Canada Expands Express Entry With New Priority Occupations Impacting Applicants
New Express Entry Priority Categories Reshape Permanent Residence Opportunities in London, ON
Canada has announced changes to Express Entry, adding new priority occupational categories that may affect permanent residence options for applicants in London, ON and nationwide by altering eligibility strategy and competitiveness.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab revealed that Canada will now prioritize, under Express Entry, researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience, transport occupations, and certain foreign military personnel. At the same time, a new draw targeting physicians with Canadian work experience is launching this week.
If you are planning to apply through Express Entry, these developments could influence your chances of receiving an invitation. Here’s what the announcement means and how it may affect applicants in London, ON.
What Has Changed Under Express Entry?
The federal government is expanding category-based selection within Express Entry to include three newly emphasized occupational groups:
1. Researchers and Senior Managers with Canadian Experience
Highly skilled professionals with Canadian work experience in research or senior management roles may now benefit from targeted draws.
2. Transport Occupations
This category includes:
- Pilots
- Aircraft mechanics
- Aircraft inspectors
Transport occupations were previously removed in 2025 but are now being reintroduced as a priority stream under Express Entry.
3. Foreign Military Personnel
Applicants recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces—such as pilots, nurses, and military doctors—will now be included in a dedicated category.
In addition, the government confirmed that the first draw for physicians with Canadian work experience will take place this week.
These updates demonstrate how Express Entry continues evolving to respond to labour market demands and national priorities.
Why These Changes Matter for Applicants in London, ON
For candidates in London, ON, the expansion of occupational categories could open new strategic opportunities.
Over the past few years, most non-category draws under Express Entry have primarily targeted the Canadian Experience Class. This made it more difficult for foreign nationals without Canadian work experience to receive invitations to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Category-based selection has therefore become one of the key pathways for individuals who do not yet meet Canadian Experience Class criteria.
If you work in research, aviation, transport, or have a military background connected to the Canadian Armed Forces, these new categories may significantly improve your chances of selection through Express Entry.
How Category-Based Selection Works
Category-based selection was first introduced in May 2023. It allows Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to invite candidates from specific occupational groups, even if their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is lower than that of typical general draws.
Since its introduction, category-based rounds have issued over 144,000 invitations to apply (ITAs). These rounds have targeted areas such as:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services
- STEM occupations
- Trades
- Agriculture and agri-food
The system enables IRCC to align Express Entry draws with Canada’s workforce needs.
By adding transport occupations back into the system and expanding eligibility to foreign military recruits, the government is signalling a renewed focus on strategic industries tied to national development and defence planning.
The New Physicians Category
One of the most notable additions is the physicians with Canadian work experience category, introduced in December 2025.
This measure was created to address Canada’s ongoing physician shortages. Now that the first draw is scheduled for this week, medical professionals in London, ON who meet eligibility criteria may have a more direct pathway to permanent residence through Express Entry.
For internationally trained doctors working in Canada, this represents a significant opportunity—particularly in provinces where healthcare staffing remains a pressing concern.
How This Impacts CRS Strategy
With new occupational categories added, candidates must reassess their Express Entry strategy.
Key considerations include:
- Whether your occupation aligns with a priority category
- Whether you qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class
- Whether improving French proficiency could increase your competitiveness
- Whether gaining additional Canadian work experience would strengthen your profile
Because category-based draws can operate independently from general rounds, being eligible for a targeted category may offset a lower CRS score.
Applicants in London, ON, should carefully review their NOC classification to determine whether they fall within one of the updated Express Entry streams.
The Broader Policy Context
Minister Diab indicated that these changes support Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and broader economic objectives.
Immigration selection under Express Entry is increasingly aligned with national workforce planning rather than purely based on CRS rankings. This trend suggests that future adjustments may continue to prioritize occupations connected to healthcare, defence, transportation, infrastructure, and economic growth.
For candidates in London, ON, staying informed about category shifts is critical. Occupational eligibility can change, categories can be introduced or removed, and draw patterns can shift quickly.
What Applicants in London, ON Should Do Now
If you are considering applying through Express Entry, this is the time to:
- Review your occupational code.
- Confirm whether you fall under a targeted category.
- Assess your CRS score and improvement options.
- Ensure your language test results are up to date.
- Monitor upcoming category-based draw announcements.
Even if your occupation is not currently prioritized, maintaining an active and competitive profile is essential.
Because category-based rounds may be infrequent, preparation and timing play a crucial role in success.
Thoughts on Express Entry Changes
If these new Express Entry priority categories may apply to your background, now is the time to act. Neev Immigration Services in London, ON can assess your eligibility, review your NOC classification, and map out a clear pathway based on the latest draw trends.
Whether you are a researcher, transport professional, military recruit, or physician with Canadian work experience, timely action can strengthen your position in the pool. Book a consultation with Neev Immigration Services today and take confident steps toward permanent residence under the updated Express Entry system.
