Canada expands Express Entry categories to target critical labour shortages 

February 18,2026

RED FM News Desk

The federal government says it is moving to restore immigration to sustainable levels while continuing to support economic growth, as global competition for skilled workers increases. 

Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the 2026 categories under the Express Entry system, outlining new targeted pathways to address urgent labour shortages. 

Among the updates is a new category for foreign-trained medical doctors with Canadian work experience. Additional new categories will include: 

Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience 

Transport workers, such as pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors 

Highly skilled foreign military personnel recruited into key roles within the Canadian Armed Forces, including military doctors, nurses and pilots 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will also continue invitation rounds for candidates with strong French-language skills, as well as those with experience in priority sectors identified in 2025. These include health care and social services roles — such as nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and chiropractors — and skilled trades including carpenters, plumbers and machinists. 

Speaking at the Canadian Club of Toronto, Diab said Express Entry remains central to Canada’s strategy for attracting and retaining skilled workers. 

“We’re not waiting for the right people to find us,” she said. “We will go out into the world to recruit the people our country needs and connect them with Canadian employers.”