As of April 2026, Canada’s Express Entry system has undergone significant changes, impacting how prospective immigrants can secure permanent residency. Understanding which occupations are prioritized in upcoming draws is crucial for applicants aiming to improve their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
With the revision of Express Entry categories announced on February 18, 2026, five out of ten active categories have not yet conducted any draws. This opens up opportunities for candidates in these categories as they may see less competition and potentially lower cutoffs when the first draws occur.
Which Occupations Might Be In-Demand?
There are five pending categories that have yet to issue ITAs in 2026. These categories represent occupations that are currently in demand and could see favorable outcomes in the upcoming draws:
-
- STEM Occupations: This category has been significantly revised, narrowing its focus to high-demand engineering and technical positions. Candidates in this field may face a higher cutoff due to reduced competition.
-
- Transport Occupations: A new focus on aviation and vehicle maintenance has emerged, with a limited number of qualifying occupations. This narrow scope suggests that initial draws could yield favorable results for candidates.
-
- Education Occupations: This category includes roles such as secondary and elementary school teachers, which are aligned with national shortages in the education sector.
-
- Researchers with Canadian Work Experience: Academics with at least twelve months of research experience in Canada will be prioritized, likely leading to low cutoffs due to the limited number of eligible candidates.
-
- Skilled Military Recruits: This highly specialized category targets foreign military personnel with extensive service experience and a job offer from the Canadian Armed Forces.
Why Occupation Is Now More Important Than CRS score
The recent restructuring of the Express Entry system emphasizes the importance of occupation over Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. Candidates whose occupations align with the federal priority list may benefit from draws that allow for cutoffs significantly lower than the general Canadian Experience Class thresholds.
As of mid-April 2026, the CRS score for the general Canadian Experience Class had climbed to 515, while candidates in specific categories have seen much lower cutoffs. For example, the physicians’ category recently issued invitations at a cutoff of just 169 points, demonstrating the advantage for candidates in aligned occupations.
Categories That Have Already Issued ITAs in 2026
While the five pending categories present new opportunities, several categories have already conducted draws this year, including:
-
- French Language Proficiency: This category has issued the most invitations, with 22,000 ITAs across four draws.
-
- Healthcare and Social Services: A recent draw in February issued 4,000 invitations at a cutoff of 467.
-
- Trade Occupations: The first trades draw of 2026 issued 3,000 ITAs at a cutoff of 477.
-
- Physicians with Canadian Work Experience: This category saw the lowest cutoff in Express Entry history at just 169.
-
- Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience: This draw issued 250 ITAs at a cutoff of 429.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a category opens should I expect IRCC to hold the first draw?
There is no fixed schedule for draws. For instance, the physicians’ category announced in December 2025 held its first draw in February 2026. Candidates should be prepared as draws can happen anytime after a category opens.
Can I qualify for more than one Express Entry category at the same time?
Yes, candidates can qualify for multiple categories. IRCC evaluates profiles against all active categories during draws, allowing for simultaneous qualifications.
If I only have six months of experience in my NOC, should I wait or apply now?
Candidates with six to eleven months of experience should continue to gain experience while keeping their Express Entry profiles active. Profiles require only 12 months of any eligible experience to be valid.
What happens if my occupation is removed from a category list during the year?
IRCC can modify occupation lists throughout the year. If your occupation is removed, your existing profile remains valid, but you must qualify through a different category or program.
Reality Check
While the upcoming draws in pending categories may offer lower cutoffs, candidates should remain cautious. The Express Entry system is subject to changes, and applicants should verify their eligibility based on the official IRCC website. It is essential to stay informed about any modifications that may affect your chances of receiving an ITA. As the immigration landscape evolves, those interested in applying should prepare thoroughly and ensure their profiles are up to date.
