IRCC has launched its annual consultation and public survey, with early signs pointing to the return of some previously targeted fields – plus three brand-new categories.
Here’s what we know so far, and what it could mean for you.
Proposed New Categories for 2026
Looking ahead, IRCC’s 2025 consultations on economic priorities for category-based selection in Express Entry, suggest categories could be expanded to include more strategic economic and innovation-focused categories. The potential new categories under review include:
Leadership and Senior Management – Bringing in experienced leaders to help Canadian businesses grow, innovate, and compete internationally.
Researchers and Scientists – Attracting skilled experts to strengthen Canada’s research sector.
Highly Skilled Military Recruits – Helping the Canadian Armed Forces hire well-trained professionals from allied countries.
Which Categories Could Be Targeted in 2026
Based on the consultation documents, it appears that all existing categories could remain in 2026, alongside the newly proposed categories.
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This would mean the existing categories would continue to be a focus. These are:
French-language proficiency- will likely remain a prominent category.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Skilled Trades
Agriculture and agri-food
Healthcare and social services
Education.
On top of these, three new categories are under consideration:
Leadership and Senior Management
Researchers and Scientists
Highly Skilled Military Recruits.
How Does This Compare to Categories Targeted in 2025?
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 27,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through category-based selection. However, these draws have been limited to just three categories:
French-language proficiency
Education
Healthcare
While the official 2025 category list also includes Trades, Agriculture and agri-food, and STEM, the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, together with shifting priorities, has meant no draws have been held in these areas yet.
How Does IRCC Decide on the Categories It Will Target?
Before committing to anything, IRCC will consult with provinces, territories, and stakeholders from August 6, 2025 to September 3, 2025 before finalizing the 2026 categories.
As part of its consultation process for shaping the 2026 Express Entry priorities, IRCC has shared a public survey asking for feedback on how category-based selection should evolve in 2026. The questions focus on big issues, like whether candidates should be chosen from inside or outside Canada, if work experience requirements should change, and what new categories might be added.
Key Insights From the Survey
Here are key insights from IRCC’s 2026 Express Entry Economic Priorities Survey that hint at the direction Express Entry could take next year:
