The Express Entry overhaul is the biggest change to Canada’s skilled-worker immigration selection system since 2015. Express Entry currently operates through three federal programs, but Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced its intention to merge all three into a single stream called the Federal High-Skilled Class, while also adjusting how the CRS score is calculated. This article summarizes the proposal’s content, the implementation timeline, and how you can prepare your application starting now.
Important note: this is a proposal currently at the consultation stage, not yet a rule in effect. Current invitation rounds are still proceeding as normal under the existing law.
What is the Express Entry overhaul and why is IRCC making the change
On April 8, 2026, IRCC announced its intention to abolish the three-program structure that has underpinned Express Entry for nearly a decade. The plan is part of its Forward Regulatory Plan 2026-2028.
The goal of the Express Entry overhaul is to make the system simpler, easier to navigate, and able to select from a broader pool of candidates. IRCC also wants to prioritize candidates with the best economic-integration potential, based on evidence that earnings in Canada are among the strongest indicators of future employment and income outcomes.
Federal High-Skilled Class: one stream replacing three programs
Currently, the three federal programs within Express Entry are Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC) và Federal Skilled Trades (FST). Each stream has its own set of eligibility criteria, which creates complexity for applicants.
The proposal is to merge all three into a single stream called the Federal High-Skilled Class. The new stream is expected to accept occupations in TEER 0, 1, 2 and 3 groups under the NOCclassification, meaning it would include trade occupations (skilled tradespeople) that previously had to go through the FST. This approach removes the boundary between workers with Canadian experience and workers from abroad, putting everyone into a single ranked pool.
How the CRS scoring system will change
Alongside merging the programs, IRCC is proposing to adjust the CRS scorescoring system. The focus is shifting the scoring toward assessing an applicant’s earning potential.
The most notable change is the high-wage occupation factor. IRCC plans to add points for applicants who have Canadian work experience or a job offer in a high-wage occupation. A high-wage occupation is defined as one with a median wage higher than the median wage of the overall Canadian workforce.
This proposal also brings back points for job offers, which were removed in March 2025. However, the job-offer points will only apply to job offer in the high-wage occupation group, in order to reduce the risk of job-offer fraud. According to IRCC’s criteria table on the page Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria, the current scoring components still include age, education, language and experience.
On the other side, the proposal reduces the weighting given to Canadian work experience and French-language ability. This is something applicants need to watch closely, as it could significantly change rankings within the pool.
Timeline for the Express Entry overhaul
IRCC plans to hold public consultations in spring 2026 to gather feedback on the new stream and the scoring method. According to the Government of Canada’s page on consultation on the Express Entry overhaul , the draft regulation will be published in the Canada Gazette by the end of 2026.
The official regulation is expected to be issued in 2027, and implementation will not begin before 2027. Throughout the transition period, invitation rounds will continue under the current FSW, CEC and FST rules. In other words, your application in 2026 will not be affected.
Three steps to prepare your application
Even though the overhaul is not yet in effect, you can fully prepare in advance so you are not caught off guard when the new rules apply.
- Strengthen your foundational score. Raise your language score (IELTS/CELPIP, and French if possible), complete your ECA education assessment, and build up your experience. This is the stable part of the score across every version of CRS.
- Target high-wage occupations and job offers. Since the overhaul direction favors income, positioning yourself within occupations with a higher median wage will be an advantage. Refer to the list of Canada immigration occupations to choose a suitable direction.
- Follow the consultation and apply early if you are eligible. If your current profile already meets the FSW, CEC or FST eligibility criteria, you should consider applying while the current rules are still in effect rather than waiting for the new stream.
Summary
The Express Entry overhaul aims at a simpler Federal High-Skilled Class stream that places greater weight on income and high-wage job offers, while reducing the weighting of Canadian experience and French language. The timeline runs to at least 2027, so you still have time to strengthen your application. The My Second World team will continue to provide updates as IRCC releases the official draft regulation.
