LENA Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on Wednesday announced the 2026 categories under the Express Entry system that allows Canada to invite candidates with the skills and experience needed to fill critical labour gaps in key sectors and occupations.
In addition to a new category for foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience, Canada will introduce new categories for
- researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience
- candidates with work experience in transport occupations, including pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors
- highly skilled foreign military applicants recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces in key roles such as military doctors, nurses and pilots
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will continue holding invitation rounds to select candidates with strong French skills and those with work experience in the following categories that were in place in 2025:
- health care and social services, such as nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and chiropractors
- trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and machinists
“Canada’s future depends on a workforce ready to meet the challenges of a changing economy. By refining Express Entry to focus on the skills our communities truly need, we are strengthening our labour market, supporting provincial priorities and ensuring newcomers can contribute from day one,” said Diab.
Immigration accounts for almost 100% of Canada’s labour force growth, helping to address labour shortages in key sectors.
The first round for foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience will be in the coming days. Canadian Experience Class draws continued through early 2026 to prioritize candidates already contributing to Canada’s economy. So did draws for the French-proficiency category.
