In the ever-changing world of Canada immigration, one pathway continues to stand out in 2026 for thousands of hopeful applicants: category-based selection under Express Entry. As competition rises in other immigration streams, category-based selection remains one of the most realistic and accessible routes to Canadian permanent residence (PR) for many skilled workers both inside and outside Canada.
According to immigration trends and past draw data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), category-based selection has consistently offered lower CRS cut-offs, simpler work experience requirements, and targeted opportunities that align with Canada’s labour market needs.
This news report breaks down why category-based selection remains attractive, who benefits the most, and what applicants should also be cautious about.
What Is Category-Based Selection in Express Entry?
Category-based selection was officially introduced in May 2023 to address long-standing labour shortages and to boost Francophone immigration outside Quebec. Instead of inviting candidates purely based on CRS rank, IRCC selects candidates from specific priority categories.
To qualify for category-based selection, a candidate must:
- Be eligible for at least one Express Entry program
- Have six months of relevant work experience in an eligible occupation (or meet French language requirements)
- Meet all ministerial instructions for that specific draw
Current Express Entry Categories (2026)
The following Express Entry categories define category-based selection:
- Healthcare and social services
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
- Trade occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Education
- Physicians with Canadian work experience
- French-language proficiency
Each category is designed to target real workforce shortages, making category-based selection more aligned with Canada’s economic needs than general draws.
Why Category-Based Selection Is More Accessible
1. Lower CRS Cut-Off Scores
One of the biggest reasons category-based selection is considered accessible is the lower CRS score requirement compared to other draw types.
| Draw Type | Typical CRS Range (2025) |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 699–855 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 515–547 |
| Category-Based Selection | 379–510 |
In 2025 alone:
- 59% of all Express Entry ITAs were issued through category-based selection
- Over 67,000 invitations went to candidates with CRS scores well below PNP thresholds
French-language proficiency draws recorded the lowest CRS scores, sometimes falling below 400, making this category especially attractive.
2. Lower Work Experience Requirements
Another major advantage of category-based selection is the six-month work experience rule.
| Pathway | Minimum Work Experience |
|---|---|
| Category-Based Selection | 6 months (Canada or abroad) |
| Canadian Experience Class | 1 year (Canada only) |
| Most PNP Streams | 1–2 years (often in-province) |
This makes category-based selection ideal for:
- Early-career professionals
- International workers outside Canada
- Career switchers entering priority occupations
3. Targeted Occupations Create Real Opportunities
Across all categories, there are 79 unique eligible occupations, distributed as follows:
| Category | Eligible NOCs |
|---|---|
| Healthcare & social services | 37 |
| STEM | 11 |
| Trade | 25 |
| Agriculture & agri-food | 1 |
| Education | 5 |
| Physicians (Canadian experience) | 3 |
This targeted approach means candidates working in these roles face less competition than in general Express Entry draws.
4. French Language Category Offers a Strategic Advantage
The French-language proficiency category has proven to be one of the most accessible routes under category-based selection.
Key highlights:
- Requires NCLC level 7
- No occupation restriction
- Historically lowest CRS cut-offs
- Strong federal support to increase Francophone PR numbers
For candidates willing to improve their French, this category can be a game-changing PR strategy.
Category-Based Draws in 2025: A Snapshot
| Category | Draws Held | Months Active |
|---|---|---|
| French-language proficiency | 9 | Feb, Mar, Aug–Dec |
| Healthcare & social services | 7 | May–Dec |
| Education | 2 | May, Sep |
| Trade | 1 | Sep |
| STEM | 0 | — |
| Agriculture & agri-food | 0 | — |
Although no category-based draws have been held yet in 2026, IRCC has confirmed that category-based selection remains part of its long-term strategy.
Important Drawbacks to Consider
Despite its accessibility, category-based selection is not risk-free.
1. Draws Are Not Guaranteed
IRCC may skip certain categories entirely, as seen with STEM and agriculture in 2025.
2. Unpredictable Frequency
Some categories receive many draws, while others see only one or none.
3. Categories Can Change Without Notice
IRCC can:
- Remove occupations
- Add new categories
- Restructure existing lists
This makes long-term planning challenging.
4. Limited Coverage
If your occupation is not listed, category-based selection is not an option, regardless of your CRS score.
Conclusion: Is Category-Based Selection Worth It in 2026?
For many applicants, the answer is yes.
Category-based selection remains one of the most accessible PR pathways in Canada due to:
- Lower CRS cut-offs
- Flexible work experience rules
- Targeted occupational demand
- Strong federal backing
However, success depends on timing, eligibility, and preparation. Candidates should avoid relying on a single pathway and instead keep multiple immigration options open.
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help You
Visa Solutions 4u supports applicants by:
- Checking eligibility for category-based selection
- Identifying Express Entry categories that fit your profile
- Advising on French language pathways
- Creating CRS improvement strategies
- Managing complete PR applications
If you want to use category-based selection wisely and stay ahead of policy changes, expert guidance can make all the difference.
