Express Entry in 2026: Introduction of New Categories and More

Canada’s Express Entry system is a popular immigration program that allows skilled workers from around the world to immigrate to Canada and work here. The program, which is a competitive invitation-based system, is designed to make it easier for skilled workers to come to Canada and contribute to the country’s workforce. The Express Entry program allows immigrants to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Overall, Express Entry accounts for a significant share of planned permanent resident admissions to Canada each year, with 109,000 permanent residents slated for admission in 2026 under Express Entry categories.

Express Entry was introduced in 2015 and has changed significantly in the 11 years since its initial implementation. In 2023, a significant change to Express Entry was introduced with the launch of Category-Based Invitations. This change in policy has allowed Canada to focus on inviting Express Entry applicants to specifically fill its labour needs. Since the inception of Category-Based Invitations, many categories have been added, including the education category in 2025. In early 2026, even more categories were added, suggesting that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is even more focused on Category-Based Invitations.

Express Entry

Canada’s Express Entry system has consistently been one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada since its introduction, as over 100,000 people per year are expected to be admitted as permanent residents through the system until at least 2028, according to the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

To apply for Express Entry, interested candidates must create an online profile and provide details about their age, work experience, education, language skills, and other factors. Once submitted, candidates are entered into the Express Entry pool. The pool contains the other candidates in the category as well. Candidates in the Express Entry pool are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System score based on several factors they were asked about in their online profiles.

There are three main programs that are part of the Express Entry system: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. The Provincial Nominee Programs also have some application streams that are part of Express Entry. Each stream has its own eligibility criteria and targets different groups of potential immigrants.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is designed for professionals with work experience in certain skilled occupations. To be eligible for this program, applicants must have at least one year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent) work experience in a skilled occupation within the past 10 years.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed for skilled tradespeople who want to work in Canada. Experience in a variety of trades qualifies applicants for this program. To be eligible for this program, applicants must have at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years. They must also meet the minimum language requirements for the program.

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class is designed for individuals who have already worked in Canada on a temporary basis and want to apply for permanent residence. To be eligible for this program, applicants must have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) work experience in Canada within the past three years.

Express Entry Categories

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced which Express Entry categories have been renewed for 2026 and which new categories are set to be added to the program. The new categories which have been added to Express Entry are:

• medical doctors with Canadian work experience
• researchers with Canadian work experience
• senior managers with Canadian work experience
• transport occupations
• skilled military recruits who have a job offer from the Canadian Armed Forces

The categories that have been renewed are:

• French-language proficiency
• health care and social services occupations
• education occupations
• science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations
• trade occupations

It is unclear when category-specific draws for all new categories will begin. Based on recent Express Entry draws, the draws seem to alternate between category and general draws. However, some draws have already taken place. It is encouraging that the first draw for physicians with Canadian work experience was conducted on February 19, 2026, issuing 391 invitations, and the first draw for senior managers with Canadian Work Experience was conducted on March 5, issuing 250 invitations.

Those who think they may qualify under one of the new or renewed categories can check the specific requirements on the Canadian Government’s website. Each category has different requirements, and many list the National Occupational Classification codes that applicants can compare their own experience and qualifications against.

New Work Experience Requirement

There has also been a change to the minimum work experience that is required for the renewed categories. The minimum work experience required to apply has been increased from 6 months to 1 year in an eligible occupation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has indicated that this will help them select candidates who are more likely to succeed in their field in Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has indicated that admissions of applicants in the new categories will be within the targets established by the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan. Thus, the addition of these new categories will not increase the overall number of Express Entry invitations scheduled to be issued throughout 2026.

How categories are selected

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada provided some insight into how it decides which categories to establish for Express Entry. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has consistently stated that Express Entry prioritizes professions in sectors with shortages. Additionally, professions in sectors that deliver essential services and drive long-term economic success will be prioritized in the establishment and renewal of categories. There is an emphasis that this approach to immigration is targeted and evidence-based to help improve Canada’s economy.

There is further focus on attracting Francophone immigrants to Canada, as the Immigration Levels Plan has made clear that Canada wants to increase the percentage of French-speaking immigrants admitted to Canada outside Quebec. The broad goal is to have 12% Francophone admissions by 2029. This focus on Francophone immigration is reflected in the renewal of the French-language proficiency Express Entry category.

Overall, category-specific Express Entry admissions will benefit some potential immigrants to Canada by making it clear that Canada is seeking people with certain qualifications to become permanent residents. People who apply for category-specific Express Entry further will have their own draws, which should benefit them as well, as there is greater certainty in smaller draws than in waiting to be drawn from the Express Entry pool as a whole. The additional categories could benefit those in the general Express Entry pool as well, as potential competitors who qualify for category-specific draws will no longer compete in the general pool.

Expert Legal Guidance for Canada’s 2026 Express Entry Categories

Navigating the evolving landscape of Canada’s Express Entry system and the new 2026 category-based invitations requires a strategic approach to ensure your application stands out. The legal team at Garson Immigration Law has the deep expertise to guide you through these complex regulatory changes with honest, reliable counsel. Whether you are pursuing permanent residency or citizenship, or have questions about US immigration, we focus on developing pragmatic, effective solutions tailored to your unique circumstances. To discuss your matter in a confidential setting and improve your prospects for a successful transition to Canada, please reach out to us through our online contact form or by calling 416-321-2860.