Category-Based Selection

Express Entry

2026 Category-Based Selection

IRCC invites candidates from specific categories to meet economic and labour-market priorities. Select a category to review its criteria and additional pathway details.

01French-Language ProficiencyMinimum score of NCLC level 7 across all four language abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing).

Additional NOC & Pathway Details

Test results must be less than 2 years old. Accepted tests include TEF Canada and TCF Canada.

Target Streams: Express Entry (CEC, FSWP, FSTP)
NOC Requirements: All TEER levels eligible with qualifying language results.

02Healthcare & Social ServicesMinimum 12 months of paid work experience in Canada or abroad within the past 3 years in an eligible NOC code.

Additional NOC & Pathway Details

Includes 35 designated healthcare occupations such as Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Allied Health fields.

Target NOCs: NOC 31301 (Registered Nurses), NOC 31100 (Clinical Specialists), NOC 32101 (Licensed Practical Nurses).
Experience Type: Must be continuous or cumulative paid employment.

03STEMMinimum 12 months of paid work experience in Canada or abroad within the past 3 years in an eligible STEM NOC code.

Additional NOC & Pathway Details

Covers 24 specific technology and engineering occupational titles under TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3.

Target NOCs: NOC 21231 (Software Engineers), NOC 21211 (Data Scientists), NOC 21232 (Software Developers).
Education Requirement: Post-secondary degree or diploma aligned with STEM NOC guidelines.

04TradesMinimum 12 months of paid work experience in Canada or abroad within the past 3 years in an eligible skilled trades NOC code.

Additional NOC & Pathway Details

Targeted for 10 key red-seal and industrial trade occupations facing nationwide shortages.

Target NOCs: NOC 72010 (Contractors and Supervisors, Machining), NOC 72300 (Plumbers), NOC 72400 (Electricians).
Certification: Trade certification or apprenticeship proof recommended where applicable.

05EducationMinimum 12 months of paid work experience in Canada or abroad within the past 3 years in an eligible education NOC code.

Additional NOC & Pathway Details

Designed for educators and early childhood instructors to support educational infrastructure.

Target NOCs: NOC 42202 (Early Childhood Educators and Assistants), NOC 41200 (University Professors and Lecturers).

06TransportMinimum 12 months of paid work experience in Canada or abroad within the past 3 years in an eligible transport NOC code.

Additional NOC & Pathway Details

Supports commercial freight, aviation, maritime, and supply chain operational streams.

Target NOCs: NOC 73300 (Transport Truck Drivers), NOC 72600 (Air Pilots and Flight Engineers), NOC 73301 (Deck Officers).

07Physicians with Canadian ExperienceMinimum 12 months of paid work experience as a medical doctor specifically in Canada within the past 3 years.

Additional NOC & Pathway Details

Special category stream prioritizing foreign-trained doctors providing clinical care under Canadian medical licensing bodies.

Target NOCs: NOC 31100 (Specialists in Clinical Medicine), NOC 31102 (General Practitioners and Family Physicians).

08Senior Managers with Canadian ExperienceMinimum 12 months of paid executive/senior management work experience specifically in Canada within designated NOC codes within the past 3 years.

Additional NOC & Pathway Details

Targeted executive category under TEER 0 leadership positions across commercial sectors.

Target NOCs: NOC 00018 (Senior Managers - Financial, Communications), NOC 00012 (Senior Managers - Construction, Transportation).

09Researchers with Canadian ExperienceMinimum 12 months of paid work experience as an academic, scientific, or industrial researcher specifically in Canada within the past 3 years.

Additional NOC & Pathway Details

Provides immigration pathways for post-doctoral fellows, R&D directors, and academic scientists.

Target NOCs: NOC 41200 (University Professors/Researchers), NOC 21200 (Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers).

10Skilled Military RecruitsMinimum 10 years of continuous foreign military service, a valid job offer for continuous full-time work (3+ years) from the CAF, and a 2-year post-secondary credential.

Additional NOC & Pathway Details

Specialized recruitment stream for skilled defense specialists entering Canadian Forces positions.

Requirements: Security clearance, direct endorsement letter, and minimum CLB 5 language skills.

No matching categories found.
Try a broader term such as “healthcare,” “French,” “NOC,” or “Canadian experience.”

OA Clarke Immigration Services Inc.