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What Major Changes Are Expected in Express Entry for 2026
Canada’s Express Entry system is set for several major updates in 2026 as the federal government continues adjusting immigration pathways to match labour market needs. The changes will affect categories, eligibility requirements, provincial nominations and language testing options.
New Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian experience
On December 8, Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced a new Express Entry category specifically for physicians who have at least one year of Canadian work experience.
This category differs from the broader healthcare and social services stream in two ways:
- Candidates must have a minimum of one year of qualifying experience, instead of six months.
- The experience must be Canadian, not international.
Eligible physicians can now create or update their Express Entry profiles. Draws under this category are set to begin in early 2026. Candidates must still meet all program requirements for the round of invitations and qualify for at least one Express Entry program.
Category-based selection draws were first implemented in 2023 to help IRCC target candidates whose skills address labour shortages. These categories are reviewed each year to align with changing economic needs.
Possible new occupational categories for 2026
The federal government is considering three additional categories for future category-based draws:
- Leadership (senior managers)
- Research and innovation (scientists and researchers)
- National security and defence (military personnel)
These proposed categories may change and more details including the specific occupations and timelines will be available once IRCC completes its review.
Updates to existing category-based streams
As of 2025, Canada’s occupational categories include:
- STEM
- Trades
- Healthcare and social services
- Education
- Agriculture and agri-food
In February, IRCC identified healthcare and social services, trades and education as priority categories, alongside French-language proficiency. It remains uncertain whether the same categories will continue to be prioritized in 2026. Notably, there have been no STEM or Agriculture category draws in 2025 so far.
Higher PNP allocations expected in 2026
Canada plans to increase the number of permanent residents admitted through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 2026. As a result, provinces and territories will receive higher nomination allocations, though the exact increase remains unknown.
A larger allocation may lead to more PNP-linked Express Entry draws next year. Provinces are expected to receive updated allocation figures in early 2026.
Continued emphasis on francophone immigration
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan continues to expand targets for francophone immigration outside Quebec.
- The 2026 target is 9%, up from 8.5% in 2025.
- The long-term goal is 12% by 2029.
To be eligible for French-language proficiency draws, candidates must be in the Express Entry pool, meet the criteria for one of its programs, hold valid NCLC level 7 test scores across all abilities and meet the round-specific requirements.
Major NOC revision coming in 2026
A significant update to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system is planned for 2026.
The upcoming revision is expected to affect 165 unit groups through changes such as:
- Updated job titles
- Revised occupational definitions
- Adjusted lead statements, duties, employment requirements and exclusions
An official announcement is expected in December 2025, with implementation following in 2026.
TOEFL expected to become an accepted language test
TOEFL is expected to become an approved English-language test option for certain permanent residence applications, including Express Entry, joining:
- CELPIP
- IELTS
- PTE Core
IRCC is working with ETS, the test administrator and implementation is anticipated sometime in 2026.
Express Entry overview
Express Entry manages applications for three federal economic programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns points based on factors such as age, education, Canadian or foreign work experience and language proficiency. Candidates with the highest CRS scores receive invitations to apply for permanent residency.