In May 2023, IRCC gained the authority to run category-based Express Entry draws — rounds that target specific types of candidates rather than simply the highest CRS scores. These draws have changed the landscape for many applicants, especially those in healthcare, STEM, and skilled trades who may have lower overall CRS scores but fill Canada's priority labour needs.
What Are the Active Categories?
IRCC selects categories each year based on Canada's labour market needs and language goals. For 2026, the active categories include:
- Healthcare occupations (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical lab technicians, PSWs)
- STEM occupations (software engineers, data scientists, engineers, mathematicians)
- Trades (electricians, welders, plumbers, heavy equipment operators)
- Agriculture and agri-food (farm supervisors, agricultural service contractors, food processing workers)
- Transport (truck drivers, air pilots, railway conductors)
- French-language proficiency (applicants with strong French scores destined outside Quebec)
Why Category-Based Draws Matter for You
Category-based draws consistently have lower CRS cutoffs than all-program draws. In 2025–2026, all-program draws cut off around 490–530 CRS. Category-based draws for healthcare and trades have cut off as low as 430–470 — a significant difference of 30–60 points that can mean the difference between getting an ITA this month vs. waiting 2 more years.
Key Insight
You do not need to take any special action to be considered in a category draw — if your NOC code falls within an eligible category and your Express Entry profile is active, you are automatically eligible when IRCC runs that draw. Your CRS score is still compared against other candidates in that same category.
Healthcare Category: Which NOC Codes Qualify?
IRCC has included a broad range of healthcare occupations. Some of the most common NOC codes in this category include: NOC 31100 (Specialist physicians), NOC 31102 (General practitioners), NOC 31301 (Registered nurses), NOC 32101 (Pharmacists), NOC 32110 (Medical lab technologists), NOC 33102 (Nurse aides and PSWs), and NOC 32124 (Paramedical occupations).
STEM Category: Who Is Included?
The STEM category covers a wide range of technology, engineering, and science occupations. Common included NOC codes: NOC 21211 (Data scientists), NOC 21220 (Cybersecurity specialists), NOC 21231 (Software engineers), NOC 21233 (Web developers), NOC 21232 (Software developers and programmers), NOC 21300 (Civil engineers), NOC 21310 (Mechanical engineers), NOC 21320 (Electrical/electronics engineers).
French-Language Category
Canada has a special interest in attracting French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec (to strengthen Francophone communities in other provinces). To qualify, you need a strong TEF or TCF score equivalent to CLB 7 or higher in French. Importantly, this category often has among the lowest CRS cutoffs — sometimes 30–50 points below all-program draws. If you speak French and work in a skilled occupation, this may be your fastest route.
VMC Recommendation
Check whether your primary occupation's NOC code falls in a targeted category. If it does, and your CRS is in the 430–480 range, category-based draws may be your best pathway. Our RCICs can review your profile and identify which categories you qualify for.
Sanjay Singh Kumar
Licensed RCIC · Visa Master Canada
Sanjay Singh Kumar is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). He has guided thousands of clients through Express Entry, PNP, work permits, and family sponsorships.