Canada has updated the latest breakdown of candidates in the Express Entry pool, showing some notable changes in the number of profiles across different Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score ranges.

The latest figures cover the period between August 16 and August 30, 2026. During these two weeks, the total number of profiles in the Express Entry pool fell by only 186.

However, some score groups saw much larger changes. The number of candidates in the 351 – 400 CRS range dropped by 1,776. At the same time, the number of candidates with higher scores increased.

The number of profiles in the 501 – 600 score range rose by 885. The number of candidates with scores between 601 and 1,200 also increased.

Overall, the number of high-scoring profiles rose from 19,096 to 20,101 during the two-week period.

The following table compares the breakdown of the Express Entry pool on August 30 with the previous figures from August 16:

CRS Score Range August 30 August 16 Difference
0 – 300 7,735 7,709 +26
301 – 350 17,495 17,269 +226
351 – 400 46,824 48,600 −1,776
401 – 410 10,723 10,688 +35
411 – 420 11,183 11,269 −86
421 – 430 11,811 11,890 −79
431 – 440 13,233 13,229 +4
441 – 450 13,463 13,555 −92
451 – 460 14,800 14,814 −14
461 – 470 16,099 16,133 −34
471 – 480 16,981 16,626 +355
481 – 490 13,273 13,066 +207
491 – 500 12,952 12,915 +37
501 – 600 19,542 18,657 +885
601 – 1,200 559 439 +120
Total 226,673 226,859 −186

How Competitive Is The Latest Express Entry Pool?

The latest figures also show how candidates are spread across the different CRS score groups.

The table below gives the number of candidates in each range, the total number of profiles up to that range, the percentile range and the share of the overall pool.

These figures are based on the Express Entry pool on August 30, 2026.

CRS Score Range Number Of Candidates Cumulative Percentile Range Percentage
0 – 300 7,735 7,735 0.00%–3.41% 3.41%
301 – 350 17,495 25,230 3.41%–11.13% 7.72%
351 – 400 46,824 72,054 11.13%–31.79% 20.66%
401 – 410 10,723 82,777 31.79%–36.52% 4.73%
411 – 420 11,183 93,960 36.52%–41.45% 4.93%
421 – 430 11,811 105,771 41.45%–46.66% 5.21%
431 – 440 13,233 119,004 46.66%–52.50% 5.84%
441 – 450 13,463 132,467 52.50%–58.44% 5.94%
451 – 460 14,800 147,267 58.44%–64.97% 6.53%
461 – 470 16,099 163,366 64.97%–72.07% 7.10%
471 – 480 16,981 180,347 72.07%–79.56% 7.49%
481 – 490 13,273 193,620 79.56%–85.42% 5.86%
491 – 500 12,952 206,572 85.42%–91.13% 5.71%
501 – 600 19,542 226,114 91.13%–99.75% 8.62%
601 – 1,200 559 226,673 99.75%–100.00% 0.25%

The percentile ranges show the share of candidates whose CRS scores are at or below the upper end of each score range.

The figures are shown as ranges because candidates within the same CRS group can have different individual scores.

Recent Draws Not Included In The Latest Pool Data

The August 30 pool figures do not include two Express Entry draws held later, on August 31 and September 1.

These two draws issued a combined 2,562 invitations to apply for permanent residence.

Date Of Draw Round Type Invitations Issued CRS Score Of Lowest-Ranked Candidate
August 31 Provincial Nominee Program 562 697
September 1 Canadian Experience Class 2,000 521

After these draws, Canada had issued a total of 117,427 invitations through Express Entry in 2026.

The Canadian Experience Class received the largest share of invitations this year, accounting for 43.6% of all invitations.

Changes In The Pool During The Two Weeks

Between August 16 and August 30, three Express Entry draws were held, with a total of 6,442 invitations issued.

Date Of Draw Round Type Invitations Issued CRS Score Of Lowest-Ranked Candidate
August 17 Provincial Nominee Program 442 760
August 18 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 523
August 19 French-Language proficiency 5,000 382

The August 18 draw had the highest CRS cutoff recorded for a Canadian Experience Class draw in 2026.

Despite more than 6,000 invitations being issued during the period, the overall pool declined by only 186 profiles. This shows that new candidates continued to enter the pool while other candidates received invitations or left the pool for other reasons.

How Express Entry Works?

Express Entry is Canada’s main system for managing applications from skilled workers seeking permanent residence outside Quebec.

To enter the Express Entry pool, a candidate must qualify for at least one of the following economic immigration programs:

Candidates receive a CRS score based on factors such as age, education, language ability and work experience.

Canada then holds invitation rounds to select candidates from the pool. The type of draw and the number of invitations issued can affect the CRS score needed to receive an invitation.

Canada also uses category-based selection. These draws focus on candidates who have skills or work experience linked to specific economic and labour needs.

There are currently 10 Express Entry categories, including French-language proficiency and occupations linked to healthcare and social services, education, transport and trades.

The CRS cutoffs can vary significantly between draw types. Healthcare and social services draws have recorded cutoffs between 467 and 475 points this year, while Canadian Experience Class draws have ranged from 507 to 523 points.

Candidates who receive an invitation have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application.

After approval, successful candidates receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence, which allows them to complete the final steps to become permanent residents of Canada.

The latest pool figures show that competition remains strong, especially among candidates with higher CRS scores. The rise in profiles above 500 points also means that candidates in this range continue to compete with a large group of other high-scoring applicants.

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.