Express Entry: August 2025 Draws See Tougher Competition for Candidates

The latest data shows that Express Entry candidates scoring between 501 and 600 now face tougher competition. From July 20 to August 5, the number of candidates in this range increased by 2,817. At the same time, the total candidate pool dropped slightly by 329 profiles. Most of this drop came from candidates scoring between 470 and 500, which lost 2,548 profiles.

Current Pool Breakdown

As of August 5, 2025, the Express Entry pool includes 256,585 candidates with different CRS scores. Here’s a quick look at the number of candidates in key score ranges:

• Scores 0–300: 8,225 candidates
  
• Scores 301–350: 20,534 candidates
  
• Scores 351–400: 53,590 candidates
  
• Scores 401–410: 13,388 candidates
  
• Scores 501–600: 24,165 candidates
  

Candidates with scores above 600 are very few, just 228 profiles.

Score Range Changes

Between July 20 and August 5, some score groups saw growth, while others shrank:

• The 501–600 group grew by 2,817 candidates.
  
• The 471–480 group dropped by 905 candidates.
  
• The 481–490 group dropped by 1,051 candidates.
  
• Scores below 350 also saw decreases.
  

Where Does Your Score Stand?

Understanding your CRS score’s position in the pool helps you see your chances. The 501–600 range holds about 9.4% of all candidates. This group ranks between the 90th and 99.9th percentile, meaning these candidates rank very high among others.

Most candidates fall between 351 and 500 points, covering over 50% of the pool. Only a small number have scores above 600.

Important Express Entry Draws in July

July saw several Express Entry draws across different categories:

• On July 22, a draw for healthcare and social services workers invited 4,000 candidates with a cut-off score of 475.
  
• The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) held two draws, inviting 202 and 356 candidates with scores of 788 and 750 respectively.
  
• The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) drew 3,000 candidates on July 8 with a cut-off of 518.
  

IRCC issued 7,558 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in July, slightly more than June’s 7,405 ITAs. July’s number was higher than in April and May too. This boost came mainly from the large CEC draw and the biggest healthcare draw ever.

Lower Cut-Off Scores

July’s draws had the lowest CRS cut-off scores seen this year for CEC and healthcare categories. This made it easier for candidates in these groups to get invitations.

Focus on Healthcare and Social Services

IRCC has prioritized healthcare and social services for immigration in 2025. It held three draws targeting these workers in recent months, showing the ongoing demand for this sector.

Summary

So far in 2025, IRCC issued nearly 50,000 ITAs through Express Entry. The candidate pool shows a shift, with more profiles in the 501-600 score range. This means competition is growing for those higher scores. Candidates should check their CRS scores and stay updated on draws to improve their chances.