Freshness tracker · CACanada

Category-based Express Entry selection introduced

In force Visa & immigration

IRCC began operating category-based Express Entry draws from 28 June 2023 alongside general and program-specific draws. The Minister sets annual priority categories; a candidate must be in an eligible category AND meet the minimum CRS for that draw. Categories rotate annually.

Who it affects

All Express Entry candidates; signals priority occupations for the year.

Sources

Primary: IRCC — Express Entry ↗

Corroborating: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗

Verified 2026-04-19 · methodology · report a correction