By Yussif Silva, Canadian Immigration and Refugee Lawyer at Heron Law Offices
On February 28, 2026, IRCC announced four new Express Entry categories and changes to the existing ones. This announcement offers renewed hope to many applicants working in Canada or with Canadian work experience, including those who recently left the country due to the inability to renew their work permits or lack of pathways to permanent residence.
Changes to the work experience requirement across categories
A. Increase from 6 to 12 months of required work experience for most categories;
B. Experience does not need to be continuous; and
C. Experience in a single occupation, even if it is the applicant’s secondary occupation.
These updated requirements apply to all categories except for the French-language proficiency category, which does not have a work experience requirement, and the new Skilled military recruits category, which will be explained further below. We encourage applicants to review these changes carefully to ensure compliance and preparedness.
Cooks removed from the trade occupations category
Since the inclusion of cooks in the trade occupations category, they have accounted for a significant percentage of invitations to apply (ITA), compromising invitations for candidates from other trades.
The lack of required training to work as a cook allowed younger candidates to qualify and achieve higher scores based on their age, while older candidates with greater training in other trades were excluded from invitations.
The exclusion of cooks appears to be an attempt to address this imbalance in ITAs for trade occupations.
Butchers moved from Agriculture and agri-food occupations (AAFO) to trade occupations
The only remaining occupation under the AAFO category, as of February 17, 2026, was NOC 63201 Butchers – retail and wholesale, which has been moved to the trade occupations category. The AAFO category has been removed from Express Entry.
New Categories
A. Transport Occupations
IRCC reinstated the transport occupations category, which was discontinued in February 2025.
This category comprises three NOCs related to aviation, including pilots, mechanics and technicians, and one related to motor vehicle mechanics and technicians. Truck drivers were not included.
The category requires 12 months of work experience, whether continuous or not, in a single eligible position in Canada or overseas.
B. Senior Managers With Canadian Work Experience
The senior managers category likely targets highly qualified candidates who may not receive an ITA under other programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class, due to their age.
IRCC adopted the same strategy used for the Physician with Canadian work experience category, which is intended for candidates who face challenges obtaining an ITA under the healthcare occupations category due to competition with younger healthcare professionals employed in occupations that require fewer years of training.
One of the main challenges for candidates under this category may be proving they meet the NOC eligibility requirements. Senior managers are placed at the top levels of the corporate hierarchy and formulate the company policies for their area of work, either alone or in conjunction with a board of directors. The scale of the business should be such that the senior manager operates the business through middle managers.
The category requires 12 months of work experience, whether continuous or not, in a single eligible position in Canada.
C. Researchers with Canadian work experience
Candidates with 12 months of Canadian work experience in a single eligible occupation, whether continuous or not, are eligible for this category.
The eligible occupations include professors, lecturers, post-doctoral fellows, teaching assistants and research assistants.
The creation of this category is in line with IRCC’s recent effort to re-attract academic talent to Canada, for example, by removing the Provincial Attestation Letter requirement for PhD and master’s programs at public universities.
The category is intended to help universities attract and retain academic talent. It addresses only one facet of the issue. The universities’ reduced ability to hire and retain faculty, arising from the economic impact of the levels plan’s drastic reduction in international students, remains unresolved.
D. Skilled Military Recruits
Following the apparent shift in international affairs from diplomatic negotiations to interventionism, especially south of the border, Canada has increased its planned military spending and appears willing to retain skilled military recruits long-term.
The skilled military recruits category requires applicants to be serving in a recognized foreign military, to possess at least 10 years of continuous service, and to have work experience and training aligned with one of the eligible military occupations.
Applicants must have an offer of arranged employment with the Canadian Armed Forces, made by the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group, for continuous full-time work in Canada lasting at least 3 years, and have at least a 2-year post-secondary credential.
Applicants deemed senior military officials from certain countries have faced inadmissibility proceedings under section 35(1)(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Securing a job offer from the Canadian Armed Forces does not mean the applicant is immune from inadmissibility screening. It is important to consult with an immigration professional to assess your background and canvas the risks.
Eligibility for one of the EE classes
To be eligible for one of the EE categories, the applicant must also meet the requirements of one of the EE classes:
- Canadian Experience Class;
- Federal Skilled Workers Class;
- Federal Skilled Trades Class;
The EE classes have specific language proficiency, work experience, and education requirements. Make sure you meet them before submitting your EE online profile.
Key takeaways
- If you believe you qualify for one of the EE categories, submit your EE profile as soon as possible to be considered in the next round of invitations;
- Make sure your answers reflect the reality. One of the most common reasons for refusal is misrepresentation arising from mistaken answers or omissions;
- Ensure your work experience fits one of the eligible NOCs to prevent an inadvertent refusal;
- Be mindful of information provided in previous applications, including your declared work experience for previous work permits. Discrepancies between applications may lead to findings of misrepresentation; and
- Investigate potential inadmissibility based on your background before submitting your application.
