New Canada Express Entry Draw Categories And Changes For 2026

Last Updated On 18 February 2026, 3:56 PM EST (Toronto Time)

Canada announced five new express entry draw categories for 2026 targeting physicians, researchers, senior managers, transport occupations, and skilled military recruits as the federal government intensifies efforts to attract top global talent through the International Talent Attraction Strategy.

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab made the announcement on February 18, 2026, outlining significant changes to category-based selection under the express entry system that will allow IRCC to invite candidates with skills needed to fill critical labour gaps in key sectors.

The announcement confirms that express entry remains Canada’s flagship application management system for permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.

What Are The 5 New Express Entry Categories For 2026

Minister Diab announced that IRCC will introduce category-based draws targeting five new occupation groups starting in 2026, representing a strategic shift toward prioritizing healthcare, research, leadership, transportation, and defence sectors.

The five new categories are:

Physicians with Canadian work experience
Researchers with Canadian work experience
Senior managers with Canadian work experience
Transport occupations
Skilled military recruits

The government emphasized that these changes support the International Talent Attraction Strategy outlined in Budget 2025, which aims to strengthen jobs and industries driving the economy while restoring balance and long-term sustainability in Canada’s immigration system.

Important Changes To Work Experience Requirements

IRCC announced that the minimum work experience required for all renewed occupational categories has been increased from six months to 12 months of experience in an eligible occupation.

Furthermore, cooks have been removed from the trade occupations list for 2026 and no longer qualify for trade occupation express entry draws.

This applies to the new as well as the following renewed categories:

Healthcare and social services occupations
Education occupations
STEM occupations
Trade occupations

This experience can be gained in Canada or abroad over the previous three years and must be in a job that matches the eligible NOC codes for the category.

According to the government, this change will help select candidates who are more likely to succeed in their field in Canada.

Physicians’ Occupations List With NOC Codes & Eligible Job Titles

The new physicians category targets foreign doctors who have gained work experience in Canada’s healthcare system.

IRCC has confirmed that the first invitation round for this category will occur in the coming days.

Eligible NOC Codes For Physicians Category

Occupation	2021 NOC Code	TEER Category
General practitioners and family physicians	31102	1
Specialists in surgery	31101	1
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine	31100	1

NOC 31102: General Practitioners And Family Physicians

General practitioners and family physicians diagnose and treat diseases, physiological disorders, and injuries of patients while providing primary contact and continuous care.

Example job titles under NOC 31102 include:

Family doctor
Family physician
Family practitioner
General practitioner (GP)
Medical doctor (MD)
Doctor of medicine
Company physician
Industrial physician
Medical officer
Civil aviation medical officer
Community preventive medicine physician
Industrial medical officer
Locum doctor
Medical missionary
Medical officer of health (MOH)
Physician resident
General practice intern
General practice resident

NOC 31101: Specialists In Surgery

Specialists in surgery perform and supervise surgical procedures in hospitals and medical facilities.

Example job titles under NOC 31101 include:

General surgeon
Cardiac surgeon
Cardiovascular surgeon
Neurosurgeon
Orthopedic surgeon
Plastic surgeon
Thoracic surgeon
Vascular surgeon
Pediatric surgeon
Trauma surgeon
Obstetrician-gynecologist
Ophthalmologist
Urologist
Otolaryngologist (ENT surgeon)
Colorectal surgeon
Surgical oncologist
Transplant surgeon

NOC 31100: Specialists In Clinical And Laboratory Medicine

Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine diagnose and treat diseases and physiological or psychiatric disorders while acting as consultants to other physicians.

Example job titles under NOC 31100 include:

Anesthesiologist
Cardiologist
Dermatologist
Endocrinologist
Gastroenterologist
Geriatrician
Hematologist
Internist
Nephrologist
Neurologist
Oncologist
Pediatrician
Psychiatrist
Pulmonologist (respirologist)
Rheumatologist
Allergist/immunologist
Emergency physician
Hospitalist
Pathologist
Radiologist
Diagnostic radiologist
Radiation oncologist
Medical biochemist
Medical microbiologist
Physiatrist

Researchers’ Occupations List With NOC Codes & Eligible Job Titles

The new researchers category targets professionals conducting research and teaching at post-secondary institutions in Canada.

This category supports Canada’s innovation strategy and aims to retain research talent already contributing to Canadian institutions.

Eligibility Requirements For Researchers Category

To be eligible for the researchers with Canadian work experience category, candidates must:

Have accumulated at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience) within the past 3 years
This experience does not need to be continuous
Experience must be in a single occupation listed in the eligible NOC codes
Work experience must be gained in Canada
Meet all requirements in the instructions for that round

Eligible NOC Codes For Researchers Category

Occupation	2021 NOC Code	TEER Category
Post-secondary teaching and research assistants	41201	1
University professors and lecturers	41200	1

NOC 41201: Post-Secondary Teaching And Research Assistants

Post-secondary teaching and research assistants assist university professors, community college and CEGEP teachers, and other faculty members in teaching and research activities at universities and colleges.

Example job titles under NOC 41201 include:

Post-secondary research assistant
University research assistant
Post-secondary teaching assistant
University teaching assistant
College teaching assistant
Graduate assistant
Laboratory demonstrator
College laboratory assistant
University laboratory assistant
Laboratory supervisor (post-secondary)
Discussion group leader
Marker (post-secondary)
Tutor (post-secondary)

NOC 41200: University Professors And Lecturers

University professors and lecturers teach courses to undergraduate and graduate students and conduct research at universities.

University professors who are heads of departments are included in this unit group.

Example job titles under NOC 41200 include:

University professor
Associate professor
Assistant professor
Full professor
Department head (university)
Research professor
University lecturer
Adjunct professor
Visiting professor
Emeritus professor
Professor of medicine
Professor of engineering
Professor of sciences
Professor of humanities
Professor of law
Professor of business administration

Senior Managers’ Occupations List With NOC Codes & Eligible Job Titles

The new senior managers category targets executives and corporate leaders who have gained Canadian work experience in leadership positions.

This aligns with Canada’s goal of retaining top talent driving economic growth and innovation.

Eligible NOC Codes For Senior Managers Category

Occupation	2021 NOC Code	TEER Category
Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities	00015	0
Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services	00014	0
Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations	00013	0
Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services	00012	0

NOC 00015: Senior Managers — Construction, Transportation, Production And Utilities

Senior managers in construction, transportation, production and utilities plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the overall operations of goods production, utility, transportation and construction companies.

Example job titles under NOC 00015 include:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) — manufacturing
President — construction company
Executive Vice President — transportation company
General Manager — oil and gas company
Chief Operating Officer — utilities company
Deputy Chief Executive Officer — production
Vice President — mining operations
Corporate Social Responsibility Vice President
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) — forestry company
President — trucking company
General Manager — electric utility

NOC 00014: Senior Managers — Trade, Broadcasting And Other Services

Senior managers in trade, broadcasting and other customer services plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate trade, broadcasting and other service industry companies.

Example job titles under NOC 00014 include:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) — retail chain
President — broadcasting company
General Manager — hotel chain
Executive Vice President — restaurant chain
Chief Operating Officer — media company
Managing Director — wholesale trade
Chief Diversity Officer — trade and services
Chief Customer Officer
President — advertising agency
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) — e-commerce company
General Manager — telecommunications company

Senior managers in health, education, social and community services and membership organizations plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate membership and other organizations or institutions that deliver health, education, social or community services.

Example job titles under NOC 00013 include:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) — hospital
President — university
Executive Director — healthcare organization
Vice President — post-secondary education
Chief Operating Officer — health authority
Hospital Administrator
Dean — university faculty
Chief Nursing Officer
Chief Medical Officer
Executive Director — social services organization
President — charitable organization
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) — school board

NOC 00012: Senior Managers — Financial, Communications And Other Business Services

Senior managers in financial, communications and other business services plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the overall operations of financial, communications and other business services companies.

Example job titles under NOC 00012 include:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) — financial services
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
President — banking
Executive Vice President — telecommunications
General Manager — insurance company
Managing Director — investment firm
Corporate Secretary
Chief Risk Officer
Chief Compliance Officer
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
President — accounting firm
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) — consulting firm

Transport Occupations List With NOC Codes & Eligible Job Titles

The transport occupations category targets aviation and automotive professionals needed to address labour shortages in Canada’s transportation sector.

Unlike the physicians and researchers categories, work experience for transport occupations can be gained in Canada or abroad.

Eligible NOC Codes For Transport Occupations Category

Occupation	2021 NOC Code	TEER Category
Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors	72600	2
Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers	72410	2
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors	72404	2
Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors	22313	2

NOC 72600: Air Pilots, Flight Engineers And Flying Instructors

Air pilots fly fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters for air transportation and other services. Flight engineers assist pilots with monitoring and maintenance of aircraft systems.

Example job titles under NOC 72600 include:

Airline pilot
Commercial pilot
Captain (air transport)
First officer
Co-pilot
Chief pilot
Flight engineer
Flying instructor
Check pilot
Airline test pilot
Bush pilot
Charter pilot
Helicopter pilot
Corporate pilot
Air ambulance pilot
Cargo pilot
Aerial survey pilot
Flight simulator instructor
Air navigator

NOC 72410: Automotive Service Technicians, Truck And Bus Mechanics, And Mechanical Repairers

Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers inspect, diagnose, repair and service mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and components of cars, buses, and light and commercial transport trucks.

Example job titles under NOC 72410 include:

Automotive service technician
Automobile mechanic
Auto mechanic
Truck mechanic
Bus mechanic
Transport truck mechanic
Diesel mechanic
Alignment and brakes technician
Automatic transmission mechanic
Automotive brake specialist
Automotive electrical technician
Automotive drivetrain technician
Engine tune-up technician
Truck and transport mechanic
Fleet mechanic
Service station mechanic
Motor vehicle mechanic
Mechanical repairer (motor vehicles)
Truck-trailer repairer

NOC 72404: Aircraft Mechanics And Aircraft Inspectors

Aircraft mechanics maintain, repair, overhaul, modify, and test aircraft structural, mechanical and hydraulic systems. Aircraft inspectors inspect aircraft systems following manufacture, modification, maintenance, repair, or overhaul.

Example job titles under NOC 72404 include:

Aircraft mechanic
Aircraft maintenance engineer (AME)
Aviation maintenance technician
Aircraft inspector
Aero-engine mechanic
Aircraft engine mechanic
Aircraft structural mechanic
Aircraft systems mechanic
Airframe mechanic
Aircraft hydraulics mechanic
Aircraft propulsion technician
Aircraft maintenance technician
Aviation maintenance inspector
Aircraft overhaul inspector
Aircraft engine inspector
Aircraft quality control inspector
Line maintenance technician
Heavy maintenance technician

NOC 22313: Aircraft Instrument, Electrical And Avionics Mechanics, Technicians And Inspectors

This group includes mechanics and technicians who install, adjust, repair, and overhaul aircraft instrument, electrical, or avionics systems.

Example job titles under NOC 22313 include:

Avionics technician
Aircraft electrician
Aircraft instrument technician
Avionics mechanic
Aircraft electrical mechanic
Avionics inspector
Aircraft electronics technician
Aircraft instrument mechanic
Avionics systems technician

Skilled Military Recruits Occupations List With NOC Codes & Eligible Job Titles

The skilled military recruits category targets highly skilled foreign military applicants recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces. This category has unique eligibility requirements compared to the other occupation-based categories.

Eligibility Requirements For Skilled Military Recruits Category

To be eligible for the skilled military recruits category, candidates must:

Be a Foreign Skilled Military Applicant (FSMA):

Be an eligible foreign national who is serving in a recognized foreign military
Have a minimum of ten years of continuous service
Have work experience and training aligned with the main duties of one or more eligible NOC occupations

Have an offer of arranged employment with the Canadian Armed Forces that is:

Made by the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group
For continuous full-time work in Canada lasting at least 3 years
Listed in the eligible NOC codes

Have at least a 2-year post-secondary credential:

If education was completed outside Canada, candidates will need an education credential assessment to show equivalency

Meet all requirements in the instructions for that round

Eligible NOC Codes For Skilled Military Recruits Category

Occupation	2021 NOC Code	TEER Category
Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces	40042	0
Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces	42102	2
Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces	43204	3

NOC 40042: Commissioned Officers Of The Canadian Armed Forces

Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces plan, organize, command, direct, control and evaluate the operations of their organization in relation to established objectives.

Example job titles under NOC 40042 include:

Lieutenant
Captain
Major
Lieutenant Colonel
Colonel
Brigadier General
Major General
Lieutenant General
General
Naval Lieutenant
Lieutenant Commander
Commander
Naval Captain
Commodore
Rear Admiral
Vice Admiral
Admiral
Flight Lieutenant
Squadron Leader
Wing Commander
Group Captain
Air Commodore
Air Vice Marshal

NOC 42102: Specialized Members Of The Canadian Armed Forces

Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces perform technical and specialized duties including weapons maintenance, electronics systems operation, and equipment repair.

Example job titles under NOC 42102 include:

Weapons technician
Electronics technician (military)
Avionics systems technician (military)
Communications systems technician
Radar systems technician
Ammunition technician
Vehicle technician (military)
Marine engineering technician
Naval weapons technician
Air weapons systems technician

NOC 43204: Operations Members Of The Canadian Armed Forces

Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces perform operational duties including equipment maintenance, logistics, communications, and support services.

Example job titles under NOC 43204 include:

Combat engineer
Vehicle mechanic (military)
Heavy equipment operator (military)
Intelligence operator
Signals operator
Supply technician
Transport operator
Military police
Medical technician (military)
Construction technician (military)

Which Express Entry Categories Continue From 2025

IRCC confirmed that the following categories from 2025 will continue in 2026:

French-language proficiency — Candidates with strong French skills will continue receiving invitations through dedicated French-language draws.

Healthcare and social services occupations — This includes nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals.

Education occupations — Teachers and education professionals remain eligible for category-based selection.

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) occupations — STEM professionals will continue to be prioritized through dedicated draws.

Trade occupations — Skilled tradespeople including carpenters, plumbers, and machinists remain eligible under this category.

How Express Entry Category-Based Selection Works

Express Entry is an online system that IRCC uses to manage immigration applications from skilled workers. Three federal immigration programs are managed through Express Entry:

Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program

In category-based rounds of invitations, IRCC invites candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for a specific category to apply for permanent residence.

Category-based selection allows Canada to invite candidates with skills and experience needed to fill critical labour gaps in key sectors and occupations.

The total number of invitations to apply will remain within the targets of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. The additional categories do not increase the total number of invitations under that target.

What Minister Diab Said About The Announcement

Minister Lena Metlege Diab emphasized the importance of aligning immigration with Canada’s workforce needs.

The minister stated that by refining Express Entry to focus on the skills communities truly need, the government is strengthening the labour market, supporting provincial priorities, and ensuring newcomers can contribute from day one.

The announcement builds on work to strengthen Canada’s economic resilience through targeted measures for medical doctors, graduate students, and researchers, as well as supporting Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.

Timeline For 2026 Express Entry Category Draws

IRCC confirmed that the first round for physicians with Canadian work experience will occur in the coming days.

Canadian Experience Class draws have continued through early 2026 to prioritize candidates already contributing to Canada’s economy.

French-proficiency category draws have also continued.

Candidates should monitor IRCC announcements and the Express Entry rounds of invitations page for updates on draw schedules and minimum CRS scores.

How To Prepare For The New Express Entry Categories

Candidates interested in the new 2026 categories should take the following steps:

Verify your NOC code — Ensure your occupation falls under one of the eligible NOC codes listed for your target category. The duties you perform must match the NOC description.

Confirm work experience requirements — For physicians, researchers, and senior managers categories, you need 12 months of Canadian work experience. For transport occupations, 12 months of experience gained in Canada or abroad qualifies. For skilled military recruits, you need a job offer from the Canadian Armed Forces.

Update your Express Entry profile — Ensure your profile accurately reflects your work experience, education, and language test scores.

Take language tests — Valid IELTS or CELPIP scores for English, or TEF/TCF scores for French, are required for Express Entry eligibility.

Get education credential assessment — If you completed education outside Canada, you will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization.

Monitor IRCC announcements — Watch for ministerial instructions specifying implementation details for the new categories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the 5 new express entry categories for 2026?

The five new categories are physicians with Canadian work experience, researchers with Canadian work experience, senior managers with Canadian work experience, transport occupations, and skilled military recruits who have a job offer from the Canadian Armed Forces.

When will the first physicians express entry draw happen?

IRCC confirmed that the first round for physicians with Canadian work experience will occur in this week following the February 18, 2026 announcement.

Can I qualify for transport occupations with work experience from outside Canada?

Yes, unlike the physicians and researchers categories which require Canadian work experience, the transport occupations category accepts 12 months of work experience gained in Canada or abroad within the past three years.

What are the requirements for the skilled military recruits category?

Candidates must be Foreign Skilled Military Applicants (FSMA) with at least 10 years of continuous service in a recognized foreign military, have a job offer from the Canadian Armed Forces for at least 3 years of continuous full-time work, and hold at least a 2-year post-secondary credential.

Has the work experience requirement changed for existing express entry categories?

Yes, the minimum work experience for all renewed occupational categories (healthcare, education, STEM, trades) has increased from 6 months to 12 months of experience gained in Canada or abroad over the previous three years.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.