Registered nurses, physicians, teachers, skilled trades workers, and transport professionals seem to have the most favorable Express Entry options in 2026 based on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) present category-based selection criteria for immigrants.
This analysis is based on IRCC's category-based selection priorities at the time of publication. Future category priorities may change.
Why are some occupations a target of IRCC?
Category-based selection was introduced to help Canada fill critical labour shortages more efficiently. Instead of inviting candidates solely based on CRS scores, IRCC can issue invitations to workers in occupations that support economic growth and essential services.
Current priority areas include healthcare, education, trades, transport, and STEM-related occupations. Candidates who qualify under these categories may have access to additional invitation opportunities throughout the year.
1. Registered Nurses (NOC 31301)
IRCC Category: Healthcare
Registered nurses remain one of Canada's most sought-after professions. Hospitals, clinics, long-term care homes, and community health providers continue reporting staffing shortages.
Why prospects appear strong:
Included in IRCC's healthcare category
Canada's aging population is increasing healthcare needs
Healthcare draws have been a regular feature of Express Entry
2. Physicians (NOC 31100, 31101, 31102)
IRCC Category: Healthcare
Canada continues to face physician shortages, particularly in rural and remote communities. Both family doctors and specialists remain in demand.
Why prospects appear strong:
Eligible under healthcare category selection
Provinces actively recruit physicians
Healthcare access remains a national priority
Strong demand is reflected in labour market data
3. Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202)
IRCC Category: Education
The expansion of childcare services across Canada has increased the need for qualified early childhood educators.
Why prospects appear strong:
Included in IRCC's education category
Growing childcare programs require more workers
Labour shortages have been reported in multiple provinces
Demand is expected to remain strong in coming years
4. Secondary School Teachers (NOC 41220)
IRCC Category: Education
Several provinces have reported teacher shortages, especially in specialized subjects and certain regions.
Why prospects appear strong:
Eligible under category-based education draws
School boards continue hiring qualified teachers
Retirements are creating additional vacancies
Population growth is increasing classroom demand
5. Electricians (NOC 72200)
IRCC Category: Trades
Canada's ambitious housing and infrastructure plans rely heavily on skilled trades workers.
Why prospects appear strong:
Included in targeted trades categories
Housing construction projects require qualified electricians
Many regions report shortages of certified workers
Demand extends across residential and commercial sectors
6. Plumbers (NOC 72300)
IRCC Category: Trades
Plumbers remain essential to residential construction, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance projects nationwide.
Why prospects appear strong:
Eligible under trades-focused Express Entry draws
Strong hiring activity in construction markets
Aging workforce is creating replacement demand
Job Bank projections continue to show opportunities in several regions
7. Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors (NOC 72404)
IRCC Category: Transport
Canada's aviation industry depends on highly skilled maintenance professionals to keep aircraft operating safely.
Why prospects appear strong:
Included in transport-related occupations
Specialized training limits labour supply
Aviation employers continue reporting recruitment challenges
Demand exists at major airports and regional carriers
8. Air Pilots (NOC 72600)
IRCC Category: Transport
Commercial airlines and regional operators continue seeking qualified pilots as travel demand grows.
Why prospects appear strong:
Included in IRCC's transport category occupations
Airlines and regional carriers continue reporting recruitment challenges
Retirements are creating additional demand for experienced pilots
Canada's large geography creates ongoing demand for aviation services
Specialized licensing and training requirements limit the available talent pool
9. Data Scientists (NOC 21211)
IRCC Category: STEM
Data scientists help organizations analyze large amounts of information to improve decision-making, develop new technologies, and support innovation
Why prospects appear strong:
Included in IRCC's STEM category-based selection occupations
Growing demand for artificial intelligence and machine learning expertise
Employers across technology, finance, healthcare, and research sectors continue hiring data professionals
Data-driven innovation remains a priority for Canada's economy
Specialized technical skills can be difficult for employers to find in the domestic labour market
10. Software Engineers (NOC 21231)
IRCC Category: STEM
Software engineers continue to play a key role in Canada's technology sector. Employers across the country rely on skilled professionals to develop software, manage complex systems, and support digital transformation projects.
Why prospects appear strong:
Included in IRCC's STEM category-based selection occupations
Strong demand across technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering sectors
Canada continues investing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure
Skilled technology workers remain important to Canada's long-term economic growth
Labour market projections continue to indicate demand for experienced software professionals in multiple regions
What Skilled Workers Should Do Now
Workers in these occupations should remember that category eligibility alone does not guarantee an invitation. Express Entry candidates must still meet program requirements and remain competitive within the pool.
If your occupation falls within one of IRCC's priority categories, consider taking the following steps:
Confirm your correct NOC code
Create or update your Express Entry profile
Improve language test scores where possible
Complete an Educational Credential Assessment if required
Track category-based draws and ministerial instructions
Explore provincial nominee programs linked to your occupation
Based on IRCC's current category-based selection priorities and recent draw patterns, healthcare workers, educators, skilled trades workers, transport professionals, and eligible STEM professionals may benefit from targeted invitation opportunities through Express Entry if current selection trends continue.
