On February 18, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the Express Entry categories for 2026. These categories allow IRCC to invite candidates with
Express Entry Categories for 2026: New Priorities and a Stricter Experience Rule
On February 18, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the Express Entry categories for 2026. These categories allow IRCC to invite candidates with the skills and experience needed in key sectors of the economy.
New Categories for 2026
- Medical doctors with Canadian work experience
- Researchers with Canadian work experience
- Senior managers with Canadian work experience
- Transport occupations, such as pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors
- Highly skilled military recruits with a job offer from the Canadian Armed Forces
Renewed Categories
- French-language proficiency
- Health care and social services occupations
- Education occupations
- Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
An Important Change: One Year of Experience
For all renewed categories, the minimum work experience has increased from six months to one year in an eligible occupation, gained in Canada or abroad within the previous three years.
Background: Measures for Doctors
In December 2025, IRCC announced targeted measures for physicians, including a new Express Entry category for doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation within the last three years.
Points to Note
- The new categories do not increase the total number of invitations. All invitations stay within the targets of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
- Several of the new categories give priority to candidates with Canadian work experience.
- Express Entry manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class and part of the Provincial Nominee Program.
Next Steps for Candidates
- Check whether your occupation falls within one of the 2026 categories.
- Confirm that you have at least one year of eligible experience within the last three years.
- Keep your Express Entry profile accurate and up to date, including your occupation code.
- If you speak French, also consider the French-language proficiency category.
To find out whether your profile fits one of the 2026 categories, complete our online assessment or contact our office to book a consultation.
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