Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab has tightened eligibility for category-based Express Entry draws by doubling the minimum relevant work-experience threshold from six to twelve months. The change, announced on 18 February and analysed by the Indian Express on 21 February 2026, is expected to slash the pool of eligible candidates in certain in-demand occupations, thereby lowering Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores later this year.
Since Ottawa introduced occupation-specific draws in 2023, candidates needed only half a year of recent employment to qualify. Officials argue that raising the bar will ensure newcomers arrive with deeper, job-ready experience and reduce under-employment.
![Express Entry now requires 12 months’ work in category draws, minister confirms]()
Prospective applicants looking for clarity on how these rule changes affect their personal timeline can turn to VisaHQ’s dedicated Canadian immigration services (https://www.visahq.com/canada/). The platform walks users through eligibility quizzes, document checklists and application filing, and its advisers can suggest alternative visas or provincial options when Express Entry thresholds shift.
Early modelling by consultancy Immigration News Canada suggests the cut-off for some healthcare and STEM draws could drop by 20-30 CRS points as candidate volumes shrink. That is welcome news for employers who sponsor foreign talent already working in Canada and for global assignees accumulating Canadian experience.
Mobility leads should, however, audit pending applications: staff who have not yet reached the 12-month mark in their occupation may now be ineligible for upcoming category draws and should explore alternative pathways such as provincial programs.
Since Ottawa introduced occupation-specific draws in 2023, candidates needed only half a year of recent employment to qualify. Officials argue that raising the bar will ensure newcomers arrive with deeper, job-ready experience and reduce under-employment.
Prospective applicants looking for clarity on how these rule changes affect their personal timeline can turn to VisaHQ’s dedicated Canadian immigration services (https://www.visahq.com/canada/). The platform walks users through eligibility quizzes, document checklists and application filing, and its advisers can suggest alternative visas or provincial options when Express Entry thresholds shift.
Early modelling by consultancy Immigration News Canada suggests the cut-off for some healthcare and STEM draws could drop by 20-30 CRS points as candidate volumes shrink. That is welcome news for employers who sponsor foreign talent already working in Canada and for global assignees accumulating Canadian experience.
Mobility leads should, however, audit pending applications: staff who have not yet reached the 12-month mark in their occupation may now be ineligible for upcoming category draws and should explore alternative pathways such as provincial programs.
