Express Entry is the system Canada uses to manage permanent residence for skilled workers. Besides general draws by score (CRS), the government runs category-based draws that invite profiles in occupations facing labour shortages, often with lower cut-off scores.
The 2026 categories
In February 2026 IRCC confirmed the categories for the year. French, healthcare, STEM, trades and education remain, and new ones were added, such as physicians with Canadian experience, researchers, senior managers with Canadian experience, transport occupations and skilled military recruits.
10 professions with good prospects
- Nursing (registered and practical nurses).
- Medicine, with its own category for foreign-trained physicians with Canadian experience.
- Pharmacy.
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
- Psychology.
- Early childhood education and teaching.
- Electricians.
- Plumbing and welding.
- Carpentry and construction.
- Truck drivers and other transport occupations.
Each category maps to a list of NOC codes. What matters is not your diploma's title but whether your work experience matches the duties of that code.
French makes a big difference
Speaking French adds CRS points and opens the French-only draws, which usually have the lowest cut-off scores in the whole system.
Before you apply
- Get your degree assessed with an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment).
- Take an accepted language test: IELTS General Training, CELPIP or PTE Core for English; TEF or TCF for French.
- If your profession is regulated (healthcare, engineering, teaching), check the licensing requirements of the province where you want to live.
IRCC can adjust categories and eligible occupations at any time. Check the current list at canada.ca.
How we help
Our skilled migration team assesses your profile, calculates your CRS score and designs a strategy (language, ECA, provincial programs) so you reach the right draw.