Over 4,600 Top Candidates Exit, Lowering Competition in Express Entry
Recent changes in the Express Entry pool indicate a significant shift in candidate competition. Over 4,600 top-scoring profiles have exited the pool, reducing the competitiveness for remaining candidates. This change follows a substantial Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on January 7.
Decline in High-Scoring Profiles
Since the beginning of the year, 4,672 profiles with scores between 501-600 have left the Express Entry pool. This decrease has resulted in lower-scoring profiles having a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Current Distribution of the Express Entry Pool
The latest data shows how the distribution of profiles has changed as of January 19. Below is a comparison with the distribution from January 4:
| CRS Score Range | Distribution (Jan 4) | Distribution (Jan 19) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-300 | 8,125 | 8,269 | +144 |
| 301-350 | 18,745 | 19,062 | +317 |
| 351-400 | 52,469 | 53,221 | +752 |
| 401-410 | 11,438 | 11,858 | +420 |
| 411-420 | 12,442 | 12,863 | +421 |
| 421-430 | 12,816 | 13,092 | +276 |
| 431-440 | 14,285 | 14,571 | +286 |
| 441-450 | 14,139 | 14,452 | +313 |
| 451-460 | 14,835 | 15,209 | +374 |
| 461-470 | 14,881 | 15,320 | +439 |
| 471-480 | 15,435 | 15,965 | +530 |
| 481-490 | 12,499 | 12,942 | +443 |
| 491-500 | 12,873 | 13,278 | +405 |
| 501-600 | 21,013 | 16,341 | -4,672 |
| 601-1200 | 559 | 677 | +118 |
| Total | 236,554 | 237,120 | +566 |
Implications of Pool Changes
This month’s reduction in high-scoring profiles contrasts with the overall increase of 566 profiles in the Express Entry pool. While the total pool size has grown, the decrease in high-ranking candidates means less competition for lower-scoring profiles.
Interpretation of Percentile Rankings
Understanding the current distribution is crucial for candidates. The table below shows the share of candidates in each score band, along with their percentile rankings:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates | Percentile Range | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-300 | 8,269 | 0.00%–3.49% | 3.49% |
| 301-350 | 19,062 | 3.49%–11.53% | 8.04% |
| 351-400 | 53,221 | 11.53%–33.97% | 22.44% |
| 401-410 | 11,858 | 33.97%–38.97% | 5.00% |
| 411-420 | 12,863 | 38.97%–44.40% | 5.42% |
| 421-430 | 13,092 | 44.40%–49.92% | 5.52% |
| 431-440 | 14,571 | 49.92%–56.06% | 6.14% |
| 441-450 | 14,452 | 56.06%–62.16% | 6.09% |
| 451-460 | 15,209 | 62.16%–68.57% | 6.41% |
| 461-470 | 15,320 | 68.57%–75.03% | 6.46% |
| 471-480 | 15,965 | 75.03%–81.77% | 6.73% |
| 481-490 | 12,942 | 81.77%–87.22% | 5.46% |
| 491-500 | 13,278 | 87.22%–92.82% | 5.60% |
| 501-600 | 16,341 | 92.82%–99.71% | 6.89% |
| 601-1200 | 677 | 99.71%–100.00% | 0.29% |
| Total | 237,120 |
In summary, candidates should closely monitor the evolving landscape of the Express Entry pool. The current trends offer favorable conditions for lower-scoring profiles as competition eases.
