Canada proposes senior managers, researchers and military for 2026 Express Entry

(CANADA) Canada’s immigration department has opened a public consultation on three new Express Entry category-based selection groups that could start in 2026, focusing on senior managers (leadership), scientists and researchers (research and innovation), and highly skilled military personnel (national security and defence). The consultation is open now and closes on September 3, 2025. As of August 12, 2025, IRCC has made no final decision. Until any 2026 change is announced, the current Express Entry categories remain in place and continue to guide invitations through 2025.

The proposal lands as Ottawa reshapes intake under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan. Admissions targets move down to 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027, with a stronger share for economic programs and more permanent resident transitions from people already in Canada. With fewer total spots and a tight labour market, category-based draws carry extra weight in deciding who gets invited next year.

Policy changes overview

IRCC’s consultation frames a broader goal: use Express Entry not only to fill long-standing shortages, but also to support productivity, research-led growth, and national security.

The three proposed groups are:

• Leadership (senior managers): IRCC says experienced leaders who run teams and operations can help drive digital change, raise productivity, and improve growth. The consultation labels this as a focus on “senior managers,” but there is no confirmed list of eligible occupations or NOC codes yet.

• Research and innovation (scientists and researchers): Prioritizing researchers is presented as a way to increase productivity and spur growth through science. Again, no detailed NOC list is published in the consultation; the exact scope will depend on IRCC’s final choices.

• National security and defence (highly skilled military recruits): IRCC is exploring support for the Canadian Armed Forces by selecting skilled military professionals from allied countries. This would align immigration picks with defence needs, if adopted.

For now, IRCC’s active 2025 Express Entry categories remain unchanged (updated July 10, 2025): French-language proficiency; Healthcare and social services; STEM; Trade occupations; Agriculture and agri-food; and Education. These categories continue to shape draws this year.

• Example: the Trade occupations category requires at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience in a single listed NOC within the last 3 years, in Canada or abroad. IRCC’s published list covers roles such as construction managers (70010), electricians (72200/72201), plumbers (72300), and welders (72106), and each round’s instructions set the exact thresholds.

The consultation signals a potential shift in 2026 toward a wider talent lens — raising the profile of leadership roles, research-driven jobs, and defence-aligned skills alongside existing focus areas like French, healthcare, and trades. Immigration-focused outlets have described the change as adding a “leadership and innovation” lens to category-based draws, while stressing that the government has not yet set a decision date.

• CIC News has highlighted the consultation deadline of September 3, 2025 and the absence of a timeline for final announcements.
• According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the proposals point to Express Entry playing a bigger role in productivity and R&D goals, while still keeping core sectors and French-language selection in the mix.

Impact on applicants and timeline

If adopted, the 2026 categories could open clearer paths for groups that sometimes struggle in CRS-only competition. Examples:

• Senior managers with strong leadership records may fare better in targeted rounds even with mid-range CRS scores.
• Scientists and researchers whose work supports productivity and growth could gain targeted opportunities.
• Military professionals from allied countries with specialized training could gain routes aligned with Canadian Armed Forces priorities.

That said, with lower admissions targets in 2026 and 2027, category-based draws may become more selective. Aligning your profile to any priority category will likely matter more.

Public process currently underway

1. Consultation period: Now through September 3, 2025, IRCC is collecting feedback on the proposed categories and criteria for 2026.
2. IRCC review and decision: After the window closes, the department will study submissions and labour data, then finalize the 2026 categories and their rules. No decision date is published.
3. 2026 rollout: If adopted, IRCC will publish the final 2026 categories, eligibility, and any occupation lists or experience thresholds. Category-based rounds would then follow in 2026.

Practical steps for candidates today

• Keep a complete Express Entry profile and raise your CRS where possible.
• Check language test dates and education assessments so they don’t expire at the wrong time.
• If you work as a senior manager or in research, keep detailed letters confirming duties, leadership achievements, or research outputs that match likely NOCs.
• For military professionals, keep records of rank, training, and specialized roles.
• Track IRCC’s updates on category-based selection. The Government of Canada maintains a current page for categories, round instructions, and future changes at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/category-based-selection.html

What remains unchanged and key unknowns

• The current 2025 categories (French-language proficiency, Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Agriculture and agri-food, Education) still matter and will continue guiding draws through 2025.
• Even if leadership, research, and defence become new groups in 2026, existing areas are expected to remain important.

Key unknowns:

• IRCC has not confirmed the final 2026 category list.
• Specific NOC codes for senior managers or scientists and researchers are not yet set.
• Thresholds such as required months of experience are not published.
• The size and frequency of 2026 draws depend on operational plans and the space left under the 2026 target of 380,000 permanent residents.

Important: Until IRCC confirms the 2026 categories and posts the rules, all scopes and NOC mappings are proposals that could change. Candidates should follow official updates and read round instructions closely.

Practical scenarios and the human side

• A mid-career lab lead with a mid-range CRS might not receive an invitation today. If a research and innovation category is adopted and their NOC is included, a targeted draw could bring an invitation that was previously out of reach.
• A plant manager who has led large teams across sites might benefit from a leadership-focused round that values proven responsibility, not only age or spousal points.
• A signals technician from an allied military force could find a route recognizing specialized training valuable in the private sector.

As the consultation runs, stakeholders across Canada — employers, provinces, unions, universities, and military planners — are weighing how to shape criteria so that category-based draws support both short-term gaps and long-term growth. IRCC’s annual update rhythm for category-based selection, introduced in 2023, means any new groups will be published with detailed instructions before rounds begin.

A final note of caution: until IRCC confirms the 2026 categories and posts the rules, treat all proposals as subject to change. After the consultation closes on September 3, 2025, watch for announcements, updated category pages, and new draw instructions that will set the tone for Express Entry selection in 2026.