Express Entry Category-Based Draw Statistics
Statistics for every Express Entry category draw — average CRS cutoffs, total invitations, draw frequency, and trends. Find which category gives you the best chance of getting an ITA.
What is Category-Based Selection?
Category-based selection allows the Minister of Immigration to hold targeted Express Entry draws for candidates with specific attributes that meet Canada’s economic goals. Introduced in May 2023, it transformed Express Entry from a purely points-based system into one that can also prioritize specific skills and languages.
If you qualify for a category, you may receive an ITA at a significantly lower CRS score than required in general draws — because you only compete against other candidates in the same category, not the entire Express Entry pool.
2026 Active Categories and Typical CRS Ranges
- French Language Proficiency — CRS 375 to 419 (most accessible)
- Healthcare and Social Services — CRS 460 to 490
- STEM Occupations — CRS 481 to 496
- Trade Occupations — CRS ~477
- Education Occupations — CRS varies
- Physicians (Canadian experience) — CRS as low as 169
- Transport Occupations — New 2026, CRS TBD
- Senior Managers (Canadian experience) — New 2026
- Researchers (Canadian experience) — New 2026
- Skilled Military Recruits — New 2026
Check which category you qualify for and calculate your score
Express Entry Category-Based Draw Statistics
Compare all Express Entry draw categories — average CRS cutoffs, total invitations, draw frequency, and the latest result for each category.
Category Comparison
Check which category you qualify for and calculate your score
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