Express Entry no longer invites only the highest scores. Many invitations now go to categories: French speakers, healthcare, trades, STEM, education and more. Here is who qualifies and the scores invited.
How it works now
You create an Express Entry profile and get a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. IRCC then invites candidates in rounds:
Qualifying for a category does not guarantee an invitation: IRCC decides which categories to draw and how many to invite. After an invitation you have 60 days to submit your permanent residence application.
Latest rounds
| Date | Round | Min. CRS | Invited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 28, 2026 | Transport occupations | 477 | 150 |
| Oct 27, 2026 | French-language proficiency | 407 | 5,000 |
| Oct 26, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 761 | 792 |
| Oct 16, 2026 | French-language proficiency | 435 | 5,000 |
| Oct 15, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 519 | 2,500 |
| Oct 13, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 772 | 752 |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Trade occupations | 476 | 3,500 |
| Sep 29, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 518 | 2,000 |
| Sep 28, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 733 |
| Sep 16, 2026 | Senior managers with Canadian work experience | 389 | 250 |
Source: IRCC's official rounds data.
The categories
You must first qualify for an Express Entry program (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades). The exact occupation lists (NOC codes) are on IRCC's page.
French speakers from anywhere, in any occupation.
French test results with at least NCLC 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, speaking, listening). No occupation requirement.
Recent rounds: Oct 27, 2026 (min 407), Oct 16, 2026 (min 435)
About 37 occupations, including nurses, physicians, pharmacists, social workers, technologists and assistants.
At least 12 months of full-time work (or the same amount part-time) in the last 3 years in one listed occupation, in Canada or abroad. The months do not need to be in a row.
Recent rounds: Sep 4, 2026 (min 475)
11 occupations, including engineers, engineering technologists and cybersecurity specialists.
At least 12 months of full-time work (or the same amount part-time) in the last 3 years in one listed occupation, in Canada or abroad. The months do not need to be in a row.
About 25 trades, including electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters and heavy-duty equipment mechanics.
At least 12 months of full-time work (or the same amount part-time) in the last 3 years in one listed occupation, in Canada or abroad. The months do not need to be in a row.
Recent rounds: Oct 1, 2026 (min 476)
5 occupations, including elementary and secondary teachers and early childhood educators.
At least 12 months of full-time work (or the same amount part-time) in the last 3 years in one listed occupation, in Canada or abroad. The months do not need to be in a row.
4 occupations, including air pilots and automotive service technicians.
At least 12 months of full-time work (or the same amount part-time) in the last 3 years in one listed occupation, in Canada or abroad. The months do not need to be in a row.
Recent rounds: Oct 28, 2026 (min 477)
Specialists and general practitioners (3 occupations).
At least 12 months of full-time work (or the same amount part-time) in the last 3 years in one listed occupation, gained in Canada.
Recent rounds: Sep 3, 2026 (min 198)
Senior managers (NOC 00012 to 00015).
At least 12 months of full-time work (or the same amount part-time) in the last 3 years in one listed occupation, gained in Canada.
Recent rounds: Sep 16, 2026 (min 389)
University professors and lecturers, and post-secondary teaching and research assistants.
At least 12 months of full-time work (or the same amount part-time) in the last 3 years in one listed occupation, gained in Canada.
Foreign skilled military applicants recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces.
At least 10 years of continuous service in a recognized foreign military, a job offer from the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group for at least 3 years, and at least a 2-year post-secondary credential.
Source: Express Entry: Category-based selection, IRCC, canada.ca (checked 2026-11-10).
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