Canada’s Express Entry system has become more competitive than ever. The latest pool data, updated on November 9, 2025, reveals that over one in ten active candidates now hold CRS scores exceeding 500 points, a clear indication that stronger profiles are dominating the pool.
Despite a modest decline in the total number of applicants, the system continues to evolve with a growing presence of top-ranking and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
Also Read Over 11% of Express Entry Candidates Now Exceed 500 Points
Express Entry Pool Contracts as Top-Tier Profiles Multiply
Over a period of just two weeks, the total Express Entry pool size fell by 2,547 profiles, with the sharpest declines recorded among candidates in the 411–430 score range.
This contraction, however, was offset by a rise in higher-scoring applicants, particularly those within the 501–600 and 601–1,200 bands.
The 601–1,200 category, which mostly includes PNP nominees, more than doubled from 306 to 696 profiles, while the 501–600 band saw a gain of 417 candidates. This trend highlights the increasing importance of provincial nominations and stronger CRS profiles in determining eligibility for Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
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Current Breakdown of CRS Scores in the Express Entry Pool (as of November 9, 2025)
The following table outlines the current CRS score composition, along with changes recorded since October 26, 2025:
| CRS score range | Number of candidates | Change in number of profiles |
| 0–300 | 8,018 | −9 |
| 301–350 | 19,104 | −306 |
| 351–400 | 52,360 | −108 |
| 401–410 | 14,049 | +180 |
| 411–420 | 13,714 | −1,106 |
| 421–430 | 12,876 | −2,122 |
| 431–440 | 14,320 | −456 |
| 441–450 | 13,980 | −109 |
| 451–460 | 14,752 | −89 |
| 461–470 | 15,830 | +38 |
| 471–480 | 15,042 | +315 |
| 481–490 | 12,315 | +223 |
| 491–500 | 12,236 | +185 |
| 501–600 | 26,414 | +417 |
| 601–1,200 | 696 | +390 |
| Total | 245,706 | −2,547 |
While most score categories below 460 declined, modest increases were seen in the 401–410, 471–490, and 491–500 ranges. The most significant surge was at the top of the scale, where both 501–600 and 601–1,200 profiles rose sharply, showing that the competition is shifting upward.
How CRS Scores Compare Across Percentiles
A closer look at percentile data reveals how candidates rank against each other in the pool. As of November 9, 2025, the following CRS distribution shows what percentage of profiles fall into each score band.
| CRS score range | Number of candidates | Percentage | Percentile range |
| 0–300 | 8,018 | 3.26% | 0.00% – 3.26% |
| 301–350 | 19,104 | 7.78% | 3.26% – 11.04% |
| 351–400 | 52,360 | 21.31% | 11.04% – 32.35% |
| 401–410 | 14,049 | 5.72% | 32.35% – 38.07% |
| 411–420 | 13,714 | 5.58% | 38.07% – 43.65% |
| 421–430 | 12,876 | 5.24% | 43.65% – 48.89% |
| 431–440 | 14,320 | 5.83% | 48.89% – 54.72% |
| 441–450 | 13,980 | 5.69% | 54.72% – 60.41% |
| 451–460 | 14,752 | 6.00% | 60.41% – 66.41% |
| 461–470 | 15,830 | 6.44% | 66.41% – 72.85% |
| 471–480 | 15,042 | 6.12% | 72.85% – 78.97% |
| 481–490 | 12,315 | 5.01% | 78.97% – 83.99% |
| 491–500 | 12,236 | 4.98% | 83.99% – 88.97% |
| 501–600 | 26,414 | 10.75% | 88.97% – 99.72% |
| 601–1,200 | 696 | 0.28% | 99.72% – 100.00% |
This percentile breakdown illustrates that candidates with CRS scores above 500 now represent the top 11% of all applicants. Those exceeding 600 points, primarily PNP nominees, belong to the top 0.3% of the pool, reaffirming the advantage of provincial selection.
A Busy Month of Invitations: IRCC’s Latest Draw Activity
Between October 11 and November 11, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted six Express Entry draws, issuing a total of 10,861 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
These included both category-based and program-specific draws, targeting professionals across healthcare, French-language, PNP, and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) categories.
| Draw date | Draw type | ITAs issued | CRS cut-off score |
| October 14, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 345 | 778 |
| October 15, 2025 | Healthcare and social services | 2,500 | 472 |
| October 27, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 302 | 761 |
| October 28, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 533 |
| October 29, 2025 | French-language proficiency | 6,000 | 416 |
| November 10, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 714 | 738 |
The largest draw of the month occurred on October 29, when 6,000 French-speaking candidates were invited to apply. This reflects Canada’s ongoing initiative to promote Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Overall, IRCC issued 1,092 more invitations this month compared to the previous 30-day period, showing an upward trend in immigration activity.
Draw Patterns in the Previous 30 Days (September 11–October 11, 2025)
| Draw date | Draw type | ITAs issued | CRS cut-off score |
| September 15, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 228 | 746 |
| September 17, 2025 | Education | 2,500 | 462 |
| September 18, 2025 | Trades | 1,250 | 505 |
| September 29, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 291 | 855 |
| October 1, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| October 6, 2025 | French-language proficiency | 4,500 | 432 |
This earlier period also saw six draws, but with fewer ITAs – 9,769 in total. The consistent rise in invitations over consecutive months shows IRCC’s focus on maintaining a steady intake of skilled immigrants.
What the Numbers Indicate
The updated Express Entry data highlights a clear trend: higher competition and rising CRS averages.
More candidates are now achieving exceptional scores, often through a combination of advanced education, strong proficiency in English or French, and provincial nominations that add 600 points to their profiles.
Candidates aiming to improve their chances can focus on:
- Enhancing language test results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF);
- Securing Canadian education or job experience;
- Exploring PNP streams for a nomination boost.
Conclusion: A Smaller Pool, But Stronger Competitors
The Express Entry pool may have decreased in size slightly, but it has grown stronger in quality.
With a growing share of candidates above 500 CRS points and continued momentum in category-based draws, applicants will need to act strategically to stay competitive.
As IRCC continues to fine-tune its selection process to address Canada’s labour market needs, high-ranking profiles, particularly those with PNP nominations or strong language skills, are clearly leading the race for Canadian permanent residency.
