Canada has announced major updates to its Express Entry system, introducing new priority occupational categories for permanent residence. The announcement was made on 18 February 2026 by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab during a speech at the Canadian Club in Toronto.
At Oasis Visas, we break down what these changes mean for skilled professionals planning to immigrate to Canada.
New Priority Categories
The Canadian government will now prioritize the following occupational categories under category-based selection:
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience
Eligible occupations include senior managers in construction, transportation, health, education, finance, trade and other major sectors.
Researchers with Canadian Work Experience
This category includes:
- University professors and lecturers
- Post-secondary teaching and research assistants
Transport Occupations
The newly introduced transport category includes:
- Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
- Automotive service technicians and heavy vehicle mechanics
- Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians
Skilled Military Recruits
Canada has also introduced a pathway for military professionals, including:
- Operations members
- Specialized members
- Commissioned officers
Important: The new transport category is entirely different from the earlier transport category that was retired in February 2025.
Updated Work Experience Requirement
One of the most important changes is the increase in the minimum work experience requirement.
- The minimum work experience has increased from six months to one year.
- The one year of experience must have been gained within the past three years.
- The work experience does not need to be continuous.
This change applies to all occupational categories under Express Entry.
Physicians Category Draw Coming Soon
The government also confirmed that the first draw under the “Physicians with Canadian work experience” category, introduced on December 8, 2025, will take place this week.
Categories That Continue to Be Prioritized
According to the minister, Canada will continue prioritizing candidates under:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services
- Trades occupations
The Agriculture and agri-food occupations category has officially been retired.
How Category-Based Selection Works
Under Express Entry’s Category-Based Selection:
- Invitations to Apply (ITAs) are issued only to candidates who meet the criteria for the selected occupational category.
- Candidates without Canadian work experience or provincial nominations have primarily been selected through category-based draws since April 2024.
To qualify for Express Entry, applicants must:
- Meet eligibility under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
- Have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in TEER 0–3 occupations.
- Meet minimum English or French language requirements.
- Competed under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), scored out of 1200.
Spouse factors such as education, language and Canadian work experience can also increase CRS scores.
Additional Requirements for Military Category
For the skilled military recruits category, applicants must also:
- Have at least ten years of continuous service in a recognized foreign military.
- Secure a full-time job offer for at least three years with the Canadian Armed Forces.
- Hold a post-secondary credential of at least two years in length.
What This Means for You
These updates align with Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and economic development plans. The new categories clearly indicate where Canada currently needs skilled talent.
If you are a senior manager working in Canada, a researcher or academic professional, a transport or aviation professional, a military professional or a physician with Canadian experience, you may now have stronger chances of receiving an ITA through Express Entry.
Asylum Reform Reminder
The Immigration Minister also emphasized that Canada has clear pathways for skilled workers and that the asylum system should not be used as an alternative immigration route. Proposed reforms under Bill C-12 are currently progressing through Parliament.
Start Your Canada PR Journey with Oasis Visas
Canada’s immigration rules are evolving and understanding category-based selection is now more important than ever.
If you want to:
- Check your Express Entry eligibility
- Calculate your CRS score
- Identify the right occupational category
- Improve your chances of receiving an ITA
Connect with Oasis Visas today and get expert guidance for your Canada PR application. Your future in Canada starts with the right strategy.
