ApprovedExpress EntryPermanent Residence
🇨🇦
Canada
New category-based draws for healthcare
IRCC introduces targeted draws prioritising healthcare and STEM occupations.
Effective date
15 Aug 2026
Announced
18 Jul 2026
Impact
Skilled worker candidates
Previous rule
General Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) draws only, held roughly every two weeks.
New rule
Category-based draws every two weeks, alternating with general CRS rounds.
Summary of Regulation
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing new category-based Express Entry rounds of invitations that prioritise candidates with experience in healthcare, STEM, skilled trades, transport and agriculture. The new draws run alongside general CRS rounds and target 2026 admissions levels.
Implications & Other Details
Requires at least 6 months of continuous full-time work in a qualifying NOC.
Candidates must still meet minimum CRS score cut-off for each draw.
Language proficiency requirements unchanged.
Verified against official source
IRCC · reviewed by Radar Editorial
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