Category-Based Draws within Express Entry
Category-Based Draws: advantages for candidates with priority skills and experience
Canada continues to attract skilled workers from around the world, and the Express Entry program is a key tool in this process. In 2024, IRCC introduced targeted draws to prioritize candidates with the necessary skills and work experience. These draws are aimed at attracting professionals with French language proficiency and experience in specific areas with labor shortages.
1. Knowledge of French
To become a suitable candidate for French Language Proficiency category-based draw solid knowledge of French at the level CLB 7 in all four language skills is required. Language tests approved for immigration are TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
2. In-demand work experience
For this category you need to accumulate, in the last 3 years, at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in one of the occupations selected for targeted selections in Canada or abroad.
In 2026, the following will participate in the category-based draws:
Healthcare and social services occupations
Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations
Education occupations
Transport Occupations
Physicians with experience in Canada
Senior managers with experience in Canada
Researchers with experience in Canada
Skilled military recruits
All eligible professions for category-based draws can be viewed here, by choosing the appropriate industry.
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Important: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements may change, please check the official resources for up-to-date information.