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The Canadian government has announced a comprehensive update to its Express Entry system for 2026 to attract highly skilled workers, address critical labour shortages and support long-term economic growth.
The changes were announced on Thursday by Immigration Minister Lena Diab as part of the government’s International Talent Attraction Strategy, according to information published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Diab said the reforms are intended to “restore control and balance and rebuild confidence in our immigration system”, while ensuring newcomers can contribute to the economy from the outset.
“Right now, my department is investing a great deal of focus and energy on attracting and retaining global talent—bringing in the right people to help build a stronger future,” she said.
“Getting this right largely depends on how we select newcomers.
“Across departments, our government has embarked on an ambitious International Talent Attraction Strategy. At Immigration, we are using the tools at our disposal to attract talent that grows our economy and fills key labour shortages.”
Express Entry, according to her, is essential to the nation’s skilled migration system.
“Our Express Entry system is at the core of our approach for attracting and retaining the skilled workers Canada needs,” Diab said.
“Express Entry is an online system that we use to manage applications for three permanent residence programs. These are the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Workers, and Federal Skilled Trades.
“In category-based rounds of invitations, we invite candidates in the Express Entry pool with the skills and experience we need to boost our capacity in key sectors and occupations.”
Under the 2026 reforms, priority streams will remain available to healthcare and social services professionals, skilled trades workers, and STEM specialists. French-language proficiency remains a key selection factor to support Francophone communities outside Quebec.
Several new categories have been introduced, including foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience, creating a clearer pathway to permanent residence to address healthcare shortages, and researchers and senior managers with Canadian experience, aligned with a $1.7 billion federal initiative to attract leading global researchers.
Others are transport professionals such as pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors and skilled military recruits, including doctors, nurses and pilots with job offers from the Canadian Armed Forces, supporting national defence and industrial strategy goals.
IRCC has increased the minimum work experience requirement for most occupational categories from six months to 12 months.
Applicants must have gained this experience within the past three years, either in Canada or abroad.
Cooks have been removed from the trades occupation list and will no longer qualify under Express Entry draws.
