Express Entry 2026 Reforms: RCIC Analysis

These are proposals, not rules in force. IRCC's consultation page says it is "seeking input from partners, stakeholders and the public to inform potential changes," and that the feedback will inform "upcoming amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and the Ministerial Instructions governing the Express Entry system." Four groups are most affected by what IRCC has described:

If you are a TEER 0 or TEER 1 professional already working in Canada in a high-wage occupation, IRCC is considering "providing additional points to skilled workers who have gained experience or found employment in high-wage jobs in Canada."

If you are an FSW candidate whose current CRS score includes spousal or French points, IRCC is assessing "removing or changing the points for French proficiency, studies in Canada, siblings in Canada, and the spousal grid."

If you are a Red Seal tradesperson or apprentice working in Canada, IRCC is considering "accepting only certificates for Red Seal designated trades" and "introducing new points to recognize trade apprenticeship work."

If you are an international student counting on Canadian study points, IRCC proposes "Awarding Canadian study points only to candidates with the strongest economic potential."

The current Express Entry system continues to operate. IRCC publishes each round on its rounds of invitations page.

The Architecture Shift — One Program Instead of Three

IRCC states: "We are exploring the possibility of merging the existing three federal programs into a single Federal High Skilled program." The three programs are the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Today, the Federal Skilled Worker Program uses a selection grid: "If you score 67 points or higher, you may qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program" (IRCC: Federal Skilled Worker Program). IRCC says it is "considering removing some existing selection factors in how points are earned," and that "This could include the selection grid that is currently part of the Federal Skilled Worker program."

The consultation page does not say when any change would take effect, or how profiles already in the pool would be treated.

Proposed Minimum Requirements

For the single program, IRCC proposes "CLB/NCLC 6 ('developing intermediate proficiency') in all language abilities" and "One year of cumulative skilled work experience (TEER 0-3) acquired in Canada or elsewhere."

Under current Federal Skilled Worker rules, work experience must "have been obtained within the last 10 years, in Canada or abroad" and "be at least 1 year of continuous work or 1,560 hours total (30 hours per week)" (IRCC: Federal Skilled Worker Program).

The consultation page does not specify how cumulative experience would be counted, the period in which it must be gained, or whether Canadian and foreign experience could be combined.

Spousal, French, Sibling and Study Points

IRCC is assessing "removing or changing the points for French proficiency, studies in Canada, siblings in Canada, and the spousal grid." On French, the page states that "the additional points for French language skills may no longer be necessary." On studies, it proposes "Awarding Canadian study points only to candidates with the strongest economic potential."

Under the current CRS criteria, these factors are worth:

• Spouse or common-law partner factors: up to 40 points
• French-language skills: 25 or 50 additional points, depending on English results
• Brother or sister living in Canada: 15 points
• Post-secondary education in Canada: 15 points (one or two years) or 30 points (three years or longer)

The consultation page does not say whether any of these points would be removed outright, reduced or replaced, so the effect on an individual score cannot be calculated yet.

High-Wage Points and Job Offers

IRCC is considering "providing additional points to skilled workers who have gained experience or found employment in high-wage jobs in Canada." The thresholds named on the consultation page are "2 times the national median wage," "1.5 times the national median wage" and "1.3 times the national median wage." It also states: "Candidates could be awarded points based on their job rather than their individual earnings."

On job offers, the page notes that "Until March 2025, points were also provided for valid job offers," and proposes "Limiting points for valid job offers to only high-wage jobs." The current CRS criteria state: "We no longer give points for job offers."

On age, IRCC states it "is considering keeping existing points provided for age." Under the current CRS criteria, age points are highest from 20 to 29 years of age and are 0 at 45 years of age or more.

The consultation page does not publish the number of points for each wage threshold, so the combined effect of age and high-wage points cannot be calculated yet.

Trades and Licensed Professions

For trades, IRCC is considering "accepting only certificates for Red Seal designated trades" and "introducing new points to recognize trade apprenticeship work."

For other regulated professions, IRCC states: "We are also exploring ways to recognize Canadian licences in other regulated jobs beyond trades." The page does not describe any points for this. It also says candidates who have completed Canadian licensing, including an assessment of their English or French language skills, "could be exempt from taking a separate test."

Current System vs. Proposals Under Consultation

Current values are from IRCC's CRS criteria and Federal Skilled Worker pages. Proposals are quoted from IRCC's consultation page.

Next Steps

Nothing on the consultation page is in force. The current system is the one that applies to your profile today.

1. 1

   If you are in the pool: keep your profile current

   Your profile is ranked under the current CRS criteria. IRCC publishes each round on its rounds of invitations page.

2. 2

   If your CRS score includes spousal, French, sibling or study points

   IRCC is assessing removing or changing these points. A profile review shows how much of your current score comes from them.

3. 3

   If you are a Red Seal tradesperson or apprentice

   Review the Federal Skilled Trades requirements that apply today, and follow IRCC announcements on the proposed Red Seal and apprenticeship points.

4. 4

   If you are in a regulated profession

   IRCC is exploring ways to recognize Canadian licences beyond trades. No points have been described. Check the requirements of your provincial regulatory body directly.