Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry system—the primary pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence—is expected to undergo significant updates in 2026, aligning more closely with ongoing labour market demands.
A major change will be the introduction of a new category targeting physicians with Canadian work experience. Beginning in early 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will launch dedicated draws for doctors who have spent at least one year working in Canada. This is a distinct shift from previous healthcare-focused draws, which only required six months of experience and allowed both Canadian and international work backgrounds. This new stream will prioritize deeper integration into the Canadian healthcare system by emphasizing domestic experience.
To be eligible, candidates must still qualify under one of the existing Express Entry programs—including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class—and meet specific requirements outlined for each draw.
This move follows the broader implementation of category-based selection draws, a strategy IRCC introduced in 2023. These draws enable the federal government to focus on immigrants with particular skill sets that are in high demand across Canada. Each year, the categories are reassessed to reflect the country’s economic priorities and workforce needs.
Physicians who believe they may qualify under this new stream are encouraged to create or update their Express Entry profiles to ensure they’re ready once draws begin in 2026. The program is part of a broader effort to address healthcare workforce shortages and improve access to professional talent already residing in Canada.
The changes continue to reflect Canada’s dynamic and evolving immigration strategy: one that seeks to attract top talent while better aligning newcomer integration with current labour market exigencies. Maple News will continue to provide updates as more policies and details are announced.