Canada proposes three new occupational categories for Express Entry in 2026

Vikrant Gungash
2 days ago
3 min read

By Vikrant Singh, August 23, 2025

The Canadian government is exploring the introduction of three new occupational categories under Express Entry in 2026, potentially opening new pathways to permanent residence for foreign nationals working as senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) outlined the proposed categories in a recent public consultation notice published on the Government of Canada’s website. The consultation is open until September 3, 2025, after which IRCC will review feedback before making a final decision.

Proposed new categories

Leadership (Senior Managers)IRCC is considering a dedicated category for senior managers—professionals who oversee company or organizational operations and lead teams. The department notes that these individuals bring valuable leadership skills that can enhance productivity, accelerate digital transformation, and drive long-term economic growth.

Research and Innovation (Scientists and Researchers)Another category under review would prioritize researchers and scientists. IRCC says research and innovation are key to advancing productivity, performance, and economic development. While the consultation paper did not specify which disciplines may be included, the intent is to strengthen Canada’s global position in innovation.

National Security and Defence (Military Personnel)A third proposal would support the Canadian Armed Forces by creating a pathway for highly skilled military recruits from allied nations. IRCC suggests this could help Canada address ongoing defence and security needs.

Other categories under consideration for 2026

In addition to the three new categories, IRCC signalled that many existing priorities may remain in place for 2026.

Francophone immigrationCanada continues to aim for higher targets of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec: 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027. Francophone immigration is therefore expected to remain a priority.

Sectors with labour shortagesOngoing shortages in key fields mean the following categories are likely to continue in 2026:

Healthcare
Skilled trades (including construction-related occupations to support housing initiatives)
Education
STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)
Agriculture and agri-food

IRCC is also reviewing whether Express Entry should focus more on talent already living in Canada compared to overseas applicants.

Impact on international students

Express Entry categories play a role in determining Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. Since 2024, PGWP eligibility has been tied to specific fields of study to better align international students with labour market needs.

Currently, 119 fields of study are PGWP-eligible, while 178 were removed earlier in 2025. Changes to Express Entry categories in 2026 could influence which programs remain eligible. IRCC has confirmed it will announce updated PGWP-eligible fields in early 2026.

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates remain exempt from these field of study restrictions.

What is category-based selection?

Category-based selection was introduced in 2023 as part of Express Entry to target candidates with in-demand skills or language proficiency. Categories are reviewed annually to keep pace with evolving labour market demands.

In 2025, the categories included:

French language proficiency
Healthcare and social services
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
STEM
Trades occupations
Education (added in 2025)

Priority has been given to French-speaking candidates, healthcare and social services professionals, trades workers, and educators.

This system also gives candidates in category-based draws an advantage, as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-offs are often lower than those in general or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws. For example, the most recent CEC draw required a CRS score of 534, compared to 475 in the most recent healthcare draw.

What happens next?

The government has not provided a timeline for its final decision on the proposed new categories. However, if introduced, these changes could reshape Express Entry in 2026 by broadening opportunities for senior leaders, researchers, and skilled military personnel, alongside maintaining support for Canada’s critical labour market needs.

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