RismadarVoice Reporters
August 6, 2026
Canada is considering significant changes to its Express Entry immigration system, with plans to introduce new categories aimed at attracting highly skilled professionals and addressing the country’s evolving labour market needs.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched a public consultation to determine which immigration categories should be retained, modified or introduced for the 2027 Express Entry selection process.
The consultation, which opened on August 4, will run until September, allowing individuals, employers, organisations and other stakeholders the opportunity to provide input on the future of Canada’s economic immigration programme.
According to IRCC, the review focuses on three key priorities: addressing long-term labour shortages, attracting global talent and increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
The department noted that category-based selection has become a central feature of Canada’s immigration strategy since it was introduced in 2023.
Official data showed that candidates eligible under category-based selection accounted for 87 per cent of all Express Entry invitations issued in 2025, highlighting the growing importance of targeted immigration draws.
As part of the review, IRCC is considering four new talent-focused categories designed to attract professionals with skills considered essential to Canada’s future economic growth.
One proposal targets workers in occupations covered by the Global Talent Stream, particularly professionals in technology and artificial intelligence (AI), sectors identified as national priorities under Canada’s AI strategy.
Another proposed category would focus on attracting international researchers through the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, a programme intended to strengthen scientific research and innovation.
The department is also considering a category for applicants who qualify under Canada’s International Talent Attraction Strategy, which seeks professionals in emerging technologies, healthcare, skilled trades and other high-demand sectors.
A fourth proposal would establish a dedicated pathway for H-1B visa holders currently employed in the United States, offering highly skilled foreign workers an opportunity to obtain permanent residence in Canada.
IRCC is also examining whether its current occupation-based categories should be narrowed to focus on the country’s most critical labour shortages.
The department is seeking public feedback on whether invitations should continue to cover all occupations experiencing workforce shortages or be limited to a smaller number of priority professions.
The consultation also explores whether future selections should prioritise higher-skilled occupations, government strategic objectives, persistent labour shortages and sectors not adequately served through existing immigration programmes.
French language proficiency is expected to remain a major component of Canada’s immigration strategy.
According to IRCC, candidates in the French-language category received nearly half of all category-based invitations issued in 2025, making it the largest selection group under the Express Entry system.
Canada has also reaffirmed its commitment to increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec as part of its long-term demographic and economic objectives.
Applicants under this category must meet the required French-language proficiency standards across all four language skills.
IRCC has encouraged members of the public, employers and industry stakeholders to participate in the consultation before the September 1 deadline.
The department said the feedback received will help shape the final Express Entry categories for 2027 and ensure the immigration system continues to support Canada’s economic growth, labour market demands and demographic priorities.
If adopted, the proposed changes could create new opportunities for skilled professionals worldwide, particularly those working in healthcare, technology, artificial intelligence, scientific research, skilled trades and French-speaking communities seeking permanent residence in Canada.
