Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve as Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) adapts to the country’s growing immigration needs. After a busy summer with multiple record-breaking draws, the composition of the Express Entry pool has shifted, along with changes in the profile of candidates receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence (PR).
This article provides an overview of the Express Entry pool as of September 2024, including key draw information from August and a detailed look at the distribution of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
August 2024: Key Express Entry Draws
In August, IRCC conducted five significant Express Entry draws, returning to its usual bi-weekly pattern. A total of over 10,000 ITAs were issued across these draws, including Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and French-language proficiency-focused draws. Below is a summary of the draws:
| Draw Number | Date | Round Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 312 | 27/08/24 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 3,300 | 507 |
| 311 | 26/08/24 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 1,121 | 694 |
| 310 | 15/08/24 | Category-Based Selection (French Language) | 2,000 | 394 |
| 309 | 14/08/24 | CEC | 3,200 | 509 |
| 308 | 13/08/24 | PNP | 763 | 690 |
These draws reflect Minister Marc Miller’s strategy to focus on “domestic” immigration candidates, prioritizing individuals already living in Canada, such as those on work permits. This approach aims to address housing and affordability concerns by supporting the transition of temporary residents to permanent status. Additionally, there has been an increased focus on French-speaking candidates, aligning with Canada’s broader goal of boosting Francophone immigration outside of Quebec. In 2024 alone, over 19,000 ITAs have been issued in French-language proficiency draws, contributing to the goal of increasing Francophone immigration to 8% by 2026.
Current Express Entry Pool Composition
As of August 27, 2024, the composition of the Express Entry pool is diverse, with candidates spread across various CRS score ranges. Below is the breakdown of candidates in each range:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 0-300 | 5,491 |
| 301-350 | 24,396 |
| 351-400 | 52,363 |
| 401-410 | 10,155 |
| 411-420 | 10,493 |
| 421-430 | 9,814 |
| 431-440 | 11,142 |
| 441-450 | 10,259 |
| 451-460 | 10,779 |
| 461-470 | 12,676 |
| 471-480 | 14,722 |
| 481-490 | 12,038 |
| 491-500 | 10,918 |
| 501-600 | 9,764 |
| 601-1200 | 127 |
| Total | 205,137 |
CRS Score Distribution Insights
From the above data, we can see that a significant portion of candidates fall within the 351-400 CRS score range, representing over 25% of the entire pool. Meanwhile, half of the candidates have a CRS score of 420 or lower, meaning that those with higher scores—especially above 450—are in a more competitive position to receive an ITA.
To better understand how each CRS score range compares to the overall pool, we’ve calculated the percentile ranking for candidates:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates | Percentile (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-300 | 5,491 | 2.68 |
| 301-350 | 24,396 | 14.57 |
| 351-400 | 52,363 | 40.10 |
| 401-410 | 10,155 | 45.04 |
| 411-420 | 10,493 | 50.20 |
| 421-430 | 9,814 | 55.00 |
| 431-440 | 11,142 | 60.40 |
| 441-450 | 10,259 | 65.40 |
| 451-460 | 10,779 | 70.60 |
| 461-470 | 12,676 | 76.80 |
| 471-480 | 14,722 | 84.00 |
| 481-490 | 12,038 | 90.00 |
| 491-500 | 10,918 | 95.18 |
| 501-600 | 9,764 | 99.93 |
| 601-1200 | 127 | 100 |
This distribution shows that candidates with scores in the upper 400s and above are in a strong position within the pool, while a majority of candidates fall into the mid to lower CRS score ranges.
Looking Ahead
With Canada placing greater emphasis on retaining individuals already living and working in the country, and continuing to attract French-speaking immigrants, the Express Entry system is becoming more competitive. Candidates looking to increase their chances of receiving an ITA should focus on improving their CRS scores through means such as gaining additional work experience, improving language proficiency, or securing a provincial nomination.
For those interested in applying for permanent residence through Express Entry, it’s important to stay informed about the latest trends and draw results. As the pool changes, so do your chances of success.
