Express Entry Pool Trends
The Express Entry system continues to shift month by month, shaped by applicant volumes, score distribution, and draw patterns. Recent figures from late October show something that may seem contradictory at first glance: the number of candidate profiles in the pool has dropped, yet competition has increased. This means that although fewer people are waiting for an Invitation to Apply (ITA), a growing share of those who remain have stronger Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
This creates a different landscape for anyone planning to enter or remain active in the Express Entry pool. The changes signal that applicants need to reassess how they position themselves strategically.
This article examines the distribution of CRS scores, shifts between late September and late October, and the draw activity that shaped the month.
Score Distribution in the Pool: Notable Shifts Since Late September
As of October 26, the Express Entry pool contained 248,253 profiles. This reflects a decrease of 2,740 profiles from September 28. However, the shift does not mean that conditions have eased. The decline occurred unevenly across different CRS score ranges, with several mid-range bands dropping sharply.
Score Ranges with the Most Decline
The most significant reductions happened between 431 and 450 CRS. These candidates typically represent individuals who meet several eligibility criteria—such as solid work backgrounds and education—but may lack additional CRS enhancements, such as Canadian work history or advanced language scores.
This decline might indicate:
- Some candidates received a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination.
- Others may have withdrawn or let profiles expire.
- Some may still be improving their credentials before re-entering the pool.
Score Ranges That Increased
The 501–600 CRS range saw a rise of 1,466 profiles, while the 601–1,200 range increased slightly as well. These are generally individuals with PNP nominations or notable CRS-boosting factors. Their greater numbers intensify competition in the Express Entry system.
So, while there are fewer total profiles, more candidates now sit in upper-scoring brackets.
CRS Distribution and Relative Standing
Looking at percentage breakdowns of CRS scores helps candidates see where they stand:
| CRS Range | % of Pool |
| 0–300 | 3.23% |
| 301–350 | 7.82% |
| 351–400 | 21.13% |
| 401–410 | 5.59% |
| 411–420 | 5.97% |
| 421–430 | 6.04% |
| 431–440 | 5.95% |
| 441–450 | 5.68% |
| 451–460 | 5.98% |
| 461–470 | 6.36% |
| 471–480 | 5.93% |
| 481–490 | 4.87% |
| 491–500 | 4.85% |
| 501–600 | 10.47% |
| 601–1200 | 0.12% |
Two observations stand out:
- The largest single group of applicants falls within the 351–400 range.
Many of these individuals may need to improve their language skills, secure additional education, or gain Canadian work experience to move upward.
- Just over 10% of the pool sits in the 501–600 band.
This segment now carries greater weight in the Express Entry competitive landscape, making obtaining an ITA increasingly dependent on targeted draws.
The percentile ranking in the table also makes it easier for candidates to interpret their scores relative to others. For example, sitting at 470 places, a person is near the 73rd percentile, meaning they score above roughly three-quarters of the entire pool. But in months where draws focus on particular categories, those percentile advantages may shift in value.
Draw Activity in October
During October, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 9,647 ITAs across several draw categories. These included Canadian work history draws, French-language-focused draws, Provincial Nominee Program draws, and one draw oriented toward healthcare and social service occupations.
Draw Summary – October 2025
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs | CRS Cutoff |
| Oct 1 | CEC | 1,000 | 534 |
| Oct 6 | French-language | 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 |
In total, two Canadian Experience Class draws took place, one healthcare draw, one French-language draw, and two PNP draws.
Compared to September, October saw slightly fewer draws and a 371-ITAs drop. However, among the months in 2025, both September and October remain among the more active periods for Express Entry.
This means timing still matters greatly. Not every month yields the same draw volumes or score patterns, so being well-positioned and ready matters when opportunities open.
What These Trends Mean for Applicants
With the Express Entry pool shrinking in size yet gaining more high-scoring individuals, passive waiting alone may not move a profile closer to receiving an ITA. The current landscape suggests that strategic movement is more critical than ever.
This may include:
- Re-taking a language exam to achieve higher scoring brackets.
- Gaining or maximizing Canadian work history where possible.
- Completing an additional credential, if feasible, under personal timelines.
- Considering pathways such as the Provincial Nominee Program to elevate CRS.
Each person’s situation is different. The Express Entry system now rewards those who take measured steps to strengthen their profile rather than remaining static.
Moving Forward with Clarity
Many candidates recognize the complexity of staying competitive in the Express Entry pool. Still, they may not be sure which concrete steps would benefit their profile most.
A structured conversation can help:
- Review your current CRS score.
- Compare your standing within current percentile ranges.
- Identify practical ways to enhance your profile in line with immigration program pathways.
- Discuss timing strategies based on recent draw behaviour.
No generic one-size-fits-all path applies here. The strength lies in clearly evaluating your circumstances and making informed choices rather than waiting for favourable changes by chance.
Book a Conversation to Review Your Profile
If you want to look at your Express Entry score alongside current pool trends and draw patterns, you can arrange a time to speak with our team. During the discussion, we will review your profile, discuss your score position, and explore strategic steps you may consider moving forward.
Schedule a Consultation today — take the next step with clarity and Confidence.
