Express Entry Category-Based Selection Requirements & Categories
Express Entry category-based selection allows IRCC to identify candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet specific criteria linked to current economic priorities. The system is not a separate immigration program, and candidates must still qualify under one of the programs managed through Express Entry. Current categories may be based on French-language proficiency, qualifying work experience in eligible occupations, Canadian work experience, or other targeted criteria. Each category has its own requirements, which can include specific work experience, NOC codes, language thresholds, or Canadian experience. Because categories are reviewed over time, applicants should rely on the current IRCC requirements when determining whether a category applies to them.
What Is Express Entry Category-Based Selection?
Express Entry category-based selection allows IRCC to identify candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet the requirements of a category established by the Minister to support a specific economic goal.
Categories may be based on factors such as:
- French-language ability
- work experience in a specific occupation
- education-related criteria
- other criteria linked to identified economic priorities
Category-based selection is not a separate Canadian immigration program. To enter the pool and be considered for category-based selection, a candidate must first be eligible for at least one of the three programs managed through Express Entry:
The candidate must then meet the specific requirements of the applicable category.
In category-based Express Entry draws, IRCC identifies candidates in the pool who meet the requirements of a specific category. Eligible candidates are then ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). A CRS calculator can be used to estimate how a candidate’s profile may be scored, while the highest-ranking candidates in a round may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Meeting the requirements of a category does not guarantee an invitation.
IRCC chooses categories using labour-market information and projections, as well as input from provinces, territories and other stakeholders. Categories are reviewed regularly and may change over time.
What Are the Current Express Entry Categories?
For 2026, IRCC has identified 10 categories under Express Entry category-based selection.
1. French-Language Proficiency
Targets candidates with strong French-language ability. This category is based on language proficiency rather than occupation.
2. Healthcare and Social Services
Targets candidates with qualifying work experience in eligible healthcare and social services occupations.
3. STEM
Targets candidates with qualifying work experience in designated Science, Technology, Engineering and Math occupations.
4. Trade Occupations
Targets candidates with qualifying work experience in selected skilled trade occupations.
5. Education Occupations
Targets candidates with qualifying work experience in designated education occupations. Eligibility is based on work experience in an eligible occupation, not simply on having an education-related degree or credential.
6. Transport Occupations
Targets candidates with qualifying work experience in selected transport occupations.
7. Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
Targets eligible physicians who have qualifying work experience in Canada.
8. Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience
Targets eligible senior managers who have qualifying work experience in Canada.
9. Researchers with Canadian Work Experience
Targets eligible researchers who have qualifying work experience in Canada.
10. Skilled Military Recruits
Targets eligible foreign skilled military applicants who meet the requirements for recruitment by the Canadian Armed Forces.
For 2026, IRCC renewed the French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, STEM, trade, and education categories. New categories were introduced for physicians with Canadian work experience, senior managers with Canadian work experience, researchers with Canadian work experience, transport occupations, and skilled military recruits.
What Are the Requirements for Express Entry Categories?
Candidates must first be eligible for one of the programs managed through Express Entry, including any applicable English or French language requirements, and then meet the requirements of the applicable category. Meeting the requirements of a category does not provide additional CRS points and does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply. Depending on the Express Entry program, candidates may also need to meet applicable Express Entry proof of funds requirements.
French-Language Proficiency
Applicants must have approved French-language test results showing at least NCLC 7 in all four language abilities.
Occupation-Based Categories
The following categories use the same general work-experience framework:
- Healthcare and Social Services
- STEM
- Trade Occupations
- Education Occupations
- Transport Occupations
For these categories, applicants must have:
- at least 12 months of full-time work experience, or equivalent part-time experience
- work experience accumulated within the past 3 years
- experience in a single eligible occupation within the selected category
- Canadian or foreign work experience in an eligible occupation
The experience does not need to be continuous.
Each category has its own list of eligible occupations and NOC codes.
Categories Requiring Canadian Work Experience
The following categories require qualifying experience specifically in Canada:
- Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
- Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience
- Researchers with Canadian Work Experience
Applicants must have:
- at least 12 months of full-time work experience, or equivalent part-time experience
- work experience accumulated within the past 3 years
- experience gained in Canada
- experience in one eligible occupation under the selected category
The experience does not need to be continuous.
For occupation-based categories, the qualifying occupation does not need to be the candidate’s primary occupation in their Express Entry profile.
Eligible occupations include:
Physicians
- Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine — NOC 31100
- Specialists in surgery — NOC 31101
- General practitioners and family physicians — NOC 31102
Senior Managers
- Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services — NOC 00012
- Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations — NOC 00013
- Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services — NOC 00014
- Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities — NOC 00015
Researchers
- University professors and lecturers — NOC 41200
- Post-secondary teaching and research assistants — NOC 41201
Skilled Military Recruits
Applicants must:
- qualify as a Foreign Skilled Military Applicant
- be serving in a recognized foreign military
- have at least 10 years of continuous military service
- have work experience and training aligned with an eligible Canadian Armed Forces occupation
- have an arranged employment offer from the Canadian Armed Forces for continuous full-time work in Canada lasting at least 3 years
- have at least a 2-year post-secondary credential
- obtain an Educational Credential Assessment if the credential was completed outside Canada
Eligible Canadian Armed Forces occupations include:
- Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces — NOC 40042
- Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces — NOC 42102
- Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces — NOC 43204
For every category, applicants must also meet any additional requirements included in the instructions for the applicable round. Candidates invited to apply must provide the Express Entry required documents supporting their eligibility and any category-specific requirements that apply to their application.
