Rising Competition in Express Entry Pool as Top-Scoring Profiles Increase
Between August 17 and September 28, 2025, Canada’s Express Entry pool became significantly more competitive. While the total number of candidate profiles fell by 3,120, the share of top-scoring candidates grew sharply.
- Profiles in the 501–600 range increased by 1,601.
- Profiles in the 601–1,200 range increased by 100.
- Meanwhile, mid-level ranges (451–480) saw major declines.
This shift means candidates now face tougher competition when waiting for Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
Current CRS Score Distribution (as of September 28, 2025)
| CRS Score Range | Candidates | Change Since Aug 17 | % of Pool | Percentile Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–300 | 8,081 | -98 | 3.22% | 0.00% – 3.22% |
| 301–350 | 19,963 | -461 | 7.95% | 3.22% – 11.17% |
| 351–400 | 53,066 | -395 | 21.14% | 11.17% – 32.32% |
| 401–410 | 13,662 | +207 | 5.44% | 32.32% – 37.76% |
| 411–420 | 14,839 | +351 | 5.91% | 37.76% – 43.67% |
| 421–430 | 14,820 | +181 | 5.90% | 43.67% – 49.58% |
| 431–440 | 16,354 | +132 | 6.52% | 49.58% – 56.09% |
| 441–450 | 14,806 | -310 | 5.90% | 56.09% – 61.99% |
| 451–460 | 14,924 | -955 | 5.95% | 61.99% – 67.94% |
| 461–470 | 15,781 | -1,558 | 6.29% | 67.94% – 74.22% |
| 471–480 | 15,150 | -1,885 | 6.04% | 74.22% – 80.26% |
| 481–490 | 12,473 | +124 | 4.97% | 80.26% – 85.23% |
| 491–500 | 12,255 | -154 | 4.88% | 85.23% – 90.11% |
| 501–600 | 24,531 | +1,601 | 9.77% | 90.11% – 99.89% |
| 601–1,200 | 288 | +100 | 0.11% | 99.89% – 100.00% |
| Total | 250,993 | -3,120 | 100% | — |
Key insight: The drop in mid-range CRS scores (451–480) and surge in top scores means cut-offs are unlikely to fall anytime soon.
September 2025 Express Entry Draws
Canada’s immigration department, IRCC, issued a total of 10,018 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in September 2025.
Breakdown of Draws in September 2025
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 249 | 772 |
| Sept 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| Sept 4 | French-Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 446 |
| Sept 15 | Provincial Nominee Program | 228 | 746 |
| Sept 17 | Education Category | 2,500 | 462 |
| Sept 18 | Trades Category | 1,250 | 505 |
| Sept 29 | Provincial Nominee Program | 291 | 855 |
Key Observations:
- Record activity: September’s 10,018 ITAs made it the third-highest month of 2025.
- Category-based draws rising: Education, French, and Trades categories all saw action.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Reached one of its highest cut-offs since 2018 (855 CRS on Sept 29).
- French-language draws: Largest contributor with 4,500 ITAs.
ITAs Issued per Month in 2025
| Month | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| January | 5,821 |
| February | 11,601 |
| March | 13,261 |
| April | 1,246 |
| May | 2,511 |
| June | 7,405 |
| July | 7,558 |
| August | 6,417 |
| September | 10,018 |
September 2025 issued 3,601 more ITAs than August—a strong sign that IRCC is accelerating invitations toward year-end.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
