Express Entry expansion adds researchers, transport and military workers.

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced that Canada will expand the Express Entry system to prioritise researchers and senior managers, transport workers such as pilots and aircraft mechanics, and certain skilled military recruits with Canadian job offers; those invited may be fast-tracked toward permanent residency.

Canada is expanding its Express Entry immigration stream to prioritise a set of skilled occupations. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the changes in a speech to the Canadian Club of Toronto. The move is presented as part of an International Talent Attraction Strategy in the federal budget. Officials say the expansion aims to bring workers viewed as important for economic growth, supply chains and national defence. Key details: - Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience will be prioritised for Express Entry. - Transport occupations targeted include pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors to support trade, supply chains and economic resilience. - A new stream for highly skilled foreign military applicants requires a job offer from the Canadian Armed Forces; targeted roles cited include doctors, nurses and pilots, and applicants will be subject to standard military security and requirements. - People invited under the new categories will become eligible for a fast-track toward permanent residency. - The expansion is described as part of the government's International Talent Attraction Strategy and follows a December announcement to fast-track up to 5,000 doctors with Canadian work experience. - Officials said the government has reduced the number of new permanent residents to less than one per cent of the population and has lowered non-permanent resident levels; recent monthly data showed new student and temporary worker arrivals in December were below 10,000 compared with much higher numbers in December 2023. Summary: The change directs Express Entry toward specific skilled occupations the government identifies as priorities for the economy, supply chains and defence. Officials framed the measure as part of broader efforts to attract international talent and rebalance immigration flows. Undetermined at this time.