Ottawa extends express immigration entry to researchers, military applicants

By Canadian Press on February 18, 2026.

OTTAWA — Immigration Minister Lena Diab is adding three new permanent residency streams to Canada’s express entry program that cover a variety of professions, including researchers and military personnel.

The new streams are also open to senior managers with Canadian work experience and are part of what Diab calls a federal strategy to attract “top talent” to the country.

The transport sector is also being targeted with express entry for pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors.

There will be a new stream for foreign military applicants who have been recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces to serve as doctors, nurses and pilots.

These new streams are being added to existing express entry categories focused on medical doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, carpenters, plumbers and others in the skilled trades.

The 2026 immigration levels plan prioritizes permanent economic immigrants while reducing temporary admissions, particularly for students.