The Canadian federal government is prioritizing three new occupational categories for permanent residence through the Express Entry system: researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience, transport occupations, and military personnel.
The minimum work experience requirement for all occupational categories has been increased to one year, up from the previous requirement of six months of continuous work experience.
The one year of required work experience within the past three years does not have to have been continuous.
Immigration minister announced the changes in a speech at the Canadian Club in Toronto on 18 February, 2026.
Senior managers with Canadian experience occupations
| 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 occupations
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
|---|---|
| Post-secondary teaching and research assistants | 41201 |
| University professors and lecturers | 41200 |
Skilled military recruits occupations
| 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 |
Transport occupations
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
|---|---|
| Transportation manager | 00016 |
| Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators | 00017 |
| Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs | 00018 |