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Latest Draw #426|CRS: 392|No Program Specified|500 ITAs|Jul 10, 2026
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Express Entry Program
Express Entry Category-Based Draws 2026: Categories and CRS Cutoffs
IRCC runs targeted Express Entry rounds for ten priority categories. If you work in healthcare and social services, skilled trades, education, STEM, transport, or as a senior manager, or you have strong French, you can get an invitation at a lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score than a general draw.
Processing
6 months or less
Recent Cutoff
420
Last Draw
5,000 ITAs
Max CRS
1,200 pts
Program Overview
About Category-Based Express Entry Draws
Category-based selection lets Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invite Express Entry candidates who fit a specific economic priority, instead of inviting only the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scorers. IRCC introduced these targeted rounds in mid-2023, and they have become a main route to permanent residence for skilled workers with in-demand experience.
The February 2026 overhaul was the largest restructuring since category-based selection launched in 2023. For 2026 there are ten categories: French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, skilled trades, education, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), transport, physicians with Canadian work experience, researchers with Canadian work experience, senior managers with Canadian work experience, and highly skilled recruits of the Canadian Armed Forces. The overhaul retired the agriculture and agri-food category and reintroduced transport. To qualify for an occupation category you now need at least twelve months of continuous full-time work experience, or the part-time equivalent, in an eligible job within the past three years (raised from six months), and you must still meet the requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. French-language rounds work differently: they reward a test score of at least Niveau de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) 7 in all four abilities rather than a specific occupation.
Category rounds usually close at a lower CRS score than general rounds because the pool is smaller and more targeted. As of July 2026, French-language draws remain the most accessible and the largest by volume (for example, a cut-off of 420 with 5,000 invitations on July 9, 2026), the new senior-managers category drew as low as 392 CRS on July 9, 2026, and healthcare and trades rounds have generally landed higher. STEM has not held a dedicated draw since April 2024. IRCC sets the categories each year from labour-market data and updates the eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, so confirm your occupation on the official IRCC category-based selection page before you plan around any draw.
Key Benefits
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
Meet these requirements to qualify for Category-Based Express Entry Draws.
Active Express Entry Profile
You must have a profile in the Express Entry pool and qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Twelve Months of Category Experience
For an occupation category you need at least twelve months of continuous full-time work, or the part-time equivalent, in an eligible job within the last three years (raised from six months in the February 2026 overhaul). The experience can be from inside or outside Canada.
Matching NOC Code
Your work history must fall under a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code that IRCC lists for the category. The eligible codes change, so check the official IRCC category-based selection page.
CRS Scoring
Comprehensive Ranking System
Your CRS score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool.
Category Alignment
N/ANo bonus points, but category draws have lower cutoffs. Being in the right category matters more than higher CRS.
Standard CRS
1200 pointsSame CRS calculation as general draws. Category just determines which pool you are drawn from.
PNP Nomination
600 pointsPNP still adds 600 points and can combine with category eligibility.
Draw History
Recent Express Entry Draws
Track recent CRS cutoffs to understand your chances.
Jul 9, 2026French Language
420
CRS Cutoff
5,000 invitations
Jun 25, 2026Healthcare
475
CRS Cutoff
4,000 invitations
May 28, 2026French Language
409
CRS Cutoff
How to Apply
Application Process
Step-by-step guide to applying for Category-Based Express Entry Draws.
1
Identify Your Category
Determine if your occupation or attributes match current category priorities. Check IRCC announcements for active categories.
2
Verify Occupation Code
Ensure your primary occupation NOC matches the category. Your profile occupation determines eligibility.
3
Create/Update Profile
Submit or update your Express Entry profile. Ensure occupation details are accurate.
4
Monitor Draws
Track category-based draw announcements. Cutoffs can vary significantly between categories.
5
Receive ITA
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Category-Based Express Entry Draws
What is a category-based draw in Express Entry?
A category-based draw is a round of invitations where IRCC invites Express Entry candidates who fit a chosen economic priority, rather than only the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scorers. The Minister sets the eligible categories each year. A candidate who meets the category and the cut-off receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, often at a lower score than a general round. IRCC started these draws in mid-2023 to fill labour shortages in healthcare, the trades, technology, and other priority fields.
What are the Express Entry categories for 2026?
For 2026 there are ten categories: French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, skilled trades, education, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), transport, physicians with Canadian work experience, researchers with Canadian work experience, senior managers with Canadian work experience, and highly skilled recruits of the Canadian Armed Forces. The February 2026 overhaul retired the agriculture and agri-food category and reintroduced transport (aviation and vehicle-maintenance occupations). Healthcare now includes roles such as physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and social workers, and education covers early childhood educators and teachers. IRCC publishes the exact eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes for each category on its category-based selection page and can adjust them during the year.
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