Canada has unveiled sweeping reforms to its Express Entry system for 2026, introducing new priority categories and tightening eligibility rules in a move aimed at attracting highly skilled foreign professionals and addressing critical labour shortages.
The update was announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Lena Diab as part of the government’s International Talent Attraction Strategy. Details were published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, outlining changes designed to align immigration with workforce demands and long term economic growth.
Diab said the reforms are intended to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system while ensuring newcomers are equipped to contribute immediately. She described Express Entry as central to the country’s plan to attract and retain skilled workers in key sectors.
Canada Express Entry 2026 changes
Express Entry is an online platform that manages applications for three permanent residence pathways, including the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Through category based draws, the government selects candidates whose skills match priority occupations.
Existing priority streams will continue for healthcare and social services professionals such as nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dentists, psychologists and chiropractors. Skilled trades including carpenters, plumbers and machinists remain eligible, alongside STEM professionals such as engineers and cybersecurity specialists. French language proficiency will continue to carry significant weight, reflecting Canada’s commitment to strengthening Francophone communities outside Quebec.
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New Express Entry categories for 2026
Under the revised framework, foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience will receive a clearer pathway to permanent residence to help ease healthcare shortages. Researchers and senior managers with Canadian experience have also been added, supporting innovation and a federal initiative valued at 1.7 billion dollars to attract leading global researchers.
Transport professionals including pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors are now prioritised to strengthen supply chains and economic resilience. Skilled military recruits, including doctors, nurses and pilots with job offers from the Canadian Armed Forces, have also been included to support national defence objectives.
Stricter eligibility rules
The government has increased the minimum work experience requirement from six months to 12 months for most occupational categories, including healthcare, STEM, social services and trades. Applicants must have obtained this experience within the past three years, either in Canada or abroad. Cooks have been removed from the trade occupations list and will no longer qualify under Express Entry draws.
Canada continues to raise its targets for French speaking immigrants outside Quebec. The country exceeded its Francophone immigration benchmarks for the fourth consecutive year, with nearly nine percent of admissions outside Quebec in 2025. For 2026, the government plans to welcome more than 30,000 Francophone newcomers annually, aiming to reach 12 percent by 2029.
According to the minister, a stable and predictable immigration system benefits employers, provinces and communities by matching skilled newcomers with urgent labour gaps. The reforms are expected to support healthcare delivery, housing and infrastructure development, and high growth sectors such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
The first Express Entry draws under the new 2026 categories are expected in the coming days, beginning with foreign medical doctors and other healthcare professionals. Candidates will continue to be ranked under the points based Comprehensive Ranking System, which assesses education, language ability, work experience and skills.
With these changes, Canada is positioning its immigration system to attract global talent, strengthen its workforce and sustain economic growth while maintaining public trust.
