In 2026, candidates in the healthcare, research, and other high-demand fields are most likely to receive priority in Canada's immigration system. While future selections cannot be given with certainty, the previous year’s trends, initiatives introduced by IRCC, and the continued focus on labor shortages in certain fields provide insight into the IRCC immigration priorities for 2026. Read on to know whether you are a priority candidate for Canada Immigration 2026.
In 2025, the Federal Government’s focus on transitioning the temporary Canadian candidates with work experience to PR could be seen, and the Express Entry draw under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) was one of the major programs. IRCC, in the latest Immigration Levels Plan of Canada Immigration 2026, has announced that up to 33,000 temporary foreign workers will be given permanent residency in 2026 and 2027, reinforcing the importance given to applicants already contributing to the Canadian economy.
The healthcare sector has been given high priority in Canada repeatedly over the years. With labor shortages existing in the sector, the federal government in 2025 even expanded the healthcare occupation category to include social service occupations. The provinces have also prioritised healthcare workers repeatedly through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), with multiple provinces having dedicated streams and targeted draws for healthcare professionals. In the public consultations on 2026 economic priorities held by the federal government for category-based selection in the Express Entry, healthcare has been identified as the sector with critical workforce requirements. Also, 5,000 federal admission spots have been set aside for provinces and territories to nominate licensed physicians with valid jobs. offers. All these suggest that in the Canada PR 2026, the healthcare and social services workforce will be given priority.
In December 2025, the IRCC introduced a new Express Entry category that targets doctors with recent Canadian work experience. This highlights the demand for doctors in Canada. To qualify in the category, candidates had to meet the minimum Express Entry criteria and the requirements in the specific round of invitations. Further, the candidates must also have had, within the past three years, experience in the listed eligible occupations:
Category-based Express Entry draws typically feature lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores, enhancing the 2026 Permanent Residence opportunities for internationally trained physicians with Canadian experience. The first IRCC Express Entry 2026 draw under this category is anticipated in the beginning of 2026.
The French-speaking candidates have always been a key focus in the Express Entry. The 2025 French-language proficiency draw issued the largest number of ITAs in any draw type with low CRS cut-off scores. In the Canada immigration policy 2026, the French-speaking candidates will continue to be given priority, and under the new Immigration Levels Plan of Canada Immigration 2026, the target admissions for Francophone applicants outside of Quebec will be 9% (in 2025, it was 8.5%).
Read more: Express Entry 2024 Insights
The consistent labor shortages in the construction and infrastructure sectors have seen IRCC prioritizing workers such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and construction contractors in the skilled trades occupation category. In 2025, IRCC expanded the Trades Category to include 19 occupations and announced plans to give admission to 14,000 construction workers in Canada. The provinces and territories also give candidates in skilled trades occupations priority through the PNPs. Further, in public consultations on 2026 IRCC immigration priorities held by the federal government for category-based selection under the Express Entry, the trades sector has also been identified as a sector having a long-term workforce shortage. Continuing with this trend, moving forward in the Canada immigration policy 2026, the applicants in the skilled trades occupations will be given priority for Canada Immigration 2026.
In the budget for 2025, the federal government has introduced plans for an accelerated pathway for certain H-1B visa holders to attract qualified professionals in the healthcare, research, advanced industries, and other priority sectors. The budget also announced a major effort to bring more than 1,000 talented international researchers to Canada, supported by $1.7 billion in investments. In relation to this, the government outlined new talent streams to attract international researchers in STEM, healthcare, Francophone studies, and other disciplines. Together, the streams focus on admitting researchers working in certain areas, and some of them include
Uncover more: Canada Immigration for Indians in 2026
In the 2026 priority consultations, the government highlighted researchers and technology professionals as a priority. These new talent streams do not come under the Express Entry’s permanent residence pathways; however, candidates can eventually qualify for Permanent Residence Canada 2026 by gaining the required Canadian work experience.
Prepare ahead and keep yourself ready when the Canada PR 2026 pathways open. Get the support of ImmiLaw Global, professional lawyers, and consultants for proficient guidance. Do not miss your chance to immigrate to Canada; contact ImmiLaw without delay.
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