CANADA CONSIDERS MAJOR EXPRESS ENTRY IMMIGRATION REFORMS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Canada is considering major reforms to its Express Entry immigration system, with plans to introduce new categories aimed at attracting highly skilled professionals and addressing the country’s evolving labour market needs.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched a public consultation to determine which Express Entry categories should be retained, revised or introduced for the 2027 immigration selection process.
The consultation, which opened on August 4, 2026, will run until September 1, giving individuals, organisations and other stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback on the future of Canada’s economic immigration programme.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Thursday, IRCC said the review is centred on three key priorities: tackling long-term labour shortages, attracting global talent and increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
The department noted that category-based selection has become a key component of Canada’s immigration strategy since its introduction in 2023.
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According to IRCC, candidates who qualified under category-based selection accounted for 87 per cent of all Express Entry invitations issued in 2025, underscoring the growing importance of targeted immigration draws.
The categories currently under review include French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), skilled trades, education, transport, as well as physicians, researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience.
As part of the proposed reforms, IRCC is considering four new talent-focused categories to attract professionals with skills considered vital to Canada’s future economic growth.
One proposal targets candidates in occupations covered under the Global Talent Stream, particularly professionals in technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
The department noted that Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy identifies AI expertise as a national priority, with efforts underway to attract and retain top talent in the sector.
Another proposal seeks to create a category for international researchers through the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, aimed at attracting leading researchers to strengthen scientific innovation and economic development.
IRCC is also considering a category for applicants who qualify under the government’s International Talent Attraction Strategy, which focuses on professionals in emerging technologies, healthcare, skilled trades and other priority sectors.
A fourth proposal would establish a dedicated Express Entry pathway for H-1B visa holders currently working in the United States, offering highly skilled workers in fields such as technology, healthcare and research a route to permanent residency in Canada.
The department is also reviewing whether existing occupation-based categories should be narrowed to focus on the country’s most critical labour shortages.
IRCC is seeking feedback on whether Express Entry should continue selecting candidates across all occupations facing long-term shortages or concentrate on a smaller number of priority professions.
The consultation also asks stakeholders whether future categories should prioritise highly skilled occupations, government priorities, persistent labour shortages and sectors not already covered by other immigration programmes.
IRCC said French-language proficiency is expected to remain a major component of Express Entry selection.
The French-language category accounted for nearly half of all category-based invitations issued in 2025, making it the largest single selection category.
Canada has also set higher targets for Francophone immigration outside Quebec and plans to increase admissions in the coming years.
To qualify under the French-language category, applicants must meet the required proficiency level in speaking, listening, reading and writing.
The department is encouraging individuals, employers and organisations to participate in the consultation before the September 1 deadline.
According to IRCC, the feedback received will help shape the final Express Entry categories for 2027 and ensure the immigration system supports Canada’s long-term economic and demographic objectives.
The proposed reforms could have a significant impact on skilled workers worldwide, particularly professionals in healthcare, technology, artificial intelligence, research, skilled trades and French-speaking communities seeking permanent residence in Canada.
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