The federal government has kicked off a public consultation on what could become the most significant overhaul of Express Entry since its 2015 launch. A discussion paper released 23 April and highlighted on 4 May invites feedback—until 24 May 2026—on consolidating the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program into a single Federal High-Skilled Class. Under the proposal, core eligibility would be standardised: at least one year of TEER 0-3 work experience (in Canada or abroad) within the past three years, a high-school diploma assessed by an Educational Credential Assessment, and language scores of CLB 6.
![Ottawa opens 30-day consultation to merge Express Entry’s three streams into one Federal High-Skilled Class]()
Whether you’re an employer hoping to retain global talent or an individual preparing an Express Entry profile, VisaHQ can guide you through every step of the Canadian immigration process. Their Canada page (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers up-to-date checklists, digital form-filling assistance, and courier services that help ensure your documents meet IRCC standards—useful now and as the rules continue to evolve.
IRCC argues that a streamlined set of rules will simplify messaging for employers and applicants, reduce administrative burden and allow the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to focus more heavily on predictors of economic success such as earnings history, age and official-language proficiency. Notably, job-offer points—removed from CRS calculations in March 2025—would return but only for high-wage occupations. The government says this strikes a balance between employer demand and concerns that low-wage offers were distorting selection toward roles that could be filled through other immigration pilots. Stakeholders have mixed reactions. Large tech employers welcome the possibility of higher CRS boosts for six-figure job offers, while provincial governments worry the change could siphon talent away from regional nominee programs. Immigration lawyers are urging clients with incomplete Express Entry profiles to submit before any rule change takes effect, as transitional provisions remain unclear. If adopted, draft regulations would be published in the Canada Gazette in 2027, with a six-month implementation window. Employers that rely on recruiting high-skilled foreign talent should monitor the consultation and consider filing comments to shape the final rule set.
Whether you’re an employer hoping to retain global talent or an individual preparing an Express Entry profile, VisaHQ can guide you through every step of the Canadian immigration process. Their Canada page (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers up-to-date checklists, digital form-filling assistance, and courier services that help ensure your documents meet IRCC standards—useful now and as the rules continue to evolve.
IRCC argues that a streamlined set of rules will simplify messaging for employers and applicants, reduce administrative burden and allow the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to focus more heavily on predictors of economic success such as earnings history, age and official-language proficiency. Notably, job-offer points—removed from CRS calculations in March 2025—would return but only for high-wage occupations. The government says this strikes a balance between employer demand and concerns that low-wage offers were distorting selection toward roles that could be filled through other immigration pilots. Stakeholders have mixed reactions. Large tech employers welcome the possibility of higher CRS boosts for six-figure job offers, while provincial governments worry the change could siphon talent away from regional nominee programs. Immigration lawyers are urging clients with incomplete Express Entry profiles to submit before any rule change takes effect, as transitional provisions remain unclear. If adopted, draft regulations would be published in the Canada Gazette in 2027, with a six-month implementation window. Employers that rely on recruiting high-skilled foreign talent should monitor the consultation and consider filing comments to shape the final rule set.
