Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially published a comprehensive list of 94 specific occupations prioritized for permanent residence through the Express Entry system in 2026. The updated framework, announced by Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship the Honourable Lena Diab, introduces a major policy shift: applicants now need only 12 months of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) within the last three years, and this experience no longer needs to be continuous. This change significantly broadens eligibility for skilled workers worldwide.
Ten Priority Categories for 2026 Express Entry
The new system organizes economic priorities into 10 targeted pools, covering both global applicants and those with Canadian experience. The first six categories are open to candidates with experience gained either inside Canada or abroad, while the remaining four require Canadian work experience or specific military service.
Part 1: Global and Overseas Priority Sectors
1. French-Language Proficiency
To boost Francophone immigration outside Quebec, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) and have at least one year of work experience within the past 10 years in any TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job.
2. Healthcare and Social Services (37 Jobs)
This expansive category addresses critical pressures in public health networks. Eligible occupations include general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102), registered nurses (NOC 31301), nurse practitioners (NOC 31302), dentists (NOC 31110), pharmacists (NOC 31120), psychologists (NOC 31200), social workers (NOC 41300), and many others such as medical laboratory technologists, paramedics, and veterinarians.
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) (11 Jobs)
Targeting technological innovation and infrastructure, this category includes civil engineers (NOC 21300), electrical and electronics engineers (NOC 21310), mechanical engineers (NOC 21301), cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220), geological engineers (NOC 21331), and industrial and manufacturing engineers (NOC 21321), among others.
4. Trade Occupations (25 Jobs)
To support housing and infrastructure, this category covers construction managers (NOC 70010), carpenters (NOC 72310), electricians (NOC 72200), plumbers (NOC 72300), welders (NOC 72106), heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401), and bricklayers (NOC 72320), as well as butchers (NOC 63201) and cabinetmakers (NOC 72311).
5. Education Occupations (5 Jobs)
Focusing on early childhood and school education, eligible roles include elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221), secondary school teachers (NOC 41220), early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202), instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203), and elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100).
6. Transport Occupations (4 Jobs)
This refined category prioritizes air pilots and flight engineers (NOC 72600), automotive service technicians and truck/bus mechanics (NOC 72410), aircraft mechanics and inspectors (NOC 72404), and aircraft instrument and avionics technicians (NOC 22313).
Part 2: In-Canada and Special Alignment Tracks
7. Physicians with Canadian Work Experience (3 Jobs)
A sub-stream for international doctors already practicing in Canada, covering general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102), specialists in surgery (NOC 31101), and specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC 31100).
8. Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience (4 Jobs)
This category targets corporate leadership, including senior managers in construction, transportation, production and utilities (NOC 00015); trade, broadcasting and other services (NOC 00014); health, education, social and community services (NOC 00013); and financial, communications and other business services (NOC 00012).
9. Researchers with Canadian Work Experience (2 Jobs)
Targeting post-secondary talent, eligible roles are post-secondary teaching and research assistants (NOC 41201) and university professors and lecturers (NOC 41200).
10. Skilled Military Recruits (3 Jobs)
This strategic track supports Canada's Defense Industrial Strategy. Applicants must be active foreign military personnel with at least 10 years of continuous service, a minimum 2-year post-secondary credential, and a valid full-time employment offer from the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group for at least 3 years. Eligible occupations include operations members (NOC 43204), specialized members (NOC 42102), and commissioned officers (NOC 40042) of the Canadian Armed Forces.
