The 2026 categories
IRCC’s category page lists ten current categories: French-language proficiency; healthcare and social services; STEM; trades; education; transport; physicians with Canadian work experience; senior managers with Canadian work experience; researchers with Canadian work experience; and skilled military recruits. IRCC’s February 18, 2026 announcement named physicians, researchers, senior managers, transport and military recruits as new for 2026, and said rounds for French, healthcare and social services and trades would continue. That announcement did not mention STEM or education, which still appear on the category page.
The occupation rule
For the occupation-based categories, you need at least 12 months of full-time work experience, or an equal amount of part-time experience, within the past three years, in a single occupation listed for that category, no matter what your primary occupation is. IRCC says this experience does not need to be continuous. It can be in Canada or abroad, except for the physician, senior manager and researcher categories, where it must be in Canada.
French and military recruits
The French-language category needs test results showing at least NCLC 7 in all four abilities. Skilled military recruits follow a different rule: at least ten years of continuous service, an arranged job offer for continuous full-time work in Canada lasting at least three years, and at least a two-year post-secondary credential. IRCC says full details are set in the instructions for each round.
How category rounds choose candidates
You must first be in the Express Entry pool for one of its three programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades or Canadian Experience Class. IRCC then identifies candidates who are eligible for a category based on their profile, ranks them by CRS score and invites the highest-ranked. IRCC says category rounds supplement other rounds, and a category round may not be needed if enough eligible candidates are already invited through general or program-specific rounds.
What to check in your own profile
Because eligibility is read from your profile, make sure each job lists the correct NOC code, dates and weekly hours. Add up the months for a single occupation over the past three years and check them against the 12-month rule; part-time months count at the equivalent rate. Note the date of your French test if you rely on it. Then use the calculator to see your CRS score, since category rounds still rank by CRS within the category.
Frequently asked questions
Do I apply to a category separately?
IRCC describes no separate category application. It says it identifies candidates in the pool who are eligible for a category based on their profile.
Must the 12 months of experience be continuous?
No. IRCC says the experience for occupation-based categories does not need to be continuous, but it must be in a single listed occupation within the past three years.
What French level does the French category need?
At least NCLC 7 in all four abilities: reading, writing, listening and speaking.