New 2026 Express Entry Categories Announced

Categories for 2026

The new categories are

• medical doctors with Canadian work experience
• researchers with Canadian work experience
• senior managers with Canadian work experience
• transport occupations
• skilled military recruits who have a job offer from the Canadian Armed Forces

The renewed categories are

• French-language proficiency
• health care and social services occupations
• education occupations
• science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations
• trade occupations

The minimum work experience required for all renewed categories has been increased from six months to one year of experience in an eligible occupation, gained in Canada or abroad over the previous three years. This will help select candidates who are more likely to succeed in their field in Canada.