Maple News reports that candidates in the Express Entry system with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores between 501 and 600 are now facing intensified competition. According to the latest data snapshot from August 5, 2025, this score range saw an increase of 2,817 candidate profiles compared to July 20, despite a slight overall reduction in the total pool size.
This shift reflects a notable trend: while the total number of profiles in the Express Entry pool declined by 329 candidates—falling to 256,585—the bulk of that decline occurred in lower score brackets. Specifically, the number of candidates in the 471–500 score range decreased by over 2,500, suggesting that they were likely invited to apply or withdrew their profiles, while high-scoring candidates continued to enter the pool at an increased rate.
The data shows that as of August 5, there were 24,165 profiles scoring between 501 and 600, a significant jump that underscores the increasing competitiveness of Express Entry. Meanwhile, lower CRS bands such as 351–400 and 301–350 saw considerable drops of 575 and 588 candidates, respectively.
The Express Entry pool remains highly concentrated in the middle range, with 53,590 candidates in the 351–400 band and 20,534 in the 301–350 range. Nonetheless, the growing number of applicants with higher CRS scores may push future invitation cutoffs even higher, making it more challenging for those without job offers, provincial nominations, or strong human capital factors.
As of August 5, the distribution of CRS scores featured 12,975 candidates in the 491–500 range and 12,890 in the 481–490 range. The highest scoring bracket (601–1200), which typically reflects candidates with provincial nominations, held steady at 228 candidates, only up by 28 since late July.
The increase in high-scoring candidates is notable heading into the early fall draw season, a period when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) historically increases the frequency or size of draws. For many hopeful immigrants, strategies such as improving language scores, securing a job offer, or earning a provincial nomination are becoming more essential.
Maple News will continue to monitor upcoming draws and shifts within the Express Entry system, offering timely insights to help applicants stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.