IRCC has proposed major changes to Express Entry: retiring FSWP, CEC, and FSTP in favour of a single unified stream, and adding new CRS points for high-wage occupations. These are proposals — nothing is final yet. The high-wage occupation factor may arrive via ministerial instructions before end of 2026. The full program merger is realistically 2027 or later. Current Express Entry is still fully operational — if you are eligible, apply now.
In April 2026, IRCC released details of its proposed Express Entry overhaul — the biggest structural change to Canada's flagship immigration system in over a decade. The proposals sparked immediate concern among applicants, particularly those with French-language skills, spouses with strong profiles, or Canadian study experience who currently benefit from bonus CRS points.
Here is a clear breakdown of what is proposed, what the timeline looks like, and what you should actually do right now.
The proposals have two tracks: changes that can happen quickly through ministerial instructions, and changes that require full regulatory amendments.
IRCC proposes a new high-wage occupation factor that gives extra CRS points to candidates in occupations that pay above Canada's national median wage.
Examples: physicians, professors, senior managers with Canadian experience. Occupations paying 2 times Canada's national median wage or above.
Examples: engineers, teachers, transportation managers. Occupations paying 1.5 times Canada's national median wage or above.
Examples: financial analysts, bricklayers, heavy-duty equipment operators. Occupations paying 1.3 times Canada's national median wage or above.
The exact number of CRS points per tier has not been published as of May 2026. IRCC has confirmed the tier structure but not the point values. Watch for ministerial instructions later in 2026.
| CRS Factor | Current Status | Proposed Change |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse's education score | Up to 10 points | Remove or reduce |
| Spouse's language score | Up to 20 points | Remove or reduce |
| French-language proficiency bonus | Up to 50 points | Remove or reduce |
| Sibling in Canada | 15 points | Remove |
| Canadian study experience | 15–30 points | Remove or reduce |
IRCC has signaled its intention to retire the three current federal programs:
Currently serves skilled workers with foreign work experience. IRCC proposes merging this into a unified High-Skilled stream. Requires regulatory amendments — not a quick change.
Currently serves candidates with Canadian work experience. IRCC proposes this functionality is absorbed into the unified stream with the high-wage occupation factor taking precedence.
Currently serves skilled tradespeople. Under proposals, tradespeople in high-wage occupations would qualify under the unified stream's high-wage tiers.
These are proposals. The current Express Entry system is fully operational. FSWP, CEC, and FSTP are still accepting profiles. Draws are ongoing. Do not pause your application plans based on unfinalized proposals.
Do not wait for reforms that may take 1–2 years to implement. If you qualify for FSWP, CEC, or FSTP under current rules, submit your Express Entry profile now. You benefit from current scoring rules until new ones take effect.
Assess your CRS score without those bonus points. If the proposed removals would significantly lower your score, consider whether your occupation qualifies under the proposed high-wage tiers and plan accordingly.
The high-wage occupation factor and CRS scoring changes are the priority items IRCC wants to implement before end of 2026 via ministerial instructions. These can change with little notice. Subscribe to IRCC news and CIC News for real-time updates.
Category-based selection (draws targeting specific occupations or language profiles) was introduced in 2023 and will continue under the new system. IRCC has already added new categories for 2026 including medical doctors, researchers, senior managers with Canadian experience, transport occupations, and certain military recruits.
If your occupation falls into an active category, you may receive an ITA even with a CRS score below the general all-program cutoff. Check the current CRS score guide for the latest draw history.
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Browse All GuidesSources: IRCC Canada.ca — 2026 consultations on potential Express Entry reforms; CIC News — Express Entry overhaul coverage April–May 2026; Fragomen Canada — Express Entry Category-Based Selection 2026. Proposals described in this article have not been finalized as of May 27, 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.