How category-based draws changed Express Entry in 2024
For most of Express Entry's history (2015-2023), draws were straightforward: rank all candidates by CRS, invite the top X above a cutoff. That changed in mid-2023 when IRCC began running category-based draws — rounds open only to candidates with specific occupations, French language ability, or other targeted attributes.
What the categories are (as of 2026)
- Healthcare occupations
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- Trades (carpenters, plumbers, welders, etc.)
- Transport (truck drivers, supply chain)
- Agriculture & agri-food
- French-language proficiency (CLB 7+ in French)
Why this matters for your strategy
Category-based draws often clear at CRS cutoffs significantly lower than general draws. A French-language draw might clear at 379, while the same week's general draw clears at 524. If you qualify for a category, your effective CRS threshold can drop by 100+ points.
How to qualify
For occupation-based categories, you typically need 6+ months of full-time experience in the past 3 years in one of the eligible NOC codes. For French speakers, you need CLB 7 or higher in all four French language abilities — proven via TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
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