August 2025 Express Entry Update: Surge in High-Scoring Candidates Intensifies Competition
The Express Entry system has seen a significant shift in competition levels this month, especially for candidates in the higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score ranges. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, the number of candidates with CRS scores between 501 and 600 rose sharply by 2,817 profiles between July 20 and August 5, 2025.
This spike has intensified competition among top-ranking candidates, even as the overall Express Entry pool slightly decreased by 329 profiles.
What Changed in the Pool?
While the 501–600 range saw substantial growth, the 470–500 range experienced a noticeable decline.
- The 470–500 range saw 2,548 fewer profiles, with significant drops in:
- 471–480: down 905 profiles
- 481–490: down 1,051 profiles
- 491–500: down 592 profiles
The 601–1200 range — typically boosted by Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations — increased slightly by 28 candidates, suggesting a steady flow of PNP recipients.
Current Express Entry Pool Composition (as of August 5, 2025)
Out of 256,585 total profiles:
- Largest group: 351–400 range (20.89% of candidates)
- High-competition zone: 501–600 range (9.42% of candidates)
- Lowest group: 601–1200 range (0.09% of candidates)
Percentile Insights
The percentile data shows that candidates in the 501–600 CRS range are already in the top 10% of the pool, with intense competition for Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
Draws in July 2025
In July, IRCC conducted four Express Entry draws, inviting 7,558 candidates — 153 more ITAs than in June, despite having two fewer draws.
Breakdown:
- July 22, 2025: Healthcare & Social Services — 4,000 ITAs, cut-off 475
- July 21, 2025: PNP — 202 ITAs, cut-off 788
- July 8, 2025: CEC — 3,000 ITAs, cut-off 518
- July 7, 2025: PNP — 356 ITAs, cut-off 750
Notably, July saw the largest-ever Healthcare and Social Services draw and the lowest CRS cut-offs for both CEC and Healthcare draws in 2025 so far.
Year-to-Date ITA Trends
- April 2025: 1,246 ITAs
- May 2025: 2,511 ITAs
- June 2025: 7,405 ITAs
- July 2025: 7,558 ITAs
The Healthcare and Social Services category remains a top priority for IRCC in 2025, following its February announcement emphasizing targeted draws in this sector.
What This Means for Candidates
- High scorers (501–600) face stiffer competition than ever.
- Candidates in the 470–500 range may need to boost CRS scores through additional work experience, education, language improvements, or provincial nominations.
- Healthcare professionals remain in strong demand, benefiting from lower cut-offs and larger draw sizes.
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