How Should Canada Select Skilled Immigrants Through Express Entry in 2026?

Official title: 2025 consultations on economic priorities for category-based selection in Express Entry

Closed Policy & Studies Economy & Jobs Immigration
Canada's Express Entry system picks skilled workers for permanent residence. The government wants feedback on which job categories should get priority in 2026. They're considering healthcare, trades, STEM, education, agriculture, and French-speakers. New this year: they might also prioritize senior managers and military recruits from allied countries.

Why This Matters

Know someone trying to immigrate to Canada? This shapes who gets picked. If you work in healthcare, trades, or tech, it affects whether your industry gets the workers it needs. International students hoping to stay permanently should pay attention too—these categories also affect post-graduation work permit eligibility.

What Could Change

The government could add new priority categories for senior managers and military recruits from allied countries. Healthcare, trades, STEM, education, and agriculture categories would likely continue. French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec remain a priority, with targets rising to 12% by 2029. These choices determine who gets invited to apply for permanent residence.

Key Issues

  • Should Canada add a new category prioritizing senior managers and business leaders?
  • Should military recruits from allied countries get immigration priority to strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces?
  • Which sectors face the most acute labour shortages: healthcare, trades, STEM, education, or agriculture?
  • Should Express Entry focus on transitioning temporary residents already in Canada or recruiting from overseas?
  • How should Francophone immigration targets outside Quebec be achieved through category-based selection?

How to Participate

  1. Review the survey questions (PDF) to prepare your answers in advance.
  2. Complete the online survey to share your views on economic priorities for 2026. Note: The survey closed September 3, 2025.
  3. For questions, contact the engagement team at ircc.engagement-engagement.ircc@cic.gc.ca.

Key Documents