Canada weighs major Express Entry overhaul; plans to reward high earners, job offers

In what could mark the most significant redesign of its flagship immigration system in over a decade, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has circulated a confidential presentation to several immigration attorneys outlining a draft of sweeping changes to the Express Entry framework, including a shift toward prioritising high-earning candidates.According to details from the presentation that were shared with TOI, Canada is proposing to overhaul both eligibility rules and the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), fundamentally changing how candidates are selected for permanent residency.

Single ‘high-skilled’ category to replace existing streams

TOI had earlier reported on a brief announcement by IRCC that the government is considering repealing the three current federal immigration programmes under Express Entry:Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)Canadian Experience Class (CEC)Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)These would be replaced by a unified ‘Federal High-Skilled Class’, with standardised eligibility criteria. Read Also: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/canada-plans-major-overhaul-of-express-entry-may-scrap-key-immigration-streams/articleshow/130170509.cms
According to immigration attorneys, based on the discussions that IRCC has had, under the draft proposal, candidates would need:At least one year of cumulative work experience (not necessarily continuous) in the past three yearsExperience in TEER 0–3 occupations (this refers to higher-skilled occupations ranging from managerial and professional roles to technical and intermediate-skilled jobs that qualify under Canada’s immigration system)A minimum education level of high schoolLanguage proficiency of CLB/NCLC 6 (this refers to an intermediate level of English or French proficiency, sufficient for routine workplace communication)This marks a move toward a simplified, uniform entry threshold across all applicants.

CRS to prioritise high wages, job offers

Express Entry mechanism is the system under which aspirants apply for permanent residency, are placed in a pool, and are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). Those meeting the cut-off score in that particular draw are given an invitation to apply for permanent residency.According to immigration attorneys, IRCC is considering introducing a new ‘high-wage occupation’ factor, which would award additional points to candidates working in or holding job offers for occupations paying significantly above the national median wage.At the same time, several existing CRS factors could be reduced or eliminated, including points for having a sibling in Canada, or even Canadian education.

PNP bonus points may be scaled back

Another significant proposal is a rethink of the 600 CRS points awarded for provincial nominations. It appears that IRCC is examining whether these points should be reduced to avoid what officials see as ‘double counting’ between provincial and federal selection systems.

No timeline yet; consultations underway

The proposals remain at the consultation stage, with IRCC engaging immigration attorneys, various stakeholders, and the public during Spring 2026, before finalising regulations. Immigration attorneys predict that the process could take several months.They also point out that the draft shared with them could undergo several revisions, prior to finalisation.