Good news has been announced for Canadian immigration candidates. The Canadian government is preparing to introduce three new occupational categories into its Express Entry immigration system in 2026. These proposed categories are:
- senior managers,
- scientists and researchers, and
- military personnel
These are designed to streamline permanent residence applications for skilled professionals in these fields. IRCC shared the proposals in a public consultation notice posted on the government’s website. The consultation is open until September 3, 2025, with more details on implementation expected afterwards.
What Are the Proposed New Categories?
The three upcoming categories reflect Canada’s goal of balancing immediate labour shortages with long-term national priorities:
| Category | Targeted Professionals | Objective |
| Leadership | Senior managers leading teams and overseeing organisations | To boost productivity, drive digital transformation, and strengthen competitiveness |
| Research & Innovation | Scientists and researchers (specific fields not yet defined) | To accelerate innovation, enhance productivity, and stimulate economic growth |
| National Security & Defence | Skilled military recruits from allied countries | To support the Canadian Armed Forces and reinforce national security |
Ongoing Priorities for 2026
While these new categories represent a shift, Canada will continue to prioritise labour market needs and Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
- Labour Shortages: Healthcare, skilled trades, STEM, agriculture, and education remain top focus areas.
- Francophone Immigration: Targets are set to increase French-speaking permanent residents to 10% by 2027, moving toward 12% by 2029.
These priorities reflect both short-term workforce demands and Canada’s commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity.
Express Entry: A Quick Refresher
Since 2023, Express Entry has included category-based draws targeting specific in-demand occupations and Francophone candidates. Compared to general draws, these categories often have lower CRS cut-offs, which makes it easier for skilled candidates in priority sectors to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
By 2025, the CEC will have become the most prominent pathway, emphasising the transition of temporary residents already in Canada to permanent status.
Looking Ahead: Economic and Strategic Goals
The government’s approach for 2026 demonstrates a broader vision for immigration:
- Leadership: Attracting senior managers who can guide Canadian businesses through digital transformation.
- Science & Innovation: Welcoming researchers and scientists to drive economic competitiveness.
- Military & Defence: Leveraging immigration to support Canada’s defence and security objectives.
This evolution suggests that immigration policy is no longer only about filling labour gaps—it is also about strengthening national competitiveness, innovation capacity, and security readiness.
Impact on International Students
The changes may also influence Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. Currently, 119 fields of study remain eligible, while 178 were removed in 2024. Adjustments to Express Entry categories in 2026 could result in further updates to PGWP requirements, with announcements expected early next year.
ITAs issued to category-eligible candidates in 2023 and 2024, by category
| Category | Year | Number of category-eligible candidates who received an ITA | Proportion already in Canada (%) | Average [range] Comprehensive Ranking Score | Proportion relative to total number of Express Entry invitations issued (%) |
| Health care | 2023 | 8,180 | 50% | 473 [354 – 692] | 9.7% |
| 2024 | 11,967 | 56% | 468 [336 – 768] | 16.0% | |
| Trades | 2023 | 2,855 | 90% | 447 [355 – 612] | 3.4% |
| 2024 | 3,884 | 85% | 461 [339- 641] | 5.2% | |
| Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) | 2023 | 24,084 | 79% | 498 [355 – 698 ] | 28.7% |
| 2024 | 13, 749 | 74% | 500 [336 – 699] | 18.4% | |
| Transport | 2023 | 2,033 | 77% | 468 [377 – 613] | 2.4% |
| 2024 | 1,340 | 75% | 465 [336 – 768] | 1.8% | |
| Agriculture and agri-food | 2023 | 1,092 | 51% | 427 [354 – 567] | 1.3% |
| 2024 | 346 | 36% | 464 [369 -593 ] | 0.5% | |
| French-language proficiency | 2023 | 14,944 | 17% | 476 [375 – 763] | 17.8% |
| 2024 | 24,303 | 19% | 450 [336 – 770] | 32.5% | |
| Total ITAs sent to eligible candidates | 2023 | 49,285 | 60% | 483 [354 – 763] | 63.5% |
| 2024 | 49,323 | 50% | 469 [336 – 770] | 74.3% |
Canada’s proposed Express Entry 2026 updates highlight a shift from immediate labour market needs to a strategic, long-term vision. By prioritising leadership, innovation, and national defence, alongside Francophone immigration and essential sectors, the government is signalling that immigration is not only an economic tool but also a cornerstone of Canada’s future prosperity and security.