Express Entry October Update: Fewer Profiles, Tougher Competition
Express Entry Pool Becomes More Competitive Despite Fewer Candidates in October 2025
Key Highlights
- The Express Entry pool shrank by 2,740 profiles between September 28 and October 26, 2025.
- Despite the drop, the number of high-scoring candidates (CRS 501–600) jumped by 1,466.
- Profiles in the top 601–1,200 CRS range also saw a slight increase.
- IRCC issued 9,647 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in October across six draws.
- Most ITAs in October came from category-based draws focused on French proficiency and healthcare.
- The competition is heating up as the proportion of high scorers in the pool continues to rise.
Fewer Candidates, But More Competition in the Express Entry Pool
If you’re currently in the Express Entry pool or planning to join soon, you might’ve noticed something surprising — while the number of candidates in the system has dropped, the competition has actually intensified. As of October 26, 2025, the total number of profiles in the Express Entry pool sat at 248,253 — that’s a decrease of 2,740 compared to September 28. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s easier to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) right now.
The real story? A growing number of higher-scoring candidates have entered the pool, especially in the 501–600 CRS score range. Let’s break down what this means for you if you’re navigating Canada’s immigration system.
CRS Score Distribution: What’s Changed?
Looking at the data from IRCC, most CRS score bands actually saw a decline in candidates. However, a few notable groups bucked that trend:
- 401–410: Increased by 207 profiles
- 421–430: Increased by 178 profiles
- 461–470: Increased by 11 profiles
- 501–600: Jumped by 1,466 profiles
- 601–1,200: Increased by 18 profiles
The biggest growth was clearly in the 501–600 range, suggesting that more competitive candidates are entering the pool. Meanwhile, the most significant decline occurred in the 431–450 range, which dropped by 1,588 candidates.
So, while fewer people are in the pool overall, those who remain — or have recently joined — tend to have higher CRS scores. That makes the race for an ITA a bit tighter.
How Does Your CRS Score Compare?
To help you understand where your profile stands, IRCC provides percentile data showing how CRS scores compare across the entire Express Entry pool. Here’s a quick look:
| CRS Score Range | Percent of Total Pool | Percentile Range |
|---|---|---|
| 0–300 | 3.23% | 0.00% – 3.23% |
| 301–350 | 7.82% | 3.23% – 11.05% |
| 351–400 | 21.13% | 11.05% – 32.19% |
| 401–500 | 52.02% | 32.19% – 89.40% |
| 501–600 | 10.47% | 89.40% – 99.88% |
| 601–1,200 | 0.12% | 99.88% – 100.00% |
If your score is in the 500+ range, you’re part of the top 10% of candidates. But if you’re in the 400s, especially the lower end, you might want to explore ways to boost your score — like boosting your language test results, gaining more work experience, or checking if you’re eligible for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
October 2025 Express Entry Draws: What Happened?
IRCC conducted six draws throughout October 2025, issuing a total of 9,647 ITAs — just slightly fewer than the 10,018 issued in September. These draws were spread across different program types, including Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and category-based selections.
Here’s a quick snapshot of all the draws:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1 | CEC | 1,000 | 534 |
| Oct 6 | French-language Proficiency | 4,500 | 432 |
| Oct 14 | PNP | 345 | 778 |
| Oct 15 | Healthcare & Social Services | 2,500 | 472 |
| Oct 27 | PNP | 302 | 761 |
| Oct 28 | CEC | 1,000 | 533 |
Insights from October’s Draws
A few interesting things stood out in October:
- The French-language proficiency draw on October 6 was the largest of the month, with 4,500 ITAs issued.
- The Healthcare and social services category returned for the first time since August, issuing 2,500 ITAs.
- Despite fewer overall draws than in September, October had the second-highest number of ITAs since March 2025.
If you’re fluent in French or work in healthcare or social services, these category-based draws are a golden opportunity to stand out in the pool.
What This Means for You
Even though fewer people are in the Express Entry pool, it’s more competitive than ever. High-scoring candidates are entering the system in greater numbers, and IRCC is clearly prioritizing specific skills and language abilities in its draws.
If your CRS score is on the lower side, don’t get discouraged — there are still ways to improve your ranking or qualify through alternate streams like the Manitoba PNP or other provincial programs.
Check Your Competitiveness
Wondering how your Express Entry profile stacks up? Now’s a great time to do a quick review. Check your CRS score here and see if you fall into one of the more competitive brackets. If not, consider how you can boost your score — whether that’s retaking a language test, gaining more work experience, or applying for a provincial nomination.
Final Thoughts
October’s data tells a compelling story — fewer candidates, but stiffer competition. If you’re serious about immigrating to Canada through Express Entry, now’s the time to act strategically. The pool is evolving, and staying informed is half the battle.
Learn more about how to improve your CRS score or explore your options through our helpful immigration guides.
