Canada has announced new immigration categories for skilled foreign workers under its Express Entry system as it seeks to address labour shortages.
The changes were introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and outlined by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab in early 2026.
According to the department, the 2026 Express Entry categories are designed “to allow Canada to invite candidates with the skills and experience needed to support our economy,” while keeping immigration at sustainable levels.
Under the 2026 framework, Canada is seeking:
- Medical doctors, including physicians with Canadian work experience
- Nurses and other healthcare and social services professionals
- Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience
- Workers with strong French-language proficiency
- Skilled tradespersons
- Educators
- Professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
- Transport professionals, including pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors
- Highly skilled foreign military personnel recruited for roles such as military doctors, nurses and pilots
IRCC said immigration accounts for almost 100 percent of Canada’s labour force growth and remains central to addressing shortages in key sectors.
Minister Diab stated that the new category-based selection system would strengthen Canada’s economic capacity “through targeted measures for medical doctors, graduate students and researchers, as well as Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.”
In February 2026, IRCC issued several Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry:
- February 20, 2026: 4,000 ITAs for healthcare and social services workers, with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 467.
- February 19, 2026: 391 ITAs for physicians with Canadian work experience, with a CRS score of 169.
- February 6, 2026: 8,500 ITAs for candidates with French-language proficiency, with a CRS score of 400.
As of February 2026, Canada had issued 34,848 ITAs across various draw types, including the Canadian Experience Class and the Provincial Nominee Program.
IRCC confirmed that Express Entry draws in 2026 have largely focused on candidates already in Canada, particularly those with provincial nominations or Canadian work experience.
While expanding category-based draws, Canada is reducing overall immigration levels.
The government plans to keep permanent resident admissions below 1 percent of the national population annually beyond 2027.
Temporary resident targets have been set at:
- 673,650 for 2025
- 516,600 for 2026
- 543,600 for 2027
Canada also aims to reduce temporary residents to 5 percent of the population by the end of 2026.
How to apply
Applications are managed through the Express Entry system, which oversees:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program
- The Canadian Experience Class
- Part of the Provincial Nominee Program
Eligible candidates must create an online profile and receive a CRS score based on age, education, language proficiency and work experience. Those selected in category-based draws receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
Nigeria is among countries that permit dual citizenship with Canada. Under Nigerian law, citizens by birth or descent may retain Nigerian nationality after acquiring Canadian citizenship. However, naturalised Nigerians may be required to renounce their original nationality.
For Nigerian professionals, the 2026 categories present opportunities particularly in healthcare, STEM, skilled trades, education and French-language streams.
Canada’s immigration department said it will continue to adjust selection criteria to respond to labour market needs while maintaining controlled population growth.
