• Canada updates its Express Entry system for 2026 under the International Talent Attraction Strategy
• The new categories added include foreign medical doctors, researchers, transport professionals, and skilled military recruits
• Over 30,000 Francophone newcomers will be welcomed annually from 2026, targeting 12% by 2029

Canada has unveiled major reforms to its Express Entry system for 2026, introducing new categories and tightening eligibility requirements as part of efforts to attract top global talent and address critical labour shortages.

The changes were announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Lena Diab in a statement published on the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The reforms form part of the federal government’s broader International Talent Attraction Strategy.

Diab said the overhaul is intended to strengthen public trust and ensure newcomers are equipped to contribute immediately upon arrival.

“Right now, my department is investing a great deal of focus and energy on attracting and retaining global talent, bringing in the right people to help build a stronger future.

“Getting this right largely depends on how we select newcomers.

“Across departments, our government has embarked on an ambitious International Talent Attraction Strategy. At Immigration, we are using the tools at our disposal to attract talent that grows our economy and fills key labour shortages.

“Our Express Entry system is at the core of our approach for attracting and retaining the skilled workers Canada needs.

“Express Entry is an online system that we use to manage applications for three permanent residence programs. These are the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Workers, and Federal Skilled Trades.

“In category-based rounds of invitations, we invite candidates in the Express Entry pool with the skills and experience we need to boost our capacity in key sectors and occupations,” Diab said.

Existing categories retained

Under the updated framework, Express Entry will continue prioritising healthcare and social services professionals, including nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dentists, psychologists, and chiropractors. Skilled trades such as carpenters, plumbers, and machinists remain eligible, alongside STEM professionals including engineers and cybersecurity specialists.

French-language proficiency will also remain a key selection factor, reflecting continued support for Francophone communities outside Quebec.

New categories introduced

To better align immigration with evolving economic and national security priorities, the government has added several new categories.

Foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience will now have a clearer pathway to permanent residence, a move aimed at easing healthcare workforce shortages.

Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience have also been included to drive innovation and economic expansion. This aligns with a $1.7 billion federal initiative to attract globally recognised researchers.

Transport professionals, including pilots, aircraft mechanics, and inspectors, are now eligible under the new framework, recognising their importance to trade, supply chains, and economic resilience.

In addition, skilled military recruits such as doctors, nurses, and pilots who hold job offers from the Canadian Armed Forces will qualify under Express Entry, supporting national defence priorities and the Defence Industrial Strategy.

Tougher eligibility standards

The government has raised the minimum work experience requirement from six months to 12 months for most occupational groups, including healthcare, STEM, social services, and skilled trades. 

Applicants must have acquired this experience within the last three years, either in Canada or abroad.

Cooks have been removed from the trade occupations list and will no longer be eligible for Express Entry draws.

Francophone immigration targets strengthened

Canada has exceeded its Francophone immigration targets outside Quebec for four consecutive years, reaching nearly nine per cent of admissions outside the province in 2025.

For 2026, the government plans to admit more than 30,000 Francophone newcomers annually, with a long-term objective of achieving 12 per cent by 2029.

Diab stressed that a stable and transparent immigration system is crucial for employers, provinces, and communities across the country.

The updated system aims to ensure that newcomers possess the skills needed to fill labour gaps, enhance healthcare delivery, support housing and infrastructure development, and advance innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

The first Express Entry draws under the newly introduced categories are expected in the coming days, beginning with foreign medical doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Applicants will continue to be assessed under a points-based system that evaluates education, language proficiency, skills, and work experience to ensure alignment with Canada’s economic and labour market needs.

Through these reforms, Canada seeks to strengthen its workforce, attract high-calibre international talent, and promote long-term economic resilience while maintaining fairness, consistency, and public confidence in its immigration system.