All Express Entry Occupational Categories Subject to New Work Experience Requirement

IRCC has implemented a sweeping change to the Express Entry system: all category-based occupational draws will now require candidates to demonstrate a minimum of one year of full-time work experience in the relevant category occupation within the past three years. Previously, experience requirements varied by category. This standardization aims to ensure that category-based ITAs go to candidates who are genuinely active in the targeted field.

What the New Rule Requires Under the updated policy, candidates who wish to be invited through any category-based Express Entry draw — including healthcare, STEM, education, trades, and transport — must have at least 1,560 hours (one year full-time equivalent) of directly relevant work experience in an occupation that falls within that category.

This experience must have occurred within the three years immediately preceding the date of the draw. Experience that is older than three years does not count toward the category requirement, though it may still count for general Express Entry eligibility purposes.

Why This Matters Category-based selection draws were introduced to address specific labour market shortages. By ensuring that all invited candidates have recent, relevant experience in the targeted field, IRCC aims to improve the employment outcomes of category-based immigrants and better satisfy the labour market needs that motivated the draws in the first place.

Previously, some candidates were able to meet category eligibility requirements based on older experience or experience in adjacent roles, which led to some selected candidates not having the most current skills in their claimed field.

Impact on Current Pool Candidates Candidates currently in the Express Entry pool who are relying on a category draw for their ITA should review their recent work history carefully. If they have a gap in relevant experience — for example, due to a career change or period of unemployment — they may no longer qualify for category-based draws and may need to compete in general All-Programs draws instead.

Candidates who are currently employed in a category-relevant role are in a strong position and should ensure their Express Entry profile accurately reflects their current job duties.

Categories Affected The new requirement applies to all current Express Entry category-based selection streams, including: • Healthcare occupations • STEM occupations • Education, law, and social services • Trades (construction and manufacturing) • Transport workers • Agriculture and agri-food • French-language proficiency category (note: this category is language-based, not occupation-based, and has different rules)

Candidates should consult the official IRCC website for the full list of eligible occupations within each category.

This article was published in the News Center of www.gloryimmigration.ca website. Published: March 19, 2026. Category: Express Entry. © 2026 Vinh Hoa Immigration Consulting News Center. All rights reserved.