Canada’s Express Entry system, the main pathway for skilled workers to gain permanent residency, is set for significant updates in 2026. These changes aim to better align federal economic immigration with labour market needs and address shortages in key sectors, supporting Canada’s long-term workforce strategy.

The federal government is introducing targeted updates to ensure Express Entry remains responsive to Canada’s evolving economic and labour needs. These changes are part of a broader strategy to attract highly skilled workers in sectors facing critical shortages. Applicants can expect more category-specific pathways and priority streams in the upcoming 2026 draws.

  1. New Category for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience

One of the most notable updates is the introduction of a dedicated category for physicians with at least one year of Canadian work experience. 

This new stream is separate from the broader healthcare category and is designed to address persistent staffing shortages in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare services. 

Invitations under this physician-specific category are expected to begin in early 2026, providing qualified doctors in Canada with a more direct route to permanent residence.

  1. Updates to Existing Express Entry Categories

Several core occupational categories from 2025 will continue to play a role in the 2026 draws. These include:

  • Healthcare and Social Services occupations

  • Trade occupations (construction, manufacturing, industrial)

  • STEM occupations (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

  • Education occupations

  • Agriculture and Agri-Food occupations

  • French-language proficiency (priority in targeted draws)

These updates reflect a targeted approach to addressing critical labour gaps across sectors. Healthcare, trades, and education remain priority categories, while STEM and agriculture roles are emphasised to support innovation, economic growth, and rural workforce needs.

French-language skills continue to be prioritised to strengthen bilingual workforce distribution outside major urban centres.

  1. Proposed Additional Categories for 2026

The federal government has proposed three additional occupational categories that may be implemented in 2026, expanding category-based selection under Express Entry:

  • Leadership (senior managers): Designed to attract experienced managers overseeing operations and strategic teams across industries.

  • Research and Innovation (scientists and researchers): Prioritising candidates driving technological innovation, research, and economic productivity.

  • National Security and Defence (military personnel): Targeting skilled military recruits to support the Canadian Armed Forces and national security priorities.

These proposed categories remain under review and are subject to change, reflecting Canada’s focus on skills-driven immigration.

  1. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Allocations

To support immigration targets, Canada plans to increase PNP allocations in 2026, providing additional pathways for Express Entry candidates whose skills match provincial labour needs. This is expected to result in more province-aligned draws.

The increase will give provinces and territories greater control in selecting candidates who meet specific regional workforce shortages, particularly in high-demand occupations.

  1. National Occupational Classification (NOC) Overhaul

Canada is updating its National Occupational Classification system, which will affect how occupations are categorised and influence eligibility for Express Entry applicants.

This overhaul is also expected to provide more precise skill-level distinctions and updated occupational codes, helping both applicants and employers better match qualifications with labour market needs.

  1. New Language Testing Option

Canada may expand language testing options for Express Entry and other permanent residency programs, potentially adding the TOEFL exam as an accepted test for English language proficiency.

This change would increase flexibility for applicants by allowing them to submit results from a wider range of internationally recognised language assessments.

  1. Francophone Immigration Focus

The 2026 Canada Immigration Levels Plan continues to emphasise francophone immigration outside Quebec, raising the target for francophone admissions to 9% of total economic immigration, up from 8.5% in 2025.

Targeted Express Entry draws for French-speaking candidates are expected to remain a key tool in achieving this objective and supporting bilingual workforce needs across provinces.

Collectively, these updates mark a shift toward skills- and sector-specific immigration, ensuring that Express Entry continues to meet Canada’s evolving labour market demands while supporting economic growth.