Canada could be making significant changes to its key immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed its Forward Regulatory Plan for 2026 to 2028 last month, which lays out planned or anticipated regulatory changes the agency intends to propose or finalize within two years.
The agency is proposing to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, which establish the criteria for immigration programs managed through Express Entry, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Since the Express Entry application management system launched in 2015, these criteria have become the minimum requirements for candidates to qualify and be considered for an invitation to apply for permanent residence, according to IRCC.
The proposed changes would introduce a new federal high-skilled immigration class in Canada with streamlined eligibility requirements, while repealing the existing Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. The Government of Canada stated the regulatory changes "could positively impact the Canadian economy broadly, and businesses seeking skilled workers, by establishing a more diverse pool of international talent to fill a variety of labour market needs". The agency added that streamlined requirements would also make the system easier for clients, employers and partners to understand and navigate.
IRCC plans to consult partners, stakeholders, and the public in Spring 2026. The proposed overhaul comes after Canada announced new Express Entry immigration categories in February 2026 for researchers, workers with experience in transport occupations, and highly skilled foreign military applicants. These additions follow the December announcement of a new category for foreign medical doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience.
