Category-based selection: the ten 2026 categories.

Overview

Category-based selection is a type of Express Entry invitation round. It does not create a fourth immigration program. You must first qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and have a valid profile in the pool.

In a category round, IRCC looks only at candidates who meet that category, ranks them by their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and invites the highest-ranked. Category rounds supplement the other round types. Meeting a category does not guarantee that a round will be held or that you will be invited.

The ten categories

Occupation lists can change. Always check the IRCC list and the instructions for the specific round.

Eligibility rules

• Meet the minimum Express Entry requirements and be eligible for CEC, FSWP or FSTP.
• Have a valid profile in the pool when the round is held.
• Meet every requirement in the instructions IRCC publishes for that round.
• Occupation categories: at least 12 months of full-time work, or the same amount part-time, in one listed occupation within the last 3 years. The months do not have to be continuous.
• Canadian-experience categories (physicians, senior managers, researchers): those 12 months must have been worked in Canada.
• French: NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities on TEF Canada or TCF Canada. There is no occupation requirement.
• Skilled military recruits: at least 10 years of continuous service in a recognized foreign military; a Canadian Armed Forces job offer for at least 3 years of continuous full-time work in Canada; at least a two-year post-secondary credential; occupation NOC 40042, 42102 or 43204.

Category guides

How category rounds work

1. Qualify for a programMeet CEC, FSWP or FSTP and submit an accurate profile.
2. Meet a categoryYour French results, or your occupation and where you worked, must match the category's current criteria. Enter the NOC and dates accurately so the system can identify you.
3. Wait for a roundIRCC decides whether and when to hold each category round and publishes its instructions.
4. Compete on CRSCandidates who meet the category are ranked by CRS, and the highest-ranked receive invitations. You then have 60 days to apply.

Category rounds in 2026

Selected category rounds from IRCC's published round data:

No STEM or education category rounds have been held among the 2026 rounds reviewed. French rounds have had cut-offs from 382 to 435. Past cut-offs do not predict future rounds, and IRCC expects to pause all rounds while it recalculates profiles after the November 3, 2026 CRS changes. See current results on our draws page.

Documents and evidence

• Everything required for the underlying program (CEC, FSWP or FSTP)
• Reference letters and records showing at least 12 months in the category occupation, with dates and hours
• Valid French test results, for the French category
• Proof that the work was done in Canada, for the Canadian-experience categories
• Anything else the round's instructions require

Important cautions

• The Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Trade occupations category are not the same. FSTP is a program; Trade occupations is an invitation category.
• A category adds no CRS points.
• Your 12 months must be in one listed occupation. Time in two different listed occupations cannot be added together for this rule.
• If you are invited in a category round and cannot prove the category work, the application can be refused.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• IRCC: Category-based selection and occupation lists
• IRCC news: 2026 Express Entry categories (February 18, 2026)
• IRCC: Rounds of invitations
• IRCC: Changes to Express Entry (November 3, 2026)

This page is general information about Canadian immigration law and policy as of the date above. It is not legal advice for your situation. Programs, forms and fees change often; check the official sources before you apply.