Canada is considering major changes to its Express Entry immigration system, with proposed new categories aimed at attracting highly skilled workers and meeting the country’s changing economic needs.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has opened public consultations to determine which categories should continue, be adjusted or introduced for the 2027 Express Entry selection process.

The consultation, whichh began on August 4, 2026, will remain open until September 1, allowing individuals, organisations and stakeholders to provide feedback on the future direction of Canada’s economic immigration programme.

In a post on its X handle on Thursday, IRCC said the review is focused on three major priorities: addressing long-term labour shortages, attracting global talent and supporting Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

The department said category-based selection has become an important part of Canada’s immigration strategy since it was introduced in 2023.

IRCC data showed that category-eligible candidates accounted for 87 per cent of all Express Entry invitations issued in 2025, reflecting the growing role of targeted immigration draws.

The current categories being reviewed include French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services occupations, STEM fields, trade occupations, education occupations, transport occupations, as well as physicians, researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience.

New Talent-Focused Categories

Among the proposed changes are four new talent-focused categories designed to attract professionals with skills considered critical to Canada’s economic future.

One proposal would target candidates in occupations covered by the Global Talent Stream, particularly in technology and artificial intelligence.

Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy identifies AI expertise as a key national priority, with the government seeking to attract and retain highly skilled professionals in the sector.

Another proposed category would focus on international researchers through the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative.

The programme Is aimed at bringing leading researchers to Canada to strengthen scientific innovation and economic development.

IRCC is also considering a category for candidates who fit within the government’s International Talent Attraction Strategy, which targets professionals in emerging technologies, healthcare, skilled trades and other priority areas.

A fourth proposal would create a dedicated Express Entry pathway for H-1B visa holders currently working in the United States.

The move could provide a permanent residence route for highly skilled workers in sectors such as technology, healthcare and research.

Possible Changes to Labour Shortage Categories

The department is also examining whether existing occupation-based categories should be narrowed to focus on fewer but more critical areas.

IRCC is asking stakeholders whether selection should continue across all occupations facing long-term shortages or be limited to a smaller group of priority occupations.

The consultation document asks whether categories should focus on factors such as higher-skilled occupations, government priorities, persistent labour shortages and areas not already covered by other immigration pathways.

French Immigration Remains a Priority

French-language proficiency is expected to remain a key part of Express Entry selection.

The category accounted for nearly half of all category-based invitations issued in 2025, making it the largest individual selection group.

Canada has set increasing targets for Francophone immigration outside Quebec, with plans to raise admissions in the coming years.

Eligible candidates under the French-language category must meet minimum language requirements in all four abilities.

IRCC Seeks Public Input

IRCC is encouraging individuals and organisations to participate in the consultation before the September 1 deadline.

The department said feedback will help determine the final Express Entry categories for 2027.

“The consultation will help inform decisions on which categories should continue and how category-based selection can best support Canada’s economic and demographic goals,” IRCC said.

The proposed changes could significantly affect skilled workers worldwide, particularly those in healthcare, technology, research, skilled trades and French-speaking communities seeking permanent residence in Canada. (The PUNCH)

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