Canada has just sent a clear message to the world’s most skilled professionals: 2026 is your year to move.
In a major immigration update released on February 18, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a fresh set of Express Entry priority categories designed to attract highly skilled workers and fill urgent labour gaps across the country.
As global competition for talent intensifies, Canada is sharpening its immigration strategy to ensure it continues to welcome professionals who can strengthen its economy and communities from day one.
Why Canada Is Reshaping Express Entry in 2026?
Canada’s economy relies heavily on immigration. In fact, nearly 100% of labour force growth now comes from newcomers.
To keep its workforce competitive and sustainable, Canada is focusing on targeted immigration pathways rather than broad invitations. The new Express Entry categories are part of the International Talent Attraction Strategy, which aims to bring in professionals with skills that are immediately needed across industries.
The updated system will prioritize candidates who can directly support sectors facing critical shortages — from healthcare and aviation to research and national defence.
New Express Entry Priority Categories for 2026
Canada has introduced several new immigration categories under Express Entry to fast-track highly skilled professionals.
New priority categories include:
- Foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience
- Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience
- Transport sector professionals such as pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors
- Highly skilled foreign military professionals recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces, including military doctors, nurses and pilots
The first invitation rounds for foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience are expected to begin within days.
Priority Categories Continuing from 2025
In addition to the new categories, Canada will continue inviting candidates under key sectors that remain in high demand:
Healthcare and social services
- Nurse practitioners
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Psychologists
- Chiropractors
Skilled trades
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Machinists
- Other essential trade professionals
French-language proficiency: Candidates with strong French skills will continue to receive targeted invitations, supporting Canada’s bilingual workforce goals.
Focus on Candidates Already in Canada
Canadian Experience Class draws will continue through early 2026, showing Canada’s preference for candidates already contributing to its economy.
This means international graduates, temporary workers, and professionals with Canadian work experience may see stronger chances of receiving permanent residency invitations.
What This Means for Global Skilled Workers?
Canada’s Express Entry remains the country’s main pathway to permanent residency through:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Part of the Provincial Nominee Program
The 2026 update makes one thing clear: Canada is moving toward a skills-focused immigration model, prioritizing candidates who can quickly integrate into the workforce and address national shortages.
Canada’s Message to Global Talent
According to Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, refining Express Entry ensures newcomers can contribute immediately while supporting economic growth and provincial labour needs.
For global professionals in healthcare, aviation, research, management, skilled trades, and defense sectors, the new system could offer faster invitations and clearer immigration pathways than ever before.
Timeline and What to Expect Next
The first Express Entry invitation rounds for new categories — particularly for foreign medical doctors with Canadian experience — are expected within days of the announcement.
Throughout 2026, IRCC will continue targeted invitation rounds based on labour market needs and category priorities.
The Bottom Line
Canada is not closing its doors — it’s redefining who gets invited first.
If you’re a highly skilled professional with experience in critical sectors or Canadian work exposure, 2026 could be one of the strongest years yet to secure permanent residency through Express Entry.