Canada Announces 2026 Express Entry Category Updates

Key Point 

• Canada updated its 2026 Express Entry categories to prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience and key sector skills, while increasing the minimum work‑experience requirement to one year.  

Express Entry Changes for 2026 

Canada has announced new and updated category‑based selection streams for Express Entry in 2026. The changes are designed to better align permanent residence pathways with Canada’s labor market needs and to prioritize candidates with strong Canadian ties and experience in key sectors. 

New Occupation‑Focused Categories for 2026 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced five new categories targeting candidates with Canadian work experience or job offers in priority fields: 

• Medical Doctors with Canadian Work Experience: To address physician shortages across provinces. 
• Researchers with Canadian Work Experience: Aimed at supporting Canada’s academic, scientific and innovation sectors. 
• Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience: Intended to facilitate leadership mobility for multinational employers. 
• Transport Occupations: In response to supply chain and logistics pressures. 
• Skilled Military Recruits with a Canadian Armed Forces Job Offer: to support recruitment and operational readiness. 

Renewed Priority Categories 

Several existing categories will continue in 2026, with updated eligibility criteria: 

• French‑language proficiency 
• Healthcare and social services 
• Education 
• STEM 
• Trades 

Increased Work Experience Requirement 

For all renewed categories, IRCC has increased the minimum work experience requirement from six months to one year, earned within the previous three years. Eligible experience may be gained in Canada or abroad. 

About the Changes 

Officials noted that these updates are part of Canada’s broader strategy to attract top global talent, address persistent labor shortages and strengthen long‑term economic growth.  

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