In 2026, the Canadian government plans to expand the Express Entry immigration system to include three new occupational categories: military personnel, scientists and researchers, and senior managers.
According to CIC News, this action comes after Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced plans to expedite foreign nationals’ applications for permanent residence in these fields.
Canada to Add Three New Occupation Categories to Express Entry in 2026
The first category, Leadership, focuses on senior managers. IRCC defines them as “highly skilled workers who oversee the operations of a company or organisation and who lead a team of employees.”
The Canadian government expects this Leadership category to strengthen national competitiveness, drive economic growth, introduce new perspectives, aid digital transformation, improve productivity, and help achieve organisational goals.
The second category targets research and innovation, with IRCC believing it can “enhance productivity and performance” and “stimulate economic growth.”
Which fields or areas of expertise in research and innovation will be given priority are not specified in the IRCC document.
In order to support the Canadian Armed Forces, the third category, National Security and Defence, will concentrate on bringing in highly qualified military personnel from allies.
International students’ eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) may be impacted by these changes to the Express Entry category.
119 study areas are still eligible for PGWP as of 2024, while 178 have been eliminated.
PGWP Requirements Likely to Change Following Express Entry Updates, Announcement Expected Next Year
PGWP requirements might be modified in light of the modifications to Express Entry categories; announcements are anticipated early in the upcoming year.
In order to increase the percentage of permanent residents who speak French to 10% by 2027, the IRCC will continue to prioritize Francophone immigration in 2026.
In 2026, healthcare, skilled trades, education, STEM fields, and agriculture and agri-food will be among the other Express Entry priority categories.
By choosing applicants with in-demand skills or language proficiency, Express Entry’s category-based selection process seeks to address labor shortages.
Every year, Express Entry categories are examined and modified to reflect changing demands in the labor market.
