Commonwealth_ The Canadian government will introduce three new categories of jobs under its Express Entry immigration scheme. The three jobs would include senior managers, researchers and scientists, and soldiers. The government can introduce the categories as early as 2026 if it accepts them, and it would be easy for foreign workers in the jobs to become permanent residents in Canada.
The proposal was set out in a fresh consultation paper Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released. The ministry has launched a public consultation on possible categories, which will continue until September 3, 2025. There is no timeline set for when a final decision will be made, but the action is in line with the government’s policy of designing the country’s immigration system in accordance with the nation’s labor market requirements and national security requirements.
Hiring Leadership Talent
Senior managers form one of the targeted groups of the Government of Canada. Leadership is one of the drivers that has been proved to improve organizational performance and national competitiveness by the government. Senior managers are individuals responsible for directing daily operations, heading teams, and making decisions that will improve performance. Prioritizing future global citizens, IRCC would like to welcome to Canada those who would innovate, introduce new ideas, and improve corporate governance. The program would bring these individuals to Canada, initiate a digital revolution, enhance productivity, and contribute significantly to economic growth.
Fostering Research and Innovation
There is also literature that addresses scientists and researchers. There have been decades of Canadian science and technology investment to make Canada competitive in the world in innovation and economic growth. Through a pool of highly qualified research workers, IRCC is working towards developing Canada’s knowledge economy.
While the notice of consultation does not specifically say anything about what types of areas of research or what types of scientists would be given priority, it is some indication that at least the government is cognizant of the role that can be played by science and innovation in turning the worst of social evils into issues to be tackled, raising productivity, and advancing technologically.
The move would also elevate Canadian institutions and enterprises in the international arena by attracting top-tier talent employees who could revolutionize highly competitive fields such as medicine, clean tech, AI, among others.
Strengthening National Security and Defence
The third stream proposal aims to strengthen Canada’s defense. The IRCC is contemplating highly trained foreign allied military personnel acquiring permanent residence in Canada. The stream would be advantageous to the Canadian Armed Forces because it would provide the force with instant access to veteran recruits who have beneficial training and experience. By associating immigration with national security interests, Canada is seeking to enhance the nation’s military readiness and resilience capacity and forge tighter international security partnerships.
International Students’ Career Implications
There are implications for the career paths of Canadian international students with the new Express Entry streams. Express Entry streams determine the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program’s field of study qualifications and reward Canadian university graduates with work experience upon graduation.
Eligibility for PGWP was established for specific fields of study required in Canada’s labor market in 2024. 119 are still eligible, and 178 are no longer eligible for this year. Bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. graduates are still exempt from field-of-study restrictions, however. If new categories are indeed established in 2026, Canada could categorize PGWP-eligible fields of study within them. IRCC stated the soonest they would announce PGWP eligibility would be early 2026.
