Canada Introduces Express Entry Draw Category Changes for 2026
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As per the latest update by IRCC, Canada’s immigration system is all set to implement new changes in Express Entry categories in 2026. The proposed changes aim to refine category based selection criteria aiming to meet the evolving economic needs.
As per the latest update by IRCC, Canada’s immigration system is all set to implement new changes in Express Entry categories in 2026. The proposed changes aim to refine category based selection criteria and introduce a new category to meet the evolving economic and labour market needs.
New Canada Express Entry Category for 2026
Among the proposed updates, the introduction of a new “Leadership and Innovation” category is specifically aimed at attracting global talent with the potential to boost Canada’s competitiveness.
This shift in the Express Entry program expands beyond simply addressing long-term labour shortages to also benefit candidates who can drive growth and innovation, thereby strengthening Canada’s position in the global economy.
| Job Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Senior Managers | Professional responsible for driving organizational strategy and success |
| Specialized Military Recruits | Skilled personnel from allied nations to bolster Canada’s defence |
| Scientists and Researchers | Innovators whose work fuels economic growth and technological progress. |
The IRCC is seeking further feedback on the extent to which this broader focus should be prioritised, marking a step forward towards a more dynamic and future-focused immigration strategy.
Existing Express Entry Priorities to Continue in 2026?
The 2026 plan could retain current category-based draws introduced in 2023, which focus on agriculture, healthcare, STEM, trades, and education.
Stakeholders are being asked about their preferences regarding whether these sectors should remain a priority and whether preference should be given to candidates already in Canada, such as international students and temporary workers, or those applying from abroad.
Francophone Immigration Support
Since 2023, Express Entry has also prioritised French-speaking candidates outside Quebec (minimum CLB 7 in all sections) to boost economic growth in Francophone communities. Further feedback is being gathered on whether this should remain a key focus.
Also Read: IRCC Announces New Processing Times for August 2025
New Eligibility Requirements for Category-Based Express Entry
The IRCC is also reviewing eligibility rules for category based draws, with potential changes to eligibility criteria particularly for labour shortage categories. The proposals include:
1. Extending Work Experience Requirements
- Currently, candidates need at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a listed occupation within the past 3 years.
- As part of consultations, queries were raised whether the duration of this requirement should be increased to 12 months as a measure to ensure candidates have more experience.
2. Canadian Work Experience for Regulated Professionals
- Recognizing foreign credentials remains a barrier for skilled workers, specifically in regulated fields like healthcare and trades.
- IRCC is considering prioritising candidates with Canadian Work experience in these professions to better address labour shortages and integration challenges
3. Sector Specific Considerations
- IRCC is running consultations on the relevance of targeted sectors like agriculture, healthcare, STEM, trades and education for 2026, along with further enquires that the discontinued categories like Transportation should be reinstated for 2026.
IRCC Public Consultation for Deciding 2026 Categories Open Until September 3, 2025
IRCC is inviting individuals, employers, and organizations to actively participate in the online survey by sharing their views on proposed categories, work experience requirements, and sector specific needs, helping to shape the final Express Entry categories for 2026, ensuring they align with Canada’s economic priorities.
Read Next: Canada Begins Public Consultations for 2026-28 Immigration Strategy
Plan Your Canada Immigration Journey With GetGIS
Canada’s proposed 2026 Express Entry updates reflect a bold move to balance urgent labour needs with long-term innovation and leadership goals. If you are also considering Express Entry or other Canada Immigration pathways for 2026, GetGIS can help you guide through the Canada PR application, helping you with ways to maximise your CRS scores for upcoming changes.
