Canada Adds Three New Express Entry PR Categories in 2026: What This Means for You
Canada has announced three new permanent residence categories under Express Entry, marking another major shift toward targeted, skills-based immigration.
For many applicants, this is more than a headline — it could materially improve (or reshape) your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Here’s what we know — and what it means for you.
What Has Changed?
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced three new priority categories under Express Entry:
Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience
Transport occupations (including pilots, aircraft mechanics, and inspectors)
Highly skilled foreign military applicants
This follows December’s new category for foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience. The direction is clear: Express Entry is becoming more strategic and occupation-focused.
How Express Entry Is Evolving
Express Entry was once largely driven by Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
Today, category-based draws allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to:
Target specific labour shortages
Invite applicants with lower CRS scores if they fit priority occupations
Align immigration policy with national economic strategies
The 2026 Immigration Levels Plan prioritizes economic permanent residence pathways, while reducing some temporary streams. For skilled professionals, this means:
Faster selection for targeted occupations
Greater importance placed on Canadian work experience
Increased competition within priority categories
If you are unfamiliar with how Express Entry works, you can review our detailed guide here: express entry overview.
What This Means for Different Applicants
If You Are a Researcher or Senior Manager in Canada
If you already have Canadian work experience in research, academia, or senior leadership roles, this could significantly increase your chances of being selected — even if your CRS score is not at the very top. Canada has committed over $1 billion to attract researchers and scientists. This category signals long-term strategic intent.
Strategic takeaway: Your Canadian experience may now outweigh pure CRS ranking in targeted draws.
If your CRS score is borderline, we can assess whether category-based selection may improve your position.
If You Work in Aviation or Transport
Pilots, aircraft mechanics, and inspectors are now explicitly prioritized. For individuals currently in Canada on a work permit, this may create a stronger pathway to permanent residence.
If you are on a work permit and considering transitioning to PR, timing your Express Entry profile submission correctly is critical. In some cases, a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) may also be available after applying. We regularly advise clients on the transition from work permit to permanent residence.
If You Have Foreign Military Experience
This is one of the more complex additions. Highly skilled foreign military personnel may now qualify under a dedicated category aligned with Canada’s defence strategy.
However, these cases often involve:
Enhanced security screening
Detailed background checks
Careful documentation of military service
A misstep here can lead to delays or refusals. If you are unsure how your background may be assessed, it is important to seek advice before submitting an application.
Express Entry Is No Longer “One Size Fits All”
Canada is actively recruiting talent in targeted sectors. But at the same time, many highly educated newcomers struggle with underemployment. Immigration strategy must now align not only with eligibility — but with long-term labour market positioning.
For some applicants, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) strategy may still offer stronger odds, particularly if CRS scores are lower. You can learn more about PNP pathways here: Provincial Nominee Programs.
In certain cases, we may even recommend combining Express Entry with a provincial strategy to maximize your chances.
Should You Apply Now?
It depends on:
Your CRS score
Your occupation’s NOC classification
Your Canadian work experience
Your admissibility profile
Your long-term goals
Category-based draws can open and close quickly. Entering the pool without a strategic review can mean missing an opportunity — or worse, receiving a refusal after an ITA.
How Ayodele Law Can Help
At Ayodele Law, we take a strategic approach to Express Entry. We assist clients across Toronto and throughout Canada with:
Determining whether they qualify under new category-based draws
Reviewing NOC classifications to ensure alignment
Strengthening CRS scores where possible
Exploring alternative options such as PNP
Preparing complete, defensible permanent residence applications
Express Entry is no longer just about points. It is about positioning. If you believe your profession may fall under one of these new categories — or if you are unsure how these changes affect your immigration plans — we encourage you to reach out to us and setup a call.