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Canada Set To Introduce Three New Occupational Categories for Express Entry in 2026

The world has long recognized Canada as one of the most immigrant-friendly countries, and the federal Government continues to adapt its immigration system to reflect evolving economic, social, and demographic needs. In 2026, significant changes may be on the horizon for Express Entry, Canada’s flagship immigration system.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently launched a public consultation process proposing three new occupational categories for Express Entry selection: senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel. If implemented, these categories will make it easier for highly skilled foreign professionals in these fields to obtain permanent residence in Canada.

The consultation, open until September 3, 2025, is intended to gather feedback from employers, industry groups, and the public before finalizing Canada’s 2026 Express Entry framework. Although officials have not confirmed an implementation date, the proposals highlight Canada’s forward-looking approach to addressing long-term labour shortages, supporting national priorities, and enhancing global competitiveness.

Why Authorities Are Considering the New Categories

Canada’s immigration priorities have increasingly shifted toward category-based selection since 2023, when IRCC introduced draws targeting specific occupations in healthcare, STEM, trades, and Francophone immigration. By focusing on targeted groups, Canada aims to fill critical labour shortages more efficiently while ensuring immigration supports both economic growth and social needs.

The three proposed categories —leadership, research and innovation, and national security and defence—reflect long-term priorities that extend beyond immediate labour shortages.

Senior Managers (Leadership)

• Defined as “highly skilled workers who oversee the operations of a company or organization and who lead a team of employees.”
• Canada believes prioritizing senior managers could accelerate digital transformation, boost productivity, and strengthen organizational competitiveness.

Scientists and Researchers (Research and Innovation)

• Scientific research plays a vital role in enhancing productivity, driving technological innovation, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
• Targeting foreign researchers could help Canada compete with other advanced economies in cutting-edge fields such as biotechnology, AI, clean energy, and healthcare research.
• While IRCC has not specified which research roles it will prioritize, experts expect the list to include occupations within the broader STEM fields.

Military Personnel (National Security and Defence)

Canada is also considering creating a pathway for skilled military recruits from allied countries.

The goal is to strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) by recruiting individuals with specialized training and operational experience.

Continuity with Existing Priorities

The proposed categories do not replace Canada’s existing immigration priorities; instead, they build upon them. IRCC has indicated that many 2025 categories will remain in place for 2026, particularly those tied to long-term labour shortages.

These include:

• Healthcare and social services (to address physician, nurse, and caregiver shortages)
• Skilled trades (with a particular focus on construction to meet Canada’s housing demand)
• STEM professions (supporting digital innovation and clean tech growth)
• Education sector roles (teachers and early childhood educators)
• Agriculture and agri-food occupations (to secure Canada’s food supply chain)
• Francophone immigration outside Quebec (to meet official language goals of 9.5% French-speaking PRs in 2026)

Express Entry draws targeting specific categories often have lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-offs than general draws. For example, in 2025, the most recent Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw required a CRS of 534. Meanwhile, the healthcare and social services category drew a cut-off of only 475. Suppose the list includes senior managers, researchers, and military personnel as categories. In that case, professionals in these occupations may also see reduced CRS thresholds compared to general pool draws.

What’s Ahead?

The proposal to introduce three new occupational categories — senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel — into Express Entry in 2026 reflects Canada’s evolving approach to immigration. Rather than focusing solely on filling immediate labour gaps, these categories aim to build long-term capacity in leadership, innovation, and security.

If implemented, these changes will broaden pathways to permanent residency for foreign professionals, lower CRS cut-offs for eligible candidates, and further align Canada’s immigration system with its economic, educational, and security priorities.

With public consultation open until September 3, 2025, stakeholders have the chance to shape the final design of the 2026 Express Entry framework. What is clear, however, is that category-based selection will continue to be a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration policy, ensuring that the country remains adaptive, competitive, and prepared for the future.

If you are looking to study, work, visit or migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services at +1 778 239 7861 or +1 647 453 7660 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company, to get the best help you need.