Learn how IRCC’s new draw system selects Express Entry candidates with in-demand occupations, language ability, and more.
What Are Category-Based Draws?
In June 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection draws as a new feature within the Express Entry system. These draws allow IRCC to invite candidates who have specific qualifications or work experience, even if their CRS score is lower than usual general draws.
These draws support Canada’s economic goals by filling labor shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare, trades, and STEM.
To be eligible for a category-based draw, you must:
● Have a valid Express Entry profile
● Meet the requirements of one of the three Express Entry programs (CEC, FSW, or FST)
● Meet the category-specific criteria for the targeted draw
Current Categories (2024–2025)
As of May 2025, the following six categories are used for category-based selection draws:
1. Healthcare Occupations
Includes physicians, nurses, personal support workers, physiotherapists, and allied health professionals.
✔ NOC examples: 31100, 32101, 33102, 31301
2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations
Covers software developers, data scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and IT professionals.
✔ NOC examples: 21231, 21310, 21211, 21301
3. Skilled Trades
Includes construction workers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, mechanics, and more.
✔ NOC examples: 72310, 72400, 73100, 73400
4. Transport Occupations
Truck drivers, aircraft mechanics, railway workers, and others in the transportation sector.
✔ NOC examples: 73300, 72410, 72600
5. Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
Includes butchers, food processing laborers, farm supervisors, and greenhouse workers.
✔ NOC examples: 82030, 85101, 63201
6. French-Language Proficiency
For candidates with strong French-speaking ability, particularly outside Quebec.
✔ Must meet minimum French test results (e.g., NCLC 7+)
Note: Categories are reviewed annually and may change based on labor market needs.
Who Benefits from These Draws?
Category-based selection creates new opportunities for:
● Skilled tradespeople with job-ready experience but lower CRS
● French-speaking applicants who do not have high CRS scores
● Healthcare workers on the frontline of public health demand
● Tech professionals facing CRS cutoffs in general draws
This system is particularly helpful for:
● Candidates with strong work experience in their field but no Canadian job offer
● New Express Entry profiles who meet category conditions
How Category-Based Draws Work ?
IRCC conducts two types of Express Entry draws:
● General Draws: Based on the CRS score alone
● Category-Based Draws: Target candidates who meet specific occupation or language criteria
Even if you have a lower CRS score, you can still receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you:
● Are in the Express Entry pool
● Qualify under the active draw category
● Have submitted all required documents, language results, and credentials
Draws are held approximately every 2 weeks, and IRCC publishes the minimum CRS cutoff for each draw.
How Sapra Immigration Can Help?
As a Canadian RCIC-led firm, we help you:
● Confirm your eligibility for category-based draws
● Match your NOC code with a current IRCC-targeted occupation
● Optimize your Express Entry profile to meet category-specific conditions
● Strategize timelines for language tests and document preparation
● Navigate application submissions after receiving an ITA
We ensure that your profile is both technically complete and strategically aligned with draw trends.
It is a targeted draw where IRCC selects candidates based on job type or French proficiency instead of just CRS score.
Yes, but you may be selected even if your CRS is below general draw cutoffs if you meet the category requirements.
Yes. For example, you may be eligible under both healthcare and French-language categories.
IRCC publishes draw rounds and minimum cutoffs, but they do not announce draw types in advance.
No. Most categories do not require a job offer, but having one can improve your overall CRS score.
Wondering if You Qualify for a Category-Based Draw?
Let Sapra Immigration assess your eligibility and help you create a competitive Express Entry profile tailored to your occupation or French ability. We help clients navigate complex draws, timelines, and documentation with precision.