Canada has announced major updates to its Express Entry immigration system for 2026, introducing several new priority occupational categories designed to attract skilled workers in key sectors and support long-term economic goals. These reforms aim not just to manage immigration levels but to help fill labor shortages and bring top global talent into the country more strategically.
What’s New in Express Entry for 2026
Canada’s immigration authorities have added five new priority pathways under its category-based selection (CBS) system within Express Entry — meaning candidates in these fields may receive invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence based on occupation. The new categories include:
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Medical Doctors with Canadian Work Experience — A dedicated stream for physicians who have worked in Canada and help address ongoing doctor shortages.
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Researchers with Canadian Work Experience — For research professionals and academics contributing to Canada’s innovation and knowledge economy.
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Senior Managers with Canadian Experience — Targeting executive-level skilled workers already working in Canada.
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Transport Occupations — Includes workers such as pilots, aircraft mechanics, and other essential roles within the transport and logistics sectors.
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Skilled Military Recruits — A first-of-its-kind category for recruits to the Canadian Armed Forces in key roles, including military doctors, nurses, pilots, and other specialists.
These additions reflect a broader shift toward targeted economic immigration, where permanent residence invitations are aligned with Canada’s specific labor market needs.
Important Changes to Eligibility
Alongside the new categories, Canada has updated eligibility rules for category-based selection:
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Minimum work experience now 12 months: To qualify under most priority categories (including the new ones), candidates must have at least 12 months of relevant work experience within the past three years — up from the previous 6-month minimum.
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Canadian work experience preference: Many of the new categories focus on work earned in Canada, meaning candidates already working in the country (e.g., on work permits) will have a strategic advantage.
For example, the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category — included in the new suite of priority draws — recently held its first category-specific draw, issuing 391 ITAs with a notably low CRS cut-off score of 169.
How This Helps Skilled Workers
These changes are intended to:
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Boost Canada’s economic competitiveness by attracting professionals in sectors like healthcare, research, executive leadership, transport, and defense.
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Provide targeted pathways to permanent residence for foreign nationals with sought-after skills and Canadian experience.
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Improve express routes for occupations experiencing acute shortages, such as doctors and pilots.
Canada will also continue prioritizing established categories such as French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, and skilled trades alongside the new additions, creating a diverse range of pathways under Express Entry.
What This Means for Applicants
If you’re in the Express Entry pool or planning to create a profile in 2026:
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Check if your occupation qualifies under the new priority categories.
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Ensure you meet the updated experience requirement (12 months) in the relevant field.
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Consider gaining Canadian work experience if possible — it can greatly improve your chances under the new streams.
These reforms signal a more strategic and occupation-focused approach to immigration that emphasizes Canada’s economic priorities while still offering a range of Express Entry pathways for talented global workers.