Express Entry Pool Eases as Over 4600 of Top Scorers Drop Out

Canada’s Express Entry system has grown less competitive for the second month in a row. Thousands of candidates with very high scores no longer remain in the pool, giving others a better chance to move forward in the immigration process.

Since the beginning of the year, 4,672 profiles with scores between 501 and 600 have exited the Express Entry pool. This sharp drop followed a large draw held on January 7 under the Canadian Experience Class. That single round removed a major share of top-ranking profiles.

This change marks an even bigger drop than December, when 4,622 candidates from the same score range left the system.

Better Odds for Many Candidates

With fewer high scorers in the pool, candidates with lower scores now stand on stronger ground. As the mix of profiles changes, score cut-offs may fall in future draws. This shift improves chances for many people who once sat just below the usual selection line.

The system always invites the highest-ranked candidates first. Because of that rule, the exit of top scorers reduces pressure across the pool, even when more people enter overall.

Pool Grows, but Pressure Falls

Despite the sharp drop at the top, the total number of profiles actually increased. Between January 4 and January 19, the pool grew by 566 profiles, rising to 237,120 candidates.

Every score range below 500 saw modest growth. The 351–400 range added more than 750 profiles, while several middle ranges gained between 250 and 500 candidates each. Only the 501–600 group recorded a decline, and it stood out clearly from the rest.

The highest score band, from 601 to 1200, also saw a small rise, adding 118 profiles. Still, that group makes up less than one percent of the entire pool.

Where Candidates Now Stand

The updated figures also show how candidates rank against each other. Those scoring between 501 and 600 still fall within the top seven percent of the pool. Candidates with scores between 491 and 500 now rank roughly in the top 13 percent.

Mid-range scores, such as 431 to 470, now sit closer to the middle of the pool than before. This shift matters because even small changes at the top can ripple down and affect selection chances.

Lower score ranges continue to hold the largest share of candidates, especially those scoring between 351 and 400, who make up more than one-fifth of the total pool.

What This Means Going Forward

The recent changes suggest a calmer and more balanced Express Entry pool. While competition remains strong, the exit of many top scorers has opened space for others. If this pattern continues, future draws may bring welcome news for candidates who have waited longer for an invitation.