This article looks at the categories being considered for 2026 and how they compare to those used in 2025. It also shares key insights from IRCC’s public consultation that hint at where policy may be heading, and explains what these changes could mean for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders.

Key Takeaways

• Three New Categories – IRCC may add Leadership and Senior Management, Researchers and Scientists, and Highly Skilled Military Recruits to Express Entry.
• All Current Categories Stay – Existing categories like French, STEM, Trades, Agriculture, Healthcare, and Education could continue alongside the new ones.
• PGWP Impact – Any new categories introduced could impact the field of studies eligible for a PGWP.

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 and create new ideas. 

• Highly Skilled Military Recruits – Helping the Canadian Armed Forces hire well-trained professionals from allied countries. 

The consultation document indicates that these new categories would be added alongside the program’s existing categories. 

In the last survey for 2025 priorities, IRCC proposed only one new category, Education.  This was introduced as a category in March 2025. This year’s consultation points to a much bigger expansion, with several new categories under consideration. As last year showed, their inclusion in the survey is a strong sign that IRCC is serious about potentially adding them. 

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.  

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 to 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: