Express Entry: Priority Categories Update
Hello World! Cherry blossoms are starting to bloom in Vancouver, and spring is in the air. Following our previous blog, we will share the latest updates on Express Entry. On February 18, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced an update to the Express Entry priority categories.
Four New Priority Categories
The Canadian government will prioritize four new occupational categories under Express Entry in 2026. The previous requirement was six months of work experience within the past three years. The new rule now requires at least 12 months of work experience within the past three years.
① Senior managers with Canadian experience occupations
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities | 00015 | 0 |
| Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services | 00014 | 0 |
| Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations | 00013 | 0 |
| Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services | 00012 | 0 |
② Researchers with Canadian work experience occupations
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Post-secondary teaching and research assistants | 041201 | 1 |
| University professors and lecturers | 41200 | 1 |
③ Transport occupations
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors | 72600 | 2 |
| Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers | 72410 | 2 |
| Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors | 72404 | 2 |
| Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors | 22313 | 2 |
④ Skilled military recruits occupations (e.g., doctors, nurses, pilots)
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 43204 | 3 |
| Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 42102 | 2 |
| Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces | 40042 | 0 |
Six Existing Priority Categories
Along with the introduction of new categories, Express Entry will continue to prioritize the following existing categories:
・French language proficiency
・Healthcare and social services
・STEM occupations (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
・Skilled trades, particularly in construction
・Education occupations
・Physicians with Canadian work experience
On the other hand, the following categories have been eliminated in this update:
・Agriculture and agri-food occupations
・Cooks, previously included under the skilled trades category
Recent Trends in Express Entry Draws
On March 5, 2026, Express Entry held its first draw under the new category, “Senior managers with Canadian experience”. The CRS score was 429, which many senior managers working in Canada can likely reach.
The table below highlights recent CRS trends. This category shows a significantly lower threshold than CEC, while it targets a more limited group compared to the French-language category.
| Draw Type | Typical CRS |
|---|---|
| Senior Managers | 429 |
| Canadian Experience Class（CEC） | 508-520 |
| Provincial Nominee Program（PNP） | 700-750 |
| French Language Proficiency | 380-420 |
| Physician Category | 169 |
| Healthcare Occupations | 430-470 |
| STEM Occupations | 480-510 |
For further details on this announcement, please refer to the Government of Canada website:
・Express Entry: Category-based draws
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html#category
・2026 Express Entry priority categories
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/02/canada-prioritizes-top-talent-in-2026-immigration-express-entry-categories.html
・Speaking notes by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/02/speaking-notes-for-the-honourable-lena-metlege-diab-minister-of-immigration-refugees-and-citizenship-prioritizing-top-talent-in-2026-express-entry.html
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This update shows that the Canadian government is aligning its PR system with labor market needs by prioritizing skilled talent and key occupations, particularly in sectors with labor shortages such as healthcare, research, and management.
If you are interested in immigrating to Canada, long-term planning is important. You need to decide whether to gain experience in PR-eligible occupations or to work in your preferred field.
If you need advice on working or immigrating to Canada, please feel free to contact us through our form.
“You are one step closer to Canada!”
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