Feedback wanted: Ottawa consulting on Express Entry reforms

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched consultations on significant reforms to Express Entry and the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) that could directly affect how HR professionals recruit, retain and convert skilled foreign workers to permanent employees.

The consultations – which run from April 23 to May 24, 2026 – aim to align selection rules with the latest evidence on immigrants’ economic outcomes. IRCC says it is looking to simplify the system and “ensure they are based on the latest research on economic outcomes.”

IRCC says the feedback will inform amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and Ministerial Instructions, with any program changes to be published in the Canada Gazette.

“You don’t need experience or detailed knowledge of Express Entry to complete our online survey,” IRCC notes, encouraging organisations to coordinate internally and “submit one response on behalf of your organization.”

Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence from skilled workers who want to live outside Quebec and currently oversees three core programs: the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates are ranked via the CRS on factors such as age, education, official language skills and skilled work experience.

HRD has earlier reported that Ottawa is moving to streamline Canada’s core immigration pathways in a series of regulatory changes.

Single skilled program could simplify HR screening

IRCC is proposing to merge the three federal skilled programs into a single Federal High Skilled program with common minimum criteria, arguing the current programs “share some of the same eligibility criteria.”

Key proposed minimums to enter the pool:

IRCC says the goal is to reduce duplication and complexity while focusing on “core factors known to help immigrants establish themselves economically in Canada.” CRS points would continue to reward post‑secondary education, higher language levels and additional Canadian work experience.

Emphasis on high‑wage jobs and core human capital

IRCC is also considering recalibrating the CRS to place greater weight on factors most strongly linked to employment and earnings. Department analysis highlights strong official language skills, high earnings as a temporary resident and Canadian work experience as key predictors of success, while some existing elements – such as spousal, sibling and Canadian study points – are weaker predictors.

A major proposal is to award additional CRS points to candidates with Canadian work experience or a valid job offer in high‑wage occupations. High‑wage jobs would be defined by occupational median wages above the national median, using federal labour market data. IRCC says this would “enhance selection of skilled workers with the highest earnings potential” and support the International Talent Attraction Strategy.

High‑wage factor and job offer changes (under consideration):

IRCC is also reviewing how Canadian work experience is defined, with one option limiting qualifying experience to work performed in Canada as a temporary resident, in the Canadian labour market and paid by wages or commission, while excluding most self‑employment, full‑time work while studying and work paid by foreign sources.

Recently, Canada expanded its freeze on processing low‑wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications to Vancouver, Winnipeg and Halifax, tightening employers' and HR professionals' access to temporary foreign workers in additional urban centres where unemployment has risen.In January, Canada’s federal government reopened the door to low‑wage foreign worker recruitment in eight urban centres.