Express Entry Category-based draws

2025 Trends: As CRS score thresholds continue to rise, demonstrating French language proficiency or having relevant work experience in a high-demand occupation can significantly boost your profile and often determine whether you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry.

 

2025 ITA issued:

As of July 24, 2025, 23,200 Invitations to Applyhave been issued through category-based Express Entry draws under IRCC’s targeted selection strategy for the year.

According to IRCC data, category-based selections now account for a growing share of all Express Entry ITAs, reflecting a strategic shift toward filling labour market gaps with in-demand talent across Canada.

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Express Entry & category-based draws

Canada’s Express Entry system is the central pathway for selecting skilled workers to become permanent residents. Introduced in 2015, it was designed to streamline and modernize the immigration process under three core federal programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)

For several years, Express Entry draws were determined primarily by each candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which is based on factors such as age, education, skilled work experience, and language proficiency. However, as the pool of qualified applicants grew, CRS cut-off scores rose significantly—making it more difficult for many skilled workers, even in key sectors, to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

To better align immigration with labour market needs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched category-based selection draws in 2023. These targeted draws allow IRCC to invite candidates with specific work experience in high-demand occupations or strong French-language skills, even if their CRS scores fall below the general threshold.

New 2025 Express Entry categories

Francophone Category

 To be eligible, you must have French-language test results that show a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens

  • 32104 – Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians

  • 31112 – Audiologists and speech language pathologists

  • 32123 – Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists

  • 31201 – Chiropractors

  • 32111 – Dental hygienists and dental therapists

  • 31110 – Dentists

  • 31121 – Dieticians and nutritionists

  • 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians

  • 32101 – Licensed practical nurses

  • 32201 – Massage therapists

  • 33101 – Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations

  • 32120 – Medical laboratory technologists

  • 32121 – Medical radiation technologists

  • 32122 – Medical sonographers

  • 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates

  • 31302 – Nurse practitioners

  • • 31300 – Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors

  • 31203 – Occupational therapists

  • 31111 – Optometrists

  • 32129 – Other medical technologists and technicians

  • • 31209 – Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating

  • 32109 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment

  • 32102 – Paramedical occupations

  • 31120 – Pharmacists

  • 33103 – Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants

  • 32124 – Pharmacy technicians

  • 31303 – Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals

  • 31202 – Physiotherapists

  • 31200 – Psychologists

  • 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

  • 32103 – Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists

  • 42201 – Social and community service workers

  • 41300 – Social workers

  • 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine

  • 31101 – Specialists in surgery

  • 41301 – Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies

  • 31103 – Veterinarians

  • 20011 – Architecture and science managers

  • 22300 – Civil engineering technologists and technicians

  • 21300 – Civil Engineers

  • 21220 – Cybersecurity specialists

  • 22310 – Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

  • 21310 – Electrical and electronics engineers

  • 21331 – Geological Engineers

  • 21321 – Industrial and manufacturing engineers

  • 63100 – Insurance agents and brokers

  • 22301 – Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

  • 21301 – Mechanical Engineers

  • 82021 – Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services

  • 73113 – Floor covering installers

  • 73112 – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)

  • 73110 – Roofers and shinglers

  • 73100 – Concrete finishers

  • 72999 – Other technical trades and related occupations

  • 72501 – Water well drillers

  • 72422 – Electrical mechanics

  • 72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics

  • 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics

  • 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics

  • 72320 – Bricklayers

  • 72311 – Cabinetmakers

  • 72310 – Carpenters

  • 72302 – Gas fitters

  • 72300 – Plumbers

  • 72201 – Industrial electricians

  • 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)

  • 72106 – Welders and related machine operators

  • 72102 – Sheet metal workers

  • 72100 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors

  • 70011 – Home building and renovation managers

  • 70010 – Construction managers

  • 63200 – Cooks

  • 22303 – Construction estimators

  • 63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale

  • 43100 – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants

  • 42203 – Instructors of persons with disabilities

  • 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants

  • 41221 – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers

  • 41220 – Secondary school teachers

When and why Express Entry category-based draws were introduced?

Express Entry category-based draws were introduced in June 2023 as part of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) strategy to better align immigration with Canada’s evolving economic and demographic priorities. While the traditional CRS-based selection has been effective in attracting highly skilled immigrants, it has not always addressed specific labour shortages or Canada’s goal of promoting Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

With the introduction of category-based draws, IRCC seeks to:

  • Address Labour Market Gaps: Industries such as healthcare and trades continue to face critical shortages. These targeted draws enable Canada to prioritize candidates with essential skills and work experience in high-demand sectors.

  • Promote Francophone Immigration: In support of Canada’s bilingualism goals, French-language draws are designed to attract Francophone immigrants outside of Quebec and help grow French-speaking communities nationwide.

  • Expand Pathways for Skilled Workers: Many qualified professionals may not achieve high CRS scores. Category-based selection allows IRCC to offer more opportunities for permanent residence to candidates with valuable experience—even if they fall below general CRS cut-offs.

By focusing on economic needs and regional priorities, Express Entry’s category-based approach enhances both the responsiveness and inclusivity of Canada’s immigration system.

How IRCC Determines Express Entry Categories

From time to time, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) establishes Express Entry categories to reflect the country’s current labour market needs and long-term economic priorities. This selection process is informed by a combination of consultations, data analysis, and strategic planning:

  • Consultations with Provinces and Territories: IRCC works closely with provincial and territorial governments to identify regional labour shortages and ensure category-based draws support localized economic needs.

  • Engagement with Employers and Industry Stakeholders: Input from employers, business associations, and sector-specific organizations helps IRCC determine which occupations are most in demand.

  • Labour Market Data Analysis: Employment trends, government research, and forecasting studies guide the identification of priority sectors and occupations.

  • Alignment with Long-Term Immigration Objectives: Category-based draws support Canada’s broader goals of sustainable economic growth, workforce development, and demographic balance by targeting key areas of need.

Through this multifaceted approach, IRCC ensures that Express Entry categories remain responsive to Canada’s evolving economic landscape.

What categories were EFFECTIVE TILL FEBRUARY 27, 2025

On February 27, 2025, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced Canada’s updated Express Entry strategy for the year, placing stronger emphasis on candidates with Canadian work experience to help address critical labour shortages. IRCC also revised its list of targeted categories for category-based selection, introducing a new Education category and removing the Transport category from the 2024 list.

The 2025 targeted categories now include:

  • French Language Proficiency: Applicants with at least CLB 7 in all four language skills may be invited in dedicated French-language rounds, reflecting Canada’s ongoing support for Francophone immigration.

  • Healthcare (35 occupations): With an aging population, Canada continues to prioritize healthcare professionals across a wide range of roles.

  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) – 24 occupations: These sectors are key drivers of innovation and economic growth, making STEM talent a high priority for immigration.

  • Skilled Trades (10 occupations): Tradespeople such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers remain in high demand and continue to be targeted under category-based draws.

  • Agriculture and Agri-food (3 occupations): Candidates with experience in food production, farm management, or agricultural operations are sought to support Canada’s large agri-food industry.

These categories reflect IRCC’s effort to align immigration with labour market needs and long-term national priorities.

What Are the Requirements to Be Eligible for a Category-Based Express Entry Draw?

To be considered for a category-based Express Entry draw, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Satisfy the Requirements of an Express Entry Program: You must first qualify under one of the three core programs—Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades (FST).

  • Meet Category-Specific Eligibility:

    • Occupation-Based Categories: You must have at least six months of continuous work experience within the last three years in a priority occupation designated by IRCC.

    • French-Language Category: You must demonstrate proficiency at NCLC level 7 or higher in all four language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

  • Accurately Update Your Express Entry Profile: Ensure that your Express Entry profile includes your relevant work experience and/or French-language test results so that IRCC can identify your eligibility for targeted category-based draws.

Is Foreign Work Experience Considered in Category-Based Express Entry Draws?

Yes, foreign work experience can count for category-based Express Entry draws—provided it meets the eligibility criteria set by IRCC for that specific category. For occupation-based draws, candidates must have at least six months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) within the last three years in an eligible occupation. However, the experience must align with the National Occupation Classification (NOC) listed for that draw and be properly documented in your Express Entry profile.

The main benefits of Express Entry category-based draws

Category-based Express Entry draws offer a strategic advantage to eligible candidates by narrowing competition and targeting specific labour needs in Canada:

  • Reduced Competition: Unlike general draws where all profiles compete based solely on CRS scores, category-based draws target smaller, defined groups—giving qualified candidates a better chance of receiving an invitation.

  • Lower CRS Cut-Offs: Because the focus is on occupation or language criteria rather than just the highest CRS scores, the minimum score required is often lower than in general draws, benefiting candidates with mid-range CRS scores.

  • Closer Alignment with Economic Needs: Candidates in high-demand categories may benefit from faster processing and improved prospects for integration into the Canadian workforce.

  • Greater Predictability: With clearly published priority categories for 2025, applicants can plan ahead—by gaining relevant work experience or improving French proficiency—to strengthen their chances of selection.

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FAQ about Category-based draws

Category-based draws allow IRCC to invite candidates from the Express Entry pool based on specific attributes such as occupation, language proficiency, or other targeted criteria, rather than only on the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.

Yes. You must first be eligible for one of the three Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades) and meet the requirements of the targeted category to receive an invitation.

General draws invite candidates based solely on CRS score. In contrast, category-based draws prioritize candidates with specific skills or language abilities, often at lower CRS thresholds due to a narrower pool of eligible applicants.

Yes, foreign work experience can qualify if it aligns with the targeted NOC (National Occupation Classification) code. However, your profile must still meet the requirements of the core Express Entry program you’re applying through.

You must check if your primary NOC code (as listed in your Express Entry profile) falls under one of the targeted categories. For the French-language category, you must meet the minimum language level (typically NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities).

No. There is no separate application. Once your Express Entry profile is created and you meet the eligibility for a category, you may be considered automatically in future category-based draws.

CRS scores in category-based draws tend to be lower than general draws. For example, French-speaking candidates and tradespeople have been invited with scores in the 350–480 range, depending on the round.

Yes. If you meet the criteria for multiple categories, your profile can be considered for each relevant draw. However, you will receive only one Invitation to Apply (ITA) per round.

Once invited, you must submit a full permanent residence application within 60 days. The process from there is the same as for any Express Entry application, including document submission, biometrics, medical exams, and background checks.

Yes, for eligible candidates, category-based draws can significantly improve the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). These draws often have lower CRS cut-offs and fewer competitors because they target specific occupations or language skills, reducing overall competition compared to general draws.

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