Express Entry Category-Based Draws 2026: All Categories and Who Qualifies
Category-based draws are how IRCC picks people with specific skills, like French or experience in a job Canada is short of. The good news is that these rounds often have much lower cut-offs than Canadian Experience Class or provincial nominee rounds. For most categories, you need 12 months of work in one eligible occupation within the last 3 years.
The 2026 categories at a glance
| Category | Main rule | 2026 rounds so far (to Oct 26) |
|---|---|---|
| French-language proficiency | NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills | 11 rounds, cut-offs 382 to 435 |
| Healthcare and social services | 12 months in one listed job in the last 3 years | 3 rounds, cut-offs 467 to 475 |
| Trade occupations | 12 months in one listed job in the last 3 years | 2 rounds, cut-offs 476 to 477 |
| Transport occupations (new) | 12 months in one listed job in the last 3 years | 1 round, cut-off 470 |
| Senior managers with Canadian work experience (new) | 12 months in one listed job, in Canada | 3 rounds, cut-offs 389 to 429 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 12 months in one listed job, in Canada | 3 rounds, cut-offs 169 to 223 |
| Skilled military recruits (new) | Foreign military service and a Canadian Armed Forces job offer | 1 round, cut-off 368 |
| STEM occupations | 12 months in one listed job in the last 3 years | No rounds yet |
| Education occupations | 12 months in one listed job in the last 3 years | No rounds yet |
| Researchers with Canadian work experience (new) | 12 months in one listed job, in Canada | No rounds yet |
The agriculture and agri-food category from earlier years isn’t on the 2026 list.
How the 12-month rule works
The 12 months have to be in a single occupation from the category’s list. It doesn’t need to be the primary occupation in your profile, and it doesn’t need to be continuous. Full-time or the same amount of part-time both work, as long as it all falls within the last 3 years.
For most categories the experience can be from anywhere. Physicians, senior managers and researchers are different: their experience has to be in Canada.
One more thing people miss. A category doesn’t replace program eligibility. You still need to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Since everything hangs on your NOC code, read how to find your NOC code before you count on a category.
Examples of jobs in each category
| Category | Example NOC codes |
|---|---|
| Healthcare and social services | 31301 Registered nurses, 32120 Medical laboratory technologists, 41300 Social workers |
| STEM | 21220 Cybersecurity specialists, 21300 Civil engineers, 21310 Electrical and electronics engineers |
| Trades | 72200 Electricians, 72300 Plumbers, 72310 Carpenters |
| Education | 41220 Secondary school teachers, 42202 Early childhood educators and assistants |
| Transport | 72600 Air pilots, 72404 Aircraft mechanics, 72410 Automotive service technicians |
| Senior managers | 00012 and 00015 Senior managers |
| Researchers | 41200 University professors and lecturers, 41201 Post-secondary teaching and research assistants |
The full lists are much longer. Check your exact code on IRCC’s category-based selection page.
Why French is the big one
French has been the busiest category of 2026 by far, with 55,500 invitations across 11 rounds and some of the lowest cut-offs of the year. All you need is NCLC 7 in all four skills on TEF Canada or TCF Canada, plus eligibility for one Express Entry program. French also adds up to 50 extra CRS points. If you’re weighing up tests, see our comparison of Canada PR language tests.
The calculator shows the latest cut-off for every type of round.
Quick answers
Can I be picked in a category round and a CEC round?
Yes. You’re considered for every round you qualify for, so a category only adds chances.
Do I need to choose a category in my profile?
No. IRCC checks your work history, NOC codes and language results automatically.
Will there be STEM or education draws in 2026?
Both are on the 2026 list, but neither had a round by October 26, 2026. IRCC decides which categories to invite each time.