Canada is planning to make significant modifications to its Express Entry program, which entails the cancellation of all existing Express Entry programs and their replacement with a new one.
The proposed reforms are detailed in IRCC’s “Forward Regulatory Plan: 2026-2028,” which lays down the regulatory proposals that the department plans to put forward or implement within the next two years.
As per the plan, the following actions will be taken:
- Abolish the Federal Skilled Workers Category (FSWC), the Canadian Experience Category (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Category (FSTC); and
- Introduce a single new category with simpler eligibility criteria. IRCC has provided little information about the new category they intend to introduce.
But the government also states that it will help the Canadian economy and its businesses by “building a more diversified labor force from abroad that can help meet various labor market needs.”
The agency claims that simplified regulations will make the program easier to understand for all those involved in the process: applicants, employers, and partners.
As of now, we can only talk about proposals since IRCC said it would begin consultations with partners, stakeholders, and the general public in Spring 2026. During that period, more information regarding the consultations will be available on the department’s website.
In case the proposed reform is adopted, it will represent one of the biggest changes made in Canada’s High Skilled Immigration Program since the creation of the Express Entry Program in 2015.
The Express Entry system is Canada’s main application management tool for attracting foreign nationals to become residents of the country. In 2025, Canada issued a total of 117,998 invitations to apply for permanent residency under all Express Entry draw types.
About Express Entry
The Express Entry system is the primary program used by the Canadian government to manage online applications for permanent residence of some economic immigrant categories.
Interested candidates in moving to Canada must be eligible for at least one out of the three programs to become part of the Express Entry pool. After becoming part of the pool, applicants are ranked among each other through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
High-ranking applicants will be invited to apply for permanent residency from time to time through federal immigration lotteries. The applicants will then have 60 days to submit an application electronically to the IRCC.
Most Express Entry applications should be processed by the IRCC within six months.
Qualifying under Express Entry’s three immigration programs
The current system manages three federal immigration programs, each with its own eligibility criteria.
Canadian Experience Class
This immigration path is for those with recent skilled employment in Canada. Applicants will normally require at least one year of qualifying Canadian work experience gained in the last three years, among other requirements. This program targets foreign citizens who have successfully adapted to Canada’s labor market.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
This particular pathway is designed specifically for workers who have worked in their skilled occupation continuously for at least one year during the last 10 years. This requirement does not necessarily mean that this one-year period should occur in Canada. Other eligibility criteria may include language proficiency tests, among others.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
This stream is designed for eligible workers who are skilled tradespeople. Eligible workers require a minimum of two years of continuous work experience in a trade within the previous five years; proficiency in English or French; and a valid job offer or a Canadian trade certification.