Express Entry là hệ thống quản lý hồ sơ nhập cư tay nghề của Canada, đóng vai trò trung tâm trong việc lựa chọn và mời nộp hồ sơ thường trú nhân (PR). Bước sang năm 2026, hệ thống này sẽ có nhiều cập nhật quan trọng nhằm đáp ứng nhu cầu lao động và mục tiêu chính sách mới của Chính phủ Canada.

The article below provides a comprehensive and easy-to-understand summary of the most notable changes.

1. Begin the application withdrawal process specifically for doctors with experience working in Canada.

On December 8th, Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced a new category in Express Entry specifically for physicians with a minimum of one year of work experience in Canada.

The new category differs from the current Healthcare & Social Services group in two ways:

• The requirement is for a minimum of one year of work experience, instead of six months.
• That experience must be taken in Canada; international experience is not accepted.

Like other occupation-based selection categories, applicants must qualify for at least one of the three Express Entry programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The application draws are expected to begin in early 2026. Eligible candidates should create or update their Express Entry profile now.

2. The possibility of new industry categories emerging in 2026

The federal government is proposing three new occupational categories for the category-based selection system:

1. Leadership – Senior Managers
   Targeting senior management, operations managers, and human resources teams.
2. Research & Innovation – Scientists & Researchers
   Aiming for a research workforce that drives innovation, productivity, and long-term growth.
3. National Security & Defense – Military Personnel
   To support the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) by prioritizing the recruitment of highly skilled personnel from partner nations.

These proposals are still under review. A detailed list and implementation timeline will be published once the evaluation process is complete.

3. Adjust the current industry classifications.

In 2025, Express Entry will have 5 occupation categories:

• STEM
• Trades
• Healthcare & Social Services
• Education
• Agriculture & Agri-food

Among these, Healthcare & Social Services, Trades, and Education are identified as priority groups, alongside those with French language proficiency.

However, it remains unclear whether this order of priority will continue into 2026. Notably, STEM and Agriculture & Agri-food have not seen any job withdrawals in 2025 (as of now).

4. Increase quotas for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Chính phủ Canada dự kiến tăng số lượng chỉ tiêu PR thông qua PNP trong năm 2026. Mỗi tỉnh bang sẽ được phân bổ lượng đề cử cao hơn, tuy vẫn chưa rõ mức tăng cụ thể.

This could lead to:

• More PNP application draws (including the Express Entry-linked PNP).
• There are higher chances for candidates seeking PR through the PNP Express Entry-aligned streams.

The provinces are expected to receive the new quotas at the beginning of 2026.

5. Continue to increase the focus on French-speaking immigration.

According to the Immigration Levels Plan, the target for French speakers outside Quebec in 2026 is 9%, up from 8.5% in 2025. Further targets:

• 10.5% by 2028
• 12% by 2029

Conditions for being invited in the draw (in French):

• Eligible for at least one Express Entry program.
• It is present in the records system.
• Achieved NCLC French level 7 or higher in all four skills.
• Satisfy all the requirements of that draw.

6. Major update to the National Occupational Classification System (NOC 2026)

The NOC is an occupational classification system that helps determine eligibility for immigration programs. Canada updates the NOC every five years, and the 2026 update is considered a major change, including:

• Adjust the job title and job description.
• Update the main tasks, job requirements, and exception criteria.
• 165 occupational units are expected to be affected.

165 occupational units are expected to be affected.

7. Add a new English language test to PR applications.

In 2025, Canada announced it will add TOEFL to the list of accepted English language tests for PR applications, alongside:

• CELPIP
• IELTS
• PTE Core

IRCC is working with ETS to implement a TOEFL accreditation process. It is expected to be implemented in 2026, but the exact date has not yet been confirmed.

8. Summary of the Express Entry System

Express Entry manages three main skilled worker programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate factors such as:

• Age
• Education
• Work Experience
• Foreign language ability

Candidates with the highest CRS scores will be invited to apply for PR during the application draws.

Express Entry is designed to attract highly skilled workers to meet Canada's labor needs.