Express Entry scores continue to fall as draw volumes rise
Canada’s Express Entry pool is showing a marked decline in top-ranked profiles, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data released in early March 2026. The trend follows a series of large invitation rounds that have lowered the overall competition among candidates.
The latest figures indicate that profiles with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores between 501 and 600 have dropped to roughly 10,000—levels not seen since early 2024. The decrease coincides with multiple draws conducted between March 2 and 5 that issued more than 10,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
- CRS scores between 501–600 declined to about 10,000 candidates
- Over 10,000 ITAs issued across four draws held March 2–5
- Top score ranges continue to shrink for the second consecutive period
- Draws targeting French speakers and Canadian Experience Class lowered cut-off scores
- Total Express Entry pool reduced by more than 3,000 profiles between mid-February and March 1
Express Entry pool composition and recent trends
Between February 15 and March 1, 2026, the overall number of candidates in the Express Entry pool fell by 3,161 to a total of 232,534 profiles. Approximately 80 percent of this decline came from candidates with CRS scores between 501 and 600, while the 471–480 range saw a reduction of more than 1,100 profiles.
In contrast, lower score brackets, particularly between 351 and 450, recorded modest increases, reflecting continued inflows of new candidates. IRCC’s published data from March 1 did not yet include the draws held from March 2 to 5, which collectively invited more than 10,000 additional candidates.
Draws between March 2 and 5, 2026
Four consecutive rounds of invitations were conducted during the first week of March:
- March 2 – Provincial Nominee Program draw: 264 invitations, minimum score 710
- March 3 – Canadian Experience Class draw: 4,000 invitations, minimum score 508
- March 4 – French-language proficiency draw: 5,500 invitations, minimum score 397
- March 5 – Senior managers with Canadian work experience: 250 invitations, minimum score 429
These draws together account for more than 10,000 ITAs and are expected to further reduce the number of high-scoring candidates in subsequent pool updates.
Earlier February draws and their effect
The preceding two-week period also saw four Express Entry draws, issuing over 10,000 invitations across various categories. These included Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program, and the first targeted draw for physicians with Canadian work experience.
The largest of these was a 6,000-invitation Canadian Experience Class draw held on February 17, followed by a 4,000-invitation round for healthcare and social services occupations on February 20. Together, these events significantly contributed to the overall reduction in pool size recorded by March 1.
Declining competition among top-ranked candidates
IRCC’s data shows a steady easing of competition within the top percentile of Express Entry candidates. As of March 1, candidates with CRS scores above 500 comprised just over six percent of the total pool. This represents a continued downward trend from earlier in 2026 when higher score bands held a larger share of active profiles.
Frequent draws and the introduction of category-based selection rounds—such as those for French speakers, healthcare professionals, and provincial nominees—have contributed to a redistribution of scores in the pool. As more candidates receive invitations, the remaining pool balances toward mid-range CRS categories.
Category-based draws and provincial nominations
In addition to general and occupation-specific rounds, provincial nominee draws continue to play a significant role in shaping candidate distribution. Provinces like Manitoba, through programs such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), regularly invite skilled workers for nomination, adding to the total number of profiles in the higher CRS score brackets.
Since each provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s profile, nominees often move into the 600–1200 range, further influencing top-tier totals in the national pool.
Current competitiveness of the pool
As of March 1, candidates scoring between 471 and 480 represented about 6.6 percent of all profiles, while those in the 451–470 range accounted for roughly 13 percent combined. Lower score segments, from 351 to 400, made up nearly one-quarter of the pool, reflecting continued interest among new entrants despite tighter selection thresholds.
Updated figures incorporating March invitation rounds are expected to show additional decreases in the upper score brackets once newly issued ITAs are reflected in the data.
Ongoing adjustments and monitoring
IRCC continues to adjust its draw frequency and size in alignment with immigration targets for 2026. The use of specialized categories has allowed the department to address labour market priorities while maintaining a consistent flow of invitations across multiple occupational groups.
Observers note that sustained draw activity, combined with record invitation volumes, has kept CRS thresholds lower than in previous years. However, the long-term distribution of scores will depend on future draw schedules and the rate at which new candidates enter the system.
Further updates to pool composition are anticipated following the next official data release, which will include results from early March draws and any subsequent rounds issued by IRCC.
For more news and updates on Express Entry and provincial nomination programs, visit the immigration coverage section for the latest verified data and policy developments.