On February 18, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the 2026 category-based selection priorities under the Express Entry system, continuing Canada’s strategy to attract and retain highly skilled workers. The updates support Canada’s goal of maintaining sustainable immigration levels while addressing critical labor shortages across key sectors.
2026 Express Entry Category Updates
For 2026, Canada will introduce new categories under Express Entry to support the recruitment and retention of talent with in-demand skills and Canadian work experience. New categories include:
- Foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience
- Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience
- Candidates with work experience in transport occupations, including pilots, aircraft mechanics, and inspectors
- Highly skilled foreign military applicants recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces, including military doctors, nurses, and pilots
Continued Categories from 2025
Canada will also continue to issue invitations to candidates with strong French-language proficiency and those with experience in the following sectors:
- Health care and social services, including nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, and chiropractors
- Skilled trades, including carpenters, plumbers, and machinists
According to IRCC, these categories are designed to ensure newcomers are well-positioned to contribute to Canada’s labor market needs immediately upon arrival.
Program Background
Express Entry is Canada’s primary application management system for skilled immigration programs, including:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- A portion of the Provincial Nominee Program
Immigration continues to drive nearly all labor force growth in Canada and plays a key role in supporting provincial and national economic priorities.
The first invitation round for foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience is expected shortly. Draws for the Canadian Experience Class and the French-proficiency category have continued through early 2026 to prioritize candidates already contributing to the Canadian labor market.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.