Canada proposes major Express Entry overhaul
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined a series of proposed changes to the Express Entry system that would significantly alter how candidates are selected for permanent residence.
The proposals introduce a stronger emphasis on earnings and adjust eligibility rules, while reducing the role of Canadian work experience in candidate ranking.
The changes, which remain under consultation, would affect skilled workers applying through federal economic immigration pathways.
- Higher earnings would become a key ranking factor in Express Entry
- Canadian and foreign work experience would be treated equally for eligibility
- Three federal programs would be merged into a single stream
- New standardized requirements for language, education, and work experience
- Job offer points would return for high-wage occupations only
Shift toward income-based selection
IRCC is proposing to incorporate earnings more directly into the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which determines who receives invitations to apply for permanent residence.
A new “High Wage Occupation” factor would award additional points to candidates working in occupations with wages above the national median. The level of points would vary depending on how far earnings in a given occupation exceed the median benchmark.
The department has indicated that occupational wage data, rather than individual salaries, would be used to assign points in order to maintain consistency and reduce integrity concerns.
Planned restructuring of immigration programs
Under the proposal, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program would be consolidated into a single immigration stream.
This change follows IRCC’s Forward Regulatory Plan for 2026–2028, which signaled the potential retirement of these existing programs.
A unified system would introduce consistent eligibility criteria across all candidates, replacing the current program-specific requirements.
Standardised eligibility requirements
The proposed framework sets minimum education, language, and work experience thresholds for all candidates regardless of occupation.
Education: Applicants would be required to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, verified through an Educational Credential Assessment.
Language: A minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6, or equivalent in French, would apply across all categories.
Work experience: Candidates would need one year of cumulative experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation within the past three years. This marks a shift from the current requirement for continuous employment.
Job offers: A valid job offer would no longer be required to meet eligibility criteria.
Selection grid: The Federal Skilled Worker Program’s 67-point assessment grid would be removed.
Changes to CRS scoring system
In addition to introducing wage-based factors, IRCC is considering broader adjustments to how candidates are ranked.
Canadian work experience, currently a major component of CRS scoring, would be rebalanced to incorporate the new high-wage occupation metric.
Job offer points, which were eliminated in 2025, would be reintroduced but limited to roles classified as high-wage occupations.
Skills transferability factors would continue, with an expanded focus on trade qualifications and foreign work experience.
Additional recognition is also being explored for professional licensing and certifications, including Red Seal trades.
Factors under review for removal or modification
Several existing CRS components are under consideration for reduction or removal as part of the redesign.
These include points awarded for having a sibling in Canada, completing studies in Canada, and demonstrating French-language proficiency.
Provincial or territorial nominations, which currently provide a significant CRS boost, are also listed among the factors under review.
Spousal-related points and other secondary criteria may also be revised.
Background and consultation process
The proposed changes were shared in a presentation provided to immigration lawyers during stakeholder consultations and later made publicly available.
IRCC has stated that further consultation with stakeholders and the public is planned for spring 2026 before final decisions are made.
No implementation timeline has been confirmed, and regulatory amendments would be required to enact the changes.
Previous items included in IRCC’s regulatory planning documents, such as fee adjustments for permanent residence and citizenship, have already been implemented in 2026.
Ongoing role of targeted selection
Despite the proposed structural changes, category-based selection is expected to remain part of the Express Entry system.
This includes draws targeting French-speaking candidates and individuals working in occupations identified as facing labour shortages.
Provincial nominee programs, such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, would continue to operate alongside federal immigration pathways. Additional information on provincial criteria can be accessed through tools such as the Manitoba PNP points calculator.
Next steps
The proposals remain in the early stages of development and are subject to change following consultation.
IRCC has not announced a timeline for implementation or confirmed which elements will be adopted.
Further updates are expected as the consultation process progresses and regulatory decisions are finalized.
Ongoing coverage will continue to track developments related to Express Entry and Canada’s broader immigration system.