Express Entry 2026 Categories: What Changed and Who Benefits

On February 18, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced major updates to Express Entry category-based selection—introducing five new categories designed to attract and retain “top talent” while still focusing on critical labour shortages.

If you’re preparing (or already in the Express Entry pool), here’s what matters most—and how to position your profile for the 2026 draw strategy.

The 5 new Express Entry categories for 2026

IRCC confirmed these new/expanded 2026 categories:

1. Physicians with Canadian work experience

2. Researchers with Canadian work experience

3. Senior managers with Canadian work experience

4. Transport occupations (Canadian or foreign work experience may count)

5. Skilled military recruits (highly specific requirements tied to Canadian Armed Forces recruitment)

   
   

Big eligibility theme: “12 months within the last 3 years”

Across occupation-based categories, IRCC’s current eligibility language generally requires:

• At least 12 months of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time)

• Within the past 3 years

• In a single eligible occupation (NOC)

• Plus you must meet all requirements in the round instructions (each draw can add specifics)

For some 2026 categories, the work experience must be gained in Canada (details below).

Category details + eligible NOC codes (high-level)

1) Physicians with Canadian work experience (Canada-only experience)

Eligible NOCs include: 31100, 31101, 31102. Key point: Your qualifying experience must be in Canada and meet the “12 months in last 3 years” rule.

2) Researchers with Canadian work experience (Canada-only experience)

Eligible NOCs include: 41200 (University professors and lecturers) and 41201 (Post-secondary teaching and research assistants). Key point: Work experience must be in Canada.

3) Senior managers with Canadian work experience (Canada-only experience)

Eligible NOCs include: 00012, 00013, 00014, 00015. Key point: This targets senior leadership roles with Canadian experience (still within the 12-month / 3-year framework).

4) Transport occupations (Canada or abroad)

Eligible NOCs highlighted include: 72600, 72410, 72404, 22313. Key point: Unlike the Canada-experience categories above, IRCC indicates transport work experience may be gained in Canada or abroad (still within the last 3 years).

5) Skilled military recruits (special rules)

Eligible NOCs include: 40042, 42102, 43204. This category is unique. IRCC’s criteria includes being a Foreign Skilled Military Applicant (FSMA), meeting service requirements, having a qualifying job offer made through official recruiting channels, and meeting education/ECA requirements where applicable.

Which categories continue from 2025?

IRCC confirmed it will continue inviting candidates with strong French ability and maintaining category-based rounds for ongoing priority areas. INC’s summary also lists these continuing categories for 2026: French-language proficiency, Healthcare and social services, Education, STEM, and Trades.

Notable note for trades: cooks may no longer be included

INC reports that cooks were removed from the trades list for 2026. Also, IRCC’s current category-based selection page does not show “cook” as an eligible occupation under trade categories.

(Always confirm using the round instructions when a draw is published—those instructions control eligibility for that specific round.)

What you should do now (practical prep checklist)

1. Confirm your NOC (and make sure your job duties match the lead statement + main duties).

2. Recalculate work experience carefully (12 months equivalent; within the last 3 years; in one eligible NOC).

3. Update your Express Entry profile (work history, dates, NOC, education, language scores).

4. Keep documents ready: employment letters, pay evidence, licensing (if regulated), ECA, language tests.

5. Watch draw instructions (each category draw can have extra details + tie-break rules).