IRCC Signals Major Updates to Express Entry Categories for 2026

The IRCC is planning significant changes to its Express Entry category-based selection for 2026. This comes with the launch of its annual consultation and public survey. While 2025 focused on a smaller set of categories, next year could see some old categories return, along with three brand-new ones.

This article reviews the categories under consideration for 2026, compares them with 2025, and highlights insights from IRCC’s public consultation. It also explains how these changes could affect Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders.

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

Key Takeaways

  • Three Potential New Categories – IRCC may add Leadership and Senior Management, Researchers and Scientists, and Highly Skilled Military Recruits.
  • Current Categories Likely to Stay – Categories such as French, STEM, Trades, Agriculture, Healthcare, and Education may continue alongside the new ones.
  • Impact on PGWP – Any new categories could influence which fields of study qualify for a PGWP.

Proposed New Categories for 2026

IRCC’s 2025 consultations focused on economic priorities suggest an expansion of Express Entry categories. The new categories under consideration include:
  • Leadership and Senior Management – Attracting experienced leaders to drive business growth, innovation, and global competitiveness in Canada.
  • Researchers and Scientists – Bringing in experts to strengthen Canada’s research sector and foster new ideas.
  • Highly Skilled Military Recruits – Supporting the Canadian Armed Forces in hiring skilled professionals from allied nations.

These potential new categories would complement the program’s current categories rather than replace them.

Last year, IRCC introduced only one new category, Education, in March 2025. This year’s consultation points to a larger expansion. Including these categories in the survey indicates IRCC is seriously considering them.

Categories Likely Targeted in 2026

According to the consultation, existing categories could remain in 2026, alongside the new ones. Current categories include:

  • French-language proficiency – Likely to remain a key category.
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
  • Skilled Trades
  • Agriculture and Agri-food
  • Healthcare and Social Services
  • Education
New categories under consideration include:
  • Leadership and Senior Management
  • Researchers and Scientists
  • Highly Skilled Military Recruits

Comparison with 2025

In 2025, IRCC issued 27,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through category-based selection. Draws focused on only three categories:
  • French-language proficiency
  • Education
  • Healthcare

Although Trades, Agriculture, Agri-food, and STEM are on the official 2025 list, no draws have been conducted for them yet due to the Immigration Levels Plan and shifting priorities.

How IRCC Decides on Target Categories

Before finalizing 2026 categories, IRCC will consult provinces, territories, and other stakeholders from August 6 to September 3, 2025.

The consultation includes a public survey to gather feedback on how category-based selection should evolve. Questions cover key topics, such as whether candidates should be selected from inside or outside Canada, if work experience requirements should change, and which new categories could be added.

Insights from the Survey

The survey provides clues about the potential direction of Express Entry in 2026, indicating how IRCC may adjust its priorities for category-based selection.

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

To Stay Updated on Canadian Immigration News, Subscribe to Immigration Experts

  1. Fill up our Free Evaluation Form and take the initial step toward your Visa and Immigration Process. We are available for ONLINE CONSULTATION!
  2. Contact Immigration Experts for a FREE Points-Based Assessment of your profile: Drop us an email at: info@immigrationxperts.com
  3. Give us a call at : +91-9999467686, +91-8447-696555
  4. Book your appointment with our experienced immigration counselors and solve all your immigration-related queries.
  5. Achieve your Immigration dreams with Immigration Experts.