Major Express Entry Changes Coming in 2026 – What Applicants Must Know
Canada's Express Entry system is preparing for significant updates in 2026. These changes will influence eligibility, occupational priorities, provincial nominations, and language requirements for skilled workers around the world.
December 11, 2025 — Ottawa
These are the biggest changes coming to Express Entry in 2026. Below is a clear breakdown of what applicants, families, and employers should expect.
1. New Express Entry Category for Physicians with Canadian Experience
Starting early 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will conduct draws under a new Express Entry category for physicians who have at least one year of Canadian work experience.
This category is more selective than the existing Healthcare and Social Services streams and targets doctors already contributing to Canada's healthcare system.
This is a major opportunity for internationally trained physicians currently working in Canada.
2. Proposed New Occupational Categories for 2026
IRCC has signaled the possibility of three new targeted occupational streams under category-based selection:
a. Leadership (Senior Managers)
Designed for executives overseeing operations, strategy, and team management.
b. Research and Innovation (Scientists & Researchers)
Targets those involved in scientific development, innovation, and productivity.
c. National Security & Defence (Military Personnel)
Prioritizes skilled military professionals from partner nations to strengthen Canada's defence sector.
Final details will be confirmed once IRCC completes its policy review.
3. Updates to Existing Express Entry Categories
In addition to the new physician stream, IRCC currently operates five occupational categories:
- STEM
- Trades
- Healthcare & Social Services
- Education
- Agriculture & Agri-Food
In 2025, IRCC prioritized the following categories:
- Healthcare and Social Services
- Education
- Trades
- French-language proficiency
It remains unclear whether these will continue to be prioritized in 2026. Notably, STEM and Agriculture & Agri-Food did not receive any category-based draws in 2025.
4. Significant Increase to PNP Nomination Allocations
In 2026, Canada will increase its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) permanent resident targets. As a result:
- Provinces will receive higher nomination allocations
- Expect more PNP draws linked to Express Entry
- Provinces will be officially notified in early 2026
This is excellent news for applicants seeking additional pathways through PNP streams.
5. Higher Targets for Francophone Immigration
Canada continues to strengthen its commitment to francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Upcoming targets:
- 2026: 9% francophone admissions
- 2028: 10.5%
- 2029: 12%
Applicants with strong French skills (NCLC 7 or above) will continue to receive enhanced opportunities under category-based draws.
6. Major NOC Revision Coming in 2026
Canada will implement a comprehensive overhaul of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) in 2026.
Key impacts:
- About 165 unit groups will see changes
- Updated job titles, duties, exclusions, and definitions
- Structural changes may affect who qualifies under specific immigration programs
- Announcement expected December 2025, with full rollout in 2026
Applicants should ensure their job descriptions and experience align with the updated NOC system when published.
7. TOEFL Expected to Be Accepted for PR Applications
In 2026, IRCC may officially begin accepting the TOEFL as an approved English-language test for Express Entry and other PR programs.
It will join:
- CELPIP
- IELTS
- PTE Core
This provides more flexibility for applicants when choosing a language test.
Conclusion: 2026 Will Be a Transformational Year for Express Entry
The upcoming changes demonstrate Canada's ongoing shift toward:
- ✓Labour-market-driven selection
- ✓Targeted occupational categories
- ✓More provincial nominations
- ✓Stronger emphasis on French language ability
- ✓Updated job classification standards
- ✓More flexible language testing options
At M A Immigration Associates Inc., we will continue to monitor every update and guide our clients according to the latest IRCC policies and opportunities.