IRCC terminology
The correct term is “category-based selection.”
IRCC holds category-based rounds of invitations for Express Entry candidates who meet the requirements of a category established by the Minister. Candidates must first qualify for an Express Entry program and then meet the category criteria.
The number commonly called the “pass mark” is the CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited in that particular round. It is a historical cut-off, not a permanent qualifying score or a prediction of the next round.
Current categories
Categories currently listed by IRCC
IRCC may establish a category without immediately holding a round. “No round recorded” means no category-specific invitation round appears in the official history reviewed.
French-language proficiency
Healthcare and social services
STEM occupations
Trade occupations
Education occupations
Transport occupations
Physicians with Canadian work experience
Senior managers with Canadian work experience
Researchers with Canadian work experience
Skilled military recruits
Historical category: Agriculture and agri-food rounds were held in 2023 and 2024 but the category is not in IRCC’s current 2026 list.
Complete history
All category-based rounds
Use the filters to compare categories or years. Results are ordered newest first.
77 rounds
| Date | Category | Invitations to apply | CRS cut-off | IRCC round |
|---|
No category-based round matches those filters.
Source and limits: Compiled from IRCC’s official Express Entry round history through September 16, 2026. Historical results do not establish future eligibility, invitation timing or cut-offs.
A category is only one part of the strategy
We can assess the occupation, category eligibility and CRS score together.
We help clients identify the correct NOC, determine whether their experience meets a current category, calculate their CRS standing and prepare an accurate Express Entry profile.