Canada launches three new Express Entry priority Categories
Canada Introduces Three New Express Entry Priority Categories for PR
Canada has once again adjusted its economic immigration system, unveiling three newly targeted occupation streams under Express Entry. Announced on February 18, 2026, the changes reflect a more focused approach to selecting permanent residents whose experience aligns with national workforce and defence priorities. The new focus areas include:
- Executive-level managers with Canadian professional experience
- Academic researchers employed in Canada
- Experienced foreign military personnel
- A redesigned transport-focused category
Alongside these changes, the government has revised eligibility rules and confirmed further updates to upcoming Express Entry draws.
Updated Work Experience Threshold
This update replaces the earlier six-month continuous employment benchmark used in certain streams.
Executive Leadership Roles Now Prioritised
Senior Executive Occupations
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
|---|---|
| Senior managers - construction, transportation, production and utilities | 00015 |
| Senior managers - trade, broadcasting and other services | 00014 |
| Senior managers - health, education, social and community services and membership organisations | 00013 |
| Senior managers - financial, communications and other business services | 00012 |
These positions are central to infrastructure development, corporate governance, and institutional leadership across Canada.
Focus on Academic and Research Talent
Research and Academic Occupations
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
|---|---|
| Post-secondary teaching and research assistants | 41201 |
| University professors and lecturers | 41200 |
Dedicated Pathway for Military Professionals
Military Occupations Included
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
|---|---|
| Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 43204 |
| Specialised members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 42102 |
| Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces | 40042 |
Additional Conditions for Military Applicants
- Have completed at least ten years of uninterrupted service in a recognised foreign armed force
- Secure a full-time employment offer of no less than three years from the Canadian Armed Forces
- Hold a post-secondary credential earned through a minimum two-year academic program
These requirements aim to ensure smooth integration into Canada’s defence structure while maintaining professional standards.
Reintroduced and Reworked Transport Category
Transport Sector Occupations
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
|---|---|
| Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors | 72600 |
| Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers | 72410 |
| Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors | 72404 |
| Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors | 22313 |
First Draw for Canadian-Experienced Physicians Confirmed
The government has also confirmed that the inaugural draw under the “Physicians with Canadian Work Experience” category will take place shortly. Introduced in late 2025, this stream was designed to strengthen healthcare capacity and address physician shortages nationwide.
Categories That Remain in Focus
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services occupations
- Skilled trades
Meanwhile, the Agriculture and Agri-Food category has officially been discontinued as part of the system’s restructuring.
Express Entry: How Selection Works
- Intend to settle outside Quebec
- Qualify under one of the federal programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Possess skilled work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
- Meet language proficiency standards in English or French
Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates human capital factors such as age, education, language skills, and work history. Profiles receive scores out of 1,200 points, and the highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.
Since April 2024, most general draws outside of provincial nominations have been limited to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class, making category-based selection a primary route for applicants without Canadian experience or provincial nominations.
Category-Based Selection: Performance Snapshot
| Round type | Number of draws held | Total ITAs issued |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture and agri-food occupations (Version 1) | 3 | 1,150 |
| Education occupations (Version 1) | 2 | 3,500 |
| French language proficiency (Version 1) | 26 | 79,700 |
| French-Language proficiency 2026-Version 2 | 1 | 8,500 |
| Healthcare and social services occupations (Version 2) | 7 | 14,500 |
| Healthcare occupations (Version 1) | 6 | 15,850 |
| STEM occupations (Version 1) | 3 | 10,900 |
| Trade occupations (Version 1) | 4 | 6,100 |
| Trade occupations (Version 2) | 1 | 1,250 |
| Transport occupations (Version 1) | 3 | 2,645 |
| Total | 56 | 144,095 |
Tax Filing Requirements and Payment Timeline
| Province | Canadian city |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Ottawa |
| London | |
| Mississauga | |
| Toronto | |
| Brampton | |
| Hamilton | |
| British Columbia | Nanaimo |
| Victoria | |
| Vancouver | |
| Kelowna | |
| Alberta | Calgary |
| Edmonton | |
| Quebec | Quebec City |
| Montreal | |
| Saskatchewan | Regina |
| Manitoba | Winnipeg |
| Nova Scotia | Halifax |
Newcomers who arrived in Canada after the most recent tax season are not excluded. They can still access the benefit by submitting Form RC151 for the year they became Canadian tax residents.
Legislative Developments on Asylum
In addition to Express Entry reforms, the federal government reiterated its commitment to asylum system reforms under Bill C-12. The proposed legislation has advanced through the House of Commons and is currently undergoing Senate review before final approval. Officials emphasised that Canada maintains structured immigration channels for skilled workers, reinforcing the distinction between economic immigration pathways and asylum protection.
A Strategic Shift in Immigration Selection
As implementation progresses, further details and selection outcomes are expected to provide greater clarity on how these new categories will shape immigration trends in 2026 and beyond.
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