Last Updated On 18 February 2026, 4:30 PM EST (Toronto Time)
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab has announced the 2026 categories under the Express Entry system, allowing Canada to invite candidates with the skills and experience needed to fill critical labour gaps in key sectors and occupations.
New Categories For 2026
Foreign Medical Doctors With Canadian Work Experience — A new dedicated category targeting physicians who have already gained work experience in Canada’s healthcare system.
Researchers And Senior Managers With Canadian Work Experience — Targeting leadership and innovation roles to strengthen Canada’s competitiveness.
Transport Occupations — The return of transportation category including pilots, aircraft mechanics, and inspectors.
Highly Skilled Foreign Military Applicants — Recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces in key roles such as military doctors, nurses, and pilots.
Continuing Categories From 2025
IRCC will continue holding invitation rounds for:
French Language Proficiency — Candidates with strong French skills.
Healthcare And Social Services — Including nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, and chiropractors.
Trades — Including carpenters, plumbers, and machinists continues, but cooks have been removed from the list for 2026.
Coverage Prior to the announcement 👇
What Could This Announcement Be?
Based on the public consultations conducted by IRCC in August 2025, today’s announcement from Minister Diab could potentially introduce a new express entry category targeting leadership and innovation.
This potential new category represents a significant shift from solely addressing long-term labour shortages to proactively selecting candidates who can enhance Canada’s global competitiveness.
The proposed occupations that emerged from the 2025 consultations include three key groups that align remarkably well with the Canadian Club Toronto venue and its business-focused audience.
Senior Managers represent the first potential target group. These are experienced professionals who oversee organizational operations and lead teams, driving business success across various industries.
Senior managers bring strategic vision, operational expertise, and leadership capabilities that can transform Canadian businesses and create employment opportunities for others.
Their selection through express entry would acknowledge the critical role that experienced leadership plays in economic growth and organizational success.
Skilled Military Recruits for the Canadian Armed Forces represent the second potential target group.
These are highly specialized personnel from allied countries who could strengthen Canada’s military capacity and national defence capabilities.
This category would recognize the specialized training and discipline that military professionals bring, addressing Canada’s ongoing defence recruitment challenges while providing pathways to permanent residency for those willing to serve.
Scientists and Researchers represent the third potential target group. These are innovators whose discoveries can fuel economic growth through cutting-edge advancements in various fields.
Scientists and researchers drive innovation, attract investment, and position Canada at the forefront of global technological and scientific progress.
Their inclusion in express entry would signal Canada’s commitment to becoming a global hub for research and development.
The IRCC consultation survey conducted in August 2025 asked stakeholders to weigh in on the extent to which this expanded focus on leadership and innovation should be prioritized, with options ranging from “great extent” to “not at all.”
This signals that IRCC has been seriously considering a shift toward a more dynamic immigration strategy that balances immediate labour needs with long-term economic goals.
Could Any Express Entry Categories Be Discontinued?
While the discontinuation of an existing express entry category is possible, it appears unlikely to be the focus of today’s announcement based on IRCC’s historical practices.
When IRCC discontinued the transportation category after 2024, the change was implemented without significant advance announcement or public fanfare.
This pattern suggests that category discontinuations are typically handled administratively rather than through high-profile announcements at prestigious venues like the Canadian Club Toronto.
If any category were to be discontinued, IRCC would more likely make such changes quietly through regulatory updates or ministerial instructions rather than as part of a keynote address.
The emphasis on a leadership and innovation category in the August 2025 consultations, combined with the business-focused venue, strongly suggests that today’s announcement will focus on expansion and new opportunities rather than restrictions or eliminations.
However, stakeholders should remain aware that IRCC retains the authority to modify or discontinue any category at any time based on evolving policy priorities and labour market conditions.
How Today’s Announcement Could Impact Express Entry Candidates
If a new leadership and innovation category is introduced, it would create new pathways to permanent residency for candidates in senior management, scientific research, and military-related occupations.
These candidates would be able to receive invitations to apply through category-based selection draws, potentially with lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirements than general draws.
Recent category-based selection draws have seen CRS cut-offs ranging from 379 to 500, compared to Canadian Experience Class draws that typically require scores between 508 and 547.
This means that candidates in newly eligible occupations could receive invitations with relatively modest CRS scores if their occupation qualifies for category-based selection.
Candidates currently in the express entry pool with experience in senior management, scientific research, or military service should pay close attention to today’s announcement for potential new opportunities.
For candidates in existing categories, any changes to work experience requirements or eligibility criteria could affect their qualification status and should be carefully monitored.
Key Dates And Timeline
The following timeline outlines key dates and expected developments related to today’s announcement.
February 18, 2026, 12:40 p.m. ET: Minister Diab delivers keynote address and announcement at Canadian Club Toronto.
February 18, 2026, afternoon: Media availability provides additional details and clarification on announcement content.
Following the announcement: IRCC releases detailed information through official website and social media channels.
Following days: Ministerial instructions published specifying implementation details for any new categories.
Subsequent months: First draws under any new categories conducted, with results published on the IRCC website.
Candidates should monitor IRCC announcements and trusted news sources for updates on implementation progress and draw schedules.
Today’s announcement by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab at the Canadian Club Toronto marks a significant moment for Canada’s express entry system and economic immigration strategy.
Based on the August 2025 consultations and the business-focused venue, the announcement could potentially introduce a new leadership and innovation category targeting senior managers, skilled military recruits, and scientists and researchers.
Such changes would represent a meaningful evolution in Canada’s approach to selecting skilled immigrants, balancing immediate labour market needs with long-term competitiveness goals.
Candidates with experience in potentially eligible occupations should prepare to update their profiles and take advantage of any new opportunities that emerge from today’s announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What new express entry category could be announced today?
Based on August 2025 IRCC consultations, a leadership and innovation category targeting senior managers, scientists and researchers, and skilled military recruits could potentially be introduced.
Will any existing express entry categories be discontinued?
While discontinuation is possible, it appears unlikely based on IRCC’s historical practice of making such changes silently through administrative updates rather than public announcements.
When would new express entry categories take effect?
New categories typically take effect within weeks of ministerial instructions being published, though exact timing depends on IRCC operational readiness and immigration levels planning.
What are the new Express Entry categories introduced in Canada?
As of February 18, 2026, Canada has introduced new categories in its Express Entry immigration system to address labor shortages and attract skilled professionals. The new categories include Foreign Medical Doctors with Canadian work experience, Researchers and Senior Managers, Transport Occupations such as pilots and aircraft mechanics, and Highly Skilled Foreign Military Applicants. Existing categories continue to prioritize candidates with strong French language skills and experience in healthcare, social services, and skilled trades. These updates aim to align the Express Entry system with the evolving needs of the labor market and support provincial priorities.
Am I eligible for Express Entry with two 7-month job offers?
To be eligible for Express Entry, you typically need at least one year of continuous, full-time skilled work experience in the last 10 years. Having two job offers for 7 months each does not meet this requirement, as the total experience falls short of one year. However, if these positions are from Canadian employers and classified as skilled occupations, they may enhance your profile and potentially earn you additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System. Ensure you also meet other eligibility criteria such as age, education, and language proficiency. For more information, visit the Express Entry page.
What NOC codes are eligible for Express Entry in trade and transport?
For the Express Entry program in Canada, several National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes are relevant to trade and transport sectors. In trade occupations, eligible NOC codes include those for electricians, plumbers, welders, and construction managers. In transport, codes cover roles such as transport truck drivers, automotive service technicians, and heavy-duty equipment mechanics. It is crucial to ensure that your work experience aligns with these NOC codes to qualify for the program. For more details, visit the Express Entry page.
What are the transport occupations in Canada\'s 2026 Express Entry system?
In 2026, Canada introduced a new category within its Express Entry system specifically for transport occupations to address labor shortages in this sector. Eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes include NOC 72600 for Air Pilots, Flight Engineers, and Flying Instructors, and NOC 72410 for Automotive Service Technicians. This initiative aims to attract skilled workers to fill critical roles in the transportation industry, thereby strengthening the labor market. For more information, visit the Government of Canada website.
What is the impact of the latest CEC draw results?
The recent Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on February 17, 2026, issued 6,000 invitations to apply, with a cutoff score of 508. This trend indicates a competitive environment, as CRS scores have remained high, suggesting that only candidates with stronger profiles are being selected. The focus on CEC candidates, particularly those with Canadian work experience, may continue in future draws, potentially leading to more invitations for this group. For the latest updates, check the Express Entry rounds.
Are cooks still eligible for Canada\'s Express Entry system?
No, cooks are no longer eligible under the skilled trades category of Canada\'s Express Entry system. For more information on the requirements and application process, visit the Express Entry page.
What categories are included in the Express Entry system updates?
The specific categories mentioned in Minister Lena Metlege Diab's announcement regarding the Express Entry system updates have not been detailed. While various immigration categories may be addressed, it is unclear if transportation or related sectors are included. For the most accurate and detailed information, it is advisable to consult official government resources or news updates, such as the Express Entry rounds on the Government of Canada website.
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