Canada is considering significant changes to its Express Entry immigration system, with proposals to introduce new categories aimed at attracting highly skilled professionals and addressing the country’s evolving economic and labour market needs.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched a public consultation to determine which Express Entry categories should be retained, revised or introduced as part of the 2027 selection process.
The consultation, which opened on August 4, 2026, will run until September 1, giving individuals, employers, organisations and other stakeholders an opportunity to help shape the future of Canada’s economic immigration programme.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Thursday, IRCC said the review is centred on three key objectives: 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 component of Canada’s immigration strategy since its introduction in 2023.
According to IRCC data, candidates eligible under category-based selection accounted for 87 per cent of all Express Entry invitations issued in 2025, underscoring the growing importance of targeted immigration draws.
The categories currently under review include French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services occupations, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, trade occupations, education occupations, transport occupations, as well as physicians, researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience.
Proposed New Categories Target Global Talent
Among the most notable proposals are four new talent-focused categories designed to attract professionals with skills considered critical to Canada’s long-term economic growth.
One proposal would create a dedicated category for candidates working in occupations covered by the Global Talent Stream, particularly those in technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
The move aligns with Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which identifies AI expertise as a strategic national priority and seeks to strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the rapidly expanding sector.
Another proposed category would target international researchers through the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative. The programme is intended to attract top research talent from around the world, supporting innovation, scientific advancement and economic development.
IRCC is also considering a category for individuals who fall within the government’s broader International Talent Attraction Strategy. This initiative focuses on recruiting professionals in emerging technologies, healthcare, skilled trades and other sectors considered essential to Canada’s future workforce needs.
A fourth proposal could establish a dedicated Express Entry pathway for H-1B visa holders currently employed in the United States. Such a pathway would offer highly skilled workers, particularly those in technology, healthcare and research fields, a direct route to permanent residence in Canada.
Review of Labour Shortage Categories Underway
In addition to the proposed talent streams, IRCC is assessing whether existing occupation-based categories should be narrowed to focus on a smaller number of high-priority professions.
The department is seeking feedback on whether category-based selection should continue to cover all occupations experiencing long-term workforce shortages or be limited to those facing the most critical gaps.
Consultation documents ask stakeholders to consider factors such as skill level, alignment with government priorities, persistent labour shortages and occupations that are not already supported through other immigration programmes.
Francophone Immigration Remains a Key Focus
French-language proficiency is expected to remain a major component of Express Entry selection.
IRCC data shows the French-language category accounted for nearly half of all category-based invitations issued in 2025, making it the largest single selection stream.
The federal government has also established increasingly ambitious targets for Francophone immigration outside Quebec as part of its efforts to support bilingual communities and address demographic challenges across the country.
Candidates applying under the French-language category must meet minimum proficiency requirements across all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
IRCC Invites Public Participation
IRCC is encouraging members of the public, employers and industry stakeholders to participate in the consultation process before the September 1 deadline.
According to the department, the feedback received will play a key role in shaping 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.
If implemented, the proposed reforms could significantly reshape Canada’s economic immigration system and create new opportunities for skilled workers worldwide, particularly those in technology, healthcare, research, skilled trades and French-speaking communities seeking permanent residence in the country.
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