Canada’s Express Entry system is entering a noticeably less crowded phase after weeks of aggressive invitation activity by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Recent pool data confirms that thousands of top-ranking candidates have exited the system, reducing pressure in the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score ranges and reshaping overall competition.
The shift reflects IRCC’s strategy of issuing frequent and high-volume draws across multiple immigration categories, accelerating permanent residence pathways for skilled workers already well-positioned in the pool.
Also Read Express Entry Pool Shows Clear Signs of Relief After Heavy Invitation Rounds
Sharp Drop in High CRS Profiles Signals Changing Dynamics
Over the last month, Express Entry has seen a pronounced decline in candidates scoring above 500 CRS points. Nearly 5,000 profiles in the 501–1200 range have disappeared, representing one of the steepest short-term reductions seen this year.
Altogether, 8,404 profiles were removed from the pool, primarily driven by invitations issued through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), French-language proficiency, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and healthcare-focused draws. The largest single reduction occurred in the 501–600 CRS band, where more than 4,600 candidates exited the pool.
This activity has brought the total number of Express Entry candidates down to 237,302, the smallest pool size recorded since early spring 2025.
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Express Entry Pool Breakdown After Recent Draws
The following table illustrates the current distribution of CRS scores across the pool and compares these figures to the previous data snapshot from November 9, 2025.
CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool
| CRS score range | Number of candidates as of December 14 | Change in number of profiles as of November 9 |
| 0–300 | 8,069 | 51 |
| 301–350 | 18,829 | -275 |
| 351–400 | 52,574 | 214 |
| 401–410 | 13,595 | -454 |
| 411–420 | 12,367 | -1,347 |
| 421–430 | 12,750 | -126 |
| 431–440 | 14,244 | -76 |
| 441–450 | 13,992 | 12 |
| 451–460 | 14,842 | 90 |
| 461–470 | 14,535 | -1,295 |
| 471–480 | 14,859 | -183 |
| 481–490 | 12,149 | -166 |
| 491–500 | 12,315 | 79 |
| 501–600 | 21,792 | -4,622 |
| 601–1,200 | 390 | -306 |
| Total | 237,302 | -8,404 |
CRS Bands Most Affected by Recent Invitations
Three CRS ranges accounted for the overwhelming majority of departures from the pool:
- 501–600
- 461–470
- 411–420
Together, these ranges made up 86% of all removed profiles over the month. The scale of decline suggests that IRCC’s draw strategy has deliberately focused on candidates already near or above recent cut-off thresholds, helping to prevent prolonged congestion at the top of the pool.
Where Do You Rank in the Current Express Entry Pool?
Understanding relative position is just as important as knowing your CRS score. The table below outlines the proportion of candidates within each CRS range and shows how each band ranks in percentile terms.
A higher percentile indicates fewer candidates scoring above that range, translating into stronger chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
CRS Percentile Ranking of Express Entry Candidates
| CRS score range | Number of candidates | Percentage | Percentile range |
| 0–300 | 8,069 | 3.40% | 0.00% – 3.40% |
| 301–350 | 18,829 | 7.93% | 3.40% – 11.33% |
| 351–400 | 52,574 | 22.15% | 11.33% – 33.49% |
| 401–410 | 13,595 | 5.73% | 33.49% – 39.22% |
| 411–420 | 12,367 | 5.21% | 39.22% – 44.43% |
| 421–430 | 12,750 | 5.37% | 44.43% – 49.80% |
| 431–440 | 14,244 | 6.00% | 49.80% – 55.81% |
| 441–450 | 13,992 | 5.90% | 55.81% – 61.70% |
| 451–460 | 14,842 | 6.25% | 61.70% – 67.96% |
| 461–470 | 14,535 | 6.13% | 67.96% – 74.08% |
| 471–480 | 14,859 | 6.26% | 74.08% – 80.34% |
| 481–490 | 12,149 | 5.12% | 80.34% – 85.46% |
| 491–500 | 12,315 | 5.19% | 85.46% – 90.65% |
| 501–600 | 21,792 | 9.18% | 90.65% – 99.84% |
| 601–1200 | 390 | 0.16% | 99.84% – 100.00% |
One of the Busiest Invitation Periods of 2025
Between November 9 and December 17, 2025, IRCC conducted 12 Express Entry draws, issuing a combined 32,513 Invitations to Apply. The diversity of draw types ensured opportunities for candidates across multiple immigration streams.
Express Entry Draw History (Nov–Dec 2025)
| Date | Round type | Invitations issued | CRS cut-off score |
| December 17, 2025 | French language proficiency | 6,000 | 399 |
| December 16, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 5,000 | 515 |
| December 15, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 399 | 731 |
| December 11, 2025 | Healthcare and social services occupations | 1,000 | 476 |
| December 10, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,000 | 520 |
| December 8, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,123 | 729 |
| November 28, 2025 | French language proficiency | 6,000 | 408 |
| November 26, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 531 |
| November 25, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 777 | 699 |
| November 14, 2025 | Healthcare and social services occupations | 3,500 | 462 |
| November 12, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 533 |
| November 10, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 714 | 738 |
What the Latest Trends Suggest
Recent draw patterns show IRCC prioritizing:
- Candidates with Canadian work experience
- French-speaking applicants
- Healthcare and social service professionals
- Provincial nominees filling urgent regional labour needs
The consistently lower CRS cut-offs in French-language and occupation-based draws indicate expanding opportunities beyond traditionally high-scoring profiles.
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Strategic Takeaway for Express Entry Candidates
With fewer top-tier CRS profiles competing in the pool, candidates in the mid-400 to low-500 score range may see improved prospects in the coming months. Optimizing CRS scores, targeting category-based eligibility, and exploring provincial nominations could significantly increase selection chances.
Universal Adviser can help you apply, assess your Express Entry competitiveness, and identify the most effective pathway to Canadian permanent residence based on your profile.
