Canada has announced a comprehensive update to its Express Entry system for 2026, designed to attract highly skilled workers, fill critical labour shortages, and support economic growth.
According to a post obtained from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website, the announcement was made by Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Diab, on Thursday, as part of the government’s International Talent Attraction Strategy.
Diab said the changes aim to “restore control and balance, and rebuild confidence in our immigration system,” while ensuring newcomers can contribute effectively from day one.
“Right now, my department is investing a great deal of focus and energy on attracting and retaining global talent—bringing in the right people to help build a stronger future.
“Getting this right largely depends on how we select newcomers.
“Across departments, our government has embarked on an ambitious International Talent Attraction Strategy. At Immigration, we are using the tools at our disposal to attract talent that grows our economy and fills key labour shortages.
“Our Express Entry system is at the core of our approach for attracting and retaining the skilled workers Canada needs.
“Express Entry is an online system that we use to manage applications for three permanent residence programs. These are the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Workers, and Federal Skilled Trades.
“In category-based rounds of invitations, we invite candidates in the Express Entry pool with the skills and experience we need to boost our capacity in key sectors and occupations,” Diab said.
The government has set clear immigration targets within a measured framework to align with labour market needs, provincial priorities, and Canada’s humanitarian objectives.
READ ALSO: Canada provinces opens virtual recruitment session for foreigners
Existing categories continue
The Express Entry system will maintain priority streams for healthcare and social services professionals, including nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dentists, psychologists, and chiropractors. Skilled trades such as carpenters, plumbers, and machinists will also remain eligible, along with STEM occupations like engineers and cybersecurity specialists. French-language proficiency remains a key selection criterion, underscoring the vitality of Francophone communities outside Quebec.
New 2026 priority categories
Several new categories have been introduced to reflect Canada’s evolving economic and national security needs:
Foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience, providing a clear pathway to permanent residence, to help address healthcare shortages.
Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience, supporting innovation and economic growth, including a $1.7 billion federal initiative to attract world-leading researchers.
Transport professionals, such as pilots, aircraft mechanics, and inspectors, are critical for trade, supply chains, and economic resilience.
Skilled military recruits, including doctors, nurses, and pilots with job offers from the Canadian Armed Forces, are supporting national defence and the government’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
Stricter eligibility requirements
IRCC has increased the minimum work experience requirement from six months to 12 months for most occupational categories, including healthcare, STEM, social services, and trades. Candidates must have gained this experience within the past three years, either in Canada or abroad. Cooks have been removed from the trade occupations list and will no longer qualify for Express Entry draws.
Francophone immigration targets
The government has also strengthened efforts to attract Francophone newcomers outside Quebec. Canada has exceeded its francophone immigration targets for the fourth consecutive year, with nearly 9% of admissions outside Quebec in 2025. For 2026, the government plans to welcome over 30,000 francophone newcomers annually, with the goal of reaching 12% by 2029.
Predictability and economic impact
Minister Diab emphasized that a predictable and consistent immigration system benefits employers, communities, and provinces. By selecting newcomers with the skills needed for Canada’s economy, the government aims to fill labour shortages in key sectors, strengthen access to healthcare, support housing and infrastructure projects, and foster innovation and technology development, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
The first Express Entry draws under the new categories are expected in the coming days, starting with foreign medical doctors and other healthcare professionals. Applicants will continue to be ranked on a points-based system evaluating skills, education, language ability, and work experience, ensuring alignment with employer needs and economic priorities.
Through these reforms, Canada seeks to build a stronger, more resilient workforce, attract global talent, and support long-term economic growth while maintaining fairness, predictability, and public confidence in its immigration system.