Canada Immigration 2026: PNP & Express Entry Priorities Revealed

Top Immigration Priorities for Canada in 2026: Who Will Be Favoured by IRCC?

As we look ahead to 2026, Canada’s immigration system is clearly evolving to meet the country’s economic and social needs. Based on announcements and trends from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) throughout 2025, certain types of candidates are expected to be prioritized under Express Entry and other programs. Whether you’re already working in Canada or considering a move from abroad, understanding these priorities can help you plan your next steps more strategically.

Key Highlights

• Canadian work experience continues to be a major advantage, with a focus on transitioning temporary workers to permanent residents.
• Healthcare and social service workers are in high demand, with new Express Entry categories and faster processing times.
• French-speaking candidates remain a priority, especially for communities outside Quebec.
• Skilled trades professionals like electricians, plumbers and carpenters are needed to support Canada’s infrastructure goals.
• International researchers and tech talent are being actively recruited through new federal initiatives.
• Physicians with Canadian work experience are eligible for a new Express Entry stream launching in 2026.

Why Canadian Work Experience Is a Key Advantage

If you’re already living and working in Canada, you’re likely in a great position for permanent residency in 2026. Throughout 2025, IRCC issued nearly 31,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — making it the second most frequent draw type behind the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

The CEC is part of the Express Entry system and is designed for skilled workers who have at least one year of Canadian work experience in the last three years. The government’s Immigration Levels Plan also supports this trend, aiming to transition up to 33,000 temporary workers to permanent residency between 2026 and 2027. In short, if you’re contributing to the economy and have built a life here in Canada, you’re exactly the kind of candidate IRCC wants to keep.

Healthcare and Social Services: The Backbone of Canada’s Economy

Healthcare remains one of the most prominent sectors in Canada’s immigration strategy. In 2025 alone, IRCC issued 14,500 invitations through healthcare-specific draws, making it the second-highest category after French-speaking candidates.

In a move to widen its focus, IRCC expanded this category in 2025 to include social service occupations, such as social workers and mental health professionals. This broader definition reflects a growing need for professionals who support public wellbeing — not just doctors and nurses.

Provincial programs are also stepping up. Provinces like British Columbia and Alberta have dedicated healthcare streams, and Manitoba PNP regularly prioritizes healthcare professionals. Nova Scotia has already announced its intention to focus on healthcare and social services in 2026, and nationally, IRCC will be reserving 5,000 PR spots specifically for licensed physicians with job offers.

Special Focus: Doctors with Canadian Work Experience

In a significant move, IRCC is launching a new Express Entry category in early 2026 just for doctors who have recent work experience in Canada. To qualify, candidates must have at least 12 months of Canadian experience in one of three eligible physician occupations within the past three years.

This new stream is expected to feature lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores compared to general draws, making it easier for qualified physicians to obtain permanent residency. The government is also offering expedited work permits for nominated doctors — with processing times as fast as 14 days.

French Speakers: A Continued Priority Across Canada

If you’re fluent in French, you’re in luck. French-speaking candidates received the highest number of ITAs in 2025 — over 42,000! And this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Canada aims to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec to 9% in 2026, up from 8.5% the previous year. The focus is on strengthening French-speaking communities across the country while also meeting labour market needs. Combined with generally lower CRS cut-offs in these draws, French-language ability is a strong asset if you’re considering Express Entry.

Trades Professionals: Helping Build the Future

Skilled tradespeople — think carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and construction contractors — are also high on IRCC’s radar. In 2025, the Trades category was expanded to include 19 new occupations, and IRCC announced plans to admit up to 14,000 construction workers.

These workers are vital to Canada’s infrastructure goals, and the government acknowledges that addressing shortages in this sector is crucial for long-term economic stability. As with healthcare, many provinces offer targeted PNP draws and dedicated streams for tradespeople, making this an excellent time to apply if you’ve got the right skills.

International Researchers and Tech Experts: A New Frontier

Canada is also rolling out the red carpet for global talent in high-value sectors like research, science, and technology. In its 2025 budget, the federal government announced a major initiative to attract over 1,000 highly skilled international researchers, backed by $1.7 billion in funding.

Three new talent streams have been introduced to support recruitment in areas such as:

• Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and quantum computing
• Health and biotech
• Clean technology and climate resilience
• Food and water security
• Advanced manufacturing and materials
• Defence and dual-use technologies

While these initiatives aren’t directly tied to Express Entry, they often lead to Canadian work experience — which, as we’ve noted, is a major advantage for permanent residency.

Final Thoughts: Position Yourself for Success in 2026

Canada’s immigration priorities are becoming more targeted and strategic, favouring candidates who can help address pressing labour shortages and contribute to the country’s long-term prosperity. Whether you’re a healthcare worker, tradesperson, researcher, or French speaker, there’s a clear pathway forward — and now is the time to start planning.

Tip: If you’re considering immigration to Canada or updating your Express Entry profile, make sure your work experience, language scores, and documentation reflect the latest trends and eligibility requirements.

Check your eligibility with our free Express Entry calculator or explore the Manitoba PNP to see if you qualify for additional provincial support.

Ready to take the next step? Get your immigration assessment today and find out which stream is right for you.