The ten categories
IRCC's category page (modified June 22, 2026) lists ten categories in effect: 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. Agriculture is no longer on the list.
How 2026 has played out
| Category | Rounds in 2026 (to Sept.) | Latest cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| French-language proficiency | 10 | 382 (Aug 19) |
| Healthcare and social services | 3 | 475 (Sep 4) |
| Physicians (Canadian experience) | 3 | 198 (Sep 3) |
| Senior managers (Canadian experience) | 3 | 389 (Sep 16) |
| Trades | 1 | 477 (Apr 2) |
| Transport | 1 | 470 (Aug 7) |
| Skilled military recruits | 1 | 368 (Jul 23) |
| STEM | 0 | — |
| Education | 0 | — |
| Researchers (Canadian experience) | 0 | — |
Note the narrower STEM list
The 2026 STEM category lists 11 occupations. Several common technology codes, such as software developers (21232), are not on it. Check your code with the NOC finder.
Source: IRCC category-based selection page and rounds data, checked 2026-10-01.