Canada Express Entry Pool
The Express Entry pool is a system used by the Government of Canada to manage and select skilled workers for immigration to Canada. It is part of the Express Entry immigration system, which was launched in January 2015 to streamline the application process for three main federal economic immigration programs:
Once you Create your profile, it enters the ‘Express Entry Pool,’ a waiting area where all profiles reside. Applicants await an invitation to apply while actively working to enhance their scores, thereby increasing their chances of selection.
- Ranking: Your profile is ranked against other candidates in the pool based on the CRS score.
- Improving Your Score: While in the pool, you can take steps to improve your CRS score, gaining more work experience, obtaining a job offer from a Canadian employer, or getting a provincial nomination.
The Express Entry Pool of candidates plays an important role in the Selection process through this stream. Find out why is it important and some tips of what to do while waiting in the pool.
What is Canada Express Entry Pool of Candidates
The Pool of Candidates is a pool of eligible candidates in the Express Entry selection process, where Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) selects candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. The pool is created when candidates submit their profiles to the Express Entry system, which assesses their eligibility based on factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors. The pool is then regularly updated with new candidates and existing candidates whose profiles are updated. IRCC periodically invites the top-ranked candidates from the pool to apply for permanent residence, offering a specific number of invitations (ITAs) based on the Express Entry draws.
After confirming your eligibility and assessing your score, the next step in the Express Entry process involves gathering essential supporting documents, including language test results, to validate the accuracy of the provided information. Since obtaining some documents may take a considerable amount of time, it is advisable to prepare them in advance. This proactive approach is crucial because, in the event of an invitation to apply, you will have a limited window of 60 days to submit your application with the support documents.
Once your documentation is ready, the subsequent step is to create your Express Entry profile. Subsequently, your profile enters the “Express Entry Pool,” a waiting area where all created profiles reside while candidates endeavor to enhance their scores. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) periodically issues invitations to apply to candidates with the highest scores in the pool, facilitating the selection of individuals for permanent residence in Canada.
How Many Candidates in Express Entry Pool
The size of the Express Entry pool can fluctuate regularly. According to the Government of Canada’s website, the pool typically ranges from around 15,000 to 20,000 candidates. However, the actual number of candidates in the pool can vary depending on a number of factors, including the number of new applications received, the number of invitations issued through Express Entry draws, and the number of candidates who withdraw their applications or are removed from the pool.
The IRCC updates the number of candidates in the Express Entry pool before each invitation round. It’s important to note that these numbers change daily due to the submission of new profiles, expiration of existing profiles, or the issuance of Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 2,918 |
| 501-600 | 14,211 |
| 451-500 | 63,353 |
| 491-500 | 8,855 |
| 481-490 | 12,120 |
| 471-480 | 16,805 |
| 461-470 | 13,828 |
| 451-460 | 11,745 |
| 401-450 | 54,078 |
| 441-450 | 11,022 |
| 431-440 | 11,023 |
| 421-430 | 9,977 |
| 411-420 | 10,900 |
| 401-410 | 11,156 |
| 351-400 | 57,028 |
| 301-350 | 27,210 |
| 0-300 | 5,606 |
| Total | 224,404 |
| Updated | May 29, 2024 |
Requirements For Express Entry Pool
The Express Entry pool requirements for Canadian immigration involve a points-based system, where applicants are evaluated based on their age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other factors. To be eligible for the pool, candidates must have a minimum of one year of continuous work experience in a skilled occupation, and must have a language proficiency level of at least CLB 7 in English or French. Additionally, applicants must have a post-secondary education or training equivalent to a Canadian degree or diploma. The maximum points available under this system is 1,200, and candidates must score at least 67 points to be eligible for the pool.
To enter the Express Entry Pool, individuals must meet the specific requirements of one of the three immigration programs managed through the system.
The Canadian Experience Class caters to skilled workers with Canadian work experience, acquired within the three years preceding the application.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program targets skilled workers with foreign work experience, necessitating the fulfillment of criteria related to education and other factors.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed for skilled workers qualified in a skilled trade, requiring either a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification. If eligible for any of these programs, applicants can create their Express Entry profile, joining the pool as they await an invitation to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency. Moreover, those qualifying for the above programs can also opt to apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program, gaining extra points if nominated and potentially expediting the invitation to apply process.