February 18, 2026—Ottawa—Canada is taking back control to return immigration to sustainable levels, while ensuring it continues to support the economy. As global competition for skilled workers intensifies, Canada’s immigration system is focused on attracting and retaining highly skilled immigrants through the International Talent Attraction Strategy.
Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the 2026 categories under the Express Entry system. This allows Canada to invite candidates with the skills and experience needed to fill critical labour gaps in key sectors and occupations.
In addition to a new category for foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience, Canada will introduce new categories for
- researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience
- candidates with work experience in transport occupations, 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
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will continue holding invitation rounds to select candidates with strong French skills and those with work experience in the following categories that were in place in 2025:
- health care and social services, such as nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and chiropractors
- trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and machinists
