Since IRCC introduced category-based selection, Express Entry runs three kinds of invitation rounds, and the thread clarified how they interact.
The three round types:- General rounds — invite the top-ranking candidates in the pool who are eligible for any of the three Express Entry programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Program-specific rounds — invite top-ranking candidates eligible for one named program only (for example, a round held just for Provincial Nominee Program candidates).
- Category-based rounds — the minister establishes a category (for example an occupation or language category) tied to an economic goal, and invitations go to candidates in that category.
Key clarifications from the discussion:- CRS score remains the ranking mechanism in every round type. 'Top-ranking' in a category draw still means highest CRS among candidates who fit the category.
- Category draws do not bypass base eligibility. A common misconception was that category rounds are open to anyone in the category; members corrected this — the rounds happen within Express Entry, so you must still qualify for FSW, FST or CEC to be in the pool at all.
Note: which categories exist and their cut-offs change year to year — treat specific draw details from this thread (2023-era) as historical and check IRCC's current category list.