Canada’s Express Entry system underwent major changes on February 18, 2026. Just two months later, most applicants are already familiar with the ten active categories.
What many are still trying to understand is which occupations offer the best chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in 2026. The answer is relatively clear: categories that have not yet held a draw may present the strongest upcoming opportunities.
So far, five of the ten categories have not issued any invitations between January 1 and April 22, 2026.
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While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is not required to conduct draws for every category, delays often create strong expectations that these categories will soon see their first rounds.
A clear example is the physicians category. On February 19, its first-ever draw invited candidates with a CRS score as low as 169, the lowest cutoff in Express Entry history.
A similar pattern is expected when the remaining categories begin their draws. These include Transport Occupations, Researchers with Canadian Work Experience, Skilled Military Recruits, STEM Occupations, and Education Occupations.
Candidates working in these fields could benefit from a significant CRS advantage when draws begin.
Why Occupation Matters More Than CRS Score in 2026
The February 18 reforms marked the most significant overhaul of Express Entry since category-based selection was introduced in 2023.
IRCC updated category lists, removed agriculture and agri-food streams, and introduced a minimum requirement of 12 months of work experience for occupation-based categories.
Canada also plans to stabilize permanent resident admissions at 380,000 annually from 2026 to 2028. By 2027, 64% of these will fall under economic immigration.
This shift puts greater emphasis on candidates whose occupations align with national labour shortages.
Category-based draws allow IRCC to invite candidates at much lower CRS scores compared to general draws. Meanwhile, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) cutoff has climbed as high as 515 in April 2026.
With over 233,000 candidates in the pool and more than 73,000 in the 451 to 500 CRS range, many applicants now rely on category-based selection or provincial nominations to receive an ITA.
5 Categories Likely to Drive Upcoming Draws
The following five categories have not yet held draws in 2026 and are expected to open soon:
STEM Occupations
This category has been significantly revised, reducing the list to 11 high-demand engineering and technical roles. With over two years since the last draw, it remains one of the most anticipated categories.
Transport Occupations
Reintroduced with a narrower focus, this category now targets aviation and vehicle maintenance roles. Its limited pool could result in favorable CRS cutoffs.
Education Occupations
Covering five key roles, including teachers and early childhood educators, this category aligns with ongoing national shortages. Provinces are already issuing invitations in this field.
Researchers with Canadian Work Experience
A highly specialized category targeting academic professionals with Canadian research experience. The first draw is expected to have a low cutoff due to a smaller candidate pool.
Skilled Military Recruits
A niche pathway designed for experienced foreign military personnel recruited by Canada. Draws are expected to be small but highly targeted.
Categories Already Active in 2026
The following categories have already issued invitations and are expected to continue:
- French Language Proficiency: The largest source of ITAs, with 22,000 invitations across multiple draws.
- Healthcare and Social Services: Strong demand across medical and support roles.
- Trade Occupations: Focused on construction and technical trades.
- Physicians with Canadian Experience: Notable for record-low CRS cutoffs.
- Senior Managers with Canadian Experience: Offers opportunities for experienced executives.
These categories reflect Canada’s current labour market priorities and will likely remain active throughout the year.
What This Means for Applicants
The gap between high general CRS cutoffs and lower category-based scores highlights a key reality: occupation-based selection is now the most effective pathway to permanent residence.
Candidates aligned with in-demand categories have a clear advantage.
To improve your chances:
- Ensure your job matches the correct NOC code
- Complete at least 12 months of relevant work experience
- Take language tests early
- Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Keep your Express Entry profile updated
Being fully prepared before a category draw opens can make a significant difference.
Key Takeaways
The strongest opportunities in 2026 are likely to come from categories that have not yet held draws.
STEM, transport, education, research, and military recruitment categories are all expected to open soon, potentially with competitive CRS cutoffs.
At the same time, active categories such as French language proficiency, healthcare, and trades continue to offer consistent invitation opportunities.
Success in 2026 will depend on how well your profile aligns with these targeted categories and how quickly you are ready to apply when draws begin.
