IRCC runs 10 Express Entry categories in 2026. Category-based draws target specific occupations and offer much lower CRS cut-offs than general draws — as low as CRS 169 (Physicians). All categories now require 12 months of Canadian work experience, up from 6 months in 2025. Agriculture was retired; five new categories launched in 2026.
Express Entry's category-based selection, introduced in 2023, lets IRCC hold draws that target specific occupations Canada needs most. If your NOC code falls into one of these categories, you can receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) at a much lower CRS score than a general pool draw — sometimes 200+ points lower.
This guide covers all 10 active 2026 categories, their CRS cut-off ranges, the new 12-month work experience rule, and how to figure out which category fits your profile.
Category-based selection is a targeted draw type where IRCC issues ITAs only to candidates whose profile meets specific occupation or language criteria. A standard general draw pulls from the entire Express Entry pool by CRS rank. Category draws pull only from the subset of candidates who qualify for that category.
The result: category draws frequently produce CRS cut-off scores far below what a general draw requires. A candidate with CRS 430 who would wait indefinitely in a general pool might receive an ITA within weeks if their occupation falls under the Healthcare or Trades category.
Being eligible for a category does not remove you from the general pool. You remain eligible for any draw — general or category — that runs while your profile is active.
IRCC announced its 2026 category selection on February 18, 2026. Five categories were renewed from 2025; five are new. The Agriculture and Agri-food category was retired.
| Category | Status | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| French language proficiency | Renewed | CLB/NCLC 7 in French; plan to live outside Quebec |
| Healthcare and social services | Renewed | 12 months Canadian work exp in eligible NOC codes |
| STEM occupations | Renewed | 12 months Canadian work exp in eligible STEM NOC codes |
| Trade occupations | Renewed | 12 months Canadian work exp in eligible trade NOC codes |
| Education occupations | Renewed | 12 months Canadian work exp in eligible education NOC codes |
| Physicians with Canadian work exp | New (Dec 2025) | 12 months Canadian work exp as physician; licensed in Canada |
| Senior managers with Canadian work exp | New (Feb 2026) | 12 months Canadian work exp in NOC TEER 0 management |
| Researchers with Canadian work exp | New (Feb 2026) | 12 months Canadian work exp in research-focused NOC codes |
| Transport workers | New (Feb 2026) | Work exp can be gained outside Canada (unique exception) |
| Skilled military recruits | New (Feb 2026) | Military service experience; specific IRCC criteria |
The Agriculture and Agri-food category is no longer active in 2026. Workers in this sector must use general Express Entry draws, applicable PNP streams, or the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot if eligible.
Category-based draw cut-off scores vary with every round depending on the number of eligible candidates in the pool. These are the approximate ranges observed in 2026 draws through May 2026:
| Category | 2026 CRS Cut-off Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians | 169–250 | Lowest cut-off of any category; small eligible pool |
| French language | 379–393 | Incentivizes Francophone immigration outside Quebec |
| Trade occupations | ~410 | Electricians, plumbers, welders, heavy equipment operators |
| Healthcare | ~423 | Nurses, PSWs, dentists, psychologists, social workers |
| Senior Managers | ~429 | First dedicated draw held March 2026 |
| STEM occupations | ~491 | Largest category pool; higher cut-offs |
Cut-offs change with each draw. The figures above reflect draws held January–May 2026 and will shift as pool composition changes.
For 2026, IRCC increased the minimum qualifying Canadian work experience requirement from 6 months to 12 months across all renewed and new categories. This is a significant change that affects candidates who completed shorter stints in Canada.
Your work experience must be in an eligible NOC code for your target category. It must be full-time (or part-time equivalent totalling 12 months). It must be paid employment — volunteer work, self-employment, and unpaid internships generally do not count.
Transport workers are the only 2026 category where experience gained outside Canada qualifies. Pilots, aircraft mechanics, truck drivers, and other transport occupations can count foreign work experience toward the 12-month threshold.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) requires only 1 year of Canadian work experience to enter the Express Entry pool. Category-based selection also requires 12 months of Canadian experience, but that experience must be in the specific occupations listed for that category — not just any Canadian work experience.
Includes physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, dentists, pharmacists, medical laboratory technologists, psychologists, social workers, veterinarians, and personal support workers. IRCC uses specific NOC codes — check IRCC's official list before assuming your role qualifies.
Covers software engineers and designers, database analysts, computer programmers, data scientists, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and other NOC TEER 1–2 technical roles. This is the largest category by eligible pool size, which is why cut-offs are higher.
Electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, industrial mechanics, welders, heavy equipment operators, construction millwrights, and related trades. NOC TEER 2–3 skilled trades are included.
Elementary and secondary school teachers, early childhood educators, education assistants, and post-secondary instructors. Provincial licensing requirements still apply after landing.
Airline pilots and co-pilots, aircraft mechanics, air traffic controllers, transport truck drivers (long-haul), and rail and marine transport workers. Foreign experience counts for this category only.
IRCC publishes the full NOC code list for each category on Canada.ca. The process:
You do not self-declare category eligibility — IRCC flags your profile based on the NOC codes you enter. Make sure your NOC codes accurately reflect the work you performed in Canada.
CRS scores, draw history, and profile optimization tips for 2026.
Browse All GuidesSources: IRCC category-based selection announcement February 18, 2026; IRCC Express Entry draw results January–May 2026; Canada.ca category-based selection eligible occupations list. Always verify current NOC eligibility at canada.ca. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.