Express Entry 2026: The Rise of “In-Canada” Categories
🏠 Why “In-Canada” Is the 2026 Priority
The 2026–2028 Levels Plan aims to reduce temporary residents to under 5% of the population by end-2027. The fastest way: convert people already working and contributing in Canada into permanent residents — without adding new temporary arrivals.
Result: Record CEC draws + new category-based draws that reward Canadian work experience (especially the new Physicians category).
🩺 New: Physicians with Canadian Experience (First-Ever Dedicated Category)
Announced December 2025 — draws begin early 2026.
- Requires 12 months full-time (or equivalent) Canadian medical work experience in the last 3 years
- Eligible occupations: General practitioners & family physicians (31102), Specialists in surgery (31101), Specialists in clinical & laboratory medicine (31100)
- Must be eligible for one of the three Express Entry programs (FSW, CEC, or FST)
- Separate pool → significantly lower CRS cut-off expected
This is the clearest signal yet that Canadian experience is now a major advantage.
📈 2026 CRS Calculator & Trend Tracker
Use this tracker to estimate your chances. Predictions are based on January–February 2026 pool data, draw patterns, and the in-Canada shift.
| Category / Draw Type | Predicted CRS Range (Feb–Jun 2026) | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEC (general in-Canada) | 495–515 | ↓ Declining | Heavy draws continue to clear inventory |
| Physicians with Canadian Experience | 420–480 (estimated) | New & low | First draws expected soon – niche pool |
| STEM Occupations | 480–530 | Stable | Software, engineering, data roles |
| Trades (incl. Construction focus) | 460–510 | ↓ | Strong housing & infrastructure demand |
| French-language | 380–420 | Stable | Record 8,500 ITAs on Feb 6 at 400 |
| Emerging: Construction & Housing Delivery (anticipated) | 450–500 | New | Expected focus via Trades or new category |
| Emerging: Critical Infrastructure | 460–520 | New | Energy, transport, defence priorities |
How to use the tracker: Check your CRS on the official tool → match your occupation to a category → compare to the predicted range. Canadian work experience now gives a massive edge in every category.
📊 In-Canada vs Offshore – 2026 Reality
| In-Canada (CEC / Physicians) | Offshore (FSW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority in 2026 | High (Levels Plan focus) | Low (almost no general draws) |
| CRS needed | 495–515 (CEC) / lower for Physicians | Usually 520+ |
| Job offer advantage | Strong (Canadian experience) | Points for arranged employment restored but limited |
| Processing speed | Faster for in-Canada applicants | Standard |
🚀 How to Get PR While Already Working in Canada (Step-by-Step)
- Create or update your Express Entry profile (claim Canadian work experience)
- Ensure you meet CEC or category eligibility (6–12 months recent experience)
- Target category-based draws (Physicians, STEM, Trades, Healthcare, etc.)
- Monitor IRCC draws weekly and respond to invitations quickly
- After ITA → submit PR application (processing ~6 months for most in-Canada cases)
