Canada has announced significant updates to its Express Entry immigration system for 2026, introducing new targeted categories to attract top global talent, address critical labour shortages, and support economic growth, innovation, and national security.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Minister Lena Metlege Diab made the announcement, emphasizing the need to prioritize skilled workers who can contribute immediately.
“Our Express Entry system is at the core of our approach for attracting and retaining the skilled workers Canada needs,” Diab stated.
She added that a predictable system benefits employers, communities, and provinces by filling gaps in healthcare, housing, infrastructure, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
The changes align with Canada’s International Talent Attraction Strategy and aim to restore balance and confidence in the immigration system.
New Categories for 2026
Several new priority categories have been added to reflect evolving needs: Foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience, to tackle ongoing healthcare shortages (the first draws in this category are expected imminently).
Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience, supporting innovation and a $1.7 billion federal initiative to attract world-leading researchers.
Transport professionals, including pilots, aircraft mechanics, and inspectors, vital for trade, supply chains, and economic resilience.
Highly skilled foreign military recruits (e.g., doctors, nurses, pilots) with job offers from the Canadian Armed Forces, bolstering national defence and the Defence Industrial Strategy.
Continuing and Adjusted Categories
Existing categories from 2025 will largely continue, with some adjustments: Healthcare and social services (e.g., nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, chiropractors).
STEM occupations (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, including cybersecurity specialists).
Skilled trades (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, machinists; note: cooks have been removed from qualifying trades).
Education occupations.
Strong French-language proficiency to support Francophone communities outside Quebec.
A key change raises the minimum work experience requirement from six months to 12 months (gained within the past three years, in Canada or abroad) for most renewed categories.Eligibility and Process
Candidates in the Express Entry pool are ranked via a comprehensive points-based system considering skills, education, language ability, and experience.
Category-based invitation rounds target those matching priority occupations. The system supplements general draws to meet specific economic goals.
Canada continues to exceed Francophone immigration targets (nearly 9% in 2025) and plans over 30,000 admissions annually in 2026, aiming for 12% by 2029.
These updates are expected to facilitate more targeted permanent residence pathways for qualified professionals.
Interested applicants should review full eligibility on the official IRCC website, as invitation rounds under the new categories begin soon.
Further details on draw schedules and specific occupation lists are anticipated from IRCC.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com