2026 Express Entry: New Priority Occupations and Stricter Work Requirements
Date Posted:February 19, 2026
Last Updated:February 19, 2026
On February 18, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a major revision to the priority occupations under the Express Entry targeted draw categories. The system will be redesigned to prioritize top talent and occupations critical to Canada’s economy.
This change is not simply an adjustment to improve processing efficiency for permanent residence applications. Rather, it reflects a strategic shift aimed at addressing labour shortages in key sectors and strengthening Canada’s future workforce.
Five Changes to Express Entry in 2026
In this reform, the selection criteria were redesigned to be more clearly defined and strategically focused, centering on the addition of new priority categories and the strengthening of work experience requirements.
1) Four New Targeted Categories Introduced
Beginning in 2026, the following four categories will be added to Express Entry targeted draws:
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
|---|---|
| Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities | 00015 |
| Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services | 00014 |
| Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations | 00013 |
| Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services | 00012 |
Researchers with Canadian Work Experience
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
|---|---|
| Post-secondary teaching and research assistants | 41201 |
| University professors and lecturers | 41200 |
Transport Occupations
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
|---|---|
| Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors | 72600 |
| Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers | 72410 |
| Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors | 72404 |
| Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors | 22313 |
Skilled Military Recruits
Highly skilled foreign nationals recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces for critical roles such as military doctors, nurses, and pilots.
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
|---|---|
| Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 43204 |
| Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 42102 |
| Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces | 40042 |
2) 12 Months of Work Experience Now Required
Previously, candidates needed at least six months of work experience within the three years prior to applying. Under the new rules, a minimum of 12 months of qualifying work experience is required, making eligibility criteria more stringent.
3) Five Existing Categories Retained
In addition to the new categories, IRCC confirmed that the following five categories will continue to be prioritized:
- French-language proficiency (minimum NCLC 7 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking)
- Healthcare and social services occupations
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals
- Skilled trades occupations
- Education occupations
- Physicians with Canadian work experience
4) Agriculture Category Eliminated
The former “Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations” category has been discontinued and will no longer be included in future targeted draws.
5) Cooks Removed from Skilled Trades
The occupation of Cook, which was previously included under the Skilled Trades category, has been removed. As a result, this occupation will no longer be eligible under targeted draws. The Skilled Trades category will now focus primarily on construction-related occupations.
Background and Policy Direction
The Canadian government recognizes that immigration accounts for nearly all net labour force growth in Canada. These changes aim to ensure that immigration selection aligns more directly with economic needs.
By prioritizing sectors experiencing acute labour shortages—such as healthcare, transportation, research, and senior management—Canada seeks to enhance regional and national economic competitiveness.
Furthermore, the revised system emphasizes selecting candidates who can integrate quickly into the labour market and contribute from day one.
Minister’s Statement on the Reform
Minister of Immigration Lena Metlege Diab stated at a press conference:
“Canada’s future depends on a workforce that can adapt to a changing economy. By refining Express Entry, we are supporting regional economic priorities and ensuring newcomers can contribute from day one.”
Message for Applicants from Shiraishi Visa JP Canada
This reform clearly signals a shift in Express Entry from a “high CRS score–focused” system to one more directly aligned with economic priorities.
In particular, the strengthened requirement of 12 months of Canadian work experience highlights the growing importance of strategic career planning after obtaining a work permit. Building qualifying Canadian experience will now play an even more critical role in permanent residence strategies.
The removal of Cooks and the elimination of the Agriculture category may directly impact many Japanese applicants. At the same time, the clearer prioritization of senior managers and researchers presents new opportunities for professionals who previously found it difficult to qualify under targeted draws.
From 2026 onward, long-term strategic planning—such as selecting the right occupation to gain Canadian experience and identifying the most suitable category—will be more important than ever.
Shiraishi Visa JP Canada continues to monitor these developments closely and provides strategic guidance tailored to each client’s circumstances. If you are uncertain about how these changes may affect your future immigration plans, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation.
This article is a summary prepared by Shiraishi Visa JP Canada based on the official announcement and information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), organized for clarity and ease of understanding.
Sources:
Canada prioritizes top talent in 2026 immigration Express Entry categories (English)
Express Entry – Category-based selection (English)
Reviewed by
Yuki Shiraishi
Born in Japan. After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in the USA, worked for six years as a marketing consultant at a major travel agency in New York, involved in the planning and development of travel products. Concurrently attended the MBA program at the City University of New York. Returned to Japan and worked as a manager at the visa centre of the same travel company, primarily handling foreign nationality clients and managing various visa applications from around the world. Immigrated to Canada in 2005 as a skilled worker. Completed the Immigration Consultant Program at the University of British Columbia and obtained the qualification of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Specializes in consulting for permanent residence and short-term visas (work, study, temporary stay, etc.) in Canada. Adheres to the motto, 'Every person has the potential to obtain Canadian permanent residence,' and is skilled in proposing the best permanent residence scenarios for individual clients, based on a wide range of visa information. A regular member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, as well as the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants. Active as a supervisor of visa-related information and a seminar lecturer in various media and the Japanese community in Canada. As a president of Kiyukai (Vancouver Japanese Business Association), she supports Japanese entrepreneurs in BC, those who want to start their own business, and all those who work in BC. She is also a president of Visa JP Canada and Jinzai Canada.
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