IRCC Proposes to Replace Express Entry's Three Programs with a Single "Federal High-Skilled Class"

On April 10, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a slide deck to immigration practitioners outlining what would be the most significant restructuring of the Express Entry system since the platform launched in 2015. The proposals follow IRCC's Forward Regulatory Plan, signalled earlier in April, which set out the federal government's intention to repeal the three federal economic streams that currently underpin Express Entry — the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) — and replace them with a single new economic class tentatively named the Federal High-Skilled Class.

The proposals are not yet regulation. IRCC has stated that public consultations will open in Spring 2026, and no implementation timeline has been announced. Express Entry continues to operate under its current rules, with regular invitation rounds taking place throughout April 2026.

A unified set of eligibility requirements

Under the proposal, the three current programs would be replaced by a single set of minimum criteria:

• Education: A high school diploma or higher, verified through an Educational Credential Assessment.

• Language: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6 — or NCLC 6 in French — across all four language abilities. This standardizes a threshold that currently varies by program, ranging from CLB 4 for the FSTP to CLB 7 for the FSWP.

• Work experience: One year of cumulative TEER 0–3 work experience earned in the previous three years. The shift from "continuous" to "cumulative" experience is notable: candidates would be able to combine shorter periods of qualifying work to meet the threshold. Foreign and Canadian work experience would be treated equally for pool entry purposes.

• Job offer: No longer a minimum eligibility requirement under the unified class. Currently, the FSTP requires either a job offer or a certificate of qualification.

• The 67-point FSWP selection grid: Would be removed from the process entirely.

Proposed changes to the CRS

The Comprehensive Ranking System would also be restructured. The most significant addition is a new "High Wage Occupation" factor under which candidates with Canadian work experience — or a qualifying job offer — in occupations earning above the national median wage would receive additional CRS points. IRCC has proposed three tiers based on the multiple of the national median wage an occupation pays: 1.3x, 1.5x, and 2x. The list of qualifying occupations would be updated regularly.

Job offer points, which IRCC removed from the CRS in March 2025, would return under the proposal — but only for candidates whose offer falls within the High Wage Occupation framework. IRCC has indicated it would calculate those points based on the typical earnings for the occupation rather than the candidate's individual salary, on the basis that occupation-level data carries lower integrity risk.

Skills transferability, currently worth up to 100 points, would see enhanced recognition for trade qualifications, with explicit reference to holders of a Red Seal Certificate of Qualification. Foreign work experience points would be retained.

Factors flagged for removal or modification

IRCC has identified several existing CRS factors as weaker predictors of an applicant's economic outcomes and is considering removing or modifying them: the French language proficiency bonus (currently 25–50 points), studies in Canada (15–30 points), sibling in Canada (15 points), and spousal points (up to 40 points). Provincial or territorial nomination points (currently 600) are also under consideration for modification, on the basis of overlap with the standalone PNP-specific Express Entry draws that already select for nominated candidates.

Category-based selection draws — including French-language draws and draws targeting occupational shortages — would continue under the new system.

What's next

IRCC has stated that further detail will be posted on the department's public consultations and engagement webpage when consultations formally open. Stakeholders, including current applicants, employers, immigration practitioners, and members of the public, will be able to submit input.

For now, the existing Express Entry programs remain in effect, and applications already in the pool will continue to be processed under current rules.

Harris Amir, RCIC (CICC #R707703) — Harris Amir Canada Immigration Consulting

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