What are category-based draws?

Category-based draws are Express Entry invitation rounds where IRCC issues ITAs to candidates meeting specific occupation, language, or skill criteria — rather than to all top-CRS candidates regardless of profile.

Introduced in 2023, category-based draws have become an increasingly large share of total ITAs issued.

Current categories (2025-2026)

IRCC's published categories typically include:

• STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Math occupations (NOC 21231 software engineers, 21232 software developers, 21223 database analysts, 21222 cybersecurity, 21300 civil engineers, 21301 mechanical engineers, etc.)
• Healthcare — NOC 31301 RNs, 31102 family physicians, 31100 specialists, 32101 LPNs, 32102 paramedics, etc.
• French language proficiency — CLB 7+ in French (NCLC 7+)
• Skilled trades — NOC 72/73/82 codes — electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, machinists, etc.
• Transport — NOC 73300 truck drivers, pilots, dispatchers
• Agriculture and agri-food — eligible agriculture NOCs
• Education — NOC 41200 university professors, 41210 elementary teachers, 41220 secondary teachers

Categories are reviewed periodically. Check IRCC's published list before relying on specific draws.

Why category-based draws matter

• Lower CRS cutoffs than general all-program draws
• Targeted selection — your specific NOC may qualify even if your CRS doesn't clear general cutoffs
• French is the lowest cutoff — CRS as low as 379-410 in recent French draws
• Healthcare and STEM have run 460-510 — competitive but reachable for many strong professional profiles

How to qualify

To be considered in a category-based draw, you must:

• Have an active Express Entry profile
• Meet the specific category criteria (often: 6+ months of recent work experience in the target NOC, language proficiency, education)
• IRCC selects from candidates whose profile matches the category at the time of the draw

You don't apply separately — being in the EE pool with the right profile is enough. IRCC reviews profiles in each category-based draw round.

Halani's note

For most Halani clients, category-based draws are the realistic path to ITA. Federal general draws (481-545 CRS range) exclude many strong files. Targeting STEM, healthcare, or French categories is the practical strategy. We map clients' NOC to current category eligibility at consultation.