On February 18, 2026, IRCC announced the 2026 Express Entry category-based draw categories. These categories matter because they can change who gets invited in targeted rounds, even when general CRS cut-offs are high. This update applies only to people who are already eligible for Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST). It does not mean everyone in these categories will get an invitation.
What IRCC changed for 2026 (announced February 18, 2026)
IRCC confirmed new categories for 2026 and also renewed several existing ones. The goal is to target labour shortages and specific priorities, while keeping total invitations inside the government’s overall immigration targets.
The 2026 Express Entry categories (current list)
IRCC’s current category-based selection list includes these 10 categories:
Renewed categories (continue in 2026):
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French-language proficiency
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Healthcare and social services occupations
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Education occupations
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STEM occupations
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Trade occupations
New categories for 2026:
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Physicians / medical doctors with Canadian work experience
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Researchers with Canadian work experience
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Senior managers with Canadian work experience
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Transport occupations (IRCC mentions roles like pilots, aircraft mechanics, and inspectors)
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Skilled military recruits (must have a job offer from the Canadian Armed Forces)
Biggest rule change: work experience requirement got stricter for renewed categories
For the renewed categories, IRCC increased the minimum work experience from 6 months to 1 year in an eligible occupation, gained in Canada or abroad within the previous 3 years.
This matters if you were counting on being eligible with only a short period of experience.
What did not change (important for expectations)
Even in category-based draws:
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You must still be eligible for Express Entry and have a CRS score.
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IRCC ranks eligible candidates and invites the top-ranking people (not everyone).
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Category-based draws are meant to supplement other draw types, and IRCC may skip a category-based round if enough candidates are already being invited through general or program-specific rounds.
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These added categories do not increase total invitations beyond the targets in the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
How to check if you qualify (practical checklist)
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Confirm you qualify for FSW, CEC, or FST (Express Entry programs).
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Identify your NOC/TEER correctly and match it to the category list on IRCC’s site.
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If aiming for French category, IRCC lists NCLC 7 in all four abilities as the baseline.
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Track draw instructions and results on IRCC’s “Rounds of invitations” pages.
Internal guidance (Canadianow): If you are new to Express Entry, review your program eligibility first, then focus on CRS improvement (language scores, Canadian experience, education assessment). Category-based draws can help, but they are not a plan by themselves.
FAQ
Are category-based draws guaranteed if I match a category?
No. You still need to be invited, and IRCC invites top-ranking candidates based on CRS in that category round.
Do I need Canadian work experience for every category?
No. Some categories accept experience in Canada or abroad (for example, many occupational categories). But some new 2026 categories clearly require Canadian work experience (like physicians, researchers, and senior managers).
What is the French requirement for the French-language category?
IRCC lists NCLC 7 in all four language abilities as the minimum.
Can IRCC stop doing category-based rounds in 2026?
They can choose not to run a category-based round if it is not needed (for example, if enough candidates are already invited through other round types).
Reality check (before you plan your next steps)
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These categories can improve chances for some people, but they are not a shortcut. CRS still matters, and draw sizes can change.
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The new “Canadian work experience” categories may mostly benefit people already working in Canada.
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If you do not match a category, your safest strategy is still: qualify for Express Entry, improve CRS, and follow official draw updates closely.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/02/canada-prioritizes-top-talent-in-2026-immigration-express-entry-categories.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/02/attracting-the-worlds-best-talent-to-fill-canadas-labour-gaps-and-build-our-economy.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations.html
