Canada Revamps 2026 Express Entry Programme to Target Skilled Talent and Tighten Rules
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
Canada has announced a major restructuring of its Express Entry immigration system for 2026, introducing new priority streams and stricter eligibility requirements aimed at addressing labour shortages and strengthening economic growth.
The changes were confirmed by Immigration Minister Lena Diab, who said the reforms are part of a broader effort to ensure the country attracts skilled professionals capable of contributing immediately to critical sectors.
The Express Entry system, administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, manages applications for permanent residence under three core programmes: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates are assessed using a points-based ranking system that evaluates age, education, language skills, and work experience.
Under the updated framework, healthcare professionals and skilled trades workers will continue to receive priority invitations. Occupations such as nurse practitioners, pharmacists, engineers, cybersecurity experts, carpenters, plumbers, and machinists remain central to selection rounds.
New priority categories have been introduced to reflect evolving economic and security needs. These include foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience, senior researchers and executives driving innovation, transport professionals such as pilots and aircraft mechanics, and skilled recruits with job offers from the Canadian Armed Forces.
Eligibility rules have also been tightened. Most occupational categories now require a minimum of 12 months of relevant work experience within the past three years, either in Canada or abroad. Cooks have been removed from the list of eligible trade occupations and will no longer qualify under Express Entry draws.
The government is further expanding its push to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec. Officials reported that nearly nine per cent of admissions outside Quebec in 2025 were French-speaking newcomers, exceeding targets for the fourth consecutive year. Authorities plan to admit over 30,000 Francophone immigrants annually from 2026, with a goal of reaching 12 per cent by 2029.
Officials say the reforms are designed to create a more predictable and responsive immigration system aligned with labour market demands. The first draws under the revised categories are expected to begin soon, starting with healthcare professionals, as Canada seeks to build a resilient workforce and sustain long-term economic development.
Comments