Kathmandu. The Canadian government is preparing to make major changes to its Express Entry system.
Through Express Entry, anyone from all over the world can get permanent residency (PR) to live in Canada. The new proposal calls for discontinuing existing programs and introducing a new, more simplified system. The changes are outlined in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) 2026-28 Forward Regulatory Plan. It outlines the proposed rules for the next 2 years.
According to the plan, 3 existing programs – the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FCWC), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC) – could be eliminated. They will be replaced by a new class with simplified eligibility requirements. However, no further details about this new program have been disclosed.
IRCC states that the proposed changes are aimed at attracting international talent to suit the needs of different sectors. This will benefit Canada’s economy and businesses. Furthermore, the simplified regulations will make the process easier for applicants, employers, and other stakeholders to understand and use.
Currently, these changes are only in the proposal stage. The department said it would seek feedback from the public, experts and stakeholders in the spring of 2026. Only then will these changes be finalized.
What is Express Entry?
If implemented, the reform would be the most significant change since the Express Entry system was introduced in 2015. Express Entry is the primary application system for permanent residency in Canada. In 2025, 117,998 people were invited to apply for permanent residency.
Current system
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Under the current system, candidates must first qualify for one of the 3 programs.
- Their profiles are then included in the Express Entry pool. Where they are scored on the basis of a comprehensive ranking system (CRS).
Higher-ranked candidates receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency through a draw.TAG_OPEN_li_29
After receiving the invitation, candidates should submit their application with all the necessary documents within 60 days.TAG_OPEN_li_28
IRCC aims to process most of the applications within 6 months.
In terms of the existing 3 program, Canadian Experience classes are for individuals who have worked in Canada in recent years and typically have at least one year of experience. The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for skilled craftsmen with at least 1 year of work experience in Canada or abroad within the last 10 years, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled craftspeople with at least 2 years of trade-related experience and a Canadian job offer or certification.
