Following a busy August and a record number of draws in July, Canada’s Express Entry system has experienced shifts in the makeup of the candidate pool and in the profiles of newcomers who have been ITAs for PR.

The following describes the current makeup of the Express Entry pool. It monitors the cut-off scores for different draws over the previous month in order to give applicants in the pool and those interested in immigration to Canada more clarity.

Current Overview of the Express Entry Pool 

Which draws took place in August?

There were five Express Entry drawings in August, which led to the distribution of more than 10,000 ITAs. This signified the return of IRCC to its usual biweekly draw schedule.

  • On August 13, 2024, the PNP draw issued 763 ITAs with a CRS cut-off score of 690.
  • On August 14, 2024, the CEC draw provided 3,200 ITAs with a CRS cut-off score of 509.
  • On August 15, 2024, the Category Based Selection draw for French Language proficiency issued 2,000 ITAs with a CRS cut-off score of 394.
  • On August 26, 2024, the PNP draw issued 1,121 ITAs with a CRS cut-off score of 694.
  • On August 27, 2024, the CEC draw provided 3,300 ITAs with a CRS cut-off score of 507.

Recent Changes in Immigration Policy

Changes recently announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller are reflected in the August drawings. In particular, the rise in Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Express Class (CEC) draws is consistent with Miller’s remarks from March, in which he indicated that he would want to concentrate more on “domestic” draws under the federal immigration system. He added that he would urge his provincial counterparts to use their PNPs in a like manner.

This change is being made with the intention of reducing the burden on housing and affordability by preventing the entry of new immigrants into Canada. Rather, the focus is on giving priority to people who are currently in Canada as temporary residents—mostly those with work permits—who are qualified to become permanent residents. Additionally, this tactic aids IRCC in meeting its yearly goals for new permanent residents.

By announcing an increase in the proportion of Francophone immigrants assigned to provinces other than Quebec, Canada has brought attention to the importance of Francophone immigration. This year’s allotment of 6% will increase to 7% in 2025 and 8% in 2026. Seven draws centered on French language competency in 2024 alone have resulted in the issuance of nearly 19,000 ITAs thus far.

Current Distribution of Scores in the Pool 

Here is the distribution of scores inside the Express Entry pool as of the most recent draw, which took place on August 27th, the day this article was written:

  • CRS score 0-300: 5,491 candidates
  • CRS score 301-350: 24,396 candidates
  • CRS score 351-400: 52,363 candidates
  • CRS score 401-410: 10,155 candidates
  • CRS score 411-420: 10,493 candidates
  • CRS score 421-430: 9,814 candidates
  • CRS score 431-440: 11,142 candidates
  • CRS score 441-450: 10,259 candidates
  • CRS score 451-460: 10,779 candidates
  • CRS score 461-470: 12,676 candidates
  • CRS score 471-480: 14,722 candidates
  • CRS score 481-490: 12,038 candidates
  • CRS score 491-500: 10,918 candidates
  • CRS score 501-600: 9,764 candidates
  • CRS score 601-1200: 127 candidates

Comparing Score Ranges to the Overall Distribution 

Based on the supposition that the highest score within each range indicates the entire number of candidates in that range, the table below allocates a percentile to the upper end of each CRS score range. For instance, it is believed that applicants scoring 300 or above reflect all 5,491 candidates in the 0-300 score range who have lower scores.

  • CRS score 0-300: 5,491 candidates, 2.68% percentile
  • CRS score 301-350: 24,396 candidates, 14.57% percentile
  • CRS score 351-400: 52,363 candidates, 40.10% percentile
  • CRS score 401-410: 10,155 candidates, 45.04% percentile
  • CRS score 411-420: 10,493 candidates, 50.20% percentile
  • CRS score 421-430: 9,814 candidates, 55.00% percentile
  • CRS score 431-440: 11,142 candidates, 60.40% percentile
  • CRS score 441-450: 10,259 candidates, 65.40% percentile
  • CRS score 451-460: 10,779 candidates, 70.60% percentile
  • CRS score 461-470: 12,676 candidates, 76.80% percentile
  • CRS score 471-480: 14,722 candidates, 84.00% percentile
  • CRS score 481-490: 12,038 candidates, 90.00% percentile
  • CRS score 491-500: 10,918 candidates, 95.18% percentile
  • CRS score 501-600: 9,764 candidates, 99.93% percentile
  • CRS score 601-1200: 127 candidates, 100% percentile
  • Total number of candidates: 205,137

According to the present distribution, 50% of applicants for the Express Entry pool have a CRS score of 420 or lower.