Express Entry Category-Based Draws (2026 Guide)
- ankaimmigration
- Jan 11
- 4 min read
Express Entry is a points-based selection system that Canada uses to choose qualified candidates for its economic immigration programs. In this system, eligible candidates are scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria, and are then ranked in a pool. The Canadian federal immigration authority, IRCC, periodically holds draws (rounds of invitations) and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence (PR) to the highest-ranked candidates.
IRCC can invite candidates from the Express Entry pool in two main ways:
General draws (based primarily on CRS scores)
Category-based draws (Category-Based Selection)
In this article, we focus specifically on category-based Express Entry draws in detail.
What Is an Express Entry Category-Based Draw?
Category-based draws are a type of invitation where candidates in the Express Entry pool are selected not only based on their CRS scores, but also according to specific categories and criteria defined by IRCC. As of 2026, the following categories may be used by IRCC in category-based Express Entry draws:
Express Entry Categories in Effect as of January 2026:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare and social assistance occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Education occupations
Physicians with qualifying Canadian work experience
🧠 These categories may change over time, so don’t forget to check the most up-to-date list directly on IRCC’s official website :https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html#category
1️⃣ French Language Proficiency
These are category-based Express Entry draws that target candidates with strong French language skills. The aim is to support Canada’s bilingual immigration policy and strengthen francophone communities.
What do they target?
Attracting qualified French-speaking workers to Canada
Supporting francophone communities outside Quebec
Speeding up language-based integration
Eligibility
Having valid French language test results from an IRCC-approved exam, showing a minimum score of 7 in each of the four abilities (listening, speaking, reading and writing)
Having a valid profile in the Express Entry pool
2️⃣ Healthcare & Social Services
These are category-based draws targeting specific health and care-related occupations, designed to help address labour shortages in the healthcare system and social services.
Eligibility
Within the last 3 years before the date of the draw, you must have obtained at least 6 months of continuous, full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in one single occupation listed in the relevant IRCC table, either inside or outside Canada, regardless of your primary occupation title.
You must have a valid Express Entry profile in the pool.
3️⃣ STEM OCCUPATIONS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
These are category-based draws that target highly skilled professionals working in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Eligibility
Within the last 3 years before the draw date, you must have obtained at least 6 months of continuous, full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in one single occupation listed in the relevant IRCC table, either in Canada or abroad, regardless of your official job title.
You must have a valid Express Entry profile in the pool.
4️⃣ Trades (Technical & Skilled Trades Occupations)
These are category-based Express Entry draws that target candidates working in hands-on, technical and skilled trades occupations.
Eligibility
Within the last 3 years before the draw date, you must have obtained at least 6 months of continuous, full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in one single occupation listed in the relevant IRCC table, either in Canada or abroad, regardless of your primary occupation title.
You must have a valid Express Entry profile in the pool.
5️⃣ Agriculture & Agri-Food Occupations
These are category-based Express Entry draws targeting candidates working in agriculture, food production and across the agri-food value chain.
Eligibility
Within the last 3 years before the draw date, you must have obtained at least 6 months of continuous, full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in one single occupation listed in the relevant IRCC table, either in Canada or abroad, regardless of your primary occupation title.
You must have a valid Express Entry profile in the pool.
6️⃣ Education Occupations
These are category-based Express Entry draws that target teachers and education professionals working in the education sector.
Eligibility
Within the last 3 years before the draw date, you must have obtained at least 6 months of continuous, full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in one single occupation listed in the relevant IRCC table, either in Canada or abroad, regardless of your primary occupation title.
You must have a valid Express Entry profile in the pool.
7️⃣ Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
These are category-based Express Entry draws created specifically for physicians who have clinical or medical work experience in Canada.
Eligibility
Within the last 3 years before the draw date, you must have obtained at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in Canada, in one single occupation listed in the relevant IRCC table, regardless of your primary occupation title.
You must have a valid Express Entry profile in the pool.
📌 Important Reminder: Category-based draws and their criteria may change over time. We strongly recommend that you always check the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most up-to-date information :https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html#category
