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Canada has unveiled new immigration priority categories aimed at attracting skilled professionals across various sectors, including research, healthcare, aviation, and certain military recruits. These categories correspond with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s strategy to reduce the influx of newcomers while prioritizing highly skilled workers, academics, and bolstering defense capabilities to reduce dependence on the U.S.
The government stated that this change seeks to restore immigration levels to sustainable numbers and address labour shortages in essential industries. In recent years, efforts have been made to curb immigration numbers to ease pressures on housing and social services.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab emphasized that the 2026 updates to the Express Entry program will help draw talent that can immediately contribute to the economy, particularly in sectors facing critical staffing shortages. The new streams will prioritize researchers, senior managers, transportation workers such as pilots and aircraft mechanics, as well as internationally trained medical professionals with Canadian experience. Military applicants, including doctors, nurses, and pilots recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces, will also be part of the new categories.
Diab highlighted that a resilient workforce is key to Canada’s economic future amid changing global conditions.
In addition, Prime Minister Carney announced a new defense strategy that seeks to ramp up government investment in defense research by 85% over the next decade, significantly increase defense industry revenue, expand exports, and create up to 125,000 new high-quality jobs. Canada has committed to raising its defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, aligning with NATO’s goals.
Existing Express Entry pathways—such as those for French speakers, healthcare workers, and skilled trades—will continue running alongside these new targeted streams.
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