What Are Express Entry Category‑Based Draws?

Express Entry is Canada’s main skilled immigration selection system. Under this system, the Government of Canada invites candidates from the Express Entry pool to apply for permanent residence based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and eligibility. While Express Entry traditionally focused on general draws and program‑specific draws (like Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program), recent changes have introduced category‑based selection to meet targeted economic and labour market goals.

Round Types Explained:

1. General Rounds of Invitations – Inviting top‑ranking candidates regardless of program.

2. Program‑Specific Rounds – Invites only candidates eligible under a specific Express Entry program (e.g., CEC or PNP).

3. Category‑Based Rounds – Invites candidates based on an established priority category (e.g., French proficiency, healthcare occupations).

4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Program‑specific draw for candidates with a provincial nomination (adds 600 CRS points).

Category‑based draws are designed to align immigration selection with specific labour market needs such as language proficiency and work experience in priority sectors.