On February 18, 2026, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Lena Metledge Diab, announced the Express Entry categories for 2026. The goal is to support the economy and fill critical gaps in the labor market by focusing on candidates with skills and experience in priority areas.
The statement emphasizes that Canada is committed to returning immigration to “sustainable levels” while strengthening the attraction and retention of highly skilled professionals under the International Talent Attraction Strategy.
What's new in 2026: new selection categories
IRCC has announced several new priority areas under the Express Entry category invitations:
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Foreign doctors with Canadian work experience A new category is being introduced for foreign medical doctors who have work experience in Canada.
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Researchers and senior managers with Canadian experience
A separate new category for researchers and senior managers who already have Canadian work experience.
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Transportation professions (including aviation) A new category for candidates with experience in transportation professions, including pilots, aircraft mechanics, and inspectors.
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Highly skilled military professionals recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces A category is also being introduced for foreign military candidates recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces for key roles, such as military doctors, nurses, and pilots.
What will continue from 2025
IRCC has announced that it will continue to issue rounds of invitations for:
- candidates with strong French language skills;
- candidates with experience in categories that were in effect in 2025, including:
- health care and social services (e.g., nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, chiropractors);
- trades (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, machinists).
Important details for candidates to know
IRCC notes that immigration accounts for nearly 100% of Canada's labor force growth, helping to fill labor shortages in key sectors.
Express Entry is an application management system for immigration through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and part of the Provincial Nominee Program.
The first round of invitations for foreign doctors with Canadian experience is expected in the coming days after the announcement. It is also noted that the Canadian Experience Class draws continued in early 2026 to prioritize candidates who are already contributing to the Canadian economy; similarly, draws continued for the French-speaking category.
Why this decision was made now
The announcement emphasizes that competition for skilled workers is intensifying worldwide, and Canada wants to target selection more precisely where the shortage of personnel is most acute. The statement also links the announcement to broader initiatives to strengthen economic resilience — particularly with regard to doctors, graduate students, researchers, and the Defence Industrial Strategy.