September 15, 2026

Canada has released its latest snapshot of the Express Entry candidate pool, providing applicants with a clearer picture of how Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores are currently distributed among candidates waiting for an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

The latest data, covering the Express Entry pool as of September 13, 2026, shows that the pool contained 226,793 candidate profiles.

While the overall pool increased by only 120 profiles compared with the previous snapshot from August 30, there were significant changes within individual CRS score ranges.

Significant increase in candidates with CRS scores above 500

One of the most notable changes was the increase in candidates in the 501–600 CRS range.

As of September 13, there were 20,784 candidates in this range, compared with 19,542 on August 30 — an increase of 1,242 profiles.

The number of candidates in the 601–1,200 range also increased slightly, from 559 to 574.

Combined, there were 21,358 candidates with CRS scores above 500 in the September 13 pool.

This represents approximately 9.4% of the entire Express Entry pool.

At the same time, the number of candidates in several score ranges below 500 declined.

The 471–480 range decreased by 876 profiles, while the 481–490 range declined by 847. The 491–500 range also decreased by 362 candidates.

How is the Express Entry pool distributed?

According to the September 13 data, the largest group of candidates was in the 351–400 CRS range, containing 46,782 profiles.

The distribution was:

CRS score range	Candidates
0–300	7,746
301–350	17,240
351–400	46,782
401–410	11,033
411–420	11,506
421–430	12,064
431–440	13,300
441–450	13,657
451–460	14,823
461–470	16,163
471–480	16,105
481–490	12,426
491–500	12,590
501–600	20,784
601–1,200	574
Total	226,793

The figures demonstrate that the Express Entry pool remains concentrated across a wide range of CRS scores rather than being dominated by candidates in a single score bracket.

Recent Express Entry draws have removed thousands of candidates

The changes in the pool occurred alongside several Express Entry invitation rounds.

Between August 30 and September 13, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted four draws and issued a combined 6,291 invitations to apply (ITAs).

These included:

• August 31: Provincial Nominee Program — 562 ITAs, CRS 697
• September 1: Canadian Experience Class — 2,000 ITAs, CRS 521
• September 3: Physicians with Canadian Work Experience — 229 ITAs, CRS 198
• September 4: Healthcare and Social Services — 3,500 ITAs, CRS 475

The September 4 Healthcare and Social Services draw is particularly notable because its CRS cutoff was substantially below the recent Canadian Experience Class cutoffs.

Two additional draws took place after the September 13 snapshot

The September 13 candidate distribution does not include two subsequent Express Entry draws held on September 14 and September 15.

On September 14, IRCC invited 576 provincial nominees, with a minimum CRS score of 734.

On September 15, IRCC issued another 2,000 invitations through the Canadian Experience Class, with a minimum CRS score of 519.

Following these two draws, IRCC had issued 128,732 Express Entry ITAs during 2026, according to the latest available figures.

Because the September 13 pool snapshot predates these two draws, the composition of the current pool will change as IRCC updates its candidate data.

Category-based selection remains important

Express Entry is not limited to general draws.

IRCC can conduct category-based selection rounds targeting candidates who meet specific economic or labour-market priorities. Candidates must still qualify for one of the economic immigration programs managed through Express Entry.

These include:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System, which considers factors including age, education, official-language proficiency and Canadian and foreign work experience.

Category-based draws can produce different CRS cutoffs from Canadian Experience Class or other general invitation rounds.

For example, in 2026, Healthcare and Social Services draws have had CRS cutoffs in the 467–475 range, while Canadian Experience Class draws have ranged from 507 to 523 according to the latest reported results.

What does the latest data mean for Express Entry candidates?

The latest figures reinforce an important point for prospective permanent residents: there is no single CRS score that guarantees an invitation through Express Entry.

The score required can vary depending on the type of draw, the number of invitations issued, the number and characteristics of candidates in the pool, and the category being targeted.

Candidates should therefore assess more than their CRS score alone.

Factors such as eligibility for a category-based draw, Canadian work experience, language results, education, provincial nomination opportunities and other immigration pathways may all be relevant when developing a permanent residence strategy.

IRCC also continues to conduct Express Entry rounds approximately every two weeks, although the timing, draw type, number of invitations and CRS cutoff can vary.

Method Immigration

For individuals considering Express Entry, understanding the current CRS environment is only one part of the process.

A candidate’s eligibility, CRS calculation, work experience, language results, education and potential category-based or provincial pathways should be reviewed together before deciding on an immigration strategy.

Method Immigration provides Canadian immigration consulting services to help individuals and families assess their options and prepare their applications.

If you are considering Express Entry and want to understand how your profile may fit within Canada’s current economic immigration programs, contact Method Immigration to discuss your options.