Category-based Express Entry draws
Overview
Category-based selection allows IRCC to run Express Entry invitation rounds targeting candidates with specific attributes — such as French language ability, particular occupational experience, or education in a specific field — rather than drawing from the full pool by CRS score alone. Category-based draws were introduced by amendments to IRPA in June 2023. They allow lower CRS cut-off scores for candidates who meet the category criteria, making certain Express Entry pathways more accessible for targeted groups.
Before category-based selection, all Express Entry draws (other than PNP streams) were based solely on CRS score. This led to high CRS cut-offs as the pool grew, making it difficult for some otherwise qualified candidates to receive an ITA. Category-based selection allows IRCC to target specific labour market needs or policy objectives — such as encouraging French-speaking immigration or addressing healthcare and skilled trade shortages — through dedicated draw categories.
Legal basis
- IRPA ss 10.1(2)(e) and 10.3(1) — as amended by the Budget Implementation Act, 2022, No. 1 (SC 2022, c 19) — authorise IRCC to invite candidates from the pool based on categories specified by the Minister
- IRCC Ministerial Instructions — published in the Canada Gazette, specify the categories for each draw round and the eligibility criteria for each category
How it works
How categories are determined
The Minister of Immigration publishes Ministerial Instructions specifying the categories for category-based draws. Each set of instructions specifies:
- The category name and description
- The eligibility criteria for candidates in that category (occupational experience, language scores, education, etc.)
- The applicable NOC TEER codes or other qualifiers
Categories used since 2023
IRCC has run category-based draws in the following categories (as at 2026):
- French language proficiency — candidates with strong French language ability (CLB 7+) and who intend to settle outside Quebec
- Healthcare occupations — candidates with recent work experience in specified healthcare NOC codes (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, health technicians)
- STEM occupations — candidates with experience in specified science, technology, engineering, and mathematics occupations
- Trade occupations — candidates with experience in specified skilled trades NOC codes
- Transport occupations — candidates with experience in specified transport sector NOC codes
- Agriculture and agri-food — candidates with experience in specified agriculture-related occupations
- Education occupations — candidates with experience in specified education NOC codes
CRS cut-offs in category draws
Category-based draws typically have lower CRS cut-offs than all-program draws. The cut-off applies only to candidates who meet the category eligibility criteria. Candidates who do not meet the category criteria cannot receive an ITA in a category-specific draw, regardless of their overall CRS score.
Impact on all-program draws
Candidates who receive ITAs in category-based draws are removed from the pool, which can affect the overall distribution of CRS scores for subsequent all-program draws. The introduction of category draws has made Express Entry more complex to predict — candidates should monitor IRCC draw history and the categories that are active.