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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is updating its approach to Express Entry for 2026. Express Entry is a points-based application management system for prospective immigrants to obtain permanent residency in Canada (outside of Quebec) through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program. Competitive candidates are issued an invitation to apply for permanent residence, taking them a step closer to achieving their Canadian dreams.
In 2023, IRCC introduced category-based draws for individuals with work experience in Healthcare, Agriculture and agri-food, Transport, Trades, and Science, technology, several occupational categories. Similarly, IRCC introduced a category for French-proficient workers at that time to support the growth of minority francophone communities outside of Quebec. Changes were made to the categories/occupations covered by the categories in February 2025.
On February 18, 2026, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab announced changes to Express Entry for 2026 with continued emphasis on certain categories and the introduction of new ones.
The following categories will continue to be available in 2026:
- French-language proficiency
- Health care and social services occupations
- Medical doctors with Canadian experience (introduced in December 2025)
- Education occupations
- Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
Note that there have been some changes in the occupations within these categories. For example, Cooks (NOC 63200) have been removed from the Trade occupations list.
Although IRCC has previously announced the pathway for Medical doctors with Canadian work experience in December 2025, the first round for eligible doctors candidates under this category is expected to take place in the forthcoming days. Similarly, the second round for eligible candidates under the health care and social services occupations stream is expected to occur in the coming days as well.
Of note is the re-introduction of the Transport occupations category, a category that was introduced in 2023 and removed in points February 2025. Similarly, the STEM category was updated in February 2025, removing all IT NOCs, except for cybersecurity specialists, though this category was not used in draws since 2024. The Agriculture and agri-food occupations category which was available in 2023, 2024, and 2025 has now been removed.
The Minister announced the introduction of 3 new categories:
- Researchers with Canadian work experience
- Senior managers with Canadian work experience
- Skilled military recruits who have a job offer from the Canadian Armed Forces.
The removal of points for arranged employment in March 2025 has significantly affected Senior Managers in the Express Entry pool. Without these points, these individuals are often penalized in the Express Entry system for lower/no points for age. The Minister noted the importance of these individuals to the economy in her speech. This new category will include Senior managers who have experience in Canada in the following occupations:
- Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities (00015)
- Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services (00014)
- Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations (00013)
- Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services (00012)
Another notable development is the increase in minimum work experience required for the occupational categories from six months to one year of experience in an eligible occupation from the previous three years. This increase applies to the existing categories of Health care and social service, Education, STEM, and Trade occupations. It will also apply to Transport occupations, Researchers, and Senior Managers.
Now that the changes are in place, we eagerly await to see how these draws are implemented and what it will mean for prospective permanent residents wanting to build their lives in Canada.
If you would like to discuss your eligibility for permanent residence through Express Entry, or have further questions, please contact us.
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