Ottawa expands express entry system to include researchers and military recruits

The federal government is expanding Canada’s express entry immigration system to include new permanent residency pathways for researchers, senior managers and certain military recruits, Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced this week.

The changes introduce three additional streams under the federal express entry program, aimed at attracting skilled professionals to address labour shortages and support what the minister described as a strategy to bring top talent to Canada. Among those newly eligible are researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience.

The transport sector will also see targeted recruitment, with pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors now eligible under a dedicated stream. In addition, foreign nationals recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces to serve as doctors, nurses and pilots will have access to a new pathway to permanent residency.

The new categories build on existing express entry streams that prioritize medical professionals and skilled trades, including doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, carpenters and plumbers. Federal officials say the changes are aligned with Canada’s 2026 immigration levels plan, which emphasizes permanent economic immigration while reducing temporary admissions, particularly among international students.

The expansion comes as several provinces, including British Columbia and Alberta, continue to report workforce shortages in health care, aviation and specialized research fields. Immigration remains a key tool in federal and provincial efforts to address long term labour market needs and demographic pressures.