Candidate Pool

Express Entry Pool of Candidates

Once you create and submit your Express Entry profile, it enters the Express Entry Pool — a holding area where all eligible candidates wait to be selected.

In the pool, applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points based on factors like age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability.

While in the pool, you’re not just waiting passively. Many applicants actively work on improving their CRS score to boost their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Common strategies include:

  • Retaking a language test (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF) for a higher score
  • Gaining additional skilled work experience
  • Completing further education or credential recognition
  • Securing a provincial nomination (PNP), which adds 600 CRS points
  • Obtaining a valid job offer from a Canadian employer

The higher your CRS score, the greater your chances of being drawn from the pool during one of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) regular draws.

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The Express Entry Pool of Candidates

What is the Express Entry Pool?

The Express Entry Pool is a key stage in Canada’s immigration selection process through this system. Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and calculated your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, the next step is to gather essential supporting documents. These include language test results, educational credential assessments (if needed), and work experience records.

Because some documents can take time to obtain, it’s wise to start collecting them early. This is especially important because once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you’ll have only 60 days to submit your complete application with all supporting documents.

After your documentation is ready, you can create your Express Entry profile. Once submitted, your profile enters the Express Entry Pool—a waiting area where all eligible profiles reside. Candidates in the pool are ranked against each other based on their CRS scores. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts periodic draws, typically every two weeks, inviting the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Why is the Pool Important?

  • It determines your place in line for an ITA.
  • It allows you to improve your CRS score over time while you wait.
  • It serves as a competitive space where every improvement can increase your chances of selection.

Tips While Waiting in the Pool

  • 1 Retake Language Tests: Improving your English or French test scores can significantly raise your CRS points.
  • 2 Gain More Work Experience: Additional skilled work experience, especially in Canada, can boost your score.
  • 3 Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): A nomination adds 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
  • 4 Update Your Profile Promptly: If you complete a new degree, get a job offer, or your family situation changes, update your profile to reflect it.
  • 5 Stay Informed: Follow IRCC updates on draw trends and minimum CRS scores to understand your chances.

Number of Candidates in the Express Entry Pool

The IRCC updates the number of candidates in the Express Entry pool before each invitation round. These figures fluctuate daily due to:

  • Submission of new profiles
  • Expiration of existing profiles
  • Issuance of Invitations to Apply (ITAs)

Express Entry Pool of Candidates (as of August 19, 2025)

CRS Score Range Number of Candidates
601–1200
188
501–600
22,930
451–500
75,011
491–500
12,409
481–490
12,349
471–480
17,035
461–470
17,339
451–460
15,879
401–450
73,920
441–450
15,116
431–440
16,222
421–430
14,639
411–420
14,488
401–410
13,455
351–400
53,461
301–350
20,424
0–300
8,179
Total
254,113

📅 Last Updated: August 19, 2025

Express Entry Pool Requirements

To enter the Express Entry Pool, individuals must qualify under at least one of the three main immigration programs managed through the system:

  • For skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
  • Requires at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
  • Applicants must meet minimum language requirements based on their job type (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
  • For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
  • Candidates are assessed on factors such as age, education, work experience, job offer (if applicable), language ability, and adaptability.
  • Applicants must meet the minimum points threshold (67 out of 100) on the selection grid.
  • For skilled workers in a trade occupation.
  • Requires either:
  • A valid job offer from a Canadian employer for at least one year, or
  • A certificate of qualification in a skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
  • Minimum language proficiency and work experience requirements must be met.
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