Canada has released updated data on the distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool
providing insight into how competitive the system remains for foreign nationals seeking permanent residence. According to data published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Express Entry pool increased by 120 profiles between August 30 and September 13, 2026.
The latest figures offer prospective immigrants a snapshot of the competition within Canada’s federal skilled immigration system.
Express Entry Pool Increases by 120 Candidates
IRCC’s latest data shows that the Express Entry pool contained 226,793 candidate profiles as of September 13, 2026, compared with 226,673 profiles on August 30. This represents a net increase of 120 profiles over the two-week period.
Latest Express Entry Draw Results
Despite the modest overall increase, the distribution of candidates across different CRS score ranges changed considerably. The number of candidates in the 501–600 score range increased by 1,242, while the number of profiles in the 471–500 range declined by 2,085. The number of candidates with scores between 601 and 1,200 also increased slightly.
Express Entry CRS Score Distribution as of September 13, 2026
|
CRS Score Range |
September 13 |
August 30 |
Change |
|
0–300 |
7,746 |
7,735 |
+11 |
|
301–350 |
17,240 |
17,495 |
-255 |
|
351–400 |
46,782 |
46,824 |
-42 |
|
401–410 |
11,033 |
10,723 |
+310 |
|
411–420 |
11,506 |
11,183 |
+323 |
|
421–430 |
12,064 |
11,811 |
+253 |
|
431–440 |
13,300 |
13,233 |
+67 |
|
441–450 |
13,657 |
13,463 |
+194 |
|
451–460 |
14,823 |
14,800 |
+23 |
|
461–470 |
16,163 |
16,099 |
+64 |
|
471–480 |
16,105 |
16,981 |
-876 |
|
481–490 |
12,426 |
13,273 |
-847 |
|
491–500 |
12,590 |
12,952 |
-362 |
|
501–600 |
20,784 |
19,542 |
+1,242 |
|
601–1,200 |
574 |
559 |
+15 |
|
Total |
226,793 |
226,673 |
+120 |
The largest increase occurred in the 501–600 CRS score range, while the largest decline was recorded among candidates scoring between 471 and 480. These changes reflect movement within the candidate pool and the effects of invitations issued during the period.
How Competitive Is the Express Entry Pool?
The CRS score distribution provides an overview of how candidates are positioned relative to others in the pool. As of September 13, 2026, the largest group of candidates was in the 351–400 CRS range, with 46,782 profiles.
A further 20,784 candidates were in the 501–600 range, while 574 candidates had scores between 601 and 1,200. The following table shows the cumulative distribution and percentile ranges for candidates in the pool.
|
CRS Score Range |
Candidates |
Cumulative Candidates |
Percentile Range |
|
0–300 |
7,746 |
7,746 |
0.00%–3.42% |
|
301–350 |
17,240 |
24,986 |
3.42%–11.02% |
|
351–400 |
46,782 |
71,768 |
11.02%–31.64% |
|
401–410 |
11,033 |
82,801 |
31.64%–36.51% |
|
411–420 |
11,506 |
94,307 |
36.51%–41.58% |
|
421–430 |
12,064 |
106,371 |
41.58%–46.90% |
|
431–440 |
13,300 |
119,671 |
46.90%–52.77% |
|
441–450 |
13,657 |
133,328 |
52.77%–58.79% |
|
451–460 |
14,823 |
148,151 |
58.79%–65.32% |
|
461–470 |
16,163 |
164,314 |
65.32%–72.45% |
|
471–480 |
16,105 |
180,419 |
72.45%–79.55% |
The percentile ranges indicate the approximate position of candidates within the overall pool. They help illustrate how CRS scores are distributed, but they do not represent an invitation threshold or guarantee of selection.
Express Entry Draws Conducted Between August 30 and September 13
IRCC conducted four Express Entry draws between August 30 and September 13, 2026, issuing a combined 6,291 invitations to apply for permanent residence.
|
Draw Date |
Draw Category |
Invitations Issued |
Minimum CRS Score |
|
August 31, 2026 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
562 |
697 |
|
September 1, 2026 |
Canadian Experience Class |
2,000 |
521 |
|
September 3, 2026 |
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience |
229 |
198 |
|
September 4, 2026 |
Healthcare and Social Services |
3,500 |
475 |
|
Total |
6,291 |
The August 31 draw recorded the lowest Provincial Nominee Program cut-off score of 2026 at that time. The September 1 Canadian Experience Class draw had a minimum CRS score of 521, while the September 4 healthcare and social services draw issued 3,500 invitations to eligible candidates. The number of invitations issued in these rounds helps explain changes in the pool, although new profiles entering the system and candidates improving their scores can also affect the distribution.
Express Entry Draws After the September 13 Pool Snapshot
The September 13 data does not include the effects of Express Entry draws conducted on September 14 and September 15.
|
Draw Date |
Draw Category |
Invitations Issued |
Minimum CRS Score |
|
September 14, 2026 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
576 |
734 |
|
September 15, 2026 |
Canadian Experience Class |
2,000 |
519 |
|
Total |
2,576 |
Following these draws, IRCC had issued 128,732 invitations to apply through Express Entry during 2026. Candidates should remember that invitations issued after a pool snapshot are not reflected in that snapshot’s candidate distribution.
What Is the Comprehensive Ranking System?
The Comprehensive Ranking System is the points-based system used by IRCC to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Candidates receive CRS points based on several factors, including:
- Age
- Education
- English or French language proficiency
- Skilled work experience
- Canadian work experience
- Spouse or partner factors, where applicable
- Additional points for factors such as provincial nomination
The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points. IRCC conducts different types of Express Entry draws, including general and program-specific rounds, as well as category-based selection rounds. The minimum CRS score required to receive an invitation varies from one draw to another depending on the draw category, number of invitations, and the scores of candidates in the pool.
How Can Candidates Improve Their Express Entry CRS Score?
Candidates who are eligible for Express Entry may explore different ways to improve their CRS score, depending on their individual circumstances.
Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment
Candidates with foreign education may need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to establish the Canadian equivalency of their qualifications for applicable immigration purposes. An ECA may also help determine the education-related CRS points available to a candidate.
Explore Provincial Nominee Programs
Provincial nomination can add 600 CRS points to an eligible Express Entry profile through an enhanced PNP stream. Candidates should review the eligibility requirements and selection criteria of individual provinces and territories.
Review Canadian Work Experience Options
Eligible Canadian work experience may contribute to CRS points and can also help candidates qualify for certain immigration programs, including the Canadian Experience Class. Applicants should ensure that their work experience meets the relevant program definitions and requirements.
What the Latest Express Entry Data Means for Applicants
The latest pool distribution shows that the number of candidates in different CRS score ranges can change even when the overall pool remains relatively stable. The decline in the 471–500 score range and the increase in the 501–600 range demonstrate that the distribution of candidates is not static.
However, a change in the number of candidates within a particular score range does not necessarily predict the cut-off score of a future draw. Candidates should monitor official IRCC announcements, maintain accurate Express Entry profiles, and review available immigration pathways based on their qualifications and circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- Canada’s Express Entry pool contained 226,793 profiles as of September 13, 2026.
- The pool increased by 120 profiles compared with August 30.
- The 501–600 CRS score range increased by 1,242 candidates.
- The 471–500 CRS score range declined by 2,085 candidates.
- IRCC issued 6,291 invitations across four draws between August 30 and September 13.
- Two subsequent draws on September 14 and 15 issued another 2,576 invitations.
- IRCC had issued 128,732 Express Entry invitations during 2026 following the September 15 draw.
- CRS score distributions provide a snapshot of the pool but do not guarantee future invitation cut-offs.
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Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration programs, processing times, eligibility requirements, and application procedures may change without notice. Readers should consult official Government of Canada resources or seek professional immigration advice before making any immigration decisions.
