The 10 categories
| Category | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| French-language proficiency | NCLC 7 or higher in all 4 French abilities |
| Healthcare and social services | Experience in a listed health or social services occupation |
| STEM | Experience in a listed science, technology, engineering or math occupation |
| Trades | Experience in a listed trade occupation |
| Education | Experience in a listed education occupation |
| Transport | Experience in a listed transport occupation |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | Doctors who've worked in Canada |
| Senior managers with Canadian work experience | Senior managers who've worked in Canada |
| Researchers with Canadian work experience | Researchers who've worked in Canada |
| Skilled military recruits | Recruits as set out in the round's instructions |
Full occupation lists and NOC codes are on IRCC's category page.
Who qualifies
You must first be eligible for Express Entry through the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program. Then you must meet the category's rules.
For the occupation categories such as healthcare, IRCC asks for at least 12 months of full-time work (or the same amount part-time) in the past 3 years, in a single listed occupation. It doesn't need to be continuous, and it can be in Canada or abroad. Each round's instructions have the full details.
Being in a category doesn't guarantee a draw: IRCC says it may not hold a category round if enough candidates are invited through other rounds.
Cut-offs in 2026 so far
Round results from January 1 to October 28, 2026:
| Round type | Rounds | Lowest cut-off | Highest cut-off | Latest round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 3 | 169 | 223 | Sep 3: 198 |
| Skilled military recruits | 1 | 368 | 368 | Jul 23: 368 |
| French-language proficiency | 12 | 382 | 435 | Oct 27: 407 |
| Senior managers with Canadian work experience | 3 | 389 | 429 | Sep 16: 389 |
| Healthcare and social services | 3 | 467 | 475 | Sep 4: 475 |
| Transport | 2 | 470 | 477 | Oct 28: 477 |
| Trades | 2 | 476 | 477 | Oct 1: 476 |
| Canadian Experience Class (for comparison) | 18 | 507 | 523 | Oct 15: 519 |
We didn't find a STEM, education or researcher round in IRCC's 2026 results up to October 28. These numbers are history, not a forecast. Scores changed on November 3, 2026, so cut-offs could shift. See the latest draws.
How to use this
- Check your NOC code against the list. The code in your profile decides if you qualify, so make sure your duties truly match.
- Consider French. It has had the most category rounds this year and a much lower cut-off than CEC. See our French category guide.
- Keep your work evidence ready. Reference letters must support the occupation you claim. Claiming a job you didn't really do can be misrepresentation.
FAQs
Can I be in more than one category?
Yes, if you meet the rules for each one. IRCC checks your profile for each round.
Do I need to apply to a category?
No. IRCC identifies eligible candidates from their profiles, so your profile must be accurate and complete.
Does the high-wage list change my category?
No. High-wage occupations affect your CRS points. Categories have their own occupation lists.