IRCC announces new Express Entry categories for 2026

By Joseph Parker [Published 19 Feb, 2026 | 06:32 AM] 126

Canada’s Express Entry system just underwent a major overhaul that could change the game for skilled workers worldwide. In a move to align immigration with evolving labour market demands. So, IRCC has announced the introduction of three new priority occupational categories under its category-based selection system.

However, the announcement was made by Lena Metlege Diab, Canada Immigration Minister, during a keynote speech at the Canadian Club Toronto on 18 February 2026.

The newly prioritized categories focus on researchers and senior managers with Canadian experience, key transport sector professionals, and highly skilled military personnel, signalling Canada’s intent to attract specialized talent critical to economic growth and national priorities.

Alongside these changes, Express Entry selection criteria and occupational groupings are being refined to better respond to workforce shortages.

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New Category Of Express Entry

Canada’s Express Entry added new targeted categories in 2026 to prioritize skilled workers in key roles. These include foreign-trained doctors with Canadian experience, researchers, senior managers, transport workers, and highly skilled military personnel. This category-based selection helps Canada attract top talent in sectors with labour shortages and supports economic and innovation goals.

1. Senior Managers with Canadian Experience Occupations

This Express Entry category invites candidates with at least one year of Canadian work experience as senior managers in sectors such as finance, health, education, construction, or services to apply for permanent residence.

Eligibility Criteria for Senior Managers With Canadian Work Experience Category

To be eligible, you must:

have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience). This experience does not need to be continuous
- in a single occupation listed in the table below (no matter your primary occupation)
- in Canada

Fulfill all requirements specified in the instructions for that round.

Occupation	NOC 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 and membership organizations	00013
Senior managers - financial, communications and other business services	00012

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2. Researchers With Canadian Work Experience Occupations

This Express Entry category prioritizes candidates with at least 12 months of Canadian work experience in research-related roles, such as university professors or post-secondary research assistants, for permanent residence.

Eligibility Criteria for Researchers With Canadian Work Experience Occupations

To be eligible, you must:

have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience). This experience does not need to be continuous
- in a single occupation listed in the table below (no matter your primary occupation)
- in Canada

Fulfill all requirements specified in the instructions for that round.

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

3. Skilled Military Recruits

This category invites skilled military recruits with relevant training and experience, recognizing their discipline, leadership, and service readiness to support Canada’s defence, security, and allied workforce needs, in line with the nation's strategic priorities.

Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Military Recruits

To be eligible, you must:

An eligible foreign national who is serving in a recognized foreign military
- with a minimum of ten years of continuous service
- has work experience and training aligned with the main duties of one or more of these National Occupational Classification occupations:

have an offer of arranged employment with the Canadian Armed Forces that is
- made by the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group for continuous full-time work in Canada lasting at least 3 years
- listed in the National Occupational Classification

have at least a 2-year post-secondary credential
- If you completed your education outside Canada, you’ll need to get your education credential assessed to show that it’s equal

Fulfill all requirements specified in the instructions for that round.

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

4. Transport Occupations

This Express Entry category targets transport occupations, inviting drivers, logistics specialists, and operators with Canadian experience to address labour shortages, strengthen supply chains, and support nationwide mobility and economic growth.

Eligibility Criteria for Transport Occupations

To be eligible, you must:

have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience). This experience does not need to be continuous
- in a single occupation listed in the table below (no matter your primary occupation)
- in Canada or abroad

Fulfill all requirements specified in the instructions for that round.

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