Canada Express Entry 2026 Update: New Targeted Occupations and What It Means for Your PR Application
- Tiffany Chia
- 14 hours ago
- 6 min read
Published: February 18, 2026 | Based on Official IRCC Announcement
Author: Tiffany Chia, RCIC | Founder, 1to1 Immigration Inc., Vancouver
Key Summary
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the Express Entry 2026 category-based selection priorities on February 18, 2026.
New targeted groups include medical doctors, researchers, senior managers, transport occupations and skilled military recruits.
Continuing categories include French-language proficiency, healthcare & social services, STEM, trades and education.
Canadian work experience is increasingly important under category-based selection.
The Canada Express Entry 2026 update expands category-based selection to include medical doctors, researchers, senior managers, transport occupations and military recruits, while continuing French, healthcare, STEM, trades and education draws.
When IRCC Updates Express Entry… One Question Matters Most
“Is my job on the list?”
If you’re monitoring CRS cut-offs, calculating how much time remains on your work permit, or wondering whether 2026 might finally be your year — I understand that pressure.
I’ve worked with many applicants who refresh their Express Entry profile regularly, hoping the next announcement changes everything.
Let’s walk through this update calmly and strategically.
1. What Was Announced in the Canada Express Entry 2026 Update?
On February 18, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced its 2026 category-based selection priorities under Express Entry.
Category-based selection allows IRCC, under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), to invite candidates who meet specific labour market needs.
Express Entry continues to manage permanent residence applications under:
Program | Purpose |
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | Skilled workers with foreign experience |
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) | Qualified tradespeople |
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | Candidates with Canadian work experience |
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Candidates nominated by provinces |
Note: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a program under Express Entry, not a category-based selection category. IRCC may conduct CEC-specific draws separately from category-based draws.
2. Newly Targeted Occupations in Express Entry 2026
Here are the new priority groups announced for 2026.
Medical Doctors with Canadian Work Experience
Relevant NOC Codes:
31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
31101 – Specialists in surgery
31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
IRCC has introduced a specific category for physicians who already have Canadian work experience.
If you are practising medicine in Canada, this strengthens your position under category-based selection.
Researchers with Canadian Work Experience
Relevant NOC Codes:
41200 – University professors and lecturers
41201 – Post-secondary teaching and research assistants
Academic and research professionals with Canadian work experience are now explicitly prioritized.
If you have been building research or teaching experience in Canada, this category may apply to you.
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience
Relevant NOC Codes:
00012 – Senior managers (financial, communications and other business services)
00013 – Senior managers (health, education, social and community services)
00014 – Senior managers (trade, broadcasting and other services)
00015 – Senior managers (construction, transportation, production and utilities)
Senior leadership roles with Canadian experience are now included under category-based selection.
This reflects IRCC’s focus on experienced leadership talent already contributing to the Canadian economy.
Transport Occupations
Relevant NOC Codes:
72410 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers
72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
22313 – Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors
72600 – Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
IRCC’s transport category includes aviation and other transportation roles. These examples reflect ongoing labour shortages in Canada’s transportation and infrastructure sectors.
IRCC’s official list includes additional transport occupations beyond aviation. If you work in transportation, confirm your official NOC code carefully against IRCC’s published criteria.
Skilled Military Recruits
Relevant NOC Codes:
43204 – Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces (TEER 3)
42102 – Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces (TEER 2)
40042 – Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces (TEER 0)
IRCC has introduced a category for certain foreign nationals recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces into key roles.
Eligibility requirements apply, including service criteria under Canadian Armed Forces recruitment programs.
3. Continuing Category-Based Selection Groups in 2026
In addition to the newly introduced groups, IRCC continues to prioritize:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare and social services occupations
STEM occupations
Skilled trades
Education occupations
If your occupation falls within these sectors, you may still benefit from category-based draws in 2026.
If you want structured explanations of each draw as they happen, you can get our weekly Canadian immigration updates so you stay informed before policy changes affect you.
4. How to Check If Your NOC Code Qualifies
Many applicants misunderstand this step — and it’s completely understandable.
Job titles do not determine eligibility. Your NOC code does.
To verify your eligibility:
Identify your official NOC code using the Government of Canada NOC search tool
Compare it against IRCC’s published category-based criteria
Review the full list of NOC codes for all Express Entry category-based occupations:
Clarity here prevents costly mistakes later.
5. Express Entry for French-Speaking Skilled Workers in 2026
French-language category-based selection remains active in 2026.
If you have strong French language proficiency, you may qualify for targeted draws even if your occupation is not part of another priority sector.
French proficiency remains one of the most strategic advantages under Express Entry — especially as Canada continues strengthening Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
👉 Read more about Canada PR 2026 for French Speakers and IRCC’s new Francophone immigration investment
6. Work Permit Expiring in 2026 or 2027?
If your work permit expires soon, early planning is critical.
The gap between “I’ll figure it out later” and “I’ve run out of options” can be smaller than most applicants expect.
Strategic preparation gives you flexibility.
7. Express Entry and the Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028
Express Entry operates within Canada’s broader immigration targets.
Federal immigration levels and Provincial Nominee Program allocations influence:
Draw size
Draw frequency
Category-based priorities
Provincial nomination volumes
Understanding the broader context helps you make informed decisions rather than reactive ones.
8. Express Entry 2026 Action Plan
If you are unsure how this update affects you:
Confirm your official NOC code
Review whether your occupation aligns with category-based criteria
Assess your CRS score
Monitor general, program-specific and category-based draws
Seek professional guidance if needed
If you feel overwhelmed, start with your NOC code. Everything builds from there.
Don’t Be the Last to Know 📩
Express Entry changes do not come with personal notifications.
Draw patterns shift. Categories expand. CRS cut-offs move.
Most applicants only realize something changed after it has already affected them.
If Express Entry is part of your future, stay informed.
Get your weekly Canadian immigration updates to receive:
Clear explanations of every Express Entry draw
Updates on category-based selection changes
Early signals from official IRCC announcements
Practical guidance grounded in Canadian immigration law
Because your PR is too important to leave to chance.
Frequently Asked Questions: Canada Express Entry 2026
Will general Express Entry draws continue in 2026?
Yes. IRCC may conduct general, program-specific and category-based draws.
Is Canadian Experience Class a category-based selection group?
No. CEC is an Express Entry program. IRCC may hold CEC-specific draws separately.
Does CRS score still matter in 2026?
Yes. CRS remains important, especially in general and program-specific draws.
Is French still valuable for Express Entry in 2026?
Yes. French-language category-based selection remains active.
How often does IRCC conduct Express Entry draws?
IRCC holds rounds regularly, but timing and draw type vary.
Key Takeaway
The Canada Express Entry 2026 update strengthens category-based selection by targeting specific occupations, particularly those with Canadian work experience.
New groups include physicians, researchers, senior managers, transport occupations and select military recruits, while French, healthcare, STEM, trades and education remain active sectors.
Staying informed is not optional — it is strategic.
Get your weekly Canadian immigration updates.
About the Author
Tiffany Chia, RCIC, Founder, 1to1 Immigration Inc., Vancouver Immigrant from Singapore with 10+ years experience in Canadian immigration
Licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), Tiffany provides guidance grounded in Canadian immigration law and real client experience.
Disclaimer
Immigration policies may change at any time. Information is accurate as of the publication date. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.