The Canadian federal government is proposing three new occupational categories for the Express Entry system starting in 2026, aimed at making permanent residence more accessible for foreign nationals in key roles.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is currently holding a public consultation on these proposed changes, which runs until September 3, 2025.
What Are the Proposed New Categories?
1. Leadership – Senior Managers
IRCC is considering a new category targeting senior managers—highly skilled professionals who manage business operations and lead teams.
According to IRCC, attracting leadership talent could accelerate digital transformation, improve productivity, and strengthen Canada’s economic competitiveness.
2. Research & Innovation – Scientists and Researchers
This proposed category would prioritize scientific researchers and innovators whose work can contribute to productivity, performance, and long-term economic growth.
While no specific fields have been mentioned yet, this category reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to STEM-driven innovation.
3. National Security & Defence – Military Personnel
Canada may also look to support the Canadian Armed Forces by facilitating immigration for highly skilled military recruits from allied nations.
This category would help reinforce national defence efforts and attract global expertise in security and defence operations.
Existing Categories Likely to Continue in 2026
IRCC is also considering maintaining several existing categories from the 2025 selection criteria, including:
Francophone Immigration
- Continues to be a priority outside Quebec
- French-speaking PR targets:
- 8.5% in 2025
- 9.5% in 2026
- 10% in 2027
- 8.5% in 2025
Key Sectors Facing Labour Shortages
To address ongoing skills gaps, these sectors may remain prioritized:
- Healthcare
- Skilled Trades (especially construction)
- Education
- STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
How Will This Affect International Students?
Changes to Express Entry categories may influence Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, which is aligned with Canada’s labour market priorities.
- In 2024, Canada introduced field of study requirements for PGWP eligibility.
- Currently, 119 fields are PGWP-eligible; 178 were removed earlier this year.
- Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs are exempt from these requirements.
- IRCC is expected to announce the next PGWP-eligible fields in early 2026.
What Is Category-Based Selection?
Category-based selection was introduced in 2023 as part of Express Entry to better align immigration with Canada’s labour market needs.
IRCC holds targeted draws based on high-demand occupations or language abilities, and these categories are updated annually following public consultation.
IRCC continues to collect feedback from employers, sector stakeholders, and immigration experts to ensure the system remains responsive to Canada’s evolving economic and demographic needs.
What’s Next?
While the proposed changes are still under consultation, they signal Canada’s increasing focus on targeted, strategic immigration that supports innovation, leadership, and national security.
Public input is open until September 3, 2025.
Stay tuned for updates as IRCC finalizes category-based selections for 2026.
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