The Express Entry system is the main pathway for obtaining permanent residency in Canada through economic immigration programs.
In addition to standard draws based on CRS scores, the Government of Canada also conducts category-based selection draws — special draws for candidates with specific work experience or a high level of French language proficiency. These draws allow candidates to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) even with a lower CRS score, provided they meet the criteria of the selection category.
In this post, we will cover how the Express Entry system works, who can qualify for category-based draws, what NOCs are prioritized as of March 2025, and what requirements must be met.
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry (EE) is an application management system for immigration to Canada under the following programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (under Express Entry)
How It Works – Step-by-Step
- After creating an Express Entry account, candidates who meet the eligibility requirements of one or more programs enter the EE pool, where points are assigned based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- After registration, the system determines whether a candidate is eligible for one or more EE programs.
To be eligible for a specific program, the candidate must meet the program’s formal criteria.
Requirements for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Work experience: At least 1 year (12 months or 1560 hours) in Canada within the last 3 years in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
- Language:
- CLB 7 for TEER 0 and 1
- CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3
- Employment conditions: Full-time or equivalent part-time; the work must be paid (salary or commission). Unpaid internships or volunteer work do not count.
- Duties: You must show that you have:
- Performed the actions listed in the lead statement of the NOC description
- Carried out most (80%) of the main duties of the NOC
- Education: Not required, but gives extra points. If you want CRS points for education, you must have an ECA (credential assessment) or Canadian education
- Proof of funds: Not required
- Legal status: Work experience must have been gained legally
Requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
- Work experience: At least 1 continuous year (1560 hours) within the last 10 years in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
- NOC consistency: The work must match the NOC code used in your immigration application (called your primary occupation).
- Your primary occupation does not have to be your most recent one.
- Employment conditions: Must be paid (salary or commission). Volunteer work or unpaid internships are not eligible.
- Geography: Work experience may be gained inside or outside Canada
- Duties: You must show that you have:
- Performed the actions in the lead statement of the NOC
- Completed most (80%) of the main duties
- Language:
- CLB 7 for TEER 0 and 1
- CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3
- Education: Not required, but gives CRS points. You’ll need an ECA for foreign credentials or proof of Canadian education
- Proof of funds: Required (unless you already have a valid job offer/work permit)
- FSW Points Grid: Must score at least 67 out of 100 points across six selection factors
How Draws Work
IRCC holds regular draws from the EE pool, inviting top-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence by issuing ITAs.
What Is a Category-Based Draw?
Category-based draws are special Express Entry rounds for candidates with specific work experience or language proficiency. These draws apply to CEC and FSW streams.
Category-Based Draw Criteria for 2025
Work Experience (at least 6 months in the last 3 years) in one of the following sectors:
- Healthcare
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Skilled trades
- Education
- Agriculture and agri-food industries
Language
- Francophone candidates: minimum NCLC 7 in French
How to Qualify for a Category-Based Draw
To receive an ITA under a category-based draw, a candidate must meet two conditions simultaneously:
- Match one of the selection categories (e.g., relevant work experience or high level of French)
- Meet the eligibility criteria of one of the Express Entry programs (CEC or FSW)
Although CRS scores are still considered, candidates in category-based draws often qualify with lower CRS thresholds.
Conclusion
Category-based draws in Express Entry offer an additional pathway to receive an ITA — especially for candidates with work experience in priority sectors or a high level of French.
However, to be considered, you must simultaneously:
- Qualify under a category, and
- Meet eligibility criteria for either the CEC or FSW program
If you are planning to immigrate to Canada, review your eligibility, match yourself against these categories, and optimize your EE profile to increase your chances of success.
