Canada Revamps Express Entry With 5 New Categories For 2026

On this page you will find:

• Overview of the five new Express Entry categories for 2026
• Full occupation lists for each new and renewed category
• Updated eligibility rules and work experience requirements
• Details on French-language and sector-based draws
• What the changes mean for candidates in 2026

---

Canada has unveiled a major overhaul of its Express Entry system, introducing five new targeted categories for 2026 while renewing several priority streams from 2025.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says the changes align with the International Talent Attraction Strategy and aim to return immigration to sustainable levels while addressing critical labour shortages.

The new categories focus on highly skilled talent with Canadian experience and on sectors facing acute workforce pressures. The total number of invitations to apply will remain within the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

The 5 New Express Entry Categories For 2026

Canada has introduced the following new category-based draws:

• Medical doctors with Canadian work experience
• Researchers with Canadian work experience
• Senior managers with Canadian work experience
• Transport occupations
• Skilled military recruits with Canadian Armed Forces job offers

Each category requires at least 12 months of full-time work experience, gained within the previous three years. For most categories, experience may be gained in Canada or abroad. For the Canadian Experience Class streams, work must have been performed in Canada.

1. Medical Doctors With Canadian Work Experience

This category targets physicians already practising in Canada.

Eligible occupations:

• General practitioners and family physicians – NOC 31102 – TEER 1
• Specialists in surgery – NOC 31101 – TEER 1
• Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine – NOC 31100 – TEER 1

Candidates must have accumulated at least 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience in one of these occupations within the past three years.

The first draw under this category is expected within days.

2. Researchers With Canadian Work Experience

This stream supports Canada’s innovation agenda and academic institutions.

Eligible occupations:

• University professors and lecturers – NOC 41200 – TEER 1
• Post-secondary teaching and research assistants – NOC 41201 – TEER 1

Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of full-time Canadian work experience in one of these occupations within the previous three years.

3. Senior Managers With Canadian Work Experience

This category focuses on executive-level leadership roles across key sectors.

Eligible occupations:

• Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services – NOC 00012 – TEER 0
• Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations – NOC 00013 – TEER 0
• Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services – NOC 00014 – TEER 0
• Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities – NOC 00015 – TEER 0

Candidates must have at least 12 months of Canadian work experience in one of these senior management roles.

4. Transport Occupations

Canada is targeting labour gaps in aviation and vehicle maintenance.

Eligible occupations:

• Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors – NOC 72600 – TEER 2
• Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers – NOC 72410 – TEER 2
• Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors – NOC 72404 – TEER 2
• Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors – NOC 22313 – TEER 2

Candidates must show at least one year of work experience in a single listed occupation, in Canada or abroad, within the previous three years.

5. Skilled Military Recruits

This new pathway supports Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a Foreign Skilled Military Applicant
• Have at least 10 years of continuous service in a recognized foreign military
• Have work experience aligned with eligible Canadian Armed Forces occupations
• Hold an offer of arranged employment from the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group for continuous full-time work in Canada lasting at least three years
• Hold at least a two-year post-secondary credential

Eligible occupations:

• Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces – NOC 40042 – TEER 0
• Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces – NOC 42102 – TEER 2
• Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces – NOC 43204 – TEER 3

Renewed Priority Categories For 2026

In addition to the new categories, Canada has renewed several 2025 streams. The minimum work experience requirement for all renewed categories has increased from six months to one year.

French-Language Proficiency

Candidates must:

• Achieve at least NCLC 7 in all four language abilities
• Meet all round-specific instructions

This category remains central to boosting Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

Health Care and Social Services Occupations

Eligible occupations:

• Nurse practitioners – 31302 – TEER 1
• Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses – 31301 – TEER 1
• Licensed practical nurses – 32101 – TEER 2
• Nursing coordinators and supervisors – 31300 – TEER 1
• General practitioners and family physicians – 31102 – TEER 1
• Dentists – 31110 – TEER 1
• Pharmacists – 31120 – TEER 1
• Psychologists – 31200 – TEER 1
• Physiotherapists – 31202 – TEER 1
• Occupational therapists – 31203 – TEER 1
• Veterinarians – 31103 – TEER 1
• Specialists in surgery – 31101 – TEER 1
• Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine – 31100 – TEER 1
• Social workers – 41300 – TEER 1
• Social and community service workers – 42201 – TEER 2
• Early and mid-level allied health and technical roles including medical laboratory technologists – 32120 – TEER 2, medical radiation technologists – 32121 – TEER 2, medical sonographers – 32122 – TEER 2, paramedical occupations – 32102 – TEER 2, respiratory therapists – 32103 – TEER 2
• Pharmacy technicians – 32124 – TEER 2 and pharmacy assistants – 33103 – TEER 3
• Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates – 33102 – TEER 3
• Dental hygienists – 32111 – TEER 2
• Chiropractors – 31201 – TEER 1
• Audiologists and speech-language pathologists – 31112 – TEER 1
• Massage therapists – 32201 – TEER 2
• Dietitians and nutritionists – 31121 – TEER 1
• Other professional and technical health occupations under NOC 31209 and 32109

A minimum of 12 months of experience in one listed occupation is required.

STEM Occupations

Eligible occupations:

• Architecture and science managers – 20011 – TEER 0
• Civil engineers – 21300 – TEER 1
• Civil engineering technologists and technicians – 22300 – TEER 2
• Electrical and electronics engineers – 21310 – TEER 1
• Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians – 22310 – TEER 2
• Mechanical engineers – 21301 – TEER 1
• Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians – 22301 – TEER 2
• Industrial and manufacturing engineers – 21321 – TEER 1
• Geological engineers – 21331 – TEER 1
• Cybersecurity specialists – 21220 – TEER 1
• Insurance agents and brokers – 63100 – TEER 3

Trade Occupations

Eligible occupations:

• Carpenters – 72310 – TEER 2
• Plumbers – 72300 – TEER 2
• Electricians – 72200 – TEER 2
• Industrial electricians – 72201 – TEER 2
• Welders – 72106 – TEER 2
• Machinists – 72100 – TEER 2
• Bricklayers – 72320 – TEER 2
• Cabinetmakers – 72311 – TEER 2
• Gas fitters – 72302 – TEER 2
• Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics – 72402 – TEER 2
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics – 72401 – TEER 2
• Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics – 72400 – TEER 2
• Sheet metal workers – 72102 – TEER 2
• Construction managers – 70010 – TEER 0
• Home building and renovation managers – 70011 – TEER 0
• Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services – 82021 – TEER 2
• Painters and decorators – 73112 – TEER 3
• Roofers and shinglers – 73110 – TEER 3
• Concrete finishers – 73100 – TEER 3
• Floor covering installers – 73113 – TEER 3
• Water well drillers – 72501 – TEER 2
• Electrical mechanics – 72422 – TEER 2
• Butchers – retail and wholesale – 63201 – TEER 3
• Construction estimators – 22303 – TEER 2
• Other technical trades and related occupations – 72999 – TEER 2

Education Occupations

Eligible occupations:

• Secondary school teachers – 41220 – TEER 1
• Elementary school and kindergarten teachers – 41221 – TEER 1
• Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants – 43100 – TEER 3
• Early childhood educators and assistants – 42202 – TEER 2
• Instructors of persons with disabilities – 42203 – TEER 2

Why Canada Is Making These Changes

Immigration accounts for almost all of Canada’s labour force growth. The 2026 changes reflect a targeted, evidence-based approach aligned with labour market projections and consultations with provinces, territories and industry.

By refining Express Entry categories, Canada aims to:

• Fill critical shortages in health care, defence, aviation and skilled trades
• Support innovation through researchers and senior managers
• Strengthen Francophone minority communities
• Improve newcomer integration and economic outcomes

What This Means For Candidates

Candidates with Canadian work experience in high-level or specialized roles now have clearer, faster pathways to permanent residence.

Those in renewed sectors must now meet the higher one-year experience threshold, making competition more selective but potentially more stable.

The system continues to reward French-language proficiency and sector-based expertise, while remaining within the limits of the 2026 – 2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

---

FAQ