Canada Eyes Three New Express Entry Categories for 2026: Senior Managers, Scientists, and Military Professionals Could Benefit
The Canadian federal government is proposing significant changes to its Express Entry immigration system, aiming to prioritize three new occupational categories in 2026 — a move that could open doors for thousands of skilled professionals seeking permanent residence (PR).
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it is seeking public feedback on introducing three new targeted categories:
- Senior Managers
- Scientists and Researchers
- Military Personnel
These categories would be included under category-based selection draws, which focus on candidates with skills in high-demand areas rather than relying solely on high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
The public consultation is open until September 3, 2025, and the new categories — if approved — would be launched in 2026.
Proposed New Categories in Detail
1. Leadership – Senior Managers
IRCC defines senior managers as highly skilled professionals who oversee company operations and lead teams. By targeting this group, Canada hopes to bring in leaders who can:
- Offer fresh perspectives
- Accelerate digital transformation
- Enhance productivity and competitiveness
- Drive economic growth and prosperity
2. Research and Innovation – Scientists and Researchers
Canada aims to boost innovation and economic output by attracting certain researchers and scientists. While IRCC has not specified which scientific fields would be prioritized, the focus will be on candidates whose expertise can enhance national productivity.
3. National Security and Defence – Military Personnel
Highly skilled military recruits from allied countries may receive priority consideration for PR, supporting the Canadian Armed Forces and addressing defence workforce needs.
Other Categories Under Consideration for 2026
Alongside the new proposed categories, IRCC is also considering retaining existing priority sectors from 2025:
- Francophone Immigration (targets: 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, 10% in 2027)
- Healthcare and Social Services
- Skilled Trades (including construction to address housing shortages)
- Education Occupations
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
These sectors face long-term labour shortages, and IRCC’s priority is to balance recruitment between candidates already in Canada and talent overseas.
Impact on International Students
Changes to Express Entry categories directly influence Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. The 2024 field-of-study restrictions reduced PGWP-eligible programs from 297 to 119.
If new categories are adopted in 2026, certain study fields may be added or removed from eligibility, aligning international education with Canada’s labour market needs.
- Exemptions remain for graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
- The next update on PGWP-eligible programs will be announced in early 2026.
What is Category-Based Selection?
Introduced in 2023, category-based selection allows IRCC to conduct targeted draws for candidates with in-demand skills or language abilities.
- CRS cut-offs are often lower than general draws.
- Example: A recent healthcare draw had a cutoff of 475, compared to 534 in a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw.
- This approach helps Canada quickly address labour shortages in key sectors.
Public Consultation
The consultation period is open until September 3, 2025. IRCC will gather feedback from industry stakeholders, provinces, territories, and the public before making a final decision.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
