Express Entry Pool Becomes More Competitive Despite Fewer Profiles
Canada’s Express Entry pool has grown more competitive even
as the total number of candidate profiles has dropped. As of October 26,
2025, the pool contained 248,253 profiles, representing a decrease
of 2,740 profiles compared to September 28, 2025.
Fewer Candidates, Higher Scores
Although the number of profiles declined overall, there was
a noticeable increase in candidates with higher Comprehensive Ranking System
(CRS) scores.
- The
501 to 600 CRS range saw an increase of one thousand four
hundred sixty-six profiles.
- The
601 to 1,200 range grew by eighteen profiles.
These gains indicate that the Express Entry pool is now
dominated by candidates with stronger profiles and competitive scores, even as
the total number of applicants dropped.
The most significant decline occurred among candidates with
scores between 431 and 450, a range that previously represented a large
portion of the pool.
Current CRS Score Distribution (as of October
26, 2025)
|
CRS Score Range |
Number of Candidates |
Change Since September 28 |
|
0–300 |
8,027 |
minus fifty-four |
|
301–350 |
19,410 |
minus five hundred fifty-three |
|
351–400 |
52,468 |
minus five hundred ninety-eight |
|
401–410 |
13,869 |
plus two hundred seven |
|
411–420 |
14,820 |
minus nineteen |
|
421–430 |
14,998 |
plus one hundred seventy-eight |
|
431–440 |
14,766 |
minus one thousand five hundred eighty-eight |
|
441–450 |
14,089 |
minus seven hundred seventeen |
|
451–460 |
14,841 |
minus eighty-three |
|
461–470 |
15,792 |
plus eleven |
|
471–480 |
14,727 |
minus four hundred twenty-three |
|
481–490 |
12,092 |
minus three hundred eighty-one |
|
491–500 |
12,051 |
minus two hundred four |
|
501–600 |
25,997 |
plus one thousand four hundred sixty-six |
|
601–1,200 |
306 |
plus eighteen |
|
Total |
248,253 |
minus two thousand seven hundred forty |
Key Insights
- Most
score ranges saw a decline in candidate numbers.
- The
only increases were seen in the 401–410, 421–430, 461–470,
and 501–1,200 ranges.
- Candidates
scoring above 500 CRS now represent a significant share of the
pool, indicating growing competitiveness.
How CRS Scores Compare Across the Pool
|
CRS Range |
Percentage of Candidates |
Percentile Range |
|
0–300 |
3.23% |
0.00–3.23% |
|
301–350 |
7.82% |
3.23–11.05% |
|
351–400 |
21.13% |
11.05–32.19% |
|
401–410 |
5.59% |
32.19–37.77% |
|
411–420 |
5.97% |
37.77–43.74% |
|
421–430 |
6.04% |
43.74–49.78% |
|
431–440 |
5.95% |
49.78–55.73% |
|
441–450 |
5.68% |
55.73–61.41% |
|
451–460 |
5.98% |
61.41–67.39% |
|
461–470 |
6.36% |
67.39–73.75% |
|
471–480 |
5.93% |
73.75–79.68% |
|
481–490 |
4.87% |
79.68–84.55% |
|
491–500 |
4.85% |
84.55–89.40% |
|
501–600 |
10.47% |
89.40–99.88% |
|
601–1,200 |
0.12% |
99.88–100.00% |
These figures show that more than ten percent of all Express Entry
profiles now fall within the 501 to 600 CRS range — making this one of
the most competitive brackets in 2025.
Express Entry Draws in October 2025
During October 2025, Immigration, Refugees and
Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held multiple Express Entry draws, issuing a total of
9,647 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across different categories.
|
Draw Date |
Draw Type |
ITAs Issued |
CRS Cut-Off |
|
October 1 |
Canadian Experience Class |
1,000 |
534 |
|
October 6 |
French-Language Proficiency |
4,500 |
432 |
|
October 14 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
345 |
778 |
|
October 15 |
Healthcare and Social Services |
2,500 |
472 |
|
October 27 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
302 |
761 |
|
October 28 |
Canadian Experience Class |
1,000 |
533 |
October featured:
- Two
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws
- Two
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws
- One
French-language proficiency draw
- One
Healthcare and social services draw
The October 15 draw was the first healthcare-focused
draw since August 2025.
Although October had one fewer draw compared to September, it still
recorded one of the highest ITA totals since March 2025, reflecting
continued demand for skilled immigration.
Monthly ITA Issuances in 2025
|
Month |
Total ITAs Issued |
|
March |
13,261 |
|
April |
1,246 |
|
May |
2,511 |
|
June |
7,405 |
|
July |
7,558 |
|
August |
6,417 |
|
September |
10,018 |
|
October |
9,647 |
Final Takeaway
Even though the total number of candidates in the Express
Entry pool has declined, competition is clearly increasing. The sharp rise in
candidates with CRS scores above five hundred highlights that the selection
process is becoming more challenging. Candidates planning to enter or update
their profiles should focus on improving their CRS scores through language
tests, educational upgrades, or provincial nominations to stay competitive in
upcoming draws.
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asdasd 28 Oct 2025
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