Canada Releases Latest Data on Express Entry Candidate Scores

Canada’s Express Entry pool experienced a modest increase between August 30 and September 13, 2026, according to the latest data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

During this two-week period, the number of profiles in the pool increased by 120 candidates. However, the composition of the pool changed significantly, with fewer candidates in the mid-to-high score ranges and a noticeable rise among top-scoring profiles.

The number of candidates with CRS scores between 471 and 500 dropped by 2,085, while profiles with scores between 501 and 600 increased by 1,242. Overall, the number of candidates with the highest scores rose from 20,101 to 21,358.

CRS Score Distribution Shows Changing Competition

As of September 13, the Express Entry pool contained 226,793 candidates, compared with 226,673 candidates on August 30.

The largest group remained candidates with CRS scores between 351 and 400, with 46,782 profiles. This group represented more than 20% of the total pool.

Other significant score groups included candidates with scores between 461 and 470, with 16,163 profiles, and those between 471 and 480, with 16,105 profiles.

The 501–600 score range recorded one of the biggest increases, reaching 20,784 candidates. This category represents some of the strongest profiles in the Express Entry system.

Meanwhile, the 471–480 range decreased by 876 candidates, the 481–490 range dropped by 847 candidates, and the 491–500 range declined by 362 candidates.

Recent Draws Influenced Pool Changes

The changes in the Express Entry pool followed four draws held between August 30 and September 13. During this period, IRCC issued invitations to 6,291 candidates.

The draws included a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) round on August 31, which issued 562 invitations with a minimum CRS score of 697.

On September 1, a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw invited 2,000 candidates, with the lowest-ranked candidate scoring 521.

IRCC also conducted category-based draws, including a draw for physicians with Canadian work experience and another for healthcare and social services candidates. The healthcare and social services draw issued 3,500 invitations with a CRS cutoff of 475.

Following these draws, IRCC issued additional invitations on September 14 and 15, bringing the total number of invitations issued in 2026 to 128,732.

How Express Entry Works

Express Entry is Canada’s main immigration system for managing applications from skilled workers seeking permanent residence outside Quebec.

Candidates must qualify for at least one of three economic immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Eligible candidates receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience.

IRCC regularly conducts draws to invite candidates with competitive scores to apply for permanent residence. The department also uses category-based selections to target candidates in areas linked to economic and labour market needs.

Category-Based Draws Continue to Affect CRS Trends

Category-based selections have created different score patterns compared with regular Express Entry draws.

In 2026, healthcare and social services draws have seen CRS cutoffs between 467 and 475, while Canadian Experience Class draws have generally required higher scores, ranging from 507 to 523.

Candidates who receive an invitation have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application.

Express Entry applications have historically taken about six months to process, while some Provincial Nominee Program applications may take longer.