Canada Unveils Major Express Entry Overhaul for 2026

Canada is reshaping its immigration system for 2026 with a targeted overhaul of Express Entry, aiming to match newcomer selection more closely with labour market demands. In Ottawa, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced new and revised category-based draws designed to address critical workforce shortages while keeping immigration levels sustainable.

Immigration accounts for nearly all of Canada’s labour force growth. The government says refining Express Entry will help strengthen economic resilience and ensure newcomers are positioned to contribute immediately upon arrival.

New Categories for 2026

Foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience
First draw expected within days
Targets physicians already contributing to Canada’s healthcare system

Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience
Focuses on innovation, academia and executive leadership

Transport occupations
Pilots
Aircraft mechanics
Aircraft inspectors

Highly skilled foreign military applicants recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces
Military doctors
Military nurses
Military pilots


Other key specialized roles
Categories Continuing in 2026

French-language proficiency

Healthcare and social services, including:

Nurse practitioners
Dentists
Pharmacists
Psychologists
Chiropractors

Trades, including:
Carpenters
Plumbers
Machinists

Education occupations

STEM occupations, including cybersecurity

Key Eligibility Change
Minimum work experience requirement increased:

From 6 months to 1 year
Must be gained within the previous 3 years
Experience can be from Canada or abroad

Express Entry remains Canada’s flagship immigration management system, covering the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class and part of the Provincial Nominee Program.

Canadian Experience Class draws continued into early 2026, prioritizing candidates already active in the Canadian economy. French-proficiency draws also continued.

The 2026 update reflects a strategic recalibration of category-based selection to align immigration with labour market priorities while maintaining sustainable levels.