On this page you will find:
- Details of the 2026 Express Entry consultation
- Current category-based draws and priorities
- Proposed new categories for 2026
- Focus on Francophone immigration outside Quebec
- Labour shortages and Canada’s economic priorities
The Government of Canada has launched a public consultation on potential new categories for Express Entry in 2026. The consultation runs from August 6 to September 3, inviting input from stakeholders, partners, and the public on how immigration can best support Canada’s long-term economic and social priorities.
The discussion comes as Ottawa looks to balance sustainable immigration levels with domestic capacity while still addressing labour shortages and supporting economic growth.
Current Express Entry Categories
Since 2023, Canada has been conducting category-based Express Entry draws, focusing on occupations in demand and Francophone immigration outside Quebec. These draws have targeted workers in health care, STEM, skilled trades, transportation, and agriculture.
In 2025, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) has taken centre stage, reflecting a shift toward transitioning more temporary residents already in Canada into permanent residence. This focus has been part of a broader effort to stabilise immigration levels while maintaining the country’s labour supply.
Economic Priorities For 2026
Looking ahead, the federal government is considering three new categories alongside the existing priorities of labour shortages and Francophone immigration:
- Leadership – Prioritising senior managers who can lead Canadian companies through digital transformation, boost productivity, and contribute to organisational success.
- Science and Innovation – Attracting global researchers and scientists whose work supports economic growth, competitiveness, and human capital development.
- Military and Defence – Supporting the Canadian Armed Forces by selecting skilled military recruits from allied countries to strengthen Canada’s defence capacity.
These proposed categories reflect a broader vision for Express Entry that goes beyond immediate labour shortages to include strategic, long-term needs.
Addressing Labour Shortages
Canada continues to face long-term shortages in health care, construction and skilled trades, education, STEM, and agriculture. These gaps affect everything from the housing supply to timely access to health and education services. Express Entry will remain a key mechanism to bring in skilled workers in these areas, while consultations will gather input on whether selection should focus more on talent already in Canada or on attracting workers directly from overseas.
Supporting Francophone Immigration
Francophone immigration remains a central priority for Express Entry. Canada has set rising targets for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec — 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027 — moving toward 12% by 2029.
To achieve this, Ottawa is investing in initiatives such as the Welcoming Francophone Communities program, the Francophone Immigration Support Program, the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028, and pilot projects for students and minority communities.
Innovation And National Competitiveness
By adding categories for leadership and science, Canada aims to attract global experts who can bring new perspectives, accelerate research, and strengthen business competitiveness. These candidates would help position Canada as a global destination for high-skilled talent and innovation.
Military And Defence Capacity
The government is also exploring the option of using Express Entry to recruit highly skilled military candidates from allied countries. This would support Canada’s defence strategy by reinforcing the Canadian Armed Forces and ensuring its ability to remain a world-class military force.
Potential Shift
The 2026 consultation signals a potential shift in Express Entry from a sole focus on occupations and Francophone immigration to a more strategic approach. By adding categories for leadership, science and innovation, and military and defence, Canada is positioning immigration as a tool not just for filling immediate workforce gaps but also for shaping the country’s long-term economic and security priorities.
FAQ
What new categories are being considered for Express Entry in 2026?
Canada is considering three new categories: Leadership, Science and Innovation, and Military and Defence. These would join existing priorities like labour shortages and Francophone immigration.
Why is leadership a priority?
Canada wants to attract senior managers who can guide companies through transformation, boost productivity, and strengthen competitiveness in a changing global economy.
What does the Science and Innovation category mean?
This category would prioritise researchers and scientists whose work contributes to economic growth, technological advancement, and training future talent across industries.
How would Express Entry support the military?
The government is exploring using Express Entry to recruit skilled military candidates from allied countries to reinforce Canada’s Armed Forces and defence capacity.
How does this affect current Express Entry categories?
The existing focus on labour shortages and Francophone immigration will remain. The new categories would expand Canada’s ability to use immigration strategically to meet future needs.
