Breaking: Express Entry Competition Easing for 2nd Straight Month
Major opportunity for Express Entry candidates! Competition in the Express Entry pool continues to decrease as 4,672 top-scoring profiles (CRS 501-600) have left the pool since January 1, 2026.
This follows the massive January 7 CEC draw that issued 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), clearing out high-scoring candidates and making the pool less competitive for remaining profiles.
What this means: Lower CRS scores now have better chances of receiving ITAs as cut-offs continue to drop.
Current Express Entry Pool Snapshot (January 19, 2026)
Total profiles: 237,120 (up 566 from Jan 4)
Key Change: 501-600 CRS range dropped 4,672 profiles (-22%) – all other ranges increased slightly.
| CRS Range | Profiles (Jan 4) | Profiles (Jan 19) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 501-600 | 21,013 | 16,341 | -4,672 |
| 0-300 | 8,125 | 8,269 | +144 |
| 301-350 | 18,745 | 19,062 | +317 |
| 351-400 | 52,469 | 53,221 | +752 |
| 601-1200 | 559 | 677 | +118 |
Result: Pool grew slightly overall, but top end significantly less competitive.
Your CRS Percentile Ranking
Where does your score rank in today’s pool?
| CRS Range | Number of Candidates | Percentile Ranking | % of Pool |
|---|---|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 677 | 99.71%-100% | 0.29% |
| 501-600 | 16,341 | 92.82%-99.71% | 6.89% |
| 491-500 | 13,278 | 87.22%-92.82% | 5.60% |
| 471-480 | 15,965 | 75.03%-81.77% | 6.73% |
| 0-400 | 107,550 | 0%-45% | 45% |
Top 7% = CRS 501+ (down from top 10% last month)
Why This Creates Opportunity
- CEC Draws Continue – January 7 CEC cut-off: 511 (down from previous draws)
- High Scorers Leaving – Massive ITAs clear top profiles
- Lower Cut-offs Likely – Fewer high scorers = lower CRS requirements
- Better Odds for 450-500 Range – Mid-range profiles now more competitive
Strategic Actions for Candidates
If Your CRS is 501-600:
✅ You're in top 7% - Excellent ITA chances
✅ Update profile regularly for category-based draws
✅ Monitor CEC draws closely
If Your CRS is 450-500:
✅ Now top 60-80% (improved from last month)
✅ Consider PNP nomination (+600 points)
✅ Improve language scores for next CRS recalculation
✅ Target upcoming CEC draws
If Your CRS is Below 450:
✅ Still viable with strategy
✅ Provincial nomination is your best path
✅ French language bonus (up to +50 points)
✅ Canadian work experience focus
What Happened in January 2026 Draws
| Draw Date | Type | CRS Cut-off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21 | CEC | 509 | 6,000 |
| Jan 20 | PNP | 681 | 746 |
| Jan 7 | CEC | 511 | 8,000 |
| Jan 5 | PNP | 711 | 574 |
Total ITAs: 15,320 in first 3 weeks
Express Entry Trends 2026
📉 CRS cut-offs dropping month-over-month
📈 CEC focus continues (14,000 ITAs YTD)
🔄 Pool less top-heavy, more balanced
⏰ Next CEC draw imminent
Maximize Your CRS Score Now
Quick Wins (+10-50 points):
- Language tests – Retake IELTS/CELPIP/TEF
- Canadian education – Add credential assessment
- Work experience – Update Canadian job history
- Spouse factors – Add spouse language/education
Big Boosts (+600 points):
- PNP nomination (+600)
- French proficiency (+50 to 85)
VG Immigration Services Inc. Can Help
Specializing in Express Entry Success:
✅ CRS score optimization
✅ Profile updates & ITA maximization
✅ PNP nomination strategy
✅ CEC draw preparation
✅ Post-ITA application support
✅ Permanent residence roadmap
Contact VG Immigration Today
Phone: 416-578-9269
Immigrate | Work | Study | Visit
With 4,672 high-scorers gone, YOUR chance is NOW!