Canada has announced a major update to the Express Entry system, introducing three new priority occupational categories, a brand-new Transport Occupations list, and changes to work experience requirements. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab made the announcement in Toronto, emphasizing the role of Express Entry in supporting Canada’s workforce, economic strategy, and Defence Industrial Strategy.
This update affects candidates applying through category-based selection (CBS), a system designed to prioritize skilled workers in targeted occupations.
1. New Priority Occupational Categories
Canada now prioritizes the following new categories for invitations to apply (ITAs):
A. Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience
Eligible occupations (2021 NOC codes):
- Senior managers – construction, transportation, production & utilities (00015)
- Senior managers – trade, broadcasting & other services (00014)
- Senior managers – health, education, social & community services (00013)
- Senior managers – financial, communications & business services (00012)
Requirement: 1 year of Canadian work experience in the last 3 years.
B. Researchers with Canadian Work Experience
Eligible occupations (2021 NOC codes):
- University professors & lecturers (41200)
- Post-secondary teaching & research assistants (41201)
Requirement: 1 year of Canadian teaching or research experience in the last 3 years.
C. Skilled Military Recruits
Eligible occupations (2021 NOC codes):
- Operations members – Canadian Armed Forces (43204)
- Specialized members – Canadian Armed Forces (42102)
- Commissioned officers – Canadian Armed Forces (40042)
Additional Requirements:
- At least 10 years of continuous service in a recognized foreign military
- Full-time job offer with Canadian Armed Forces for 3+ years
- Minimum 2-year post-secondary credential
D. Transport Occupations (New 2026 Category)
The new category includes:
- Air pilots, flight engineers & flying instructors (72600)
- Automotive service technicians, truck & bus mechanics (72410)
- Aircraft mechanics & inspectors (72404)
- Aircraft instrument, electrical & avionics technicians (22313)
Important: This is a completely new list; previous Express Entry transport occupations (retired February 2025) are not included.
2. Work Experience Requirements
- Minimum 1 year of skilled work experience now required for all categories (up from 6 months)
- Work experience must have been gained within the last 3 years
This aligns with recent Canadian Experience Class (CEC) rules, which require at least 1 year of skilled Canadian experience for candidates without provincial nominations.
3. Continuing Priority Categories
While focusing on new categories, the government continues to prioritize:
- French language proficiency (Francophone candidates)
- Healthcare & social services occupations
- Trades occupations
These categories remain active for category-based selection (CBS) draws, giving higher chances of ITAs to eligible candidates.
4. Retired Categories
- Agriculture & Agri-Food occupations have been retired
- Previous Transport Occupations category (pre-2025) is no longer valid
5. Physicians Category
- The Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category was added on December 8, 2025
- First draw is taking place this week
- Candidates in this category are selected through CBS for permanent residence
6. What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
- Candidates in eligible categories now have higher chances of receiving ITAs
- CBS is the main pathway for candidates without Canadian work experience or provincial nominations
- CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) still applies; points are calculated based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and spouse credentials (if applicable)
7. About Express Entry
Express Entry manages three federal immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Candidates are ranked using CRS (0–1200 points) and selected based on skills, experience, and category eligibility.
Since April 2024, category-based selection has been the only way for foreign nationals without Canadian experience or provincial nominations to obtain PR through Express Entry.
8. How We Can Help
Navigating Express Entry can be complicated. Our licensed immigration consultant, Liz Mathew can:
- Assess your eligibility under new and continuing categories
- Prepare a strong Express Entry profile to maximize CRS points
- Assist with ITAs, documentation, and submissions
✅ Start your PR journey today with professional guidance and increase your chances of success.
📞 Contact us for a free consultation and learn how the 2026 Express Entry update can benefit you.
