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      On February 18, 2026, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, announced updates to the Express Entry system that could target “top talent” categories to address key labour market needs and support Canada’s long-term economic goals.1 This includes the creation of a new category specifically targeting senior managers.

      This initiative is part of Canada’s broader International Talent Attraction Strategy and aligns with the government’s priority to return immigration to sustainable levels while supporting the country’s economic resilience.

      WHY THIS MATTERS

      The temporary removal of “Arranged Employment” points in March of 2025 led to a scenario where certain cohorts of applicants (especially senior managers) did not have a clear pathway to permanent resident (PR) status. The creation of a senior manager category now allows for a dedicated pathway for qualifying individuals, via Express Entry, as well as those individuals with work experience in priority sectors: researchers, STEM, healthcare, education, military, and skilled trades.

      Background

      The federal government has introduced new Express Entry categories targeting senior managers, researchers, physicians, transport occupations, skilled military recruits, while also renewing existing categories for French speakers, skilled trades workers, STEM, education, and healthcare occupations.

      Candidates who have one year of work experience during the last three years in eligible occupations are expected to be prioritized for these draws, marking a change from the previous requirement of six months of work experience in the occupation. Executives would need one year of work experience in their occupation in Canada to be eligible for these draws.

      These changes signal a continued shift away from generalized economic selection toward highly targeted, labour-market-driven immigration policy. While category-based draws were introduced in 2023, this announcement demonstrates a further refinement of the model, with greater emphasis on candidates who can address critical shortages in regulated professions and strategic sectors.

      KPMG INSIGHTS

      Considerations for Employers

      • Review existing foreign worker population to check that individuals who may qualify for category specific draws are entered into the pool as soon as eligible.

      • Consider all PR pathways (including provincial nomination programs) for employees who might not benefit from this change – the 2026 levels plan provided a 66 percent increase2 to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations (91,500 spots) than the previous year, signalling that provinces might have greater authority in choosing who settles in the province.

      • Offer work permit extension options for employees who are nearing status expiry and who may require more time to explore PR strategies.

      • Provide employees with information on how to maximize Express Entry scores, as non-category specific draws are expected to remain higher than category specific draws.

      • Develop a clear communication strategy to inform affected stakeholders.

      This change signals that Canada continues to refine its approach when it comes to attracting highly skilled talent. By strategically facilitating key foreign talent that has the necessary support and pathways to live and work in Canada long-term, employers can retain agility and a competitive edge in a rapidly changing labour market.

      If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the updated framework, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified professional or a member of the GMS team with KPMG in Canada (see the Contacts section).

      ENDNOTES:

      1  Government of Canada, “Canada prioritizes top talent in 2026 immigration Express Entry categories,” published on February 18, 2026.

      2  Government of Canada, “Supplementary information for the 2026-2028 immigration levels plan,” modified on November 5, 2026.

      Contacts

      graeme-black
      Graeme Black

      Partner, Canadian Immigration, KPMG Law LLP

      KPMG in Canada

      Amira Zubairi
      Amira Zubairi

      Associate, Canadian Immigration, KPMG Law LLP

      KPMG in Canada

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      * Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

      The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Canada.

      GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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