Canada proposes three new Express Entry job categories for 2026, i.e., senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel. The move could make it easier for skilled professionals in these fields to obtain Canadian permanent residence.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) outlined the proposed categories in a public consultation notice posted on the Government of Canada’s website.
If implemented, these categories would be part of the Express Entry system, i.e., the federal immigration platform used to manage permanent residence applications for skilled workers.
The government has not provided a date for when further details will be announced. The public consultation period runs until September 3, 2025.
Proposed New Job Categories
Leadership Roles
IRCC is considering a category aimed at attracting senior management professionals to Canada.
According to the consultation notice, senior managers are “highly skilled workers who oversee the operations of a company or organization and lead a team of employees.”
IRCC believes that bringing in experienced leaders could inject fresh perspectives, accelerate digital transformation, boost productivity, and help organizations meet strategic goals.
The department also suggests that attracting top-level talent could strengthen Canada’s competitiveness and drive long-term economic growth.
Research And Innovation Specialists
Another proposed category targets certain scientists and researchers.
IRCC notes that research and innovation can significantly improve productivity, foster performance, and “stimulate economic growth.”
The consultation document did not specify exactly which branches of science or types of research roles would be prioritized.
National Security And Defence
As Canada proposes three new Express Entry job categories for 2026, the final proposed category would focus on attracting highly skilled military recruits from allied nations to support the Canadian Armed Forces.
What Could Continue In 2026?
Francophone Immigration
IRCC has indicated that French-speaking immigration outside of Quebec is likely to remain a priority in 2026.
Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan sets targets for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec at:
- 8.5% in 2025
- 9.5% in 2026
- 10% in 2027
This aligns with the government’s commitment to strengthen Francophone communities across the country.
Sectors With Persistent Labour Shortages
Ongoing skilled labour shortages may lead IRCC to continue focusing on several key sectors:
- Healthcare
- Skilled trades (including construction jobs to address housing needs)
- Education
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Agriculture and agri-food
These areas are already part of the 2025 category-based selection framework.
IRCC is also gathering input from industries facing critical staffing gaps on whether Express Entry should prioritize candidates already in Canada versus those applying from overseas.
Potential Impact On International Students
Express Entry categories influence which fields of study are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for graduates of non-exempt postsecondary programs.
Field of study requirements introduced in 2024 aim to align international graduates with Canada’s labour market needs.
Currently, 119 fields of study qualify for PGWP eligibility, while 178 programs were removed from the list earlier in 2025.
Changes to Express Entry categories in 2026 could result in adjustments to the eligibility list. IRCC plans to announce updated PGWP-eligible fields in early 2026.
Notably, graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs remain exempt from these field of study restrictions.
What Is Category-Based Selection?
Canada proposes three new Express Entry job categories for 2026. Well, category-based selection draws, first introduced in 2023, help Canada address specific labour market gaps by focusing on Express Entry candidates with in-demand skills or certain language abilities.
Categories are reviewed annually to ensure they match the country’s evolving economic and workforce needs.
Express Entry Categories In 2025
- French language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- STEM
- Skilled trades
- Education (added in 2025)
Of these, French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, skilled trades, and education are priority categories.
How Does It Work?
Under category-based selection, IRCC can issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates who meet the specific criteria for that category. This is in addition to general draws and program-specific rounds, such as those for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
A notable advantage is that CRS cut-off scores for category-based draws are often lower than in general draws.
For instance:
- The latest CEC draw had a CRS cut-off of 534.
- The most recent healthcare and social services draw had a cut-off of 475, allowing more healthcare professionals to secure ITAs for permanent residence.
By introducing new categories for 2026, IRCC aims to keep Express Entry responsive to economic priorities, while giving certain skilled professionals a better chance of receiving an invitation.
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