Canada Express Entry: Lower CRS Scores Gaining Ground

Express Entry Competition Eases as Top CRS Profiles Exit the Pool

• CRS competition drops as over 4,600 high-scoring profiles exit the Express Entry pool
• Lower-scoring candidates now have improved chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
• January’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw played a major role in reshaping the pool
• Only the 501–600 CRS score range saw a reduction in candidates
• The Express Entry pool overall grew by 566 profiles, despite this drop in higher scores
• Understanding your percentile ranking can help you gauge your competitiveness

The new year is off to a promising start for many immigration hopefuls in the Express Entry system. For the second month in a row, the competition within the pool has eased up — and that’s big news if you’re still waiting for your Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Let’s unpack what’s changing in the Express Entry pool and how this shift might just tip the odds in your favour.

Why Are High-Scoring Profiles Leaving the Express Entry Pool?

Since January began, a total of 4,672 profiles with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores between 501 and 600 have exited the pool. This significant drop is largely thanks to the massive Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw held on January 7, where many top-tier candidates were selected to apply for permanent residence.

Here’s the good news: as these higher-scoring candidates are pulled from the pool, the CRS cut-off scores tend to decrease. That gives candidates with lower CRS scores a better shot at receiving an ITA in upcoming draws — especially in targeted or category-based selections.

Check out how competitive your Express Entry profile is and see where you stand in the current pool.

Express Entry Pool Breakdown: What the Numbers Say

Every two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) releases an update on how many candidates fall within each CRS score range. Comparing the latest data from January 19 to the previous snapshot on January 4, one trend is crystal clear — the number of top-scoring candidates is shrinking.

Here are the key takeaways from the current pool distribution:

• The **501–600** CRS range dropped from **21,013** to **16,341** profiles — a decrease of **4,672** candidates
• All other CRS score ranges saw a modest increase in the number of candidates
• Despite the shift, the overall pool size grew slightly — by **566** profiles

This pattern mirrors what happened in December, when **4,622** profiles in the same score range exited the pool. It’s a continuation of a downward trend in top-scoring candidates — a welcome change for those on the cusp of eligibility.

What Does This Mean for You?

IRCC typically invites the highest-ranking candidates first. So, when the number of top-tier candidates drops, it opens the door for those with slightly lower scores, especially in draws targeting specific categories like skilled trades, healthcare, or French-speaking candidates.

If your CRS score is below 500, you may now have a better chance of selection in upcoming rounds — especially if you qualify under one of the Express Entry category-based streams.

How Competitive Is Your Express Entry Profile?

Curious about where you stand in the pool? Understanding your percentile ranking — that is, how your CRS score compares to others — can give you a clearer picture of your competitiveness.

Let’s look at a few examples from the latest data (as of January 19):

• Candidates with CRS scores between **471–480** fall within the **75.03%–81.77% percentile** — meaning they’re in the top 25%
• Those in the **451–460** range are in the **62.16%–68.57% percentile**
• If you’re scoring **501–600**, you’re in the **top 7%** of the pool
• Meanwhile, candidates scoring **351–400** make up the largest group, representing over **22%** of the pool

Here’s a snapshot showing where candidates fall by CRS score and percentile range:

These numbers can help you set realistic expectations — and maybe even plan your next steps, like improving your French skills or pursuing a provincial nomination to boost your score.

Pro Tip: Consider a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

If your CRS score isn’t quite where you’d like it to be, don’t worry — you’ve got options. Many candidates improve their chances through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These programs can give you up to **600 additional CRS points**, which could dramatically increase your chances of being invited.

Not sure where to start? Check out our Manitoba PNP points calculator to explore your eligibility and see how you can get a leg up in the immigration process.

Final Thoughts: Now’s a Good Time to Be in the Pool

With fewer high-scoring candidates in the Express Entry pool and more draws expected in 2024, this could be a great window of opportunity — especially if you’re sitting in the mid-400s or higher.

Whether you’re just entering the pool or have been waiting for a draw, now’s the time to stay informed and explore ways to improve your score. Even small changes, like retaking a language test or gaining Canadian work experience, can make a big difference.

Want to know your odds? Try our free Express Entry profile assessment and get a better understanding of your competitiveness in the current landscape.

Good luck — and stay tuned for the next update on Express Entry trends and draw results!