Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the world’s most efficient immigration pathways, designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s economic growth. Over the years, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced refinements to the system to meet evolving labor market needs. One of the most notable recent changes is the introduction of category-based Express Entry draws (launched in 2023).

If you’re planning to immigrate through Express Entry, understanding the difference between regular draws and category-based draws is crucial. Each impacts eligibility, CRS score expectations, and your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

1. What Are Regular Express Entry Draws?

Regular draws—also known as “all-program” or “general” draws—have been the standard format since Express Entry began in 2015.

How They Work

In a regular draw, IRCC issues ITAs to candidates based solely on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, regardless of:

• Occupation

• Language profile

• Work history

• Educational background (unless part of the CRS score)

These draws pull candidates from all Express Entry programs, including:

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

• Some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams aligned with Express Entry

Characteristics of Regular Draws

• CRS-based selection only

• No restrictions on occupation

• Large candidate pool

• Historically the most frequent type of draw

• Often has higher CRS cutoffs (because competition is broad)

Who Benefits Most from Regular Draws?

• Candidates with strong CRS profiles (e.g., high language scores, Canadian experience, advanced education)

• Younger candidates with multiple CRS-boosting factors

• Those not targeted under any specific category-based stream

2. What Are Category-Based Express Entry Draws?

Started in 2023, category-based draws focus on specific industries, skills, or demographic needs identified as priorities by the Canadian government.

How They Work

IRCC selects candidates based on their ability to contribute to specific sectoral or demographic needs, in addition to meeting Express Entry program eligibility.

Current Categories (as of 2024–2025)

IRCC focuses on six main priority categories:

1. French-language proficiency

2. Healthcare occupations

3. STEM occupations (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

4. Trades occupations

5. Transport occupations

6. Agriculture and agri-food occupations

Note: Categories may be updated based on annual labour market assessments.

Characteristics of Category-Based Draws

• Candidates must belong to a specific occupation or skill category

• CRS score still matters, but cutoffs are often significantly lower than regular draws

• Targets urgent labour shortages

• Provides a pathway for skilled workers who may not score high in CRS but are in-demand

Who Benefits Most from Category-Based Draws?

• Skilled workers in high-demand occupations with moderate CRS scores

• Bilingual French-speaking candidates

• Applicants who previously lacked competitive CRS scores for regular draws

3. Key Differences Between Regular and Category-Based Draws

4. Which Type of Draw Should You Aim For?

Choose Regular Draws If:

• You have a high CRS score

• You’re not in a targeted occupation

• You have strong language scores, education, and work experience

Choose Category-Based Draws If:

• You work in a priority occupation

• You have French-language proficiency

• Your CRS score is not high enough for general draws

Both pathways can work to your advantage depending on your profile.5. Do Category-Based Draws Replace Regular Draws?

No.
Category-based draws complement rather than replace regular ones.

IRCC continues to conduct:

• General draws

• Program-specific draws (e.g., CEC-only or PNP-only)

• Category-based draws

This hybrid approach allows Canada to:

• Maintain fairness and transparency

• Respond swiftly to labour market demands

• Keep Express Entry flexible and adaptive

6. Final Thoughts

The introduction of category-based draws marks a significant evolution in Canada’s immigration strategy, giving skilled workers in high-demand sectors a better chance of receiving an ITA. Whether you should focus on regular or category-based opportunities depends primarily on your CRS score, occupation, and language profile.

Understanding these differences is essential for building an effective Express Entry strategy.