Late on Saturday, April 25, the Canada Immigration Knowledge Hub (CIKH.ca) revealed that IRCC has launched a 30-day public consultation (23 April – 24 May 2026) on sweeping changes to Express Entry.
![IRCC opens month-long consultation on biggest Express Entry overhaul since 2015]()
Whether you’re a temporary worker planning to transition to permanent residence or an employer seeking clarity for prospective hires, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork you still need to enter or stay in Canada while these proposals make their way through Parliament. Their dedicated Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) lets you check requirements, generate application kits and receive status alerts in real time, ensuring that visa, eTA and document timelines stay on track as IRCC rules evolve.
The department proposes merging the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and Canadian Experience Class into a single “Federal High-Skilled Class” and recalibrating the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to privilege high wages, strong language skills and Canadian work experience. Draft criteria would lower the gate for entry — a high-school diploma and CLB 6 in English or French — but raise the bar for selection by adding occupation-specific wage thresholds. IRCC is also considering restoring job-offer points but only for roles that exceed the national median wage, addressing fraud concerns that led to the 2025 suspension. If adopted, the model would mark a pivot from credential-heavy scoring toward labour-market outcomes, mirroring Australia’s points test. Early analysis suggests internationally mobile professionals in tech, healthcare and engineering could benefit, while younger candidates banking on education and age points may find it harder to reach invitation thresholds. Stakeholders have until 24 May to complete an online survey covering eligibility, CRS weighting and transitional measures for existing profiles. Employers, provincial governments and newcomer advocacy groups are expected to lobby for modifications; provincial nominee programs that feed off Express Entry may have to redesign their scoring matrices. IRCC says final regulations could be published by autumn 2026, with at least three months’ notice before implementation. Candidates are advised to continue preparing under current rules but to assess how wage data and Canadian job offers could improve their future competitiveness.
Whether you’re a temporary worker planning to transition to permanent residence or an employer seeking clarity for prospective hires, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork you still need to enter or stay in Canada while these proposals make their way through Parliament. Their dedicated Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) lets you check requirements, generate application kits and receive status alerts in real time, ensuring that visa, eTA and document timelines stay on track as IRCC rules evolve.
The department proposes merging the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and Canadian Experience Class into a single “Federal High-Skilled Class” and recalibrating the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to privilege high wages, strong language skills and Canadian work experience. Draft criteria would lower the gate for entry — a high-school diploma and CLB 6 in English or French — but raise the bar for selection by adding occupation-specific wage thresholds. IRCC is also considering restoring job-offer points but only for roles that exceed the national median wage, addressing fraud concerns that led to the 2025 suspension. If adopted, the model would mark a pivot from credential-heavy scoring toward labour-market outcomes, mirroring Australia’s points test. Early analysis suggests internationally mobile professionals in tech, healthcare and engineering could benefit, while younger candidates banking on education and age points may find it harder to reach invitation thresholds. Stakeholders have until 24 May to complete an online survey covering eligibility, CRS weighting and transitional measures for existing profiles. Employers, provincial governments and newcomer advocacy groups are expected to lobby for modifications; provincial nominee programs that feed off Express Entry may have to redesign their scoring matrices. IRCC says final regulations could be published by autumn 2026, with at least three months’ notice before implementation. Candidates are advised to continue preparing under current rules but to assess how wage data and Canadian job offers could improve their future competitiveness.
