Competition in Canada’s Express Entry system continues to cool, with the number of top scoring candidates dropping sharply for the second month in a row.
While the overall Express Entry pool has grown in size, many of the highest ranked profiles have exited the system, reducing pressure at the top end of the Comprehensive Ranking System rankings. This shift could improve the chances of lower scoring candidates receiving Invitations to Apply for permanent residence.
Between January 4 and February 2, a total of 6238 profiles with CRS scores above 500 left the pool, driven primarily by a steep decline in candidates in the 501 to 600 range.
With fewer high scoring candidates competing for invitations, upcoming draws may become more accessible depending on the draw type and number of invitations issued.
What Is the Current Composition of the Express Entry Pool
Below is the updated distribution of Express Entry profiles as of February 2, compared with January 4.
| CRS Score Range | Distribution Jan 4 | Distribution Feb 2 | Difference in Profiles |
| 0 to 300 | 8125 | 8288 | +163 |
| 301 to 350 | 18745 | 18949 | +204 |
| 351 to 400 | 52469 | 53276 | +807 |
| 401 to 410 | 11438 | 12175 | +737 |
| 411 to 420 | 12442 | 13197 | +755 |
| 421 to 430 | 12816 | 13267 | +451 |
| 431 to 440 | 14285 | 14923 | +638 |
| 441 to 450 | 14139 | 14700 | +561 |
| 451 to 460 | 14835 | 15400 | +565 |
| 461 to 470 | 14881 | 15791 | +910 |
| 471 to 480 | 15435 | 16617 | +1182 |
| 481 to 490 | 12499 | 13417 | +918 |
| 491 to 500 | 12873 | 13586 | +713 |
| 501 to 600 | 21013 | 14911 | -6102 |
| 601 to 1200 | 559 | 423 | -136 |
| Total | 236554 | 238920 | +2366 |
Key Changes at the Top CRS Levels
Both of the highest score ranges saw notable declines.The 501 to 600 range dropped by 6102 profiles, from 21013 to 14911, representing a decline of about 29 percent.
The 601 to 1200 range decreased by 136 profiles, from 559 to 423, a decline of roughly 24 percent.
Despite these reductions, the overall pool grew by 2366 profiles, or about 1 percent. Growth in score bands below 500 more than offset the drop among top scoring candidates.
Because Express Entry invitations are issued to the highest ranked candidates first, a smaller number of candidates above 500 typically means less competition for those with mid range scores.
How This Impacts Express Entry Candidates
A shrinking share of top scoring profiles often signals a less competitive pool overall. This may benefit candidates in the 450 to 500 range, especially if Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada continues holding large Canadian Experience Class or category based draws.
Lower competition at the top can lead to
- Lower CRS cut off scores
- Larger invitation rounds
- Improved chances for mid scoring candidates
Candidates close to recent cut offs may want to update their profiles or enter the pool soon to take advantage of these trends.
Percentile Ranking of Candidates by CRS Score
The table below shows each CRS score band’s share of the pool and its percentile ranking as of February 2. Percentiles represent the portion of candidates with scores at or below each band.
For example, candidates in the 95th percentile or higher are among the top 5 percent of all profiles in the pool.
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates | Percentile Range | Percentage of Pool |
| 0 to 300 | 8288 | 0.00 to 3.47 | 3.47 |
| 301 to 350 | 18949 | 3.47 to 11.40 | 7.93 |
| 351 to 400 | 53276 | 11.40 to 33.70 | 22.30 |
| 401 to 410 | 12175 | 33.70 to 38.79 | 5.10 |
| 411 to 420 | 13197 | 38.79 to 44.32 | 5.52 |
| 421 to 430 | 13267 | 44.32 to 49.87 | 5.55 |
| 431 to 440 | 14923 | 49.87 to 56.12 | 6.25 |
| 441 to 450 | 14700 | 56.12 to 62.27 | 6.15 |
| 451 to 460 | 15400 | 62.27 to 68.72 | 6.45 |
| 461 to 470 | 15791 | 68.72 to 75.33 | 6.61 |
| 471 to 480 | 16617 | 75.33 to 82.28 | 6.95 |
| 481 to 490 | 13417 | 82.28 to 87.90 | 5.62 |
| 491 to 500 | 13586 | 87.90 to 93.58 | 5.69 |
| 501 to 600 | 14911 | 93.58 to 99.82 | 6.24 |
| 601 to 1200 | 423 | 99.82 to 100.00 | 0.18 |
| Total | 238920 |
Final Thoughts
The latest data shows that Express Entry competition is easing at the highest CRS levels, even as the total pool grows. With nearly 30 percent fewer candidates above 500, the system is becoming less top heavy.
For many applicants, this could mean better odds of receiving an invitation in upcoming draws. Candidates should monitor CRS trends closely and take steps to improve their scores through language tests, work experience, or provincial nominations.
The post Number of Top Scoring Express Entry Profiles Falls 30 Percent as Competition Eases appeared first on STUDY BUDDY ABROAD.
