Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new categories within its Express Entry system, designed to attract skilled international workers. The changes, unveiled on February 18, 2026, prioritize candidates with the skills and experience needed to contribute to the Canadian economy.
New Immigration Focus
According to IRCC Minister Lena Metlege Diab, the 2026 Express Entry categories are intended to allow Canada to invite applicants with in-demand skills. These new categories are part of a broader strategy to manage immigration levels sustainably while continuing to support economic growth.
Express Entry is Canada’s primary application management system for individuals seeking permanent residency through programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class, as well as portions of the Provincial Nominee Program.
Canada’s 2025-2026 immigration plans focus on inviting candidates with experience to work in Canada, enabling them to apply for permanent residence. The country aims to maintain permanent resident admissions at less than 1% of its population annually after 2027, while still attracting skilled international workers.
Adjusting Temporary Resident Levels
Alongside the Express Entry changes, Canada plans to reduce the proportion of temporary residents to 5% of the population by the complete of 2026. Temporary resident targets are set at 673,650 for 2025, with temporary targets of 516,600 for 2026 and 543,600 for 2027.
Targeted Skillsets
The new Express Entry categories specifically target individuals with experience in several key areas, including medical doctors with Canadian work experience, researchers, and senior managers who similarly possess Canadian work experience. Candidates with French-language proficiency are also prioritized.
Additional categories include applicants with experience in aviation, transportation, and foreign military officers. The IRCC will also continue to prioritize candidates with experience in healthcare and social services.
Looking Ahead
The IRCC stated that the new categories for the 2025 Express Entry draws were designed to address labour skill shortages within the Canadian economy. In 2025, Canada also launched four new permanent residency pathways, even as it sought to reduce the country’s annual immigration targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for individuals seeking permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class and part of the Provincial Nominee Program.
What types of workers are being prioritized?
Canada is seeking top talent including medical doctors, researchers, senior managers with Canadian work experience, workers with French-language proficiency, and professionals in healthcare, social services, trades, STEM, transport, and the military.
What is Canada’s plan for temporary residents?
Canada plans to reduce the share of temporary residents to 5% of the population by the end of 2026, with targets of 673,650 for 2025, 516,600 for 2026, and 543,600 for 2027.
How might these changes impact the Canadian labour market in the coming years?
