EXPRESS ENTRY COMPETITION EASES AS HIGH-SCORING PROFILES DROP 30%
Express Entry Competition Eases as Top Tier Shrinks
There is a notable shift in Canada’s Express Entry pool. For the second consecutive month, competition at the highest score levels is cooling. Between January 4 and February 2, 2026, over 6,200 profiles with scores above 501 exited the system. Most significantly, the 501–600 CRS range saw a 29% decrease, dropping from 21,013 to 14,911 candidates. This trend is a breath of fresh air for mid-range applicants who have felt sidelined by the high cut-offs of 2025.
Why is the Top Tier Shrinking?
The exodus of high-scoring candidates is not a coincidence but the result of IRCC's strategic draw patterns in early 2026:
Massive CEC Draws: In January alone, IRCC issued 14,000 invitations specifically for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), effectively clearing out thousands of high-scoring candidates already working in Canada.
PNP Efficiency: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws have been consistent, quickly inviting those with the 600-point boost and removing them from the general pool.
French Category Dominance: Large-scale draws for French speakers (like the record 8,500 ITAs on February 6 with a score of 400) are pulling candidates out of the pool who might otherwise have competed in general rounds.
The "Bottleneck" Shift: Mid-Range Outlook
While the top tier is shrinking, the mid-range of the pool is becoming more crowded:
Current Distribution: As of February 2, the 451–500 range is the most dense, holding 74,811 candidates (31% of the pool).
Opportunity: With fewer candidates above 500, IRCC is closer to reaching the "bottleneck." If large draws continue, we could see CRS cut-offs gradually dipping below the 500-point mark for the first time in months.
Overall Pool: Despite the top-tier drop, the total pool grew to 238,920, meaning new profiles are constantly entering, though with slightly lower average scores.
A Strategic Window for Mid-Range Candidates
The "High Score Trap" is finally showing cracks. This trend suggests that candidates with scores in the 480–500 range are now in a much stronger position than they were last year. However, with thousands waiting just below the 500-point line, every single point from language upgrades or provincial nominations remains a decisive advantage.
Is your score between 470 and 500? You are now closer to the front of the line. At Global Opportunities, we specialize in "squeezing" every possible point out of your profile to ensure you receive your ITA during this cooling period. Contact us today for a profile audit!