What changed in Canada Express Entry on February 20?

Ottawa expanded category-based selections to prioritize skilled military recruits, pilots and aircraft mechanics, senior research managers, and physicians with recent Canadian experience. The goal is to address hard shortages tied to aviation, health care, and defence supply chains, while improving project delivery and productivity across these sectors.

Who qualifies under the skilled military immigration focus?

Candidates with relevant, verifiable military training and experience that align with Canadian occupational codes may be prioritized. Exact eligibility still relies on meeting Express Entry requirements, including language, education, and admissibility. Applicants should map their roles to the proper NOC codes and prepare documentation that supports duties and tenure.

How does this help with the pilot shortage in Canada?

Prioritizing pilots and aircraft mechanics should speed up hiring for airlines, MROs, and airports. More qualified candidates can stabilize schedules, reduce cancellations, and cut overtime. This also supports safer operations and more predictable maintenance windows, which can improve fleet utilization and customer service metrics over time.

What is the investor takeaway from these changes?

Targeted inflows can reduce delays and cost pressure in aviation, health care, and defence-adjacent manufacturing. As staffing gaps narrow, utilization improves and procurement schedules are easier to meet. We expect better near-term productivity and clearer visibility on project timelines, which can support revenue stability and margins.

Law and Government

Canada Express Entry: Defence, Aviation Talent Push — February 20

ByDanny Kontos February 21, 2026February 21, 2026

Canada Express Entry is changing to prioritize defence, aviation, senior research managers, and doctors with Canadian experience. Announced on February 20, the shift links immigration to labour gaps and Canada’s defence industrial strategy. For investors, a tighter match between newcomers and shortages may lift productivity, reduce delays, and improve project delivery. We explain what is new, how it affects aviation and health care capacity, and why defence supply chains could benefit. We also outline next steps for applicants and employers.