Canada Express Entry Update: 3 New Categories for PR in 2026

Canada is gearing up for changes to its Express Entry immigration system in 2026, introducing three new categories aimed at senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel. This is part of the government’s strategy to enhance opportunities for foreign professionals eager to contribute to the Canadian economy.

Announced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in a public consultation notice, these changes aim to simplify the path to permanent residency (PR) for skilled workers in these fields. The consultation will remain open until September 3, 2025, but, as of now, a specific timeline for implementation hasn’t been provided.

New Leadership Category for Senior Managers

The proposed Leadership category will focus on senior managers, described by IRCC as “highly skilled workers who oversee operations and lead teams.” This category is anticipated to enhance Canada’s competitiveness, furthering economic growth by integrating new perspectives. The government believes these leaders will aid digital transformations and boost productivity.

Research and Innovation Category for Scientists and Researchers

This category specifically targets select researchers and scientists. The IRCC is confident that promoting scientific research and innovation can significantly stimulate economic growth and enhance various performance metrics. However, details on which disciplines or specialisations will be prioritized are yet to be confirmed.

National Security and Defence Category for Military Personnel

The Military Personnel category aims to give priority to highly skilled recruits from allied nations. This initiative is designed not only to strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces but also to address broader national security goals.

Implications for International Students

If you’re an international student considering your future in Canada, it’s essential to know that changes to the Express Entry categories could impact eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Since 2024, the list of eligible fields of study has undergone revisions, with 119 remaining eligible and 178 removed. Upcoming updates to Express Entry in 2026 might affect the requirements tied to the PGWP, with new announcements expected in early 2025.

Ongoing Priorities for 2026

IRCC plans to uphold established priorities within the Express Entry system, such as promoting Francophone immigration outside of Quebec. They aim to increase the proportion of French-speaking permanent residents to 10% by 2027. Other key sectors include healthcare, skilled trades, education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and agriculture.

In recent times, category-based selection has been introduced to better fill gaps in the labour market. This means candidates with in-demand skills or language capabilities may receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) more readily. Notably, category rounds often have lower cut-off scores in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) than general draws. For instance, a recent healthcare-specific draw had a CRS cut-off of 475 compared to a general draw at 534, making it a more accessible opportunity for those in the healthcare field.

For anyone exploring job opportunities from overseas, our website here at VisaJobsCanada.com focuses specifically on Canadian jobs that offer visa sponsorship to international applicants. Every listing includes information on visa support, making your transition to working and living in Canada a little easier.

Tell us what you’re thinking.

Drop your thoughts or questions below. We read every comment and reply when we can.