OTTAWA (Kashmir English): The government of Canada has announced new job and permanent residency opportunities, inviting applications from skilled professionals in Pakistan and other countries under its Express Entry categories.
According to details, candidates will be selected through category-based draws targeting individuals who meet specific labor market needs. These categories include professionals in healthcare, education, skilled trades, and science and technology sectors.
Authorities said that these targeted rounds aim to attract talent that aligns with Canada’s economic priorities. Selection will be based on factors such as language proficiency, relevant work experience, and educational qualifications.
Canada is seeking skilled professionals through these Express Entry categories:
• medical doctors, researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience
• workers with French-language proficiency
• health care and social services professionals
• tradespersons
•…— IRCC (@CitImmCanada) March 26, 2026
Applicants must meet both the general requirements of the Express Entry system and the specific criteria for their chosen category. Once selected, candidates are required to submit their complete application within 60 days.
The fee for applying for permanent residency under the program is set at 575 Canadian dollars.
The Canadian government also announces these categories in advance, allowing eligible candidates sufficient time to prepare and submit their applications.
Opportunities in the following fields
French-language proficiency
Healthcare and social services occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations
Education occupations
Transport occupations
Physicians with Canadian work experience
Senior managers with Canadian work experience
Researchers with Canadian work experience
Skilled military recruits
“Category-based rounds are intended to supplement other round types to meet the identified economic goal,” the Canadian government website stated.
Eligibility for each category
The official announcement stated that the applicants must ensure the following requirements for an invitation through a category-based round.
- Meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including being eligible for 1 of the 3 immigration programs it covers, and
- Meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round
The government said that the candidates will be ranked in the pool who meet the category requirements, and top-ranking candidates will be invited to apply for permanent residence.
