Canada Immigration Policy Update: IRCC Considering Three New Express Entry Streams for 2026

Canada is preparing to reshape the way it welcomes skilled workers. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has opened public consultations on introducing three new occupational categories under the Express Entry system.

These categories include Leadership, Research & Innovation, and National Security & Defence.

For years, Express Entry has focused on filling urgent labour shortages in healthcare, STEM, trades, and other essential sectors. Now, the discussion is shifting toward the future — how to bring in global talent that can drive innovation, steer organizations, and strengthen national security. The consultation gives employers, students, and skilled workers a chance to understand what may soon change in Canada's immigration system.

If approved, this would represent one of the most significant category-based updates since the launch of Express Entry in 2015. But what does this mean for skilled workers, international students, and employers?

Let's break it down.

Key Takeaways

• Three new categories under consultation (closing September 3, 2025): Leadership, Research & Innovation, National Security & Defence.
• Final details expected in 2026 after consultations.
• Existing priorities — Francophone immigration and in-demand labour sectors — will continue.
• PGWP eligibility could shift in early 2026 in response to category changes.
• Impact is expected across employers, international students, and skilled workers globally.

Why Canada Is Proposing New Categories?

Over the past two years, IRCC has used category-based Express Entry draws to target labour shortages in priority sectors such as healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture.

However, looking ahead, Canada's government recognizes the need to reposition its immigration policy to strengthen global competitiveness and boost productivity through innovation. They also plan to address leadership gaps in evolving industries.

As Canada prepares for an evolving economy and an aging population, immigration remains its primary driver of workforce growth.

By diversifying Express Entry categories, IRCC hopes to attract skilled workers whose expertise aligns with these national priorities.

Express Entry to Expand with Three New Categories by 2026

Here's a closer look at the proposed categories for Express Entry in 2026:

1. Leadership Category

Who qualifies?

Senior managers and executives responsible for leading teams and driving organizational success.

Why does this matter?

Canada is struggling to build a pipeline of experienced leaders, particularly as many current executives approach retirement age.

This pathway could attract global professionals with experience in corporate transformation, digital transition, and organizational competitiveness.

Example roles potentially covered include:

• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
• Chief Technology Officers (CTOs)
• Directors of Operations
• Corporate Project Managers

2. Research & Innovation Category

Who qualifies?

Researchers and scientists working at the cutting edge of ideas that boost productivity and long-term growth.

Why does this matter?

Canadian universities and industries rely heavily on foreign-born talent to maintain momentum in research-intensive fields. However, the framework has yet to specify which disciplines will be prioritized.

This category may help Canada retain global research leaders, from healthcare innovation to clean energy, and strengthen connections between academia and industry.

Possible areas likely to get focus include:

• Biotechnology and healthcare research
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Green technologies and clean energy
• Advanced manufacturing and robotics

3. National Security & Defence Category

Who qualifies?

Experienced military personnel and security specialists from allied countries.

Why does this matter?

Canada's armed forces have faced long-standing challenges in recruitment and retention. Skilled individuals with defence expertise could help reinforce Canada's security and international commitments.

This marks a significant policy shift, as immigration is now explicitly supported by Canada's defence strategy.

Possible target professionals include:

• Officers with leadership experience
• Cybersecurity specialists
• Intelligence professionals
• Defence technology engineers

IRCC will Continue with Existing Priorities

The proposed changes do not replace IRCC's current category-based immigration priorities; instead, they build on them.

IRCC has confirmed it will continue emphasizing:

1. Francophone Immigration (outside Quebec): 

• Targets: 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027.
• Goal: Grow the French-speaking permanent resident population across Canada.

2. In-Demand Labour Sectors: 

1. Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, care workers.
2. Skilled Trades: Construction, welding, mechanics.
3. STEM: Engineers, IT specialists, data scientists.
4. Agriculture/Agri-Food: Farmers, livestock managers.
5. Education: Teachers, early childhood educators.

While new categories focus on high-level skills and leadership, the day-to-day backbone roles in healthcare, trades, and STEM remain priority areas.

What is the Impact on International Students & PGWPs?

Earlier this year, Canada removed 178 fields of study from PGWP eligibility, leaving 119 programs still approved. It will be interesting to note how these policy changes may impact the international students.

IRCC has already stated that the next PGWP eligibility review will take place in early 2026. If the new Express Entry categories are adopted, PGWP rules may evolve to better align with Canada's updated occupational needs.

Possible Impacts on International Students

• International students in leadership-oriented programs (e.g., MBA, organizational leadership) may benefit.
• Programs linked to research fields and innovation sectors could remain eligible.
• Defence and security-related programs (particularly in cybersecurity, aerospace engineering, or defence studies) may gain prominence.

For international students, this means careful program selection becomes even more essential to ensure both PGWP and Express Entry eligibility.

You may contact ImmiLaw Global to choose your university and program that aligns with your aspirations. Also, to check if your selected program qualifies you for a PGWP, feel free to get in touch with our representatives.

Opportunities and Challenges

Every policy change in immigration brings a mix of promise and uncertainty. Canada's proposed Express Entry categories are no different. While they open new doors for many, they also raise important questions.

Opportunities

• Pathways for specialized talent: Senior executives, top researchers, and defence experts could soon find clearer routes into Canada, making the country even more attractive for global leaders.
• Bridging knowledge and policy: By connecting universities, research institutions, and immigration programs, Canada strengthens its ability to turn innovative ideas into real-world growth.
• New choices for students: International students can plan their studies with an eye on Canada's future needs, aligning degrees and career paths with emerging immigration priorities.

Challenges

• Uncertainty in research fields: IRCC has not yet defined which areas of research will be prioritized, leaving many potential candidates uncertain about whether their expertise will qualify.
• Balancing labour needs: Canada must ensure that creating new categories does not take focus away from pressing shortages in healthcare, trades, and other essential jobs.
• Public trust and expectations: Linking immigration policy with defence is a sensitive shift. The government will need to carefully explain how these changes serve both national interests and broader immigration goals.

What Prospective Applicants Should Do Now?

With Canada still consulting on these new Express Entry categories, nothing is final yet. But that doesn't mean applicants, students, or employers should sit back and wait. A little preparation now can make a big difference later.

• Stay tuned to IRCC updates: The consultation period closes on September 3, 2025. Keep an eye on announcements after this date to understand how the final rules take shape.
• Polish your Express Entry profile: Work on improving language test scores, building Canadian work experience where possible, and making sure your educational credentials are assessed. Meanwhile, plan early moves to boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
• For students: If you're planning your studies in Canada, think ahead. Programs related to leadership, innovation, or even national security may carry fresh opportunities once the new streams are introduced.
• For employers: These categories could help attract senior managers and research talent. Start exploring how to use immigration pathways to recruit the expertise your organization needs.
• For immigration professionals: Consultants and lawyers should prepare for policy shifts around Express Entry and Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). Advising clients may soon require fresh strategies.

The federal government is planning to build a workforce that is not only skilled but capable of driving innovation and safeguarding national interests.

For applicants, the coming year will be one of preparation and adaptation. With consultations closing in September 2025 and outcomes expected in 2026, all eyes are on IRCC as it designs the next chapter of the Express Entry program.

We will keep you informed with the latest immigration news and updates as policies evolve. Stay tuned!

Feel free to contact us for your queries.

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