Canada has announced priority categories for Express Entry for 2026

Doctors, pilots, military specialists, and researchers will receive priority in immigration.

On February 18, 2026, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, announced the Express Entry selection categories for 2026. The changes are designed to attract highly skilled professionals who can fill critical gaps in the country's labor market.

New Selection Categories

In 2026, Canada is introducing several new categories that weren't available last year. These include foreign doctors with Canadian work experience, researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience, transportation professionals (pilots, aircraft mechanics, and inspectors), as well as highly skilled foreign military specialists recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces for key positions—military doctors, nurses, and pilots.

The first round of invitations for foreign doctors with Canadian work experience will take place in the coming days.

Existing Categories Remain

Along with the new categories, the Immigration Department will continue holding invitation rounds for candidates with strong French language skills, as well as for professionals in the following fields that were already active in 2025: healthcare and social services (nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, chiropractors) and skilled trades (carpenters, plumbers, machinists, and mechanics).

Context and Goals

According to the government, immigration accounts for nearly 100% of Canada's labor force growth, helping to address shortages of specialists in key economic sectors. The new strategy for attracting international talent aims to ensure that incoming professionals can contribute to the country's economy from day one after receiving permanent resident status.

The Express Entry system covers three federal programs—for skilled workers, skilled trades, and candidates with Canadian experience—as well as part of the Provincial Nominee Program.

As Minister Diab noted:

"Canada's future depends on a workforce ready to meet the challenges of a changing economy. By improving Express Entry and focusing on the skills our communities truly need, we're strengthening the labor market, supporting provincial priorities, and ensuring that newcomers can contribute from day one."

What This Means for Candidates

If you work in one of the listed fields—healthcare, transportation, research, military, or skilled trades—your chances of receiving an invitation for permanent residence in 2026 increase significantly. The new category for doctors deserves special attention: rounds for this category will begin very soon, making it one of the most relevant right now.