Express Entry adds researcher slot
IRCC’s Express Entry adjustments may add a new researcher category (NOC 41201) that could count student TA/RA work and suggests targeted draws are coming — a tactical opening for applicants with academic experience reported announced.
[IRCC announced]canada.ca on February 18, 2026 (Minister Lena Metlege Diab named the move) that a “Researchers with Canadian work experience” category would be a named priority under Express Entry. The Researchers category appears to map to academic occupations including NOC 41201 (Post‑secondary teaching and research assistants), with StatCan listing illustrative titles such as “graduate assistant” and “university research assistant.” www23.statcan.gc.ca Practice briefings and industry analyses say eligibility for the Researchers draws will require at least 12 months of full‑time Canadian work experience within the previous three years. immigration.ca IRCC already ran the first category‑based draw for physicians on February 19, 2026, showing category rounds have begun. mltaikins.com IRCC’s Canadian Experience Class guidance explicitly states work performed while a full‑time student does not count toward CEC eligibility, creating a legal gap over whether TA/RA roles on study permits will qualify for the Researchers category. canada.ca Immigration analysts note the Federal Skilled Worker program can accept paid student work if continuous, and immigration practice guidance advises preserving employment letters, pay stubs, contracts and NOC‑aligned job descriptions to substantiate claimed research or teaching experience. cicnews.com
