Maple News reports that the Canadian government is considering introducing three new occupation-specific categories to its Express Entry system by 2026. The proposed categories include senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel—pointing toward Canada’s efforts to attract top international talent in key sectors.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) outlined the potential new categories in a public consultation notice posted on the official Government of Canada website. If implemented, the move could streamline the pathway to permanent residency for professionals in these high-impact fields.
The Express Entry system is Canada’s flagship immigration application platform, designed to select candidates who demonstrate strong potential to contribute to the country’s labor market and economy. These new categories would allow IRCC to issue targeted invitations to individuals whose skillsets align closely with national priorities.
IRCC’s proposal to prioritize senior managers—defined as experienced professionals who lead teams and oversee operations—suggests that Canada sees strong leadership as a driver of economic growth. The department notes that attracting these leaders could enhance productivity, support digital innovation, and reinforce organizational performance across industries.
Similarly, the inclusion of scientists and researchers reflects Canada’s commitment to advancing innovation and maintaining competitiveness in areas like clean tech, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Military personnel, whose inclusion is also being considered, could bring leadership, discipline, and specialized expertise valued in both public safety and technical domains.
Public feedback on the proposed categories is being accepted until September 3, 2025. As of now, the government has not shared a definitive timeline for when a final decision will be made or when the new categories might officially launch.
These changes are part of Canada’s broader strategy to use category-based selection within Express Entry to meet evolving labor market needs and demographic goals. The groundswell of global talent seeking permanent residency in Canada underscores the growing importance of targeted immigration pathways.
Maple News will continue monitoring this story as it develops.