Canada is expanding its Express Entry immigration program to prioritize applicants with specialized skills in key sectors, including research, transportation, and the Canadian Armed Forces. The changes, announced by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab on , aim to attract highly qualified individuals who can contribute to the Canadian economy and address critical labor shortages.
The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. These latest adjustments introduce three new occupational categories that will be given priority consideration: researchers with Canadian work experience, senior managers with Canadian work experience, and individuals working in various transport occupations, as well as members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Expanding Pathways for Skilled Professionals
The addition of these categories reflects a strategic effort to target specific skill sets deemed essential for Canada’s future growth. The government has also increased the minimum work experience requirement for all occupational categories within the Express Entry system to one year, up from the previous six months. This experience does not need to be continuous, but must have been obtained within the past three years.
For researchers, the focus is on those with Canadian work experience. This acknowledges the value of individuals who have already integrated into the Canadian research landscape and possess a demonstrated understanding of the country’s scientific and academic environment. Specific 2021 NOC codes include 41201 (Post-secondary teaching and research assistants) and 41200 (University professors and lecturers).
Senior managers with Canadian experience are also being prioritized, encompassing a range of leadership roles across various industries. These include senior managers in construction, transportation, production, utilities, trade, broadcasting, health, education, social and community services, membership organizations, financial services, communications, and other business services (NOC codes 00015, 00014, 00013, and 00012 respectively). The inclusion of this category signals a desire to attract experienced leaders who can drive innovation and growth within Canadian businesses.
Addressing Transportation and Military Needs
The transportation sector is facing ongoing labor demands, and the new Express Entry stream aims to address this by prioritizing applicants in relevant occupations. This includes air pilots, flight engineers, flying instructors (NOC 72600), automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers (NOC 72410), aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404), and aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors (NOC 22313).
Perhaps most notably, the changes also create a dedicated pathway for members of the Canadian Armed Forces. This includes Operations Members (NOC 43204), Specialized members (NOC 42102), and Commissioned officers (NOC 40042). This initiative recognizes the valuable skills and training acquired through military service and seeks to facilitate the transition of qualified personnel into civilian life with permanent residency. Military applicants who have been selected by the Canadian Armed Forces as doctors, nurses, or pilots are eligible to apply.
Broader Immigration Strategy
These changes to the Express Entry system are part of a broader shift in Canada’s immigration policy. The federal government intends to prioritize economic immigrants in its 2026 immigration plan and reduce the number of temporary residents, such as international students. This reflects a growing concern about the sustainability of the current immigration levels and a desire to focus on attracting individuals who will contribute directly to the Canadian economy.
The government’s announcement builds upon the existing Express Entry framework, which already includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class, alongside a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program. The addition of these new categories is intended to enhance the system’s responsiveness to Canada’s evolving labor market needs.
The first draw for the physicians with Canadian work experience category, which was previously added to the Express Entry categories, is also anticipated. These ongoing adjustments demonstrate a commitment to refining the Express Entry system to ensure it remains an effective tool for attracting and retaining top talent in Canada.
