Express Entry Category-Based Draws

Canada’s Express Entry system introduced category-based selection draws in 2023 to target immigration candidates with specific skills and qualifications that align with Canada’s labour market needs. Unlike the traditional approach, which focused primarily on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, category-based draws invite candidates who meet criteria within designated occupational or skill-based categories.

In 2026, the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expanded and refined these categories to better respond to ongoing workforce shortages and economic priorities. The updated categories now include:

• French-language proficiency

• Healthcare and social services occupations

• Trade occupations

• Education occupations

• Transport occupations

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) occupations

• Physicians with Canadian work experience

• Researchers with Canadian work experience

• Senior managers with Canadian work experience

• Skilled military recruits

Previously, most categories required a minimum of six months of qualifying work experience within the past three years. As of 2026, this requirement has increased to a minimum of 12 months of relevant work experience within the past three years.

Candidates who meet the minimum eligibility requirements under one of the three main Express Entry programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) — are eligible to be considered for category-based draws.

This means that applicants must first qualify for Express Entry under at least one of these programs. Once they are in the Express Entry pool, they may be selected under a category-based draw if they have qualifying work experience in one of the occupations listed within the designated categories.

Importantly, the required work experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad, unless the specific category explicitly requires Canadian work experience (such as Physicians, Researchers, or Senior Managers with Canadian work experience). As long as the candidate meets the program requirements (FSW, CEC, or FST) and satisfies the category-specific criteria — including the minimum 12 months of relevant work experience within the past three years — they may be eligible for selection under a category-based draw.