Canada plans to bring significant Express Entry updates in 2026.
Canada’s Express Entry system will undergo major changes in 2026. Officials plan to adjust the program so it can better support labour needs across the country. The updates focus on new job categories, more options for skilled workers, and stronger support for sectors facing shortages.
These changes follow a busy year of category-based draws that targeted key fields. The coming year will bring even more targeted selection as the country works to fill crucial roles across the labour market.
Canada will launch a new Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian work experience. Immigration Minister Lena Diab confirmed the news on December 8. The new stream requires at least one year of Canadian work experience. The current healthcare category only requires six months and allows foreign experience.
Physicians must still qualify for one of the three Express Entry programs. Draws for this new category will begin in early 2026. Interested candidates can update their profiles now.
Category-based selection continues to evolve to match labour needs. These categories undergo review each year to ensure they stay aligned with shifting job demands.
Officials may add three new targeted categories next year:
These categories remain proposals and may change after government review. Final details will come once updated instructions are released.
Shifts in Current Categories
Canada currently uses five occupational categories: STEM, trades, healthcare and social services, education, and agriculture. Early this year, the government named healthcare and social services, trades, and education as priority areas. It remains unclear if these will stay in priority status in 2026.
STEM and agriculture draws did not take place in 2025. These gaps add uncertainty about how categories will shift in the coming year.
Provinces will gain more nomination spaces in 2026. This increase will support higher permanent resident targets. Provinces often use these spaces for Express Entry–linked PNP draws. More spaces could lead to more draws and better chances for skilled workers.
Provinces expect details on their new allocations in early 2026. This update offers good news for candidates seeking PR through provincial streams.
Canada continues to increase its goals for French-speaking newcomers outside Quebec. The 2026 target climbs to 9%. The country aims to reach 10.5% by 2028 and 12% by 2029.
To qualify for French-language draws, candidates must hold valid Express Entry eligibility and meet NCLC level 7 in all skills.
Canada will launch a major overhaul of the National Occupational Classification in 2026. This update will change job titles, duties, and categories. These changes may affect program eligibility for many workers.
The update will impact 165 unit groups. Details will arrive in late 2025, with implementation set for 2026.
Candidates may soon use the TOEFL as a valid English test for PR programs. The government is working with ETS to prepare for its future acceptance. The test could become available sometime in 2026.
Express Entry manages applications for skilled workers through three programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class. It ranks candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System and invites top scorers to apply.
Canada uses the system to address labour needs and welcome skilled professionals from around the world.
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