Canada’s Express Entry system includes category-based selections, allowing Canada to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with specific skills, training, or language abilities. Introduced in 2023, these targeted draws continued in 2025 with new categories introduced by IRCC.
Alongside CEC and PNP rounds, these category-based draws focus on identifying high-ranking candidates who fulfill Canada’s economic priorities. Selection factors include proficiency in an official language, relevant work experience in critical sectors, and educational credentials.
Current categories
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Education occupations
Who's eligible for each category
To be eligible for an invitation through a category-based round, you must:
- meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including being eligible for 1 of the 3 immigration programs in Express and
- meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round
French-Language Proficiency: Candidates must provide a French-language test result demonstrating a minimum score of 7 in all four language skills according to the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC)
Healthcare Occupations: Applicants must have at least six months of continuous work experience, either in Canada or abroad, within the past three years in one of the 37 designated NOC codes
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations: Applicants must have at least six months of continuous work experience, either in Canada or abroad, within the past three years in one of the 11 designated NOC codes
Trade occupations: Applicants must have at least six months of continuous work experience, either in Canada or abroad, within the past three years in one of the 25 designated NOC codes
Agriculture and agri-food occupations: Applicants must have at least six months of continuous work experience, either in Canada or abroad, within the past three years in butchers - retail and wholesale. (NOC 63201 - TEER 3)
Education occupations: Applicants must have at least six months of continuous work experience, either in Canada or abroad, within the past three years in one of the 5 designated NOC codes
Full details will be included in the instructions at IRCC's website.
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For the latest updates and detailed information about new rules for international students in Canada 2025, make sure to consult the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or speak to an authorized immigration consultant.