🇨🇦 These Are the Types of Candidates IRCC Is Focusing on in 2026

As Canada looks ahead to 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is sending clear policy signals about the types of immigrants it wants to attract.

Throughout 2025, IRCC introduced and expanded multiple initiatives that highlight a continued focus on addressing labour shortages, supporting public-interest sectors, and strengthening Canada’s knowledge-based economy.

While future Express Entry draws can never be predicted with certainty, recent draw patterns and government announcements provide strong clues about which candidates are likely to be prioritized in 2026. Let’s take a closer look 👇

🏠 In-Canada Applicants (Canadian Work Experience)

One of the strongest trends in 2025 has been IRCC’s emphasis on candidates already living and working in Canada.

This was most evident through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which became the second most frequent Express Entry draw type after PNPs. In 2025 alone, CEC draws issued 30,850 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).

CEC requires at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience within the past three years, making it an ideal pathway for temporary foreign workers and international graduates.

This focus aligns with Canada’s broader immigration strategy. Under the latest Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government aims to transition up to 33,000 temporary foreign workers to permanent residence in 2026–2027.

🔎 The message is clear: candidates who have Canadian work experience, pay taxes, and are established in their communities are likely to remain highly favoured in 2026.

🏥 Healthcare and Social Service Workers

Healthcare and social services have remained among Canada’s most in-demand sectors due to nationwide workforce shortages.

In February 2025, IRCC expanded its Healthcare occupations category to include social service roles—signalling a broader, long-term commitment to this sector. To date, healthcare-related draws have issued 14,500 ITAs, the highest number among category-based selections after French-language draws.

Healthcare workers are also heavily supported through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Examples include:

• British Columbia’s Health Authority Stream

• Alberta’s Dedicated Healthcare Pathway

• Nova Scotia’s announced plan to prioritize healthcare and social services in 2026

More recently, IRCC announced:

• 🩺 5,000 federal nomination spaces reserved for licensed physicians

• ⚡ 14-day expedited work permit processing for provincially nominated doctors

All signs point to healthcare and social service professionals remaining a top immigration priority in 2026.

👨‍⚕️ Doctors with Canadian Work Experience

On December 8, 2025, IRCC launched a new Express Entry category specifically for physicians with Canadian work experience—a major development.

To qualify, candidates must have:

• At least 12 months of full-time, continuous Canadian work experience (or equivalent part-time)

• Experience gained within the past three years

• Work experience in one of the three eligible physician occupations

Like other category-based draws, candidates must also qualify under one of Express Entry’s federal programs.

📉 Historically, category-based draws tend to have lower CRS cut-offs, meaning this new category could significantly improve PR chances for internationally trained doctors already working in Canada.

IRCC has confirmed that the first draws are expected in early 2026, and eligible candidates can create or update their Express Entry profiles now.

🇫🇷 French-Speaking Candidates

French-speaking candidates continue to enjoy strong support under Canada’s immigration system—and this trend is expected to continue.

In 2025:

• French-language proficiency draws accounted for 42,000 ITAs

• This was the largest number of invitations issued by any draw type

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan increases the target for Francophone admissions outside Quebec to 9% in 2026, up from 8.5% in 2025.

The federal government has repeatedly emphasized that Francophone immigration plays a crucial role in economic growth and in strengthening minority French-speaking communities across the country.

📌 As a result, French-speaking candidates are likely to remain one of the most consistently prioritized groups in Express Entry in 2026.

🔧 Skilled Trades Professionals

Skilled trades—such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and construction contractors—continue to be essential to Canada’s economy.

In 2025:

• IRCC added 19 new occupations to the Trades category

Trades are also a major focus of PNPs, with many provinces running dedicated streams and targeted draws for skilled trades workers.

During public consultations for 2026 Express Entry priorities, the government identified trades as a sector facing long-term labour shortages, critical to economic stability and infrastructure growth.

🔨 Trades professionals are therefore expected to remain a key immigration target in 2026.

🔬 International Researchers & Tech Talent

Canada has also renewed its push to attract top global talent in research, technology, and innovation.

In Budget 2025, the federal government announced:

• An accelerated pathway for certain H-1B visa holders

• A plan to recruit over 1,000 international researchers

• Up to $1.7 billion in related investments

Three new talent streams were proposed, targeting experts in areas such as:

• 🤖 Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity

• 🧬 Health and biotechnology

• 🌱 Clean technology and climate resilience

• 🍽️ Food and water security

• 🏭 Advanced manufacturing and materials

• 🛡️ Defence and dual-use technologies

While these initiatives are not direct PR pathways, participants may later qualify for permanent residence after gaining eligible Canadian work experience.

✨ Final Thoughts

Looking ahead to 2026, IRCC’s priorities are becoming increasingly clear. Candidates with:

• Canadian work experience

• Skills in healthcare, social services, or trades

• Strong French language ability

• Backgrounds in research and advanced technology

are likely to be well positioned under Canada’s evolving immigration system.

If you need help navigating your options or would like personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact Open Canada.

🇨🇦 These Are the Types of Candidates IRCC Is Focusing on in 2026