Express Entry Changes: Canada Adds Military Roles to Immigration List

Canada has unveiled a new set of priority immigration categories aimed at attracting skilled professionals in key sectors such as research, health care, aviation and defence, including selected foreign military recruits.

The changes are in line with the broader policy direction of Prime Minister Mark Carney, which seeks to curb overall permanent resident intake while continuing to draw highly skilled workers and academics. The updated approach also supports efforts to strengthen national defence capabilities and reduce reliance on the United States.

According to the government, the revisions are designed to bring immigration levels back to a more sustainable footing while ensuring critical industries can access the talent they need. In recent years, Ottawa has moved to moderate immigration growth amid mounting pressure on housing and public services.

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said the updated Express Entry framework, set to take effect in 2026, will prioritise candidates who can immediately contribute to the economy as Canada grapples with labour shortages in essential fields.

Under the new categories, eligibility will extend to researchers, senior executives, aviation professionals such as pilots and aircraft technicians, and foreign-trained doctors with Canadian experience. The system will also now accommodate highly skilled military applicants recruited into the Canadian Armed Forces, including specialised roles such as military doctors, nurses and pilots.

“Canada’s future depends on building a workforce equipped for an evolving economy,” Diab said, emphasising the need for targeted immigration to support long-term growth.

The immigration update follows the announcement of a new defence strategy by Carney earlier this week, outlining ambitious plans to significantly boost investment in defence research and development, expand defence industry revenues, increase exports and generate up to 125,000 new jobs over the next decade.

As a member of NATO, Canada has also committed to raising defence spending to 5 per cent of gross domestic product by 2035.

Meanwhile, invitation rounds under existing Express Entry streams — including those for French-speaking applicants, health-care professionals and skilled trades workers — will continue alongside the newly introduced targeted categories.