Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has proposed a significant Express Entry overhaul that would prioritize high-earning workers and standardize eligibility requirements for skilled immigrants.
- Program Consolidation: Proposal to merge the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) into a single system.
- Wage-Based Ranking: Introduction of a “High Wage Occupation” factor awarding points based on earnings relative to the national median wage.
- Standardized Eligibility: Uniform education and language requirements for all candidates, regardless of occupation.
The proposal, revealed in a slide deck shared with immigration lawyers, suggests a shift in how Canada selects permanent residents. Under the new framework, higher earnings will carry more weight than previous Canadian work experience.
New Eligibility Requirements
IRCC intends to replace the separate eligibility criteria of existing programs with a single set of requirements. All candidates would be required to hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent, verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Language requirements would be standardized to CLB 6 (or NCLC 6 for French) across all four abilities for all applicants. This replaces the current system, where requirements varied between CLB 4 and 7 depending on the program and occupation.
Work experience requirements would shift to one year of cumulative experience in a TEER 0 to 3 occupation earned within the last three years. This experience can be obtained either in Canada or abroad. Notably, the shift to “cumulative” experience allows candidates to combine shorter periods of employment.
Additionally, a job offer would no longer be a minimum eligibility requirement, and the 67-point FSWP selection grid would be eliminated. Category-based selection for French-language proficiency and specific occupational shortages would continue.
Changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The proposed CRS changes include a restructured approach to Canadian work experience and the introduction of a High Wage Occupation factor. Candidates in occupations earning above the national median wage would receive extra points based on three tiers: 1.3 times, 1.5 times, or 2 times the median wage.
Job offer points, which were removed in March 2025, would return exclusively for high-wage occupations. IRCC stated these points would be based on typical occupational earnings rather than individual salaries to reduce integrity risks.
The overhaul also proposes enhanced recognition for trade qualifications, specifically for holders of a Certificate of Qualification in a Red Seal-designated trade. IRCC is also exploring points for trade apprenticeship work and other regulated professions.
Factors Facing Modification or Removal
IRCC has identified several current scoring factors as “weaker predictors” of economic success and is considering their removal or modification. These include:
- French proficiency bonuses (currently 25 to 50 points)
- Studies in Canada (currently 15 to 30 points)
- Having a sibling in Canada (currently 15 points)
- Spousal points (currently up to 40 points)
Provincial and territorial nominations, currently worth 600 points, are also under review for modification. IRCC suggests this may be due to redundancy, as the government already conducts specific draws for provincially nominated candidates.
These proposals remain in the early stages. IRCC plans to conduct public consultations in Spring 2026 before finalizing the changes. While no implementation timeline has been set, the department has already executed other components of its Forward Regulatory Plan, including fee increases for permanent residence and citizenship that took effect in early 2026.
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