Canada's Immigration Minister announced the 2026 Express Entry category-based selection priorities, part of the International Talent Attraction Strategy. The focus is on attracting top talent to drive economic growth.
2026 Express Entry Priority Categories
- Healthcare professionals — doctors, nurses, medical technicians
- STEM workers — engineers, developers, data scientists
- Skilled trades — construction, electricians, welders
- French-speaking candidates — supporting Francophone communities outside Quebec
- Agriculture and food processing — addressing rural labor shortages
How This Affects Your CRS Score
Category-based selection means you could receive an invitation even with a lower CRS score if your occupation matches a priority category. Use our free CRS calculator to estimate your score.
From PR to Citizenship
Once you receive PR through Express Entry, you can apply for citizenship after 3 years (1,095 days) of physical presence. Start preparing for the citizenship test early with our practice quizzes — many Express Entry candidates begin studying during their PR wait.