The Government of Canada on Wednesday announced five new Express Entry draw categories for 2026 aimed at attracting skilled workers from Nigeria and other countries to address labour shortages and support economic growth.
Lena Metlege Diab, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced this in Ottawa, stating that the new categories are designed to meet the country’s evolving workforce needs.
“Today, we are introducing new categories designed to meet and support Canada’s evolving needs and reflect our government’s determination to attract the best talent to Canada,” she said.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the 2026 categories will include a new pathway for foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience, as well as targeted draws for: researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience; transport professionals, including pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors; highly skilled foreign military personnel recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces for roles such as military doctors, nurses and pilots
Here is a list of the jobs targeted under Canada’s 2026 Express Entry draws:
- Foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience
- Researchers with Canadian work experience
- Senior managers with Canadian work experience
- Transport professionals: (Pilots, Aircraft mechanics, Aircraft inspectors)
- Highly skilled foreign military personnel recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces: (Military doctors, Military nurses, Military pilots)
Existing priority categories continuing from 2025:
*Health care and social services: (Nurse practitioners, Dentists, Pharmacists, Psychologists, Chiropractors)
*Skilled trades: (Carpenters, Plumbers, Machinists)
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
