Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled new categories under its Express Entry system for international workers who want to move to Canada for work.
According to the Minister of IRCC, Lena Metlege Diab, the 2026 Express Entry categories will allow Canada to invite candidates who have the specific skills and experience needed in the country.
She explained that the new categories are part of Canada’s effort to manage immigration at sustainable levels while continuing to support economic growth.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s main application management system for people who want to immigrate permanently through programs such as:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program
- The Canadian Experience Class
- Part of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canada says its immigration system is designed to attract highly skilled workers.
Under Canada’s 2025–2026 Immigration Plan, the government is focusing on inviting Express Entry candidates who already have work experience in Canada, allowing them to apply for permanent residence.
The country plans to keep permanent resident admissions below 1% of Canada’s population annually beyond 2027, while still attracting top international talent.
Targets for Temporary Residents
Canada also plans to reduce the share of temporary residents to 5% of the total population by the end of 2026.
The new immigration plan sets temporary resident targets at:
- 673,650 for 2025
- 516,600 for 2026
- 543,600 for 2027
New 2026 Express Entry Categories
The newly announced categories will create clearer pathways to permanent residency for top international talent.
Canada is specifically seeking to invite:
- Medical doctors with Canadian work experience
- Researchers and senior managers with Canadian experience
- Workers in aviation and transportation
- Foreign military officers and highly skilled foreign military applicants recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces (including military doctors, nurses, and pilots)
IRCC also confirmed that it will continue selecting candidates who have:
- Strong French-language proficiency
- Work experience in health care and social services
Why This Matters
In Canada, immigration accounts for nearly 100% of labour force growth. It plays a critical role in addressing labour shortages across key sectors.
Minister Diab stated that the new Express Entry categories will help strengthen Canada’s economic power through targeted measures for medical doctors, graduate students, researchers, and under the country’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
Priority Talent for 2026
Canada is seeking top talent in the following areas:
- Medical doctors, researchers, and senior managers with Canadian work experience
- French-speaking workers
- Health care and social services professionals
- Skilled trades workers
- Educators
- STEM professionals (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- Transport professionals
- Pilots, aircraft mechanics, and inspectors
- Highly skilled foreign military personnel for key roles
Background
In 2025, Canada introduced new Express Entry draw categories and expanded the list of eligible occupations for work and permanent residence.
At the time, IRCC said the new categories were created to address labour shortages in the Canadian economy.
Also in 2025, Canada launched four new permanent residency pathways, even while working to reduce overall annual immigration targets.
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