Canada has launched consultations on proposed changes to its Express Entry immigration system, including the introduction of new entry categories aimed at attracting highly skilled professionals and addressing the country’s future workforce needs.
The public consultation, opened by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on August 4, will run until September 1, inviting individuals, organisations and other stakeholders to help shape the categories that will be used for the 2027 Express Entry selection process.
In a statement posted on its X account on Thursday, the department said the review centres on three priorities: tackling long-term labour shortages, attracting global talent and strengthening Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Since category-based selection was introduced in 2023, it has become a major feature of Canada’s immigration system. According to IRCC, candidates who qualified under specific categories received 87 per cent of all Express Entry invitations issued in 2025.
The categories currently under review include French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, science, technology, engineering and mathematics occupations, skilled trades, education, transport, as well as physicians, researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience.
New categories under consideration
Among the proposed reforms are four new talent-focused categories intended to attract professionals in sectors considered essential to Canada’s economic growth.
One proposal targets workers employed in occupations covered by the Global Talent Stream, particularly those specialising in technology and artificial intelligence.
The government has identified AI expertise as a national priority under its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
Another proposal seeks to create a category for international researchers through the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, a programme designed to attract top researchers and strengthen innovation across the country.
IRCC is also considering a category for applicants who qualify under the government’s International Talent Attraction Strategy, which focuses on professionals in emerging technologies, healthcare, skilled trades and other priority industries.
A fourth proposal would establish a dedicated Express Entry pathway for H-1B visa holders currently working in the United States, potentially creating a permanent residence option for highly skilled professionals in technology, healthcare and research.
Reviewing labour shortage priorities.
The department is also examining whether occupation-based categories should be streamlined to focus on fewer but more critical professions.
As part of the consultation, stakeholders are being asked whether category-based selection should continue covering all occupations experiencing long-term shortages or be narrowed to priority sectors.
The consultation document also seeks feedback on whether future categories should prioritise higher-skilled occupations, government priorities, persistent labour shortages and occupations not already served by other immigration programmes.
French-language immigration remains central
French-language proficiency is expected to remain a key component of the Express Entry system.
The category accounted for almost half of all category-based invitations issued in 2025, making it the largest selection group. Canada also plans to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec in the coming years.
Applicants under the French-language category must satisfy the required standards in all four language skills.
Public consultation underway
IRCC urged individuals and organisations to participate before the September 1 deadline, noting that feedback received during the consultation 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.
If adopted, the proposed changes could reshape immigration opportunities for skilled workers worldwide, particularly those working in healthcare, technology, research, skilled trades and French-speaking communities seeking permanent residence in Canada.
