In the latest Express Entry draw on January 7, 2026, Canada issued 8,000 invitations with a cutoff of 511. However, many applicants are puzzled as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff is not decreasing despite larger invitation rounds.
Why CRS Scores Are Not Decreasing
Express Entry operates more like a fast-moving river rather than a simple draining system. New profiles constantly flow in, existing profiles get updated, and some invited candidates decline or become ineligible, maintaining the cutoff score.
1) Pool Size
IRCC’s pool distribution data shows a large number of candidates concentrated in the mid-to-high CRS bands, with total pool size in the hundreds of thousands. With a significant number of candidates above 500, a single high-volume round may not lower the cutoff as expected.
2) Density Above the Line
The CRS cutoff is driven by the density of profiles above it, not just the number of invitations issued. If there are many candidates stacked tightly above the cutoff point, the score will not drop significantly even with a large round.
3) Profile Replenishment
Profiles quickly re-enter or upgrade after each round due to various factors like language test results, work experience, education credentials, and eligibility changes. This constant replenishment maintains the cutoff score.
4) Different Round Types
Express Entry uses various round types, such as Canadian Experience Class (CEC), program-specific, or category-based rounds. Not every round targets the same pool slice, which can affect the overall pool dynamics.
5) Candidate Behavior
Candidates adapt to the system strategically by boosting their scores through various means like retaking language tests, adding French as a second language, gaining education points, improving spouse factors, and more. This increased competitiveness keeps the cutoff score elevated.
The Core Reason Behind Stable CRS Scores
Express Entry is not failing to lower CRS scores due to small draws but because the pool above 500 is replenished faster than the system drains. The recent January 7 round with 8,000 invitations and a cutoff of 511 exemplifies this phenomenon.
