Express Entry Draws

Category-Based:
Who Canada Is Inviting in 2026

Canada’s immigration system has changed. In 2026, success under Express Entry is no longer only about having the highest CRS score. Instead, Canada is increasingly inviting candidates through category-based draws targeted rounds that focus on specific skills, occupations, and language abilities.

If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, this guide explains what category-based draws are, who qualifies, and how to position your profile for the invitations Canada is actually issuing in 2026.

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What Are Category-Based Express Entry Draws?

Category-based draws allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to invite candidates who meet specific economic priorities, even if their CRS score is lower than general draws.

Instead of competing against the entire Express Entry pool, candidates compete only within their category which often means lower cut-offs and faster invitations.

Why Category-Based Draws Matter in 2026

In recent years, Canada has used category-based selection to:

• Address labour shortages

• Support Francophone communities outside Quebec

• Meet sector-specific economic needs

As a result:

• General draws are less frequent

• Targeted categories receive consistent invitations

• Candidates who match a priority category have a real advantage

Express Entry Categories in 2026 (Who Is Being Invited)

Below are the main categories Canada is prioritizing and who they are best suited for.

🇫🇷 1) French-Language Proficiency (Outside Quebec)

This is one of the strongest and most consistent categories.

Who qualifies

• French at CLB/NCLC 7 or higher (all four skills)

• English is optional, but French + English together is ideal

• Any skilled occupation (TEER 0–3)

• Intention to live outside Quebec

Why it’s powerful

• Often lower CRS cut-offs

• Not limited by occupation

• Aligns with Canada’s long-term Francophone strategy

Best for: Bilingual professionals, international candidates with strong French, and those planning PR without a job offer.

🏥 2) Healthcare Occupations

Canada continues to prioritize healthcare professionals nationwide.

Common eligible roles

• Registered nurses & nurse practitioners

• Medical laboratory technologists

• Physiotherapists & occupational therapists

• Pharmacists

• Medical imaging technologists

What matters

• Correct occupation classification (TEER)

• Education aligned with experience

• Licensing may be required after PR (not always before)

Best for: Healthcare professionals with 1+ year of skilled experience.

💻 3) STEM Occupations

STEM draws target innovation and digital growth.

Common eligible roles

• Software engineers & developers

• Data analysts & data scientists

• IT project managers

• Systems analysts

• Cybersecurity specialists

• Engineers (various disciplines)

Best for: Tech professionals with strong education and continuous work history.

🛠️ 4) Skilled Trades

Trades remain essential for infrastructure and housing.

Common eligible roles

• Electricians

• Plumbers

• Welders

• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics

• Industrial mechanics (millwrights)

• Construction supervisors

Important note:
Trade certification can help but experience and correct TEER classification are critical.

🚚 5) Transport Occupations

Transport supports supply chains across Canada.

Common eligible roles

• Truck drivers

• Transit operators

• Railway conductors

• Aircraft maintenance technicians

🌾 6) Agriculture & Agri-Food

Smaller but strategic category focused on food security.

Common eligible roles

• Farm supervisors

• Agricultural service contractors

• Specialized farm workers
  

Do You Still Need a High CRS Score?

Yes, but not always “extreme.”

In category-based draws:

• CRS cut-offs are often lower than general draws

• You’re ranked only against candidates in the same category

• Language, experience, and education alignment matter more

That’s why candidates with “average” CRS scores can still receive invitations—if their profile matches the right category.

Where Can You Live After a Category-Based Invitation?

Successful applicants can live and work across Canada, including major hubs like Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and many growing regional communities as long as it’s outside Quebec.

Common Mistakes We See

Many strong candidates miss invitations because they:

• Choose the wrong NOC/TEER code

• Assume CRS alone is enough

• Ignore French as a strategic advantage

• Submit incomplete or misaligned profiles

• Don’t combine Express Entry + PNP strategies

Category-based selection rewards precision, not guesswork.

How to Position Your Profile for Category-Based Draws

Depending on your situation, a smart strategy may include:

• Improving French or English language results

• Re-aligning work experience with the correct TEER

• Targeting French-language or occupation-specific draws

• Combining Express Entry with Provincial Nominee Programs

• Planning 12–24 months ahead instead of waiting passively

How One Immigration Helps

At One Immigration, we help qualified candidates:

• Identify which category actually fits their profile

• Assess real CRS competitiveness

• Fix classification and eligibility risks

• Build a strategy aligned with current IRCC invitation trends

• Avoid refusals, delays, and wasted time

We focus on quality profiles and realistic outcomes, not volume.

Call to Action

Not sure if you fit a priority category in 2026?
Before waiting or applying blindly, get a professional assessment.

👉 Book a consultation with a licensed immigration professional:
https://oneimmigration.ca/essential-consultation/

📧 Prefer an initial estimate?
Email us [email protected] with:

• Your occupation

• Education level

• Years of skilled experience

• English and/or French language level