The Express Entry candidate pool has become increasingly competitive between August 17 and September 28, 2025, with significant growth in top-tier candidate profiles despite an overall decrease in total pool size.

Key Pool Statistics

As of September 28, 2025, the Express Entry pool contains 250,993 candidate profiles, representing a decrease of 3,120 profiles since August 17.

However, this decline masks a critical trend: high-scoring candidates are accumulating, making the pool more competitive for all applicants.

Score Range Changes (August 17 – September 28)

High-Scoring Ranges (Increasing):

  • 501-600 points: +1,601 candidates (now 24,531 total)
  • 601-1,200 points: +100 candidates (now 288 total)
  • 481-490 points: +124 candidates (now 12,473 total)
  • 401-440 points: +871 candidates combined

Mid-Range Scores (Decreasing):

  • 451-480 points: -4,398 candidates (largest decline)
  • 441-450 points: -310 candidates

Understanding Your Competitiveness

The following percentile breakdown helps you understand where your CRS score ranks among all Express Entry candidates:

Score Distribution by Percentile

  • 501-600 points: Top 10% (90th-99th percentile)
  • 491-500 points: 85th-90th percentile
  • 481-490 points: 80th-85th percentile
  • 471-480 points: 74th-80th percentile
  • 461-470 points: 68th-74th percentile
  • 451-460 points: 62nd-68th percentile
  • 441-450 points: 56th-62nd percentile
  • 431-440 points: 50th-56th percentile
  • Below 430 points: Bottom 50%

Nearly 10% of all candidates now score above 500 points, compared to just 0.11% scoring above 600 points (typically PNP nominees).

September Draw Summary

September 2025 saw robust Express Entry activity with 10,018 ITAs issued across seven draws:

September 2025 Draws

  • September 29: PNP (291 ITAs, CRS 855)
  • September 18: Trades (1,250 ITAs, CRS 505)
  • September 17: Education (2,500 ITAs, CRS 462)
  • September 15: PNP (228 ITAs, CRS 746)
  • September 4: French proficiency (4,500 ITAs, CRS 446)
  • September 3: Canadian Experience Class (1,000 ITAs, CRS 534)
  • September 2: PNP (249 ITAs, CRS 772)

This represents a 56% increase over August’s 6,417 ITAs and marks the third-highest monthly total in 2025, following March (13,261 ITAs) and February (11,601 ITAs).

What This Means for Candidates

The accumulation of high-scoring profiles signals increased competition for general draws and category-based selections. Candidates should focus on:

  1. Maximizing CRS scores through additional qualifications, language test improvements, or Canadian work experience
  2. Exploring provincial nomination programs to gain 600 additional points
  3. Meeting category-based criteria for French proficiency, trades, education, or healthcare draws
  4. Acting quickly when scores are competitive, as pool composition continues evolving

Need a comprehensive assessment of your Express Entry competitiveness? Mi Way Immigration can analyze your profile, identify score improvement opportunities, and develop a strategic pathway to maximize your invitation chances.