Last verified: June 28, 2026 · Official source: canada.ca/rounds of invitations
General information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.
What are category-based draws?
Starting in 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection — the ability to hold draws that target candidates with specific characteristics (occupations or language skills) rather than just the overall highest CRS scores. A category draw invites only candidates who meet the category criteria, often at a lower cutoff than a general draw.
In 2026, IRCC is favouring category draws over general draws, making it important to understand which category (if any) your profile fits.
⚠️ Do not rely on fixed CRS cutoff numbers. Cutoffs change with every draw. Use the Draw Tracker for live data on recent category draw cutoffs.
2026 Active Categories
As of June 28, 2026, IRCC has 10 active categories:
| # | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | French-language proficiency | Strong French skills (CLB/NCLC 7+); significant bonus across all programs |
| 2 | Healthcare & social services | Eligible NOC occupations in healthcare and social support |
| 3 | STEM occupations | Science, technology, engineering, mathematics roles |
| 4 | Trade occupations | Skilled trades (eligible FST NOC groups) |
| 5 | Education occupations | Teaching and education support roles |
| 6 | Physicians | Added December 8, 2025; specific NOC occupation(s) |
| 7 | Senior managers | Added February 18, 2026 |
| 8 | Researchers | Added February 18, 2026 |
| 9 | Transport occupations | Added February 18, 2026 |
| 10 | Skilled military recruits | Added February 18, 2026 |
Retired for 2026: Agriculture & agri-food (was active in 2024–2025, not renewed).
2026 key rule change: 12-month experience requirement
All renewed category-based draws now require candidates to have 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in the relevant category — up from 6 months in some previous versions.
This change favours candidates who have already been working in Canada (e.g. PGWP holders with 12+ months of experience) over those just arriving.
⚠️ Confirm the current experience requirement for each category on canada.ca's rounds-of-invitations page — specific requirements are listed per draw.
How category draws work
When IRCC holds a category-based draw:
- IRCC selects a category (e.g. STEM) and a CRS cutoff for that draw.
- Only candidates who meet the category criteria and have a CRS score at or above the cutoff receive an Invitation to Apply.
- Candidates who don't meet the category criteria are not invited, even if their CRS is above the cutoff.
If you qualify for a category, you may receive an ITA at a lower cutoff than a general draw — because the pool of eligible candidates is narrower.
If you do not qualify for any category, you can still receive an ITA in a general draw, which is open to all Express Entry candidates regardless of category.
How to qualify for a category
French-language proficiency
Have CLB/NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities of French (TEF Canada or TCF Canada). This is a language requirement independent of occupation.
Occupation-based categories (STEM, Healthcare, Trades, Education, etc.)
Your primary work experience (usually your most recent or predominant NOC code) must fall within the occupations IRCC has designated for that category. IRCC publishes the list of eligible NOC codes for each category — confirm yours on the rounds of invitations page or the category-specific page.
You also need 12 months of qualifying Canadian experience in the category (per the 2026 updated rule).
Does a category draw affect your CRS score?
No. Your CRS score is the same regardless of whether you are being considered for a category draw or a general draw. The category determines whether you are invited in a given draw — not your score.
Your score still comes from: age, education, language, Canadian work experience, spouse factors, skill transferability, and additional factors (provincial nomination, Canadian education, etc.).
→ Express Entry Overview & CRS → CRS Calculator
Strategy: maximizing your category draw chances
- STEM, Healthcare, Trades, Education workers: verify your NOC code falls in the category. If you have 12 months Canadian experience in that NOC, you're eligible for those draws.
- French speakers: improving your French to CLB/NCLC 7 opens the French category draw, which has historically had some of the lowest cutoffs.
- Multiple categories: some profiles qualify for more than one category. If your NOC is STEM and you also speak French at CLB 7, you could be selected under either category.
- No applicable category: watch for general draws and work on increasing your CRS — better language scores, more Canadian experience, or a provincial nomination.
→ Draw Tracker — live draw history and cutoffs → CRS Calculator — estimate your score → Express Entry Overview