If you work in healthcare, trades, tech, education, or a few other high-demand fields, Canada’s Express Entry system could fast-track your path to permanent residence—even with as little as six months of experience.
Canada continues to fine-tune its immigration system to fill urgent labour gaps, and Express Entry’s category-based draws are one of the most powerful tools it uses to do that. For skilled workers in the right occupations, these targeted draws can significantly improve the odds of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR).
Below, we break down how category-based Express Entry works, which occupations are currently in demand, and what you need to know to position yourself for success.
What Is Category-Based Express Entry?
Category-based selections are special Express Entry draws run by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Instead of inviting candidates purely based on their CRS score, IRCC targets people who meet specific economic or demographic needs such as workers in critical occupations or candidates with strong French-language skills.
Even in these targeted rounds, the process remains competitive. IRCC still:
Identifies eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool
Ranks them using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Invites the highest-ranking candidates who fit the category
The big advantage? You’re competing within a much smaller group of people who share your occupation or skill set.
Who Can Qualify for an Occupation-Based Category?
To be eligible for an Express Entry occupation category, you must:
Be eligible for one of the three Express Entry programs (FSW, CEC, or FST)
Have an active profile in the Express Entry pool
Have at least six months of work experience (in Canada or abroad) in the last three years in an eligible occupation
Meet any additional criteria listed in the ministerial instructions for that draw.
⚠️ Important: The work experience requirement is higher for the new Physicians with Canadian work experience category.
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In-Demand Express Entry Occupation Categories (2024–2025)
1. Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
Healthcare remains one of Canada’s top immigration priorities.
This category includes regulated professions like doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, as well as social workers and related roles. IRCC officially prioritized this category in 2025.
Last draw: December 11, 2025
Draws in 2025: Seven
CRS cut-off range: 462–510
2. STEM Occupations (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
STEM draws focus heavily on engineering roles, engineering technologists and technicians, and cybersecurity professionals.
Last draw: April 11, 2024
Draws in 2025: None
CRS cut-off range: 486–491
While no STEM-specific draws were held in 2025, this category remains relevant and may return as labour needs shift.
3. Trade Occupations
Trades are critical to Canada’s infrastructure and housing goals. This category includes construction supervisors, industrial and mechanical trades, and certain finishing trades.
IRCC marked trades as a priority category in 2025.
Last draw: September 18, 2025
Draws in 2025: One
CRS cut-off: 505
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4. Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
This category has narrowed significantly. Where it once included three occupations, it now covers only one specific role.
Last draw: February 16, 2024
Draws in 2025: None
CRS cut-off range: 354–437
Despite fewer draws, the relatively lower CRS scores made this category notable when it was active.
5. Education Occupations
Introduced in 2025, this newer category includes teachers and essential school and childcare support roles.
Education was also designated a priority category last year.
Last draw: September 17, 2025
Draws in 2025: Two
CRS cut-off range: 462–479
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6. Physicians With Canadian Work Experience
This is the newest Express Entry category and applies exclusively to physicians who have already worked in Canada.
Key differences from other categories:
Requires 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience (or equivalent part-time)
Experience must be within the last three years
Only specific physician NOCs are eligible
Draws expected to begin: Early 2026
Draws in 2025: N/A
CRS score range: N/A
Why “Priority” Categories Matter
Not every Express Entry category receives the same attention each year. IRCC sets immigration priorities annually and aligns Express Entry draws accordingly.
For example, in its February 27, 2025 announcement, IRCC confirmed it would prioritize:
Francophone immigration
Healthcare
Trades
Education
These priorities directly influence how often draws occur and how many ITAs are issued.
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How IRCC Decides Which Categories to Target
According to IRCC, categories are chosen based on:
Labour market data and projections
Input from provinces, territories, and other partners
Each category is tied to broader goals, such as filling labour shortages or supporting bilingualism. IRCC also reports annually to Parliament on why categories were selected and how many invitations were issued.
How to Check If Your Job Matches an Eligible NOC
Canada uses the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system to define eligible work experience. What matters most is what you actually did at work, not your job title.
Each occupation has a TEER level (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities), which helps IRCC assess skill level.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your NOC
Visit the official NOC website and select NOC 2021 Version 1.0
Search using your job title or a known NOC code
Compare your real job duties to the NOC’s main duties section
Check the exclusions list to ensure your role isn’t excluded
When preparing reference letters, make sure your duties closely reflect the NOC description
If the duties don’t align well, keep searching accuracy here is critical.
Final Thoughts: Position Yourself Strategically
Express Entry category-based draws can be a game changer especially if your occupation aligns with Canada’s current labour needs. Even candidates with moderate CRS scores may receive ITAs if they’re in the right field at the right time.
Staying informed, choosing the correct NOC, and timing your application carefully can significantly improve your chances of Canadian permanent residence.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Express Entry rules, categories, and CRS cut-off scores can change at any time. For personalized guidance, consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a licensed Canadian immigration professional.