Canada is planning a major review of its Express Entry immigration system as it explores introducing new categories to attract skilled professionals and better respond to the country’s future workforce needs.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited the public to help determine how the Express Entry programme should evolve before the 2027 selection cycle, including whether existing categories should be maintained, modified or replaced.
The consultation, which began on August 4, 2026, will remain open until September 1, allowing individuals, employers, organisations and other stakeholders to submit their recommendations.
According to a statement shared by IRCC on X on Thursday, the review is guided by three main objectives: filling long-term labour shortages, attracting highly skilled global talent and expanding Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
The department said category-based selection, introduced in 2023, has become a key feature of Canada’s immigration system.
IRCC revealed that 87 per cent of all Express Entry invitations issued in 2025 went to candidates who qualified under category-based draws, demonstrating the programme’s increasing significance.
The review covers several existing categories, including French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, STEM occupations, skilled trades, education, transport, and professionals such as physicians, researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience.
