Canada is seeking input: Which occupations should be prioritized in Express Entry 2026?
📅 Consultation window: August 6 to September 3, 2025
📍 Agency: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
What is happening?
IRCC is inviting public feedback to determine priority occupation groups and selection criteria for Express Entry 2026. This is the category-based selection model that began in 2023. It lets Canada choose skilled workers based on economic needs, not only on CRS scores.
Why it matters
- If your field is prioritized, your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply increase even if your CRS is not at the top.
- The list can influence Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) pathways for international students, especially for certificate and college programs.
- This is the time for employers and industry associations to advocate for their real labour needs.
Who should pay close attention, and why?
💼 Applicants who are in, or about to enter, Express Entry
- A prioritized field means a much higher chance of an ITA.
- A field that drops off the list means you should adjust your profile or timing quickly.
🎓 International students in Canada
- Choose programs that align with priority fields to improve employability, PGWP, and PR prospects.
- If your field falls off the list, staying in Canada may be harder even with good grades.
🏢 Employers and industry associations
- Priority status makes it easier to recruit internationally through Express Entry.
- Now is the moment to submit input so IRCC considers your critical roles.
What you should do now
✅ Review the current priority occupations and any proposed updates.
✅ Submit your feedback to IRCC during the consultation window so it is on record.
🗣 Submit here: https://ircc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eSaRNRb2PRrmbdk
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