showing that more high-scoring candidates continue entering the pool faster than IRCC issuing invitations. As a result, CEC cut-off scores could remain high in the coming draws.

This range remains one of the most important to monitor, as it continues to heavily influence CEC draw cut-off scores.

Profiles in the 491-500 Range

As of May 24, 2026, there are 13,449 candidates in the 491–500 range, up 124 from the May 10 update.

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

Key Pool snapshots: Apr 26, 2026 → May 10, 2026 → May 24, 2026

451–500 Range

491–500: 13,209 → 13,325 (+116) → 13,449 (+124) — Total: +240
481–490: 12,815 → 13,109 (+294) → 13,323 (+214) — Total: +508
471–480: 16,487 → 16,598 (+111) → 17,040 (+442) — Total: +553
461–470: 15,973 → 16,160 (+187) → 16,262 (+102) — Total: +289
451–460: 15,175 → 15,108 (−67) → 15,274 (+166) — Total: +99

All together: 73,659 → 74,300 → 75,348 (+1,689 total)

This mid-to-upper tier of the pool has continued to grow across almost all subranges, especially in the 471–480 range. Despite several recent draws, including French-language and CEC rounds, the pool is refilling very quickly with new candidates and profile improvements.

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, and competition is increasing, especially in the upper 470s and 480s. But it is also where IRCC regularly issues invitations through Canadian Experience Class, French-language, and Trades draws.

401–450 Range

441–450: 14,305 → 14,247 (−58) → 14,463 (+216) — Total: +158
431–440: 14,456 → 14,171 (−285) → 14,401 (+230) — Total: −55
421–430: 12,613 → 12,709 (+96) → 12,915 (+206) — Total: +302
411–420: 12,956 → 12,096 (−860) → 12,402 (+306) — Total: −554
401–410: 12,185 → 11,391 (−794) → 11,782 (+391) — Total: −403

All together: 66,515 → 64,614 → 65,963 (−552 total)

This range first declined sharply and then partially recovered. The large drops in the lower 400s are likely linked to the French-language draw on April 29 (4,000 ITAs, CRS 400), which likely invited many candidates from this part of the pool.

By May 24, the pool had started refilling again as new profiles entered or candidates improved their scores.

What this means for candidates in the 401–450 range

If your CRS is between 401 and 450, there is still movement happening in this range, especially for French-speaking candidates. However, competition remains high, and the pool continues to refill quickly after large draws.

Even a small CRS improvement can still make a big difference in this score range.

351–400 Range

52,874 → 52,286 (−588) → 52,581 (+295) — Total: −293

This score range declined first and then increased slightly again. Overall, it has remained relatively stable, although many candidates are still concentrated in 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

18,733 → 18,247 (−486) → 18,375 (+128) — Total: −358

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

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

8,339 → 8,292 (−47) → 8,303 (+11) — Total: −36

This part of the pool remains very stable, with only small changes over time.
This range continues to see very little movement, and candidates with scores below 300 are still very unlikely to receive an invitation without major changes to their profile.

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.