Canada has announced major changes to the Express Entry system, introducing three new occupational categories that will be prioritized for permanent residence. The announcement was made by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab during a speech in Toronto on 18 February 2026.
These changes are expected to influence how candidates are selected under category-based draws and which occupations will receive priority invitations.
Three new Express Entry priority categories
The federal government will now prioritize invitations for candidates in the following occupational groups:
- Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience
- Transport occupations
- Military personnel
At the same time, Canada will continue inviting candidates in the existing priority categories:
- French language proficiency
- Health care and social services
- Trades
The agriculture and agri-food category has been removed.
New minimum work experience requirement
One of the most important changes is the increase in the work experience requirement for category-based draws.
New rule:
- Minimum 1 year of work experience required
- Must be gained within the last 3 years
- Work experience does not need to be continuous
Previously, candidates only needed 6 months of continuous work experience.
Senior managers with Canadian experience
Eligible occupations:
| Occupation | NOC 2021 Code |
| Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities | 00015 |
| Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services | 00014 |
| Senior managers – health, education, social and community services | 00013 |
| Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services | 00012 |
Researchers with Canadian work experience
Eligible occupations:
| Occupation | NOC 2021 Code |
| University professors and lecturers | 41200 |
| Post-secondary teaching and research assistants | 41201 |
Transport occupations
Eligible occupations:
| Occupation | NOC 2021 Code |
| Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors | 72600 |
| Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics | 72410 |
| Aircraft mechanics and inspectors | 72404 |
| Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics technicians | 22313 |
Note: This new transport category contains different occupations than the earlier transport category that was retired in February 2025.
Skilled military recruits category
Eligible occupations:
| Occupation | NOC 2021 Code |
| Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces | 40042 |
| Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 42102 |
| Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 43204 |
Additional requirements for military category
Candidates must:
- Be serving in a recognized foreign military
- Have at least 10 years of continuous service
- Hold a full-time job offer for at least 3 years with the Canadian Armed Forces
- Have a post-secondary credential of at least 2 years
Physicians category draw coming this week
The minister also confirmed that the first draw for the physicians with Canadian work experience category, introduced in December 2025, is expected to take place this week.
How category-based selection works
Under category-based selection, Canada invites candidates who:
- Have work experience in specific in-demand occupations
- Meet Express Entry eligibility requirements
- Rank high enough in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Since April 2024, candidates without Canadian work experience or provincial nominations have mainly been selected through category-based draws.
Basic Express Entry eligibility
To qualify under Express Entry, candidates must:
- Intend to live outside Quebec
- Qualify under one of the three programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Have at least 1 year of skilled work experience (TEER 0–3)
- Meet language requirements in English or French
Candidates are ranked using the CRS score, which considers:
- Age
- Education
- Language proficiency
- Work experience
- Spouse factors (if applicable)
Why these changes matter
These new categories reflect Canada’s labour shortages in:
- Research and academic sectors
- Senior management roles
- Transportation and aviation
- Defence and military
The changes are also linked to Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, a key part of the economic agenda supported by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
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