Canada plans to retire current Express Entry programs, launch replacement

Canada is proposing a major restructuring of its Express Entry system, which will involve retiring current Express Entry programs, and replacing them with a new, streamlined program.

The proposed changes were outlined in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s Forward Regulatory Plan: 2026-2028, which sets out regulatory initiatives the department expects to propose or finalize in the next two years.

See your eligibility for all Express Entry streams

According to the plan, the proposed regulatory changes would:

• Repeal the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC); and
• Replace them with a single new class featuring streamlined eligibility requirements.

IRCC has shared few details on the new class it plans to introduce.

However, it has stated that it will support both the Canadian economy and businesses “by establishing a more diverse pool of international talent to fill a variety of labour market needs.”

IRCC also says streamlined requirements would make the system easier for applicants, employers, and partners to understand and navigate.

At this stage, the changes are still in the proposal phase. IRCC says it plans to consult partners, stakeholders, and the public in Spring 2026, with more details to be posted on the department’s public consultations and engagement webpage during that period.

If implemented, the reform would mark one of the most significant changes to Canada’s federal high-skilled immigration framework since Express Entry was launched in 2015.

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in the country. In 2025, Canada issued a total of 117,998 invitations to apply for permanent residence through all Express Entry draw types.

About Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s main system for managing online permanent residence applications for certain economic immigration programs.

Candidates interested in immigrating to Canada must first meeting eligibility requirements for any one of its three programs to enter the Express Entry pool. Once in the Express Entry pool, candidates are ranked against one another using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

The highest-ranking candidates may receive invitations to apply for permanent residence during federal immigration draws. They then have 60 days to submit a complete electronic application with IRCC to prove all claims in their initial profile with supporting documentation.

IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within six months.

Qualifying under Express Entry's three immigration programs

The current system manages three federal immigration programs, each with its own eligibility criteria.

Canadian Experience Class

This pathway is for candidates with recent skilled work experience in Canada. To qualify, applicants generally need at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience earned within the past three years, plus meet other criteria such as language proficiency. It is designed for foreign nationals who have already integrated into Canada’s labour market

Federal Skilled Worker Program

This pathway is mainly for skilled workers with one year of continuous skilled work experience within the last 10 years. This experience need not be obtained in Canada. Candidates also need to meet language proficiency requirement, and other selection criteria based on factors such as age, education, and work experience.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

This pathway is for qualified tradespersons in eligible occupations. To qualify, candidates generally need at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years, minimum language proficiency, and either a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification issued in Canada.

See your eligibility for all Express Entry streams