Canada to Replace Express Entry With New High-Skilled Immigration Pathway

Canada plans to dismantle its Express Entry system and introduce a new federal immigration category for highly skilled workers.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined in its Forward Regulatory Plan a proposal to repeal the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Class. These programs, which have formed the core of Express Entry since 2015, will be replaced by a single streamlined pathway intended to simplify the application process.

Express Entry has managed permanent residency applications for skilled workers, including those with Canadian work experience and international professional backgrounds. IRCC officials argue that the system has become overly complex and that a unified class will make it easier for applicants, employers, and partner organisations to navigate.

The proposed changes are designed to broaden the diversity of talent available to Canadian businesses and address labour shortages across multiple sectors. By reducing administrative barriers, the government hopes to make the immigration process more accessible and responsive.

Public and stakeholder consultations are scheduled for spring 2026, with regulatory amendments expected to be finalised within two years. While details of the new high-skilled category have not been confirmed, IRCC emphasises its potential economic benefits and its role in maintaining Canada’s competitiveness in attracting global talent.

The repeal of the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program marks a significant policy shift. The new framework will combine applicants with Canadian experience and those with foreign professional backgrounds into a single, more flexible system.