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Time of India
4 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Canada's 2026 Express Entry reset: How the new ‘Leadership & Innovation' category could fast-track you to a high-paying job
In a pivotal move reflecting the evolving landscape of global migration, Canada will introduce a 'Leadership & Innovation' category within its Express Entry system in 2026. This is not a mere administrative update, but a calibrated strategic decision. The initiative will specifically recognize and prioritise senior managers, accomplished researchers, scientists, and distinguished military professionals hailing from allied nations. Such a development does not occur in isolation; it mirrors Canada's intensifying focus on harnessing human capital to drive economic resilience and national progress. By inviting leaders and innovators, the program aims to create a streamlined pathway towards permanent residency, making the process less labyrinthine and more attuned to contemporary workforce realities. The benefits, however, are multi-layered—beyond just immigration, this category is poised to generate avenues for high-impact, well-remunerated careers in sectors deemed vital to Canada's future. Express entry: What it is now and what is coming next Before diving into the upcoming changes, it's important to understand how Express Entry functions today. This system has been Canada's primary gateway for skilled workers since 2015, balancing merit-based selection with evolving labour market needs. Current system at a glance The Express Entry system is an online platform managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process immigration applications from skilled workers. It currently operates under three primary programs: The Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Applicants submit profiles that are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a points-based algorithm that measures qualifications such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other adaptability factors. Candidates with the highest CRS scores receive Invitations to Apply for permanent residency. Since 2023, IRCC has begun conducting category-based draws aimed at specific professional groups, including healthcare workers, STEM specialists, skilled tradespeople, educators, agricultural workers, and Francophone applicants. These targeted draws typically feature lower CRS thresholds than general draws, increasing the likelihood of selection for qualified individuals. This approach has enabled Canada to address sector-specific labour shortages while maintaining a merit-based framework. What is being added in 2026 In 2026, IRCC will introduce the 'Leadership & Innovation' category. This new classification is designed to attract professionals capable of driving strategic impact and innovation across Canada's economic landscape. Eligible candidates will include: Senior Managers who lead teams, oversee organizational strategy, and influence corporate growth. Researchers and Scientists whose expertise advances innovation, scientific discovery, and technological progress. Skilled Military Recruits from allied countries who contribute specialized experience essential to Canada's defence and national security priorities. This expansion represents a shift from merely filling labour shortages to actively recruiting high-impact professionals who can enhance Canada's long-term competitiveness and innovation capacity. Why the 'Leadership & Innovation' category matters Canada's new category reflects a deliberate move to attract professionals whose expertise can directly influence national growth and innovation. By prioritizing high-impact roles, the country is signaling that leadership and strategic contributions are as critical as traditional skill-based qualifications. This focus ensures that Canada remains competitive in emerging sectors while providing clear guidance to aspiring immigrants. A shortcut to permanent residency for high-impact professionals: Category-based draws tend to have lower CRS cut-offs than general draws, offering a strategic advantage to qualified candidates in leadership, research, and military roles. According to Canvas Immigration , historical trends illustrate this benefit: Healthcare-focused draws have seen CRS requirements between 475 and 510, while education-focused draws hovered around 479. In contrast, general Canadian Experience Class draws have required scores above 518. By creating a distinct category for high-impact professionals, Canada ensures that individuals with strategic skills have a more accessible pathway to permanent residency. Aligning talent strategy with national growth: The new category signals a broader policy focus on innovation and strategic leadership. Canada aims to attract professionals whose expertise can drive digital transformation, scientific advancement, and economic competitiveness. By recognizing leadership and innovation as critical immigration priorities, the country is expanding beyond conventional skill-based selection to include those who shape organizational and national outcomes. Signalling to employers and applicants: For employers, candidates in the Leadership & Innovation category may be regarded as preferred hires due to their strategic capabilities and potential to drive measurable results. For aspiring immigrants, the category provides a clear directive: develop leadership experience, contribute to innovation, and engage in high-impact projects to enhance eligibility for Canadian permanent residency. How to position yourself for this fast-track opportunity Successful positioning requires a proactive approach: Candidates must identify opportunities that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and strategic impact. Those who can document measurable outcomes from their projects or initiatives will gain a competitive edge. Individuals at the start of their careers can enhance eligibility by pursuing advanced degrees, such as master's or PhD programs, particularly those with strong research or innovation components. Participation in leadership roles within academic or research projects can further strengthen a candidate's profile. Professionals with work experience should focus on leadership positions that demonstrate team management and strategic responsibility. Engagement in research and development initiatives or other innovation-driven projects can significantly enhance attractiveness under the new category. Skilled military personnel from allied nations can leverage specialized experience to meet the criteria for this category. Their expertise in strategic, operational, or technical domains may provide a direct pathway to selection. Regardless of career stage, building a strong Express Entry profile remains critical. Improving CRS scores through advanced education, language proficiency, and adaptability factors will maximize selection chances. Staying informed during the public consultation period, which is open until September 3, 2025, will ensure timely preparation for the new category. What is next and why it's a big deal Following the conclusion of the consultation period, IRCC will finalize the rules and implementation plan for the Leadership & Innovation category. Implementation is expected in 2026, offering a strategic opportunity for eligible candidates to gain an advantage. This evolution underscores Canada's commitment to prioritizing strategic talent capable of driving economic growth over the pursuit of mass immigration targets. For applicants, this category represents more than an immigration pathway; it is a mechanism to align professional expertise with Canada's broader vision for innovation and leadership. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
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Business Standard
24-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Canada invites 4,000 foreigners in healthcare, social services for PR
Canada has issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency in its latest Express Entry draw held on July 22, 2025. The draw focused on candidates working in 37 healthcare and social services occupations. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off for this draw was 475, down 29 points from the previous category-specific draw for the same sector held in June 2025. Candidates needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 1:08 p.m. UTC on March 13, 2025 to be eligible. Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses General practitioners and family physicians Dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists and optometrists Psychologists, social workers, and counsellors Licensed practical nurses, medical technologists and technicians Veterinary technicians and veterinarians Massage therapists, chiropractors, dieticians and audiologists Nurse aides and patient service associates Paramedical occupations Pharmacy and therapy assistants A complete list of all 37 eligible National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes was published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Canada's Express Entry system in July 2025 This was the fourth Express Entry draw of the month. Previous draws included: July 21: 202 ITAs under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with a CRS cut-off of 788 July 8: 3,000 ITAs under the Canadian Experience Class with a CRS cut-off of 518 July 7: 356 ITAs under another PNP draw with a CRS cut-off of 750 So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 49,403 ITAs through the Express Entry system. The total number of candidates in the pool stood at 256,914 as of July 20, 2025. Category-based selection helps lower CRS candidates For candidates with CRS scores below 500, category-based selection continues to be one of the most accessible pathways to permanent residency. To qualify under this route, applicants must: < Have a minimum of six months of full-time, continuous work experience < This work must be in one of the designated occupations < The experience can be gained inside or outside Canada What is the Provincial Nominee Program? Canada's PNP allows provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) to nominate skilled individuals for permanent residency. Each region has its own selection streams targeting workers, graduates and business owners who can contribute to the local economy. Express Entry draws this year have largely concentrated on PNP candidates, while other draws have been directed towards French-language speakers, Canadian Experience Class applicants, and category-specific occupations.
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Business Standard
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Canada Express Entry: 3,000 skilled foreign workers invited to live, work
Canada invited 3,000 skilled workers with Canadian experience to apply for permanent residency on Wednesday, July 10, through its Express Entry system. The invitations were issued to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 518. Only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before 1:48 a.m. UTC on October 2, 2024, were considered in this round, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). July 2025 draws so far This was the second Express Entry draw of the month, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on July 7 that invited 356 candidates with a cut-off CRS score of 750. Here's a quick look at Express Entry activity this month: July 8: Canadian Experience Class – 3,000 ITAs – CRS 518 July 7: Provincial Nominee Program – 356 ITAs – CRS 750 These draws follow two others in June: a CEC draw on June 26 and a PNP draw on June 23. So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 45,201 invitations to apply (ITAs) through Express Entry. Who has been getting invitations The majority of Express Entry invitations this year have gone to candidates nominated by provinces. Others have been issued to applicants with strong French-language skills, those working in priority occupations such as healthcare, education, and social services, and to CEC candidates. Number of draws by category in 2025: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 12 Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 7 French-language proficiency: 3 Healthcare and social services: 2 Education: 1 Who qualifies under the Canadian Experience Class The Canadian Experience Class is intended for skilled workers who already have at least one year of paid work experience in Canada. The work must have been full-time (or an equivalent amount in part-time hours), completed within the last three years, and in jobs classified under the TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories of the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Applicants must have gained their experience while legally authorised to work in Canada. Remote work is only counted if the candidate was physically present in Canada and employed by a Canadian employer. Language requirements apply. Applicants must take an approved language test in English or French and meet minimum scores in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. There is no education requirement under the CEC. However, applicants must plan to live outside Quebec, which manages its own skilled worker selection process.
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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Canada Express Entry: 356 foreigners invited for permanent residency
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) on July 7, 2025, in its latest Express Entry draw, inviting foreign skilled workers nominated by provinces to apply for permanent residency. This draw—exclusively for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates—required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750. The cutoff marks an increase of 8 points from the previous PNP-specific draw held on June 23. Fewer invites, higher cutoff The rise in the CRS score is largely due to the smaller number of invitations issued. The draw used a tie-breaking rule of March 19, 2025 at 04:09:09 UTC, which means candidates with a score of 750 who submitted their profiles before that timestamp were prioritised. This was the 12th PNP-only draw of the year and brings the total number of Express Entry ITAs issued in 2025 to 42,201. July 7 Express Entry draw Category: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Date and time: July 7, 2025 Minimum CRS score: 750 Number of invitations: 356 Tie-breaking rule: March 19, 2025 at 04:09:09 UTC What is Express Entry? Express Entry is an online system Canada uses to manage permanent residency applications for skilled workers. It covers three federal immigration programmes: • Federal Skilled Worker Program • Federal Skilled Trades Program • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) PNP candidates, although nominated at the provincial level, are also processed through the Express Entry system, with an additional 600 CRS points awarded upon nomination. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for skilled workers who have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in Canada within the past three years. This must be in occupations classified under TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3. Eligibility requirements: • Work experience must be legal and skilled, completed in Canada within the last 3 years • Language requirement: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 • No need to show proof of settlement funds • Must create an Express Entry profile 'Higher language scores and Canadian education can help push up your CRS score, which directly affects your chances of selection,' said Sonia Dhillon, a regulated immigration consultant based in Toronto. Express Entry draws held so far in 2025 • 12 for Provincial Nominee Program • 6 for Canadian Experience Class • 3 for French-language proficiency • 2 for healthcare and social services • 1 for education occupations What's new in Express Entry this year The Express Entry system has undergone some category-based updates in 2025. Education occupations have been added as a new priority, while the transport category (which included truck drivers and airline pilots) has been removed. Healthcare and social services now include new roles such as pharmacists and social workers. • French-language proficiency • Healthcare and social service occupations • Trades occupations • Education occupations
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Canada tightens student work rules: 178 programs no longer eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit
Canada is overhauling its post-graduate work permit (PGWP) program for international students. Canada changes a significant requirement for a post-graduation work permit . The modifications take effect on June 25 and are a part of larger reforms aimed at bringing education into line with the demands of the labor market. Why were certain programs removed from eligibility? Canada has removed 178 non-degree programs from the PGWP list, citing a lack of alignment with long-term labor market requirements. The government claims that the decision aligns study fields with long-term job shortages. However, new sectors, such as healthcare and education, are gaining prominence. What are the new in-demand fields for work permits? 119 new study fields have been added, primarily in healthcare, trades, and education. Students who applied prior to June 25, 2025, are exempt from the changes under transitional rules. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mollaj: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo The modifications take effect on June 25 and are a part of larger reforms aimed at bringing education into line with the demands of the labor market, as per a report. With a renewed emphasis on long-term labor shortages, the updated list now reflects Canada's Express Entry priorities for 2025. In order to be eligible for a PGWP, international students enrolled in non-degree programs, apart from those pursuing bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, must now have completed coursework in a field closely related to these shortages, as per a report by the Daily Hive. Live Events Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that these areas of study were eliminated because they are no longer associated with positions in chronic labor shortages. ALSO READ: Canadian outrage erupts after citizen dies in ICE custody - Carney vs Trump tensions boil over 920 areas of study are now eligible for a PGWP as a result of this update. On the post-graduation work permit website, you can see if your field of study is still acceptable in Canada. Even if their field of study was not on the list when they applied for their study permit, students who applied before June 25, 2025, will still be eligible for a PGWP if it was. How does this tie into Canada's Express Entry plans for 2025? The IRCC announced modifications to the PGWP eligibility requirements last year. Students who graduate from a list of approved programs will be the only ones eligible to apply for a work permit in Canada as of November 1, 2024. The most recent information comes after Ottawa earlier this year announced the new 2025 Express Entry categories. According to the IRCC, it will hold category-based invitation rounds for workers under new categories, such as education, trades, and healthcare and social services. The Canadian Experience Class, which invites applicants with work experience in Canada to apply for permanent residence, will be the main focus of the federal economic class draws in 2025, Ottawa added. FAQs Who still qualifies for a PGWP under the new rules? Students who applied for their study permit before June 25, 2025 are still eligible, even if their program was later removed from the PGWP list. Why did Canada exclude 178 programs from PGWP eligibility? These programs were cut because they no longer correspond to jobs in Canada that are experiencing long-term labor shortages.
