Researchers with Canadian Work Experience – Express Entry Category

This guide is for researchers with Canadian work experience who want to understand the new Express Entry category introduced in 2026. It explains who the category is designed for, how it fits within the Express Entry system, and the key eligibility factors you should review before applying.

What is the Researchers with Canadian work experience?

The Researchers with Canadian work experience category is part of Canada’s Express Entry category-based selection system. Introduced in 2026, it allows Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to invite researchers with recent Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence.

The category targets academic professionals already working in Canada, including post-secondary teaching and research assistants and university professors and lecturers, who have gained at least one year of Canadian research or teaching experience within the past three years. It aims to retain skilled researchers and support Canada’s research and innovation sector.

Who’s Eligible for the Researchers with Canadian Work Experience Category

To qualify for the Researchers category, applicants  must meet specific requirements, including:

• An active Express Entry profile under one of these three programs:
  • • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
    • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
    • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Meet the minimum requirements for the round, including the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off and tiebreaker rules.
• Have at least one year of full-time, cumulative work experience (or an equivalent in part-time work experience) in one single eligible occupation listed below. If your work experience spans multiple occupations, you will need to accumulate one year in a single occupation to qualify.

Occupations Eligible for Researchers with Canadian work experience Draws

Here is the list of current occupations and their specific NOC codes that are eligible for Researchers with Canadian work experience category-based draws under the Canadian Express Entry system:

Does my primary occupation need to be a researcher to be selected in the Researchers with Canadian work experience category draw?

No. You don’t need your primary occupation to be Researcher to be selected. You simply need at least one year of work experience in the last three years in an eligible skilled occupation.

I have 6+ months of work experience in an eligible Researcher occupation. Am I eligible?

No. Starting February 18, 2026, the minimum work experience is 1 year in an eligible occupation.

This means there are two separate work experience requirements to meet:

• You must meet the work experience criteria for one of the three Express Entry programs (FSW, CEC, or FST). Each of these programs has different work experience requirements, usually between one and two years, andthis experience does not need to be in the field of education. You can check your eligibility using our CRS calculator.
• But you must also have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in an eligible occupation within the last three years.

How To Apply for Researchers with Canadian Work Experience Category

Step 1: You must be eligible for Express Entry

The first step to getting invited to apply in a Researcher-specific draw is to get into the Express Entry pool.

There are three possible programs you can be eligible for to join the Express Entry pool of candidates:

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

Step 2: Enter Your Profile Into the Express Entry Pool

If you’re eligible for at least one program, you can submit your candidate profile to the Express Entry pool.

To improve your chances, stay updated on Express Entry Candidate Pool trends to assess your competitiveness for the next draws.

Step 3: Check Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score

After submitting your profile, you will receive a CRS score. This score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool and is based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability.

You can also check your CRS points using our comprehensive Free Express Entry points calculator. The benefit of using our tool is that you get a detailed overview of where you get your points and how your score compares to others in the pool.

Step 4: Waiting for IRCC Draws to receive an Invitation to Apply

All the Researcher draws have a CRS cut-off. Your chances of receiving an invitation to apply depend on your CRS score and the cut-off for the draw.

If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cut-off, you will receive an invitation to apply. If your score is below the cut-off, you will need to work on improving your CRS for future draws.

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence

Once invited, you can submit your permanent residence application. If successful, you’ll be on your way to starting a new chapter in Canada. If not, use the time to enhance your profile and increase your CRS score for the next opportunity.

Researchers Category FAQ

Is it easier to immigrate to Canada with a PhD?

Having a PhD does not automatically guarantee permanent residence in Canada, but it can make immigration easier. Candidates with a PhD often receive higher scores in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) because of their education level.

In addition, PhD graduates who gain Canadian work experience in research or teaching roles, such as university lecturers or post-secondary research assistants, may qualify for Express Entry category-based draws, including the Researchers with Canadian work experience category introduced in 2026. This can increase their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Did Canada launch a $1.7 billion program to attract global researchers?

Yes. Canada announced a $1.7 billion initiative to attract and retain top global researchers and scientists. The program aims to strengthen Canada’s research capacity, support innovation, and position the country as a global destination for academic talent.

Alongside funding programs for research institutions, Canada has also expanded immigration pathways that support highly skilled academics. For example, the Researchers with Canadian work experience Express Entry category introduced in 2026 allows qualified researchers already working in Canada to receive targeted invitations to apply for permanent residence.

Is it easy to get PR after a PhD in Canada?

Getting permanent residence after completing a PhD in Canada is possible, but it depends on meeting immigration program requirements. Many PhD graduates gain Canadian work experience in academic or research positions, which can significantly improve their chances under Express Entry.

Graduates who work in roles such as post-secondary teaching and research assistants, university professors, or lecturers may qualify for the Researchers with Canadian work experience Express Entry category if they have at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience within the last three years. Strong language scores, Canadian work experience, and a competitive CRS score can further improve the chances of receiving an invitation to apply for PR.