Express Entry Update: CRS Competition Drops, Opportunities Rise
Express Entry Competition Drops as High-Scoring Profiles Exit the Pool
If you’ve been keeping an eye on Canada’s Express Entry system, you might have noticed things are shifting — and for the better, if you’re looking to improve your ranking. Over the past month, we’ve seen a noticeable dip in the number of high-scoring candidates in the pool. That means less competition and potentially more opportunities for candidates with mid to high CRS scores.
Let’s break down what’s happening in the Express Entry pool, how CRS score distributions are changing, and what recent draws mean for your immigration prospects.
Key Highlights
- The number of top-scoring Express Entry profiles (501–1200 CRS) dropped by 18.2% in one month.
- IRCC removed 8,404 profiles from the pool — over half from the 501–600 range.
- The Express Entry pool now holds 237,302 candidates — the lowest total since March 2025.
- Recent draws focused on Canadian Experience Class (CEC), French-speaking candidates, and healthcare professionals.
- CRS cut-off scores dropped as low as 399 for some targeted draws.
- Understanding your percentile rank can help you evaluate your competitiveness within the pool.
What’s Going On in the Express Entry Pool?
In recent weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been busy inviting candidates through frequent and targeted Express Entry draws. As a result, the number of candidates in the highest CRS ranges — especially between 501 and 600 points — has dropped significantly.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the key changes as of December 14, 2025:
- 4,928 fewer candidates in the 501–1200 CRS range — an 18.2% decline.
- 8,404 total profiles removed from the pool this month.
- 237,302 total candidates remaining — the lowest since March 2025.
Most of the draw activity targeted profiles within three main CRS score ranges (501–600, 461–470, and 411–420), which together made up 86% of the total profile removals. This indicates that specific draw types — such as those focused on the Canadian Experience Class or in-demand occupations — were responsible for trimming down the competition in these score bands.
Where Does Your CRS Score Stand in the Pool?
Understanding your position in the Express Entry pool can give you a clearer picture of your chances. Let’s say you’re sitting at a CRS score of 470. Where does that put you?
According to the most recent data, a score of 470 places you roughly between the 67th and 74th percentile. That means you rank higher than about 67% of the entire pool — not bad!
Here’s a quick look at where different CRS score bands fall in terms of percentile rankings:
| CRS Score Range | % of Candidates | Percentile Range |
|---|---|---|
| 451–460 | 6.25% | 61.70% – 67.96% |
| 461–470 | 6.13% | 67.96% – 74.08% |
| 471–480 | 6.26% | 74.08% – 80.34% |
| 481–490 | 5.12% | 80.34% – 85.46% |
| 491–500 | 5.19% | 85.46% – 90.65% |
| 501–600 | 9.18% | 90.65% – 99.84% |
So, if you’re not quite in the top 10% yet, don’t worry. The data shows a healthy distribution of candidates across many score bands, and with frequent draws, your turn may be coming soon.
Recent Express Entry Draws: What You Need to Know
Between November 9 and December 17, 2025, IRCC held 12 Express Entry draws — a flurry of activity that resulted in over 32,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) being sent out. That’s one of the busiest periods of the year for Express Entry.
Here’s how those ITAs broke down:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 4 draws, 13,000 ITAs, cut-offs between 515–533 CRS
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 4 draws, 3,013 ITAs, cut-offs between 699–738 CRS
- Healthcare and Social Services: 2 targeted draws, 4,500 ITAs, cut-offs of 462 and 476 CRS
- French Language Proficiency: 2 draws, 12,000 ITAs, cut-offs as low as 399
These draws show a strong focus on French-speaking candidates and those with Canadian work experience. The healthcare category also saw a moderate boost in invitations, which aligns with Canada’s ongoing need for healthcare professionals.
A Notable Low in CRS Cut-off
The draw on December 17, 2025, specifically for French-speakers, had a cut-off score of just 399 — the lowest of the month. That’s a promising sign for candidates with language skills or those positioned to qualify under specific categories.
PNP Candidates Still Have an Edge
Provincial Nominee Program draws continued to require high CRS scores — between 699 and 738 — due to the 600-point boost PNP nominations provide. If you’re looking for a way to increase your score, applying through a PNP might just be the ticket. Looking into regional options like the Manitoba PNP could be a smart move.
Final Thoughts: Is Now Your Chance?
With fewer high-CRS candidates in the Express Entry pool and more frequent, targeted draws, this could be an ideal time to assess where you stand. Whether you’re already in the pool or thinking about applying soon, understanding your percentile rank, draw trends, and category-specific opportunities can help you plan your next steps.
Not sure how competitive your profile is? Don’t guess — find out! Use our free assessment tool to see where you stand and receive personalized advice from Canadian immigration experts.
Check Your Express Entry Competitiveness Now
And if you’re curious about how a Provincial Nominee Program can help boost your chances, explore options like the Manitoba PNP to see if it’s a fit for you.
Keep your documents updated, watch the trends, and stay optimistic — your chance to receive an ITA might be just around the corner!
