Canadian immigration policy is constantly adapting and evolving, as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reacts to changes in Canadian government policy and global pressures. Although changes are sometimes made without notice to the public, overarching changes are often broached well in advance, and the public is given an opportunity to comment on prospective changes.

Periodically, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducts public consultations on issues that impact Canadians. The department declares that public engagement helps it make program and policy decisions by enabling it to understand the views of a wide range of people.

In 2026, two consultations were conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. One of the consultations concerned potential Express Entry reforms. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is still working its way through the extensive response, as more than 17,000 submissions on the subject were received from participants.

Canada’s Express Entry system has changed drastically in recent years, and perhaps no change was bigger than the creation and institution of category-based selection. Now, it seems more changes are on the horizon, as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has conducted another consultation focused on economic priorities for category-based selection in Express Entry.

Express Entry

Express Entry is an immigration application system that allows foreign national skilled workers to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The Express Entry system manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Within these programs, there is category-based selection.

Category-Based Selection

Category-based Express Entry selections began in 2023 and have continued steadily since the first draw, with over 50,000 candidates invited to apply through this process. Category-based selection allows the Government of Canada to meet economic priorities and other areas of need by issuing targeted invitations to apply to people with specific skills and experience. In 2025, there were 6 categories; currently, there are 10, indicating Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s intent to continue expanding category-based admissions. Most of the ten current Express Entry categories have had draws in 2026.

Comprehensive Ranking System Score

When Express Entry applicants submit an application and enter the pool, they are assigned points based on factors such as age, language skills, education, and skilled work experience.

The allocation of points is important for potential applicants to be aware of, as Express Entry draws, including the Comprehensive Ranking System scores of the applicants issued invitations to apply, are publicized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Thus, potential applicants can effectively gauge their chances of receiving an invitation to apply based on their own skills, experience, education, and other characteristics. If someone is invited to apply, they will have 60 days to submit a complete application that includes all of the requisite documents and fees.

Potential Express Entry Changes Coming in the Near Future

The recent public consultation by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ran from August 4 to September 1, 2026. The consultation focused on economic priorities and categories that will inform the future of category-based Express Entry selection. During the consultation, specific areas were highlighted that may be considered for future categories.

H-1B Visa Holders

The H-1B visa is a United States work visa issued to highly skilled foreign workers. There are many occupations considered highly skilled and covered by the H-1B visa, but recent news and discussion about the visa have focused on workers in technology-based roles.

The survey put out by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada asked whether H-1B visa holders should be prioritized. This focus would be consistent with previously stated immigration goals from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, as it emphasizes attracting talented individuals to Canada. Further, H-1B visa holders have been focused on in the past, as there was previously an H-1B visa holder work permit program. Additionally, this is likely a good area for Canada to focus on, given the ongoing US policy of requiring $100,000 for H-1B visas, as many visa holders may be looking to pivot to another country because of this onerous policy.

Researchers

The survey also introduced researchers as a focus area under consideration. There is a lack of detail regarding how researchers would be defined under the program. However, the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative is cited in the consultation, which could provide some hints on how researchers might be considered. Specifically, advanced digital technologies, health, and defence technologies are areas that are focused on under the initiative, and a researcher category could focus on those areas as well. According to the survey, Canadian work experience could also be a factor if a category is created.

International Talent Attraction Strategy and Global Talent Stream

Canada recently promulgated the International Talent Acquisition Strategy. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, this strategy helps ensure that Canada can prioritize, attract, and/or retain top talent in priority sectors such as technology, health care and skilled trades. Even though categories already exist for some of these sectors, there may be expansion based on the areas of focus.

Additionally, the Global Talent Stream was mentioned in the survey. The Global Talent Stream is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The Stream allows for expedited processing of work permits, provided the applicant meets certain requirements. The survey indicates consideration for expanding this stream to accelerate the entry and onboarding of AI talent. This indicates that the Canadian Government wants to increase Canada’s involvement in AI by making it easier for AI experts to work in Canada.

Express Entry in 2027

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, these proposed changes may take effect early in 2027. New Express Entry categories may be created based on these areas of interest, depending on the survey findings and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s evaluation of Express Entry. In 2027, Canada plans to admit 122,000 permanent residents through Express Entry, as outlined in the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan. However, this number is subject to change when the 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan is released later this year.

Other proposed changes

The consultation held earlier in 2026 provided further insight into the changes coming to Express Entry this year. There is consideration of replacing the existing 3 Express Entry programs with a single unified program. This change is similar to the changes that Ontario recently made to its Provincial Nomination Program, wherein the multiple application streams were consolidated.

Another proposed change concerns how Comprehensive Ranking System points are awarded. The proposed changes would award bonus points to applications in occupations that make at least 1.3x the national median wage. There would be three tiers that award bonus points for those who earn 1.3x, 1.5x, or at least 2x the national median wage.

For those considering an Express Entry application, these changes could have a significant impact. It is important to be aware of the changes before applying. Working with a legal professional experienced in the Express Entry system can help ensure a strong, complete application.

Garson Immigration Law: Experienced Toronto Immigration Lawyers Advising on Express Entry Issues and Canadian Immigration

At Garson Immigration Law, we are exclusively dedicated to immigration law and provide reliable advice on the Canadian immigration process. Our immigration lawyers work to find practical solutions for our clients across a range of immigration matters, including citizenship, inadmissibility, and U.S. immigration. If you have any questions about an immigration application, do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 416-321-2860.