In February 2026, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Lena Metlege Diab, announced a significant overhaul of the Express Entry Category-Based Selection system. This system allows Canada to target specific labor shortages by inviting candidates based on their work experience rather than just their overall CRS score.
For 2026, the list of priority categories has expanded to include leadership and innovation roles, while the eligibility requirements have become stricter.
1. The 2026 Category Overview
There are currently 10 active categories for Express Entry draws. These are divided into “New” categories (launched in 2026) and “Renewed” categories (carried over from previous years with updated rules).
New Categories for 2026
- Medical Doctors with Canadian Work Experience: Specifically targeting physicians already practicing in Canada.
- Researchers with Canadian Work Experience: Aimed at boosting innovation in academia and private R&D.
- Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience: Focused on leadership in construction, health, and finance.
- Transport Occupations: A return of the category for pilots, aircraft mechanics, and inspectors.
- Skilled Military Recruits: For foreign military personnel with a job offer from the Canadian Armed Forces.
Renewed Categories
- French-Language Proficiency: (The highest priority category).
- Healthcare and Social Services: Nurses, pharmacists, and social workers.
- STEM Occupations: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
- Trade Occupations: Carpenters, plumbers, and electricians (Note: Cooks were removed from this list in 2026).
- Education Occupations: Teachers and early childhood educators.
2. Higher Eligibility Bar: The “12-Month Rule”
One of the biggest changes in 2026 is the increase in the work experience requirement.
- Old Rule: 6 months of experience in an eligible occupation.
- New 2026 Rule: You must now have at least 12 months (one year) of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in an eligible NOC code within the last three years.
- This experience can be gained inside or outside Canada (except for the specific “Canadian Work Experience” categories mentioned above).
3. Which Occupations are “In” and “Out”?
The 2026 update brought some surprises regarding specific jobs.
| Category | Major 2026 Changes |
| Trades | Cooks (NOC 63200) have been officially removed from the priority list. |
| Agriculture | The entire Agriculture and Agri-food category has been retired for 2026. |
| Transport | Completely revamped; now includes high-skill roles like Pilots and Aircraft Inspectors. |
| STEM | Remained a priority despite a lack of draws in late 2025; expect draws to resume in Q2 2026. |
4. Strategy: Why Category Draws Matter
Category-based draws often have much lower CRS cut-offs than general draws. For example, while a General draw might require a score of 525, a French-language or Trades draw might invite candidates with scores as low as 400 or 430.
If your occupation is on one of these lists, you have a “fast track” to Permanent Residency even if your age or education level would otherwise keep your score low.
