Immigration Corner | Canada’s Express Entry is changing

Dear Miss Powell,

I’ve been preparing to apply under Canada’s Express Entry system and just waiting on my credentials report. I’m now hearing that major changes to the Express Entry System that could affect my chances. What’s actually happening? What are the changes I should be aware of?

T.T.

Dear T.T.,

I have received several questions about the changes to Canada’s immigration system and express entry within the last few weeks so I will be dedicating this week’s article to providing short answers to each question received as they are interrelated.

Canada is in the process of significantly reshaping its Express Entry system. While Express Entry is not being eliminated, the way candidates are selected is shifting and the structure of the underlying programs may change entirely. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Forward Regulatory Plan proposes the most substantial reforms to the federal high-skilled immigration framework since Express Entry launched in 2015.

Q: What is the biggest change being proposed?

A: The most significant proposal is the formal repeal of the three existing federal programs under Express Entry: the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC), and their replacement with a single new Federal High-Skilled Class with streamlined eligibility requirements.

Under the proposed unified class, the eligibility requirements would be simplified. This means that all applicants would need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Language requirements would be unified at CLB/NCLC 6 across all language abilities, regardless of occupation type. Work experience would require one year cumulative in TEER 0 to 3 within the last three years. Work experience in Canada and foreign work experience would count. The existing 67-point FSW selection grid would be eliminated entirely.

Q: What does ‘targeted selection’ mean?

A: Canada has already been conducting category-based draws, and this approach is expected to continue alongside the new unified program. Rather than inviting candidates solely based on high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, IRCC prioritizes applicants in specific sectors. These include healthcare, skilled trades, STEM fields, education, agriculture, and French-language proficiency, reflecting priorities identified through national consultations and labour market data. Three additional categories have also been proposed for 2026: leadership (senior managers), research and innovation (scientists and researchers), and national security and defence (military personnel from partner nations).

Q: Will CRS scores still matter?

A: Yes, but the factors that determine those scores are being significantly recalibrated. IRCC’s internal research has identified which candidate attributes best predict long-term economic success, and the proposed CRS adjustments reflect this. A high CRS score alone may no longer guarantee an invitation if a candidate does not fall within a targeted category. Conversely, candidates with lower scores may be selected if they meet a priority need.

Q: If I have a job offer will this be taken into account now?

A: Yes, but with important conditions. Job offer points were removed from the CRS in March 2025 due to widespread concerns about Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) fraud. The proposals now confirm that points will now be given, but only for candidates in high-wage occupations. Importantly, points would be based on what the occupation typically earns, not based an individual candidate’s personal salary so as to reduce integrity risks.

IRCC has proposed a tiered structure based on how much an occupation’s typical earnings exceed the national median wage (at thresholds such as 1.3x, 1.5x, or 2x the median). The list of qualifying occupations would be updated regularly.

Q: Are any existing CRS advantages being removed?

A: This is one of the most consequential, and potentially contentious, parts of the reform. The proposals include removing or significantly modifying several factors that many applicants currently rely on. These are:

Spousal points (currently up to 40 points) are proposed for outright removal. Married applicants who benefit from their spouse’s education, language ability, or work experience contributing to their CRS score could lose up to 40 points.

The 600-point provincial nomination bonus is proposed for removal or modification. This is expected to face significant pushback during consultations, as provincial nominations are central to the immigration strategies of both provinces and many applicants.

Bonus points for French language proficiency, for having studied in Canada, and for having a sibling in Canada are also proposed for removal or modification. It is important to note that French-language category-based draws would continue as a separate selection mechanism, even if the bonus points are removed from the CRS.

Q: Are there any new eligibility requirements?

A: Under the proposed unified eligibility, the work experience standard would be one year cumulative in a TEER 0 to 3 occupation within the last three years, accepting both Canadian and foreign experience. This replaces the varying requirements across the current three programs. Additionally, an Educational Credential Assessment would be required of all applicants, not just those applying under the Federal Skilled Worker stream, as is currently the case.

Q: Who will benefit the most under these changes?

A: Applicants with Canadian work experience in high-wage occupations, those in high-demand sectors, and individuals with strong French-language ability are likely to have a stronger advantage. The system increasingly favours candidates who can integrate quickly into the labour market and meet immediate economic needs. Skilled trades applicants may also benefit from enhanced recognition of trade qualifications, including apprenticeship credentials, proposed as part of the CRS changes.

Q: What should prospective applicants do now?

A: Applicants should identify whether your occupation aligns with targeted categories, gain relevant sustained work experience, explore opportunities for Canadian employment in high-wage occupations, and consider improving French-language proficiency.

Applicants who currently benefit from spousal CRS points or who are relying on a provincial nomination as their pathway to permanent residence should follow the consultation process closely and consider seeking legal advice on how the proposed changes may affect their specific situation.

Q: Will the current system stop working?

A: No. The current Express Entry system remains fully operational. IRCC has conducted over 20 draws in 2026, issuing nearly 60,000 invitations to apply so far this year, and draws will continue as normal. Existing profiles in the Express Entry pool remain active and valid under the current rules.

Based on the standard Canadian regulatory process, which requires public consultations, drafting of regulations, publication in the Canada Gazette for public comment, and finalisation, the earliest these changes could take effect is late 2027. The final regulations may also look quite different from the current proposals after the consultation process.

Q: What is the overall direction of Canada’s immigration system?

A: Canada is moving toward a more selective and skills-targeted system, focused on attracting high-earning, labour-market-ready immigrants while returning overall immigration to what the government describes as sustainable levels. Express Entry is becoming less about who scores highest and more about selecting candidates who align with Canada’s evolving economic priorities, with a growing emphasis on earnings potential, occupational demand, and speed of labour market integration.

Applicants should continue to monitor updates closely or consider scheduling a consultation with a Canadian immigration lawyer for tailored advice. Public consultations on these proposals are expected to open shortly on IRCC’s public consultations and engagement webpage.

Deidre S. Powell is a Canadian lawyer, mediator and author of “Tell me a story Grandma”. Connect with her via www.deidrepowell.com or via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Telephone/WhatsApp 613-695-8777