Canada announced revisions to its Express Entry immigration system on Wednesday, introducing new priority categories to bring in skilled workers across key sectors, including research, healthcare, aviation, and even certain military roles. The move reflects Ottawa’s broader goal of balancing immigration levels while addressing workforce shortages and enhancing national defence capabilities.
New Immigration Categories
Under the 2026 changes, Canada will prioritize applicants who can make immediate contributions to the economy and national security. The new categories include:
- Researchers and senior managers in critical industries.
- Transport-sector professionals, such as pilots and aircraft mechanics.
- Foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience.
- Highly skilled military recruits, including doctors, nurses, and pilots, who are being recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab stated that these targeted streams aim to attract talent that can contribute from day one, addressing labour shortages in essential sectors while keeping overall immigration numbers sustainable.
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Strategic Defence Goals
The expansion of military-focused immigration aligns with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new defence strategy, which seeks to reduce Canada’s dependence on the United States. The plan includes:
- An 85% increase in government investment in defence-related research and development over the next decade.
- A 240% growth in defence industry revenues.
- A 50% rise in defence exports.
- Creation of up to 125,000 quality jobs in the defence sector.
Additionally, Canada, like other NATO members, has pledged to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, underscoring the strategic importance of building a skilled workforce capable of supporting advanced defence initiatives.
Existing Streams Remain Active
While these new targeted streams are being introduced, existing Express Entry categories—including French-language candidates, healthcare professionals, and skilled trades—will continue to operate. This ensures that Canada maintains a broad approach to attracting talent while addressing specific gaps in both civilian and defence sectors.
With these changes, Canada hopes to create a more sustainable, skilled, and strategically aligned immigration system that supports its economic and defence priorities over the coming decade.
