Canada has introduced significant reforms to its permanent residence selection process in 2026 under the Express Entry framework. The system is now more occupation-focused, with category-based draws targeting professionals in sectors facing labour shortages.
These changes are being implemented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to align immigration intake with economic priorities and workforce gaps across Canada.
For applicants planning Canada PR in 2026, understanding the updated NOC list and eligibility criteria is critical.
What Is Category-Based Selection in Express Entry?
Category-based selection allows IRCC to invite candidates working in specific high-demand occupations. To qualify, applicants must:
- Be eligible under Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades
- Have at least 12 months of continuous work experience in the last three years
- Ensure their job duties match the official NOC 2021 description
Unlike previous years where CRS score alone dominated selection, occupation relevance now plays a major role.
New Express Entry Priority Categories in 2026
Below are the newly emphasized occupations along with their corresponding NOC 2021 codes.
1. Medical Doctors (Canadian Work Experience Required)
Canada continues to experience healthcare shortages, especially in rural regions.
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 31100 | Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine |
| 31101 | Specialists in surgery |
| 31102 | General practitioners and family physicians |
2. Researchers (Canadian Experience Required)
To support Canada’s research and innovation economy, researchers have been prioritized.
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 21100 | Physicists and astronomers |
| 21101 | Chemists |
| 21211 | Data scientists |
| 41300 | University professors and lecturers |
3. Senior Managers (Executive-Level – TEER 0)
Senior leadership professionals with Canadian experience are now targeted.
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 00012 | Senior managers – financial, communications and business services |
| 00013 | Senior managers – health, education, social and community services |
| 00015 | Senior managers – construction, transportation and utilities |
4. Transport Occupations
Canada has expanded category-based selection to include critical transport roles.
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 72600 | Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors |
| 72404 | Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors |
| 73300 | Transport truck drivers |
5. Skilled Military Recruits
Applicants with job offers from the Canadian Armed Forces may qualify under specialized recruitment streams, depending on assigned military trade classifications.
Continuing Priority Categories in 2026
In addition to the new categories, IRCC continues to conduct targeted draws in healthcare, STEM, education, skilled trades, and French-language proficiency.
Healthcare Occupations
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 31301 | Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses |
| 31302 | Nurse practitioners |
| 33102 | Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates |
STEM Occupations
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 21231 | Software engineers and designers |
| 21232 | Software developers and programmers |
| 21300 | Civil engineers |
| 21301 | Mechanical engineers |
| 21310 | Electrical and electronics engineers |
Education Occupations
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 41220 | Secondary school teachers |
| 41221 | Elementary school and kindergarten teachers |
| 42202 | Early childhood educators and assistants |
Skilled Trades
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 72300 | Plumbers |
| 72400 | Construction electricians |
| 72106 | Welders and related machine operators |
| 73100 | Concrete finishers |
French-Language Category
French-speaking candidates with CLB 7 or higher continue to receive priority invitations under category-based draws, often with comparatively lower CRS cut-offs.
Important Update: 12-Month Work Experience Requirement
For 2026 category-based draws, applicants must demonstrate:
- Minimum 12 months continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience
- Experience within the last three years
- Employment under the same NOC code
- Substantial match with NOC lead statement and duties
Incorrect NOC selection or weak documentation can result in refusal even after receiving an ITA.
What This Means for Canada PR Applicants in 2026
Express Entry is no longer solely CRS-driven. It is now occupation-driven and market-aligned. Candidates whose NOC falls under targeted categories may receive invitations even with moderate CRS scores.
However, applicants outside priority occupations must strengthen other factors such as language scores, provincial nomination pathways under the Provincial Nominee Program, or Canadian work experience.
A professional NOC assessment is now essential before entering the Express Entry pool.
For detailed eligibility review and NOC alignment consultation, contact HarryImmigration.com for professional guidance.
Leave a comment