2026 New Express Entry Categories

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is planning for 2026 with proposed new Express Entry categories aimed at attracting leaders, innovators, and professionals in fields such as senior management, scientific research, and the military.

What Is Express Entry?

IRCC uses the Express Entry (EE) system to invite skilled workers to apply for Canadian permanent residency.

Proposed 2026 Express Entry Categories

The proposed new EE categories for 2026, including senior managers, scientists, and military personnel, are expected to be added on top of the current Express Entry categories from 2025. These categories were chosen due to Canada’s labour shortages and market demands for these fields.

Building on Existing Demands

In addition to ongoing labour shortages in 2025, there was also a growing effort to bring in more French-speaking immigrants and increase the francophone population across the country, a trend that is likely to continue or grow in 2026.

Even in Quebec, which manages its own immigration system, there has been a strong focus on hiring skilled workers in key sectors. This shows a shared priority across Canada to fill jobs where skilled workers are most needed.

Category Details

Although full details for each proposed category haven’t been shared yet, IRCC plans to work with federal, provincial, and territorial partners to discuss and finalize the plans. To make their decision, IRCC will make judgements based on precedence and the success of past category-based selections as well as align their decisions to better serve the current job market. As always, we will be monitoring the situation closely and will reveal announcements as they come.

Why Were These Categories Selected?

These proposed changes are meant to make Canada a top choice for highly skilled workers who can help the country grow and continue to innovate. By focusing more on leadership and innovation, IRCC believes Canada will become more competitive and attractive to the professionals the country needs to thrive.

Category-based selection

IRCC first introduced category-based selection in 2023 where in addition to your points, Canada prioritizes candidates with certain expertise and experience. These job categories can change every year based on Canada’s needs.

IRCC regularly analyzes the job categories regularly. They do this to make sure they match the evolving economy and job market needs in different parts of Canada. The goal is to bring the necessary people who can help fill job shortages and support Canada’s growth

By expanding on the existing EE categories and introducing new ones focused on leadership and innovation, Canada will effectively address current and future labour market needs. Attracting the right skilled workers through the EE system is an important step in supporting both economic development and retaining skilled talent.

If you are interested in immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry system, contact us today at Canadim by filling out our free general assessment below and let us help you decide which EE program you qualify for!