The Canadian federal government has announced the prioritisation of three new occupational categories through the Express Entry program. The latest update under the three new occupational categories to be prioritized was laid down by the Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab on February 18, 2026.
The three new occupational categories that are to be prioritized for Canada permanent residency through the Express Entry system are as follows:
❖ Senior managers with Canadian work experience
❖ Researchers with Canadian work experience
❖ Transport occupations
❖ Military personnel
According to the latest update, the work experience required under these categories has been increased to one year, which was earlier six months of continuous work experience. The one-year work experience within the past three months does not have to be continuous.
Three New Occupational Categories have been listed with their valid NOC code so as to increase the access to employment opportunities by the skilled and qualified professionals. The list is as follows:
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience
Occupation | 2021 NOC Code |
Senior managers - construction, transportation, production and utilities | 00015 |
Senior managers - trade, broadcasting and other services | 00014 |
Senior managers - health, education, social and community services and membership organizations | 00013 |
Senior managers - financial, communications and other business services | 00012 |
Researchers with Canadian Work Experience
Occupations | 2021 NOC Code |
Post-secondary teaching and research assistants | 41201 |
University professors and lecturers | 41200 |
Skilled Military Recruits Occupations
Occupations | 2021 NOC Code |
Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 43204 |
Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 42102 |
Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces | 40042 |
Transport Occupations
Occupations | 2021 NOC Code |
Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors | 72600 |
Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers | 72410 |
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors | 72404 |
Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors | 22313 |
Additional Announcements
Some of the additional announcements were also made by the Immigration Minister Diab as:
❖ Expected draws to be released in the last week of February under the Physicians category.
❖ Will prioritize inviting candidates under the categories of French language proficiency, health care and social services, and trade.
According to Diab, these changes made under the occupational categories under the Express Entry program are made effective to support Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, a key pillar of Mark Carney’s nation-building economic program.
Additional Requirements for Skilled Military Recruits
Beyond one year of work experience, candidates qualifying for the Skilled Military Recruits category under the Express Entry program are required to have some of the additional requirements, which are as follows:
● Be serving in a recognized foreign military with at least ten years of continuous service;
● Have a full-time job offer for at least three years with the Canadian Armed Forces; and
● Have a post-secondary credential from a program of at least two years in length.
The Express Entry program is a Canadian federal government’s flagship program that allows skilled and talented professionals to immigrate to the country and later settle as Canada permanent residents. It allows professionals to settle on the basis of their occupation, talent and skills required in the Canadian labour market. Since 2024, selection of categories based invitations are on the rise to bring in candidates with skills for the in-demand occupations. The category-based selection process under the Express Entry program has been regarded as the only way for foreign nationals without Canadian work experience and provincial nominations to be selected as the Canada permanent residents.
However, these updates regarding the occupational categories have been limited for now, but the Immigration Department of Canada will soon release further information.
Stay Updated with Province Immigration
Now you can always stay updated with Province Immigration and explore how the Express Entry program can accelerate your journey towards Canada. For more information on latest Express Entry draw, call us at: +919896196762
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