Canada’s immigration system continues its transition to sustainable levels under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, with a strong focus on prioritizing skilled workers already in Canada, top talent in key sectors, and reducing temporary resident inflows. Recent announcements and draws emphasize economic needs while addressing housing and service pressures.

Express Entry Category Updates and New Priorities (February 18, 2026)

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the 2026 Express Entry category-based selection priorities, aiming to attract “top talent” for long-term economic goals. Key additions and renewals include:

• New category for researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience.
• New category for transport occupations (e.g., pilots, aircraft mechanics, inspectors).
• New category for highly skilled foreign military applicants recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces (e.g., military doctors, nurses, pilots).
• Continued categories: Healthcare and social services, French-language proficiency, STEM, trades, agriculture, and the recently introduced physicians with Canadian work experience (first draws expected soon or already underway).
• Requirement change: Category-based draws now require 12 months of full-time work experience in eligible occupations (up from 6 months in previous years).

These targeted draws favor in-Canada candidates and those with specific skills, with lower CRS cutoffs expected in category rounds due to smaller eligible pools.

Recent Express Entry Draws (February 2026)

IRCC has held multiple targeted rounds:

• February 20: Healthcare and social services occupations – 4,000 ITAs at CRS 467.
• February 19: Physicians with Canadian work experience – 391 ITAs at CRS 169.
• February 17: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – 6,000 ITAs at CRS 508.
• February 16: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – 279 ITAs at CRS 789.
• February 6: French language proficiency – 8,500 ITAs at CRS 400.

CEC and category-based draws remain high-volume, benefiting those already in Canada with skilled experience. General all-program draws are rare.

Processing Times and Other Updates

• Temporary resident processing (visitor visas) shows some improvements, but study permit times from certain countries (e.g., Pakistan) have surged.
• Work permits from Nigeria saw a slight increase in wait times.
• Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) projects near-zero population growth in 2026 due to sharp cuts in non-permanent residents, with the temporary population share expected to drop below 5% by end-2027 (one year later than initially planned).

Broader Context

• Permanent resident admissions remain stable at 380,000 annually.
• Temporary resident arrivals capped at 385,000 in 2026 (significant reduction from prior years).
• One-time transitions continue: Up to 33,000 temporary workers and 115,000 protected persons fast-tracked to PR.

These measures reflect Canada’s “right-sizing” approach sustainable immigration supporting the economy while prioritizing in-Canada contributors and high-impact talent.

Worldbridge is ready to help you navigate these changes. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) provide free eligibility assessments, Express Entry profile optimization, CEC/PNP guidance, and support for category-based pathways. Contact us today to make the most of 2026 opportunities! 🇨🇦

For official details, check the IRCC website for Express Entry rounds, processing times, and category announcements. Stay updated more targeted draws are expected soon.

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