Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has released the 2026 category based selection framework under Express Entry. While the overall structure remains familiar, two developments require close attention: a stricter work experience threshold and changes to the eligible occupation lists. One change will be particularly significant for many applicants in the hospitality sector.

The 2026 Express Entry Categories

For 2026, targeted invitations may focus on the following groups:

• French language proficiency

• Healthcare and social services occupations

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math occupations

• Trade occupations

• Education occupations

• Transport occupations

• Physicians with Canadian work experience

• Senior managers with Canadian work experience

• Researchers with Canadian work experience

Additionally, the occupation Cook (NOC 63200) is no longer included in the category based selection lists for 2026. With its removal, cooks will now need to compete through general Express Entry draws or explore alternative immigration pathways such as provincial nominee programs or employer driven options. For many temporary foreign workers in the food service industry, this adjustment may require a shift in strategy.

The New Work Experience Requirement

As of February 18, 2026, all occupational categories now require at least 12 months of work experience in an eligible occupation within the past three years. Previously, only 6 months of continuous experience was required.

The updated rules are as follows:

• The 12 months do not need to be continuous.

• The experience must fall within the last three years.

• It must be in one single eligible occupation.

• Full-time is defined as at least 30 hours per week.

• Part-time work can qualify if it equals 12 months of full time hours.

• Working more than 30 hours per week does not accelerate eligibility.

• Experience can be gained in Canada or abroad unless the category specifically requires Canadian experience.

For Canadian experience, work performed while enrolled as a full time student does not count, including co-op terms. Eligibility is assessed under Canada’s National Occupation Classification system. Officers evaluate your duties, not your job title.

To qualify under a specific occupation:

• You must meet the lead statement of the NOC.

• You must perform most of the main duties listed.

Misclassifying your NOC can lead to ineligibility, even if your job title appears to match.

What This Means in Practice

For candidates in healthcare, STEM, trades, education, transport, and high level Canadian experience categories, targeted selection remains an advantage.

For cooks and food service workers, the removal from category based selection means greater reliance on:

• General Express Entry draws

• Provincial Nominee Programs

• Employer supported LMIA pathways

• Regional or sector specific streams

This year’s changes signal a sharper focus on specific labour shortages and a higher experience threshold across the board.

If you are in the pool, review your NOC, confirm your experience length, and ensure your profile is fully updated. Timing will matter more in 2026 than it did last year.