For many people dreaming of permanent residence (PR) in Canada, Express Entry category-based selection has become one of the most realistic and accessible options today.
Compared to other Express Entry draws, category-based draws usually have lower score requirements, less work experience needed, and are designed for specific jobs and language skills that Canada urgently needs. This makes them especially helpful for candidates who feel their score is “not high enough” for regular draws.
However, category-based selection is not perfect for everyone. Draws can be unpredictable, and not all jobs are included. In this article, we explain why category-based selection works so well for many people, and also where it can fall short, using simple language and real examples.
What Is Category-Based Selection and Why It Exists
Category-based selection (often called CBS) was introduced in May 2023. The main goal was to help Canada fill serious labour shortages and also to increase French-speaking immigration outside Quebec.
Instead of inviting people only based on high scores, Canada now selects candidates who work in specific occupations or have strong French-language skills. If you belong to one of these categories, your chances of getting an invitation can be much higher, even with a lower CRS score.
To qualify, you must first be eligible for any Express Entry program (like Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class). After that, you need at least six months of work experience in a qualifying job within the last three years, or you must meet the required French-language level.
One exception is the Physicians with Canadian work experience category, which requires 12 months of Canadian experience only.
Current Express Entry Categories
The current Express Entry categories are:
Healthcare and social services
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Trade
Agriculture and agri-food
Education
Physicians with Canadian work experience
French-language proficiency
Category-Based Draws Held in 2025
In 2025, IRCC conducted 19 category-based draws out of 58 total Express Entry draws.
| Category | Number of draws conducted | Months in which draws were conducted |
|---|---|---|
| French-language proficiency | 9 | February (1), March (2), August (1), September (1), October (2), November (1), December (1) |
| Healthcare and social services | 7 | May (1), June (1), July (1), August (1), October (1), November (1), December (1) |
| Education | 2 | May (1), September (1) |
| Trade | 1 | September (1) |
| STEM | 0 | N/A |
| Agriculture and agri-food | 0 | N/A |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 0 | N/A |
The Physicians category was only introduced in December 2025, and draws are expected to start in early 2026.
So far in 2026, no category-based draws have been held yet.
Why Category-Based Selection Is Easier for Many People
The reason category-based selection works so well for many applicants comes down to three main advantages: lower scores, less experience required, and targeted occupations.
Lower CRS Scores Make a Big Difference
One of the biggest reasons people prefer category-based draws is the lower CRS cut-off scores compared to other draw types.
In 2025, Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws required scores between 515 and 547, while Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws needed extremely high scores, often 700 or more.
Category-based draws were much more forgiving:
| Category | CRS cut-off score range |
|---|---|
| Healthcare and social services | 462–510 |
| Trade | 505 |
| Education | 462–479 |
| French-language proficiency | 379–481 |
This means many people who would never qualify under CEC or PNP still received invitations through category-based selection.
In fact, 59% of all Express Entry invitations in 2025 were issued through category-based draws. That’s 67,250 invitations out of 113,998 total.
French-language draws had the lowest scores overall, making them one of the strongest PR options for candidates who can reach NCLC level 7. Even people starting at a basic French level can realistically reach this with focused study.
Only Six Months of Work Experience Is Needed
Another major advantage is the low work experience requirement.
For most category-based occupations, you only need six months of experience in one eligible job, gained anywhere in the world, within the last three years.
This is much easier compared to other programs. For example, CEC requires one full year of Canadian work experience, and many PNP programs require one to two years, often in a specific province.
Because category-based selection accepts foreign work experience, it allows people to plan their PR without first coming to Canada.
Targeted Jobs and Language Skills Give You an Edge
If you already work in a targeted occupation, category-based selection gives you a clear advantage.
Even people who want to change careers can benefit. Gaining six months of experience in an eligible job is enough to become eligible, which makes CBS a flexible option.
Across all categories, there are 79 unique eligible occupations:
| Category | Number of eligible NOCs |
|---|---|
| Healthcare and social services | 37 |
| STEM | 11 |
| Trade | 25 |
| Agriculture and agri-food | 1 |
| Education | 5 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 3 |
French-language draws don’t depend on your job at all. If you meet the French language level, you can qualify regardless of occupation.
This is especially important now, because Canada no longer holds general Express Entry draws. Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades draws have been inactive for years, leaving category-based selection as one of the few remaining doors for many applicants.
The Downsides You Must Understand Before Relying on CBS
Even though category-based selection is easier, it is not guaranteed.
One major problem is that IRCC may not conduct draws for certain categories at all. For example, no STEM or agriculture draws were held in 2025, even though these categories still exist.
Another challenge is unpredictability. IRCC may announce priority sectors, but still hold very few draws. Infrequent draws also cause scores to increase, making competition tougher over time.
Categories and job lists can also change suddenly. In 2025, IRCC removed the Transport category and added Education, while many STEM occupations were completely removed. This makes long-term planning risky, especially for students.
Finally, many people are simply not eligible. If your occupation is not listed, you cannot use category-based selection, no matter how strong your profile is.
Is category-based selection better than CEC or PNP?
For many people, yes. Category-based selection usually requires lower scores and less experience, but it depends on your job and language skills.
Can I qualify for category-based selection from outside Canada?
Yes. Most categories accept foreign work experience, which makes it ideal for overseas applicants.
Is learning French really worth it for PR?
Absolutely. French-language draws have the lowest CRS scores, and French can also boost your overall Express Entry score.
Are category-based draws guaranteed every year?
No. IRCC can skip categories, change priorities, or pause draws entirely.
Can students rely on category-based selection after graduation?
They can, but it’s risky. Categories and job lists may change before you gain experience.
