Canada announces new 2026 Express Entry categories for Nigerians, others
The Government of Canada has 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
The Government of Canada has 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 on Wednesday 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.
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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, and highly skilled foreign military personnel recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces for roles such as military doctors, nurses, and pilots.
The department will also continue invitation rounds, prioritising candidates with strong French-language proficiency and applicants with experience in priority sectors retained from 2025.
These include health care and social services roles, such as nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, and chiropractors, as well as skilled trades, including carpenters, plumbers, and machinists.
The new categories are part of Canada’s broader strategy to attract highly skilled immigrants to support critical sectors and strengthen the country’s workforce.
