Maple News reports that on February 18, Canada’s immigration department introduced a new Express Entry priority category aimed at foreign skilled military recruits seeking permanent residence. The move underscores the government’s view of these personnel as a strategic national asset, a stance echoed in Canada’s Defense Industrial Strategy, which positions ongoing immigration of skilled military personnel as a central pillar of future defense planning.
Eligible foreign nationals who meet the new category’s requirements may receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence, with lower ranking scores than other Express Entry candidates.
Under the new pathway, applicants must first meet the general eligibility criteria of one of the three Express Entry programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). In addition, applicants must be an “eligible foreign national who is serving in a recognized foreign military.” The guidance defines “eligible foreign national” as someone whose expression of interest is in the Express Entry pool; however, the exact meaning of “recognized foreign military” is not explicitly defined by IRCC.
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) notes that individuals with prior service in a foreign military are considered to have “former service” and may be required to provide release papers to verify eligibility for enrollment.
Maple News will monitor developments, including work experience, job offer and education requirements, as more details are released. The policy indicates that the new category will operate within Express Entry and offer a lower CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) threshold for ITAs. If implemented as described, the measure could help streamline skilled military-to-civilian transitions and bolster Canada’s defense talent pipelines, with broader implications for sectors that rely on high-skilled immigration. Maple News will continue to share updates as IRCC provides additional specifics.