Canada to Prioritize Three PR Occupation Categories Under Express Entry
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Canada has updated Express Entry by introducing three new priority occupation categories, including researchers, senior managers, transport workers, & military personnel, while increasing minimum work experience to one year within the past three years.
Canada has announced a major update to its Express Entry system, introducing three new priority occupation groups for permanent residence. These include researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience, transport sector workers, and military personnel. The move reflects the government’s effort to address key workforce needs across the country.
In addition to the new categories, the minimum work experience requirement has been raised to one year within the past three years. Unlike earlier rules, this experience no longer needs to be continuous. The changes were officially revealed by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab during a speech in Toronto on February 18, 2026.
New Priority Occupation Categories Under Canada Express Entry
Canada has identified specific occupations under the newly announced priority categories under Express Entry. Below is a list of eligible roles along with their 2021 NOC codes.
Senior Managers with Canadian Experience
|
Occupation |
NOC 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
Occupation | NOC Code |
Post-secondary teaching and research assistants | 41201 |
University professors and lecturers | 41200 |
Skilled Military Recruits
Occupation | NOC Code |
Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 43204 |
Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 42102 |
Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces | 40042 |
Transport Occupations
Occupation | NOC Code |
Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors | 72600 |
Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, mechanical repairers | 72410 |
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors | 72404 |
Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors | 22313 |
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab confirmed that the first Express Entry draw for physicians with Canadian work experience, added as a category on December 8, 2025, will be held this week. She also stated that invitations will continue under priority categories such as French-language proficiency, health care and social services, and trades. The agriculture and agri-food category has now been removed, and the newly introduced transport category replaces the previous one that was discontinued in February 2025, with entirely different occupations.
Under Express Entry, candidates with experience in category-specific occupations have improved chances through category-based selection (CBS), where ITAs are issued only to those meeting the selected criteria. Applicants must have gained at least one year of relevant work experience within the past three years. Since April 23, 2024, CBS has been the only pathway for candidates without Canadian work experience or provincial nominations, as all other non-PNP draws have been limited to the Canadian Experience Class, which requires a minimum of one year of skilled Canadian work experience.
Quick Read: Canada Conducts Record-Breaking Category-Based Express Entry Draw
Additional Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Military Recruits Category
Apart from meeting the one-year work experience rule, applicants under the skilled military recruits category must satisfy additional conditions. These requirements ensure candidates have a substantial military background and formal education.
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Be actively serving in a recognized foreign armed force with a minimum of 10 years of uninterrupted service.
- Secure a full-time employment offer from the Canadian Armed Forces valid for at least three years.
- Hold a post-secondary qualification from a program lasting two years or more.
Secure Canada PR Through Express Entry with GetGIS!
These latest Express Entry updates highlight a sharper focus on priority occupations, category-based selection, and stronger eligibility standards for permanent residence. With evolving categories and new requirements, staying informed is more important than ever for aspiring applicants. Connect with GetGIS today and take the smartest step toward your Canada PR dream with personalized guidance!
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