One Important Correction First
As of March 25, 2025, job offers no longer add points to your CRS score. Any article or consultant telling you that an LMIA-backed job offer adds 50 or 200 CRS points is working from outdated information. A job offer may still affect program eligibility in some contexts, but it does not improve your ranking in the Express Entry pool.
The 2026 Priority Categories
IRCC announced the following categories for 2026 in February:
• French language proficiency
• Healthcare and social services
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
• Trades occupations
• Education occupations
• Transport occupations
• Agriculture and agri-food
• Physicians with Canadian experience
• Senior managers with Canadian experience
• Researchers with Canadian experience
• Skilled military recruits
Each category has a specific list of eligible NOC codes. Being in a relevant occupation is not enough — your specific NOC must appear on the official list for that category.
How to Check If Your NOC Qualifies
Look up your NOC code and cross-reference it against the current category occupation lists at canada.ca/express-entry. IRCC updates these lists periodically — check the current version, not a summary from another site.
All-Programs vs. Category Draw Cut-Offs in 2026
All-programs draws in 2026 have had cut-offs roughly between 485 and 510. Category draws have generally been lower — healthcare and trades draws have come in around 430–470. French-language draws have seen cut-offs in the 375–430 range.
If your CRS is between 430 and 480, your best chance of receiving an ITA likely comes through a category draw rather than an all-programs draw.
What Still Moves Your CRS Score
With job offer points gone, the main levers are:
• Language scores — the highest single factor for most applicants. Moving from CLB 9 to CLB 10 across all four skills can add 20–50+ points depending on your profile
• French proficiency — bilingual bonus points plus access to lower-cut-off category draws
• Canadian work experience — up to 80 points for a single applicant
• Education — Canadian credentials add bonus points
• Provincial nomination (AAIP) — adds 600 points and is the fastest reliable route to an ITA for most Alberta workers
8000+
Completed Files
900+
5-Star Reviews
15+
Team Members
10+
Years of Experience
The Alberta Approach
For candidates in Alberta with work experience and an employer, the fastest reliable path to an ITA is typically not improving your CRS score — it is getting an AAIP nomination. An Alberta nomination through the Express Entry Stream adds 600 points, which eliminates the cut-off barrier entirely.
News & Updates
Canada increased the minimum financial requirement for study permit applicants
IRCC To Open Parents and Grandparents Program again in this Fall
Canada May Reconsider Immigration Targets: What It Means for Aspiring Immigrants
Navigating Immigration Challenges: Ensuring Integrity Amidst Soaring International Student Numbers
Navigating Potential Changes: The Prospect of Study Permit Limits in Canada
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Update - A Perspective from Axis Immigration Consultants
IRCC issued over 5,704 invitations under the new International Experience Canada draw
Contact Axis Immigration and Get the Best Professional Help Today!
If you would like to know more about how we can help you with your Canadian immigration goals, please, contact us today.