From February 18, 2026, onwards, Express Entry occupational categories will now have to face new work experience requirements, as confirmed by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) official website. 

According to the new work experience requirements set by the IRCC, eligible candidates now require at least 12 months of work experience in an eligible occupation within the past three years. As stated, a minimum of one year of work experience is not expected to be in a continuous state of occupation. Prior to these work experience requirements, eligible candidates were required to have at least 6 months of continuous work experience within the past three years in a nominated occupation. 

Express Entry Occupational Categories in 2026

In 2026, Canada has listed out its Occupational categories to be eligible under the Express Entry occupational category-based selection so as to invite skilled and competent professionals in the country and later settle as Canada permanent residents. These categories are frequently added in the occupational categories list as for the purpose of meeting identified economic goals. Some of the category-based occupations eligible under the Express Entry program are: 

1. French-language proficiency
2. Healthcare and social services occupations
3. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
4. Trade occupations
5. Education occupations
6. Transport occupations
7. Physicians with Canadian work experience
8. Senior managers with Canadian work experience
9. Researchers with Canadian work experience
10. Skilled military recruits 

These are some of the categories, as suggested by IRCC, that must adhere to these work experience requirements, which is at least 12 months in the past three years.

What Hasn’t Changed with the Latest Update

With the latest update on the work experience requirements, certain factors for the work experience for category-based draws remain unchanged such as:

❖  The work experience must have been gained within the past three years.

❖  The work experience must be within a single eligible occupation.

❖  The required duration of work experience is for full-time work experience, which is defined as a minimum of 30 hours per week. However, the duration requirements can also be met with the part-time work experience for longer periods (such as 15 hr per week for 24 months). Whereas, any work beyond the limit of 30 hrs per week, will not be considered as additional work experience.

❖  The work experience can be gained in Canada, but eligible candidates cannot count work experience gained during full-time studies in the country.  

Analysis for the New Requirements

The latest update on the work experience requirements underlines Canada’s constant requirements of skilled and experienced professionals in the country. The increase in the timeframe of the work experience requirements highlights the increasing demand of professionals under the in-demand occupations with more practical knowledge and experience earned during their professional journey. Canada’s purpose behind the policy change suggests the country’s aim to enhance the quality of incoming skilled professionals while ensuring newcomers are job-ready and much more productive. The latest policy change will address labour shortage across various economic sectors such as healthcare, transportation, STEM, and trade.

For More Information Consult Province Immigration

Well, if you are also a professional and fall under the categories-based occupations with a minimum of one year of work experience in the same, you can now immigrate to Canada with the help of Province Immigration. Now get all the latest updates on the latest Canada Express Entry draws, with Province Immigration. For more information, call us at: +919896196762