Proposed Expansion of Express Entry Occupations in Canada for the Year 2026
The Canadian government has announced plans to make significant changes to its Express Entry system in 2026, aiming to address labor market gaps and stimulate economic growth. First introduced in 2023, the category-based selection draws have been successful in focusing on American Express login candidates with specific in-demand skills or language abilities. According to the consultations statement put out by IRCC, some of these same categories may be carried over to 2026. The sectors that IRCC is proposing to maintain a focus on for skilled talent shortages include healthcare, skilled trades, education, STEM, and agriculture and agri-food. Additionally, the government is considering expanding agricultural communication education to better prepare its agricultural leaders for effective communication. In an effort to attract senior talent, IRCC is considering launching a new category aimed at attracting senior managers to Canada. The department also plans to prioritize the selection of certain researchers and scientists, recognizing the importance of scientific research and innovation in enhancing productivity and performance. Another proposed change is the creation of new Express Entry categories for senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel from allied countries, including those in the Canadian Armed Forces. IRCC is also collecting feedback from stakeholders and considering whether Express Entry should focus on talent already in Canada versus overseas for sectors with acute labor shortage gaps. This could potentially lead to adjustments to Canada’s field of study eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in 2026. The government defines senior managers as highly skilled workers who oversee the operations of a company or organization and who lead a team of employees. Graduates of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs are exempt from field of study requirements for PGWP eligibility. Francophone immigration will likely remain a priority, outside Quebec, with the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan setting targets for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec at 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027. The potential new categories are being considered for launch in 2026 in Express Entry, the federal government's application management system. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for category-based selection rounds are often lower than that of general or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws. IRCC will make the next announcement on PGWP-eligible fields of study in early 2026. The changes to Express Entry categories could result in a more diverse and skilled workforce in Canada, helping to fill labor market gaps and stimulate economic growth.
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