Canada rewrites immigration rules to recruit skilled workers and military talent

Canada is redrawing its immigration map — narrowing overall numbers while opening faster lanes for researchers, doctors, pilots and even military recruits.

The federal government on Wednesday introduced new priority categories under its Express Entry system aimed at filling labour shortages in critical sectors, including health care, aviation and defense.

According to Reuters, the changes are part of a broader strategy to restore immigration to what officials call sustainable levels while targeting skilled workers who can immediately strengthen the economy.

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said the 2026 updates are designed to attract talent that can “contribute from day one” as the country grapples with shortages in key industries.

“Canada’s future depends on a workforce ready for a changing economy,” Diab said in a statement.

SKILLED TALENT AND SOLDIERS IN FOCUS

The new categories include researchers, senior managers, transport-sector professionals such as pilots and aircraft mechanics, and foreign-trained medical doctors with Canadian experience.

In a notable expansion, the programme will also prioritize highly skilled foreign military applicants recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces, including military doctors, nurses and pilots.

The shift aligns with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s broader agenda to reduce reliance on the United States and strengthen domestic defense capabilities.

Carney this week unveiled a long-term defense strategy aimed at sharply increasing defense research and development spending, boosting industry revenues and expanding exports.

BALANCING NUMBERS WITH NEEDS

The government said the overhaul seeks to strike a balance: reduce the overall intake of new permanent residents while ensuring critical sectors are staffed.

In recent years, Ottawa has moved to scale back immigration levels amid pressure on housing and social services. At the same time, it has faced mounting labour gaps in health care, transportation and advanced research.

Invitation rounds in existing Express Entry categories — including French-language candidates, health-care workers and skilled trades — will continue alongside the new targeted streams.

Like other Nato members, Canada has pledged to increase defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product by 2035. The immigration changes signal that workforce planning will play a central role in meeting those goals.

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With inputs from Reuters

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