Canada’s Express Entry, the primary application management system for skilled immigration, is gearing up for significant updates in the upcoming year.

In 2026, the government will continue its focus on attracting skilled workers from specific occupational categories to address labor market shortages.

This article highlights some of the key changes anticipated for 2026.

Commencement of Express Entry Draws for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience

Recently, Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced the introduction of a new Express Entry category tailored for physicians with Canadian work experience.

This new category mandates candidates to possess a minimum of one year of Canadian work experience for qualification, distinguishing it from the existing healthcare and social services category.

• Candidates must have at least one year of Canadian work experience to qualify.
• The experience required must be specifically Canadian.

Prospective candidates eligible under this new category can update their Express Entry profiles to be considered for upcoming draws starting early 2026.

Potential Introduction of New Categories for Category-Based Selection

The government is considering the addition of three new occupational categories for Express Entry in 2026:

• Leadership (senior managers) – targeting highly skilled senior managers overseeing operations and leading teams.
• Research and innovation (scientists and researchers) – prioritizing researchers and scientists contributing to innovation and economic growth.
• National security and defense (military personnel) – supporting the Canadian Armed Forces by prioritizing skilled military recruits.

These proposed categories are subject to change pending government review and will be finalized upon publication of updated instructions.

Enhancements to Existing Categories, Including Priority Categories

Aside from the newly-introduced categories, updates are expected for current Express Entry categories, including priority categories.