Canada prioritizes three new Express Entry categories for permanent residence in 2026

Canada has announced major changes to the Express Entry system, introducing three new occupational categories that will be prioritized for permanent residence. The announcement was made by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab during a speech in Toronto on 18 February 2026.

These changes are expected to influence how candidates are selected under category-based draws and which occupations will receive priority invitations.

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Three new Express Entry priority categories

The federal government will now prioritize invitations for candidates in the following occupational groups:

1. Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience
   
2. Transport occupations
   
3. Military personnel
   

At the same time, Canada will continue inviting candidates in the existing priority categories:

• French language proficiency
  
• Health care and social services
  
• Trades
  

The agriculture and agri-food category has been removed.

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New minimum work experience requirement

One of the most important changes is the increase in the work experience requirement for category-based draws.

New rule:

• Minimum 1 year of work experience required
  
• Must be gained within the last 3 years
  
• Work experience does not need to be continuous
  

Previously, candidates only needed 6 months of continuous work experience.

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Senior managers with Canadian experience

Eligible occupations:

Occupation	NOC 2021 Code
Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities	00015
Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services	00014
Senior managers – health, education, social and community services	00013
Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services	00012

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Researchers with Canadian work experience

Eligible occupations:

Occupation	NOC 2021 Code
University professors and lecturers	41200
Post-secondary teaching and research assistants	41201

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Transport occupations

Eligible occupations:

Occupation	NOC 2021 Code
Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors	72600
Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics	72410
Aircraft mechanics and inspectors	72404
Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics technicians	22313

Note: This new transport category contains different occupations than the earlier transport category that was retired in February 2025.

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Skilled military recruits category

Eligible occupations:

Occupation	NOC 2021 Code
Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces	40042
Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces	42102
Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces	43204

Additional requirements for military category

Candidates must:

• Be serving in a recognized foreign military
  
• Have at least 10 years of continuous service
  
• Hold a full-time job offer for at least 3 years with the Canadian Armed Forces
  
• Have a post-secondary credential of at least 2 years
  

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Physicians category draw coming this week

The minister also confirmed that the first draw for the physicians with Canadian work experience category, introduced in December 2025, is expected to take place this week.

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How category-based selection works

Under category-based selection, Canada invites candidates who:

• Have work experience in specific in-demand occupations
  
• Meet Express Entry eligibility requirements
  
• Rank high enough in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
  

Since April 2024, candidates without Canadian work experience or provincial nominations have mainly been selected through category-based draws.

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Basic Express Entry eligibility

To qualify under Express Entry, candidates must:

• Intend to live outside Quebec
  
• Qualify under one of the three programs:
  
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
    
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
    
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
    
• Have at least 1 year of skilled work experience (TEER 0–3)
  
• Meet language requirements in English or French
  

Candidates are ranked using the CRS score, which considers:

• Age
  
• Education
  
• Language proficiency
  
• Work experience
  
• Spouse factors (if applicable)
  

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Why these changes matter

These new categories reflect Canada’s labour shortages in:

• Research and academic sectors
  
• Senior management roles
  
• Transportation and aviation
  
• Defence and military
  

The changes are also linked to Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, a key part of the economic agenda supported by Prime Minister Mark Carney.