If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, you may be wondering: What are the types of Express Entry draws and how do they work?

Express Entry is one of the fastest pathways to permanent residence, and its draw system decides who receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Every draw follows a structured selection process, but each type of draw has a different purpose and targets different groups of candidates.

Whether you’re new to Express Entry or preparing to submit your profile soon, knowing how these draws function will help you plan a smarter strategy.

How Express Entry Draws Work: A Simple Explanation

Before exploring the draw types, let’s look at how the entire process operates from start to finish.

1. Create Your Express Entry Profile

Candidates begin by completing an online profile that includes:

• Age
• Education
• Language scores
• Foreign or Canadian work experience
• Job offer details (if applicable)
• Provincial nomination information

If eligible for at least one of the three programs, FSWP, CEC, or FSTP, the profile moves to the next stage.

2. CRS Score Assignment

Your information is evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points up to 1,200 based on your qualifications.

3. Placement in the Pool

All eligible candidates enter the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked against others based on their CRS score.

4. IRCC Conducts Draws

IRCC typically holds draws every two weeks, though the timing can vary. Each draw has a set of criteria and a minimum CRS cut-off score.

5. ITA Issuance

Candidates who meet the draw’s criteria and have a CRS score at or above the cut-off receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. From there, they have 60 days to submit a complete PR application.

Types of Express Entry Draws and How They Work

Now let’s answer the main question: What are the types of Express Entry draws and how do they work?

There are three primary draw types, each with its own purpose.

1. General Express Entry Draws

General draws are the broadest type and often have the highest cut-off scores.

How General Express Entry Draws Work

IRCC invites the highest-ranking candidates regardless of occupation or program stream.

Candidates must qualify for at least one Express Entry program:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Who Benefits Most

Applicants with strong CRS scores, excellent language results, and competitive work experience. These draws are ideal for candidates aiming to secure an ITA through profile strength alone.

2. Program-Specific Express Entry Draws

Program-specific Express Entry Draws target candidates from one particular Express Entry program.

Common Examples

• PNP-only draws: Only candidates who received a provincial nomination are considered
• CEC-only draws: Target individuals with Canadian work experience
• FSTP-only draws: Invite skilled trades professionals
• Program-specific draws offer highly focused selection opportunities.

Why This Matters

A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, making it almost certain that the applicant will receive an ITA in the next draw.

This type of draw helps provinces meet labour market needs and allows IRCC to prioritize groups already settled or working in Canada.

3. Category-Based Express Entry Draws

Category-based Express Entry Draws were introduced in 2023 and continue to be an important part of Express Entry.

These draws target candidates with specific skills or languages that align with Canada’s economic goals.

Current Categories Include

• French-language proficiency
• Healthcare occupations
• STEM fields
• Trades
• Transport sector
• Agriculture and agri-food roles

How They Work

Candidates must qualify for an Express Entry program and meet the specific category requirements (e.g., a minimum level of French or work experience in a targeted field).

This approach supports sectors facing shortages and gives targeted applicants a strong chance of being selected even if their CRS score is moderate.

Types of Express Entry Draws

Draw Type	Who It Targets	Key Advantage
General Draws	Highest-ranking candidates	Best for high CRS scores
Program-Specific Draws	Candidates in one program stream (e.g., PNP, CEC)	Helps provinces or IRCC meet specific goals
Category-Based Draws	Applicants with selected skills or French ability	Great for skilled candidates with mid-range CRS scores

To summarize, what are the types of Express Entry draws and how do they work depends on how IRCC structures each round to meet Canada’s labour and demographic goals. General, program-specific, and category-based draws each create different opportunities and knowing how they function can help you tailor your profile more effectively.

If you want expert guidance on improving your CRS score, choosing the right Express Entry category, or boosting your chances of receiving an ITA, Contact ImmigCanada today and take the next confident step toward Canadian permanent residence.