Express Entry, Canada’s main application management system for skilled immigration, is set to undergo some significant updates in the coming year. 

In 2026, the federal government will continue to target skilled workers from specific occupational categories to help address labour market gaps. 

Today, we will discuss the biggest changes coming to Express Entry in 2026. 

So, without further ado, let us begin!

Start Of Express Entry Draws For Physicians With Canadian Work Experience 

On December 8, Immigration Minister Lena Diab declared the launch of a new Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian work experience. 

This new category differs from the existing healthcare and social services category by: 

  • Requiring applicants to have a minimum of one year of Canadian work experience to qualify 
  • Reduced occupational eligibility 

As with all other categories, applicants must continue to meet all the requirements in the instructions for that round and be eligible for at least one of Express Entry’s three programs. 

Those who believe they might be eligible under this new category can create or update their Express Entry profiles now. 

Draws under this new category will begin in early 2026. 

Category-based selection draws were introduced in 2023 to allow IRCC to target applicants who have in-demand skills. These categories were reviewed and adjusted each year to ensure selection remains aligned with Canada’s evolving labour market needs and policy priorities. 

Potential Introduction Of New Categories For Category-Based Selection 

Another one of the biggest changes coming to Express Entry in 2026 is the introduction of new categories for category-based selection. 

Well, the federal government has proposed the introduction of three additional occupational categories for Express Entry in 2026: 

  • Leadership (senior managers) – aimed at highly skilled senior managers who oversee operations & lead teams.
  • Research and innovation (scientists and researchers) – to prioritise researchers & scientists whose work can drive innovation, productivity, and long-term economic performance.
  • National security and defence (military personnel) – to support the Canadian Armed Forces through the prioritisation of highly skilled military recruits from partner nations

The proposals remain subject to change, and details on implementation, including exact occupations and timelines, will only be confirmed once the federal government completes its review and publishes updated instructions.  

Updates To Current Categories, Including Priority Categories 

Apart from the newly-introduced physicians category, Canada has five occupational categories in 2025: 

  • STEM 
  • Trades
  • Education 
  • Healthcare and social services 
  • Agriculture and agri-food 

Amongst these, in February, IRCC listed healthcare and social services, trades, and education as priority categories, in addition to French-language proficiency. 

It remains to be seen whether the designated occupational categories will continue in 2026 or whether IRCC will give other categories priority status. 

It’s worth noting that STEM and Agriculture and Agri-food categories have not had any draws in 2025. 

Increased Provincial Nominee Program Allocation 

To meet admission targets, IRCC usually assigns provinces and territories as annual nomination allocation. 

Provinces use this allocation to determine how many foreign nationals they can nominate for permanent residency through their PNP streams, some of which are aligned with Express Entry. 

The federal government’s increase in PNP PR admissions in 2026 will result in an increased nomination allocation for PNPs, though by how much is presently unclear. 

This increased allocation might translate to more PNP draws through the Express Entry system in 2026, which was the most frequently drawn program under the Express Entry this year. 

This is good news for applicants who are seeking permanent residency through PNP streams. 

In addition, provinces are expected to be informed of their increased nomination allocation in early 2026. 

Continued Focus On Francophone Immigration 

The latest Immigration Levels Plan reinforces Canada’s commitment to francophone immigration (outside of Quebec). 

As per the Plan, the target for Francophone admissions outside Quebec for 2026 is 9%. This is an increase from the 2025 target of 8.5%. 

This is part of Canada’s overall commitment to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec. The Levels Plan has committed to a target of 10.5% admissions by 2028, supporting a broader goal of achieving 12% by 2029. 

To qualify for a French-language proficiency draw, you have to: 

  • Meet the eligibility criteria for one of Canada’s three Express Entry Programs
  • Meet all the requirements in the instructions for that round
  • Be in the candidate pool
  • Have French language test results of Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC level 7) across all four language abilities

Update To Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) 

Canada is preparing a major overhaul of its NOC system in 2026. The NOC is central to determining eligibility for numerous immigration pathways, including Express Entry. 

Any changes to job titles, occupational categories, or main duties might directly affect who qualifies for specific programs. 

The federal government conducts a detailed review of the NOC every five years to ensure it reflects current labor market conditions. The upcoming 2026 revision has been designated as a major update, implying significant structural and content changes are expected. An official announcement is anticipated in December 2025, with implementation scheduled for 2026. 

A total of 165 unit groups are expected to be impacted by real and virtual changes. Some of the changes include: 

  • Revised titles and/or definitions 
  • Updates to definitions, lead statements, primary duties, employment requirements, and exclusions 

New Language Test For PR Applications 

Foreign nationals might also have a new test option available to prove English language proficiency for certain PR application types, including Express Entry-managed programs. 

In August 2025, it was declared that the TOEFL, i.e., Test of English as a Foreign Language would be added to the list of English-language tests currently accepted: 

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE Core)

While IRCC has yet to announce when it will begin accepting this test, it is still working with the Education Testing Service (ETS), which administers the TOEFL, on the steps leading to its acceptance, and we may see this implemented at some point in 2026.

About Express Entry 

Express Entry is Canada’s main system for managing applications for PR under three skilled worker programs: 

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program 
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program 
  • Canadian Experience Class 

Introduced in 2015, it uses a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate applicants on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language ability. IRCC invites applicants with the highest scores to apply for PR through regular draws.

Also, Canada uses Express Entry to meet its labour market needs by attracting skilled talent from around the world.

Palina Immigration Consultancy, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at Palinaimmigration.com.