Express Entry Pool Becomes Tougher Despite Drop in Total Profiles
Fewer Candidates, But More Competition in Express Entry
The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as of October 26, 2025, reveals an interesting trend — the Express Entry pool has become more competitive despite a noticeable drop in the total number of profiles.
Compared to September 28, there are now 2,740 fewer active profiles in the pool. However, a significant increase has been observed in the number of candidates holding higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, particularly in the 501–600 score range, which grew by 1,466 profiles.
This shift highlights how more qualified and high-scoring applicants continue to dominate the pool, tightening competition for the next round of invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
Overall Distribution of CRS Scores in the Express Entry Pool
As of October 26, 2025, the Express Entry pool includes 248,253 active profiles. Despite the overall reduction, the pool is seeing a higher proportion of strong candidates.
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates | Change Since September 28 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–300 | 8,027 | -54 |
| 301–350 | 19,410 | -553 |
| 351–400 | 52,468 | -598 |
| 401–410 | 13,869 | +207 |
| 411–420 | 14,820 | -19 |
| 421–430 | 14,998 | +178 |
| 431–440 | 14,766 | -1,588 |
| 441–450 | 14,089 | -717 |
| 451–460 | 14,841 | -83 |
| 461–470 | 15,792 | +11 |
| 471–480 | 14,727 | -423 |
| 481–490 | 12,092 | -381 |
| 491–500 | 12,051 | -204 |
| 501–600 | 25,997 | +1,466 |
| 601–1200 | 306 | +18 |
| Total | 248,253 | -2,740 |
Key Observations:
- The highest growth occurred among candidates scoring between 501 and 600 points, indicating more competitive entries.
- There was a decline in mid-range scores (431–450), which suggests that either those candidates were invited in recent draws or have withdrawn.
- The overall pool size shrank, but higher CRS ranges became more populated — meaning quality over quantity now defines the pool.
Understanding Pool Competitiveness
Candidates can assess how their CRS scores rank compared to others in the pool using percentile distribution. For example, a score in the 501–600 range now places a candidate among the top 10% of all Express Entry profiles in Canada.
The 601–1200 range, which includes candidates with Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations, represents only 0.12% of the pool — a small yet powerful group virtually guaranteed invitations in each draw.
This indicates that Express Entry is evolving into a highly selective system, favoring those with stronger credentials, higher language scores, Canadian work experience, and additional adaptability factors.
October 2025: Express Entry Draw Summary
Throughout October 2025, IRCC conducted six Express Entry draws, issuing a total of 9,647 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). These draws included multiple categories, reflecting IRCC’s ongoing focus on specific skill groups and provincial alignment.
| Draw Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 1 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,000 | 534 |
| October 6 | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 432 |
| October 14 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 345 | 778 |
| October 15 | Healthcare and Social Services | 2,500 | 472 |
| October 27 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 302 | 761 |
| October 28 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,000 | 533 |
In total, IRCC issued nearly 10,000 ITAs in October, with the CEC and French-language draws dominating the month’s activity. The Healthcare and Social Services draw on October 15 was the first since August and reflects IRCC’s focus on essential occupations.
Trend Analysis: 2025 Overview
So far, October ranks as one of the most active months of the year for Express Entry, second only to September 2025, which saw 10,018 ITAs.
| Month | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| March 2025 | 13,261 |
| April 2025 | 1,246 |
| May 2025 | 2,511 |
| June 2025 | 7,405 |
| July 2025 | 7,558 |
| August 2025 | 6,417 |
| September 2025 | 10,018 |
| October 2025 | 9,647 |
The consistent draw pattern signals that IRCC is maintaining its monthly pace of invitations while shifting focus to higher-skilled and occupation-based categories under its targeted immigration strategy.
What This Means for Candidates
The current data suggests that competition within the Express Entry pool is intensifying, even as the total number of candidates drops.
Applicants aiming for permanent residence through Express Entry must now focus on boosting their CRS scores through steps such as:
- Enhancing language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
- Gaining Canadian work experience or securing a valid job offer
- Pursuing higher education or credentials recognized in Canada
- Exploring PNP nomination options to gain an additional 600 CRS points
With IRCC’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan set to be unveiled soon, applicants should remain proactive and ready for upcoming draws.
In Summary
- Total Express Entry profiles: 248,253
- Drop in overall profiles: 2,740
- Growth in 501–600 score range: +1,466
- Total ITAs issued in October 2025: 9,647
- Strongest focus: CEC, French, and Healthcare categories
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