Since mid-2023, IRCC has been running category-based Express Entry draws alongside traditional general rounds. If you're not sure what these are or whether you qualify, here's a clear breakdown.
What are category-based draws?
Traditional Express Entry draws invite the highest-scoring candidates from the entire pool, regardless of occupation or background. Category-based draws are different — they target candidates who meet specific criteria that align with Canada's economic priorities.
IRCC selects categories based on the advice of stakeholders, labor market data, and immigration policy goals. The key benefit for candidates: CRS cut-offs for category draws are typically much lower than general draws.
Current categories
As of early 2026, IRCC has been running draws in these categories:
Healthcare occupations — Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals. This has been one of the most frequent category draw types, reflecting Canada's healthcare worker shortage.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) — Software engineers, data scientists, electrical engineers, civil engineers, mathematicians, and related occupations.
Trades occupations — Electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, and other skilled trades workers.
Transport occupations — Truck drivers, aircraft pilots, railway workers, and other transport-related roles.
Agriculture and agri-food — Farm workers, food processing workers, butchers, and related occupations.
French-language proficiency — Candidates with strong French skills, regardless of occupation. This category supports Canada's goal of increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
How to know if you qualify
Your eligibility depends on your primary occupation as listed in your Express Entry profile. Specifically, IRCC looks at the National Occupation Classification (NOC) code you selected.
Each category has a specific list of eligible NOC codes. When IRCC announces a category-based draw, they specify which NOC codes are included. If your primary NOC matches, you're eligible for that category draw.
Make sure your Express Entry profile lists the NOC code that most accurately reflects your actual work experience. If your experience spans multiple NOC codes, choose the one that best positions you for category draws — as long as it's truthful and you meet all the requirements.
How CRS cut-offs compare
To illustrate the difference, consider a hypothetical month where both types of draws occur:
| Draw type | CRS cut-off | Invitations |
|---|---|---|
| General | 530 | 3,200 |
| Healthcare | 431 | 1,500 |
| STEM | 488 | 800 |
| French proficiency | 410 | 1,400 |
The exact numbers vary draw to draw, but the pattern is consistent: category draws let in candidates who wouldn't have made the cut in a general round. The difference can be 50–100+ CRS points.
Strategy for category-eligible candidates
If you qualify for a category, here's how to maximize your chances:
Keep your profile active. Category draws happen at irregular intervals. You need to be in the pool when one runs.
Double-check your NOC code. An incorrect NOC code means you won't be picked up by the right category draw, even if your actual work experience qualifies.
Still work on your CRS. Category draws have cut-offs too. A higher score gives you a better buffer and positions you for general draws as a fallback. Use the CRS Calculator to see where you stand, and check processing times to plan your timeline.
Monitor draw announcements. We track every draw on our Express Entry draws page so you can see which categories IRCC is targeting and how frequently.
What if you don't qualify for any category?
General draws are still running regularly. Focus on maximizing your CRS score through language tests, work experience, education, and — if possible — a Provincial Nominee Program. Use our eligibility checker to see which programs you qualify for, and check out our post on improving your CRS score for specific strategies.