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Canada · Federal · Points-based

Express Entry

Canada's main system for skilled worker permanent residence, reshaped for 2026 around new priority categories.

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Who this suits

Express Entry is an intake and ranking system covering three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. You build an online profile, get ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and receive an Invitation to Apply if you're selected — either through general draws or through category-based selection targeting specific occupations.

2026 priority categories

New for 2026:

Renewed from 2025:

The minimum qualifying work experience for most renewed categories rose from six months to one year, earned within the previous three years. For most categories that experience can be from Canada or abroad; for Canadian Experience Class streams specifically, it must be Canadian.

How the process works

  1. Create your profile — enter your age, education, work experience, and language test results.
  2. Get ranked — the system scores you using the CRS and places you in the pool.
  3. Draws — IRCC invites candidates through general or category-specific draws, based on CRS score or occupation.
  4. Apply for permanent residence — once invited, you have a limited window to submit your full application.
A note on accuracy: Express Entry categories, CRS cutoffs and invitation numbers change with every draw. Nothing on this page is legal advice — your matched RCIC or lawyer will assess your specific profile against current draws.

Common questions

What are the new Express Entry categories for 2026?

Five new categories: medical doctors, researchers, and senior managers with Canadian work experience, transport occupations, and certain military recruits — alongside renewed categories for French language, health care, education, STEM and trades.

How much work experience do I need for Express Entry in 2026?

For most category-based streams, the minimum rose from six months to one year within the previous three years. Canadian Experience Class streams specifically require that experience to be Canadian.

What is the CRS score and does it still matter?

Yes, it's still the core ranking system, but as category-based selection expands, your specific occupation and category eligibility increasingly matter alongside your raw score.

Think you fit one of the 2026 categories?

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