The Canadian government will introduce three new occupation groups in its Express Entry system by 2026, which would grant new permanent residence to senior managers, to researchers and scientists, and to top military officers.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced these new categories in a public consultation notice published on the Government of Canada website. The consultation window will remain open until September 3, 2025.

Also Read Canada to Consider Implementing Three Specific Express Entry Streams in 2026

Recommended Categories in 2026

1. Senior Leadership Positions

IRCC will introduce an experienced senior manager stream targeting individuals who can direct organizations, drive strategic priorities, and lead teams to excellence.

Inviting seasoned leaders, the ministry states, would make Canada more competitive in the world, boost productivity, and accelerate innovation in industries. With their experience, they could also promote stronger economic growth.

2. Research and Innovation Professionals

A second category that is proposed is for researchers and scientists who have the potential to propel Canada’s innovation economy. IRCC believes that first priority should be given to this group as it will propel economic performance, stimulate technological innovation, and add to the country’s research capacity. Some sub-research areas and science fields are yet to be specified.

3. Experienced Military Personnel

The third potential category seeks to give preference to members of the armed forces of allied nations for the benefit of supporting Canada’s national defense and improving the operational efficiency of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Other Possible Areas of Focus in 2026 

While the new categories are being contemplated, IRCC has stated that some of the existing priority areas in the 2025 selection process for Express Entry may carry on, including:

• Francophone immigration outside Quebec – With ranges of 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027, French-speaking immigrants remain a priority of Canadian immigration policy.

• Occupations which still face labour shortages – IRCC will maintain high priority for health care, skilled trades (construction, for example), education, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), and agriculture/agri-food.

Implications for International Students

Express Entry streams have a direct correlation with Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. The requirements of the field of study that came into practice in 2024 align foreign graduates with Canadian labour market priorities.

Today, 119 programs qualify for a PGWP, and 178 were removed from the list earlier in 2025. Depending on IRCC implementing the new categories in 2026, PGWP-eligible program updates would then occur, with the next update in early 2026. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree graduates are still not covered under these restrictions.

Background on Category-Based Selection

Emerged in 2023, category-based selection enables IRCC to invite Express Entry applicants with particular labour market demands, along with general and program-specific invitations for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

In 2025, the groups were:

• French language skills
• Health and social care
• Agriculture and agri-food employment
• STEM
• Trades jobs

Education (launched in 2025) Category-specific draws have lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off values compared to general draws. This is evident in a recent CEC draw with a 534 CRS point requirement, while a healthcare and social services draw had 475, thus providing the priority applicants with a better opportunity. 

Looking Ahead 

The final choice regarding whether to implement the three new categories in 2026 will be open to public and stakeholders’ comments. If implemented, the reforms will go a long way in improving the chances for highly qualified professionals in leadership, research, and de-fence to immigrate to Canada.