Recent Draw History (2026)
| Draw Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | Min. CRS Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2, 2026 | Healthcare & Social Services | 1,500 | 430 | Includes nurses, dental hygienists, pharmacists |
| June 25, 2026 | STEM Occupations | 3,500 | 486 | Software engineers, data scientists, IT managers |
| June 18, 2026 | French Language Proficiency | 7,000 | 336 | Strong French CLB 7+ required |
| June 11, 2026 | General Draw (No Category) | 4,800 | 524 | Open to all eligible candidates |
| June 4, 2026 | Healthcare & Social Services | 1,200 | 418 | Targeted at licensed healthcare professionals |
| May 28, 2026 | Trade Occupations | 2,000 | 385 | Electricians, plumbers, pipefitters |
| May 21, 2026 | STEM Occupations | 4,000 | 488 | Tech sector emphasis |
| May 14, 2026 | General Draw (No Category) | 5,000 | 526 | Open to all eligible candidates |
| May 7, 2026 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 332 | Francophone immigration target |
⚠️ Important: Draw data above is representative/illustrative based on IRCC's published draw patterns. Actual draw dates, CRS cut-offs, and invitation volumes vary. Always verify real draw results at the official IRCC Express Entry rounds of invitations page.
Eligible Categories & NOC Codes
🏥 Healthcare & Social Services
Sample NOC Codes: 30010, 31100, 31101, 31102, 31110, 31111, 31120, 31121...
Requirement: Must have at least 6 months Canadian work experience in a qualifying healthcare NOC, or 1 year foreign experience post-January 2026 rule
✅ Advantage: Significantly lower CRS cut-offs (often 80–120 points below general draws)
💻 STEM Occupations
Sample NOC Codes: 20010, 21100, 21101, 21110, 21111, 21211, 21220, 21221...
Requirement: Must have 1+ years experience in a STEM NOC; Language requirements same as stream (CLB 7)
✅ Advantage: Lower CRS than general draws (usually 480–500 vs 510–540 general)
🇫🇷 French Language Proficiency
Sample NOC Codes: Any TEER 0–3
Requirement: TEF Canada or TCF Canada score equivalent to CLB 7 in all abilities; must intend to settle outside Quebec
✅ Advantage: Dramatically lower CRS scores (typically 320–360 vs 520+ general draws)
🚛 Transport Occupations
Sample NOC Codes: 72010, 73300, 73301, 72400, 73200, 73201
Requirement: 1+ year experience in a transport occupation; valid license may be required
✅ Advantage: Lower CRS; less frequent draws but targeted
🔧 Trade Occupations
Sample NOC Codes: 72200, 72201, 72205, 72300, 72301, 72305, 72400, 73200
Requirement: Apprenticeship certificate or journeyperson certification; must meet FSTP criteria
✅ Advantage: Good pathway for non-university graduates with skilled trades certification
🌾 Agriculture & Agri-Food
Sample NOC Codes: 94100, 94101, 94111, 94112, 84100, 84120
Requirement: Via Agri-Food Pilot; job offer from eligible employer required; language CLB 4+
✅ Advantage: Provides PR pathway for sector workers not otherwise eligible for Express Entry
How to Prepare Your Profile for Category-Based Draws
- Verify Your NOC Code: Use the IRCC NOC tool or our NOC TEER Lookup to confirm your occupation falls within an eligible category.
- Create/Update Your Express Entry Profile: Ensure your profile is active in the pool. Your profile automatically becomes eligible for category draws if you have the qualifying NOC experience.
- Maximize Your CRS Score: Even in category draws, a higher CRS score increases your chances. Focus on language scores (CLB 9+ = major boost) and any additional provincial nominations.
- French Speakers — Huge Advantage: If you have French language skills (CLB 7+), register this in your profile and consider the Francophone draw category. Cut-offs are 330–360 vs 520+ general.
- Keep Your Documents Ready: Upon receiving an ITA, you have only 60 days to submit a complete PR application. Prepare your police clearances, medical exam, and reference letters now.
🔗 Related Tools
📊 CRS Score Comparison
| Draw Type | Typical CRS |
|---|---|
| General | 510–540 |
| STEM | 480–500 |
| Healthcare | 410–440 |
| Trades | 380–400 |
| French | 330–360 |