Canada is set to undergo a significant transformation of its primary immigration system, Express Entry. According to a proposal by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the current program structure may be replaced by a unified and simplified pathway.

The proposal, part of IRCC’s Forward Regulatory Plan for 2026 to 2028, aims to do away with the existing Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Instead, a single streamlined class with easier eligibility requirements is envisioned. While detailed criteria for the new system are yet to be disclosed, the objective is to establish a more adaptable and diverse talent pool that aligns better with labor market demands.

The department stresses that a more straightforward framework would enhance the system’s accessibility for applicants, employers, and provincial partners. These proposed changes are subject to consultations with stakeholders and the public in Spring 2026, with further specifics to follow. If enacted, this would mark a significant overhaul of Canada’s skilled immigration landscape since the inception of Express Entry in 2015.

Presently, Express Entry oversees permanent residence applications by ranking candidates through the Comprehensive Ranking System. Successful candidates receive invitations to apply, typically with a 60-day window for submission. The majority of applications are processed within six months.

In 2025, Canada issued 117,998 invitations through Express Entry across various draw types, underscoring the system’s pivotal role in economic immigration.