On this page you will find
- Details of Canada’s October 16 Express Entry announcement
- Possible changes to Express Entry selection categories
- Background on proposed reforms to federal skilled immigration programs
- Potential changes to CRS points for age, earnings and education
- Results of IRCC’s consultation with immigration stakeholders
- What the proposed changes could mean for applicants
Canada is preparing to announce changes to its Express Entry immigration system on Friday, October 16, as the federal government considers sweeping reforms to how it selects skilled workers for permanent residence.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab will make the announcement in Kitchener, Ontario, at 11am Eastern Time, with the changes intended to attract skilled talent and support economic growth.
One possible development is a new Express Entry category targeting H-1B visa holders currently working in the United States, as Canada looks to strengthen its ability to compete for internationally trained professionals.
However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not confirmed which programs or selection categories will be affected, whether eligibility requirements will change or when any new measures will take effect.
The announcement comes just one day after IRCC published the results of an extensive consultation on potential Express Entry reforms, including changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and a possible merger of Canada’s three main federal skilled immigration programs.
The consultation attracted approximately 17,500 survey respondents and examined proposals that could significantly change how Canada awards immigration points for age, work experience, education, earnings and family connections.
While the government has not explicitly linked the consultation report to Friday’s announcement, the two developments point to a potentially significant period of change for Canada’s main skilled immigration selection system.
What Has Canada Confirmed About The Express Entry Announcement?
IRCC’s official advisory confirms that Minister Metlege Diab will announce changes to Express Entry, the system Canada uses to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers.
The announcement will take place in Kitchener on October 16, followed by an opportunity for journalists to question the minister.
Although the department has confirmed that changes are coming, it has not provided details about their scope.
The announcement could involve adjustments to existing selection categories, new categories targeting specific groups of workers or broader changes to Express Entry eligibility and selection rules.
IRCC has already introduced several new Express Entry priorities during 2026 as part of its strategy to attract international talent and respond to labour market shortages.
In February, the department announced categories targeting researchers, senior managers and physicians with Canadian work experience, alongside transport occupations and skilled military recruits.
Those categories complement existing selection priorities for French-speaking candidates and workers in sectors including health care, skilled trades, education and science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The changes have allowed Canada to target particular occupations and skills rather than relying exclusively on candidates’ overall CRS scores.
Could Canada Introduce An Express Entry Category For H-1B Visa Holders?
One possible change is the introduction of a new Express Entry category targeting skilled foreign workers currently living and working in the United States under H-1B visas.
Canada has previously identified H-1B visa holders as a potential source of highly skilled immigrants, particularly in technology, engineering and other specialized occupations.
In 2023, the federal government introduced a temporary open work permit pathway for eligible H-1B visa holders. The initiative attracted significant interest and reached its application cap of 10,000 within two days.
The government has since explored ways to attract international talent affected by uncertainty surrounding American immigration policies.
A dedicated Express Entry category for H-1B visa holders could allow Canada to target experienced professionals with qualifications and work experience that align with domestic labour market needs.
Such a category could also strengthen Canada’s ability to compete with the United States for internationally trained professionals.
However, IRCC has not confirmed whether an H-1B category will form part of the October 16 announcement.
Any new category would need clear eligibility requirements, potentially covering qualifying work experience, occupations, language proficiency and other factors under Canada’s economic immigration system.
The possibility of an H-1B category comes as Canada increasingly uses category-based Express Entry selection to attract candidates with particular professional backgrounds rather than relying solely on overall CRS scores.
Canada Considers Merging Three Express Entry Programs
Beyond changes to selection categories, IRCC is considering a more fundamental restructuring of Express Entry.
Its October 15 consultation report examines merging three federal immigration programs into a single economic immigration pathway:
These programs currently have different eligibility requirements, reflecting the backgrounds and qualifications of the candidates they target.
Combining them could simplify the system and make it easier for applicants and employers to understand the requirements.
However, IRCC’s consultation revealed that more respondents opposed the merger than supported it.
Overall, 41 per cent favoured combining the programs, while 46 per cent preferred keeping them separate. Another nine per cent were undecided.
Some stakeholders warned that removing dedicated immigration pathways could disadvantage particular groups, especially skilled tradespeople.
IRCC reported that approximately five candidates a year receive invitations through the Federal Skilled Trades Program itself. Most tradespeople instead qualify through the Canadian Experience Class, while category-based selection provides another route.
The department has not committed to merging the programs, and all three remain available.
Major Changes To CRS Points Under Consideration
The government is also examining changes to the Comprehensive Ranking System, which awards points to Express Entry candidates based on factors associated with their potential economic success in Canada.
The consultation explored adjustments to several existing factors and the introduction of new measures.
One proposal would award additional points to candidates with Canadian work experience in high-wage occupations.
However, the survey revealed divided opinions about the idea.
Some 42.3 per cent of respondents supported introducing the points, while 45.8 per cent opposed the proposal.
Employers were substantially more supportive, with 74.2 per cent of employer respondents favouring the change.
Critics warned that focusing on earnings could disadvantage workers in lower-paid occupations that nevertheless face serious labour shortages.
Other proposals examined in the consultation included:
- Age points – Changing how the CRS rewards younger candidates to avoid disadvantaging experienced mid-career professionals.
- Job offers – Considering points for qualifying offers in high-wage occupations.
- Canadian education – Potentially focusing additional points on bachelor’s degrees and higher qualifications.
- Sibling points – Removing points awarded to candidates with qualifying siblings in Canada.
- Spousal points – Assessing principal applicants based on their own qualifications rather than awarding separate points for their spouses.
- Professional qualifications – Giving greater recognition to Canadian professional licences, trade certifications and apprenticeships.
Stakeholders generally supported reducing the importance of factors with limited links to economic outcomes, while placing greater emphasis on skills and qualifications.
Removing spousal points would not prevent candidates from including their spouses in permanent residence applications.
What The Consultation Reveals About Express Entry Reform
IRCC gathered feedback through approximately 17,500 survey responses, 42 written submissions, roundtables and information sessions.
The department received contributions from employers, provincial governments, immigration professionals, researchers, educational institutions and potential immigrants.
Its findings reveal broad support among stakeholder groups for making Express Entry simpler and more closely aligned with Canada’s economic needs.
However, respondents disagreed over how the government should achieve those objectives.
Many supported recognizing Canadian work experience and stronger professional qualifications, but raised concerns about proposals that could exclude otherwise qualified candidates.
The report also highlighted concerns about the growing difficulty of securing an invitation to apply for permanent residence, even among candidates with substantial education and professional experience.
IRCC cautioned that its consultation results do not represent the views of the Canadian population as a whole. About 72 per cent of survey respondents identified themselves as prospective Express Entry applicants.
The department has not adopted the proposed changes, and regulatory reforms would require additional steps before taking effect.
What Happens Next For Express Entry Candidates?
Friday’s announcement will provide the next indication of how Canada intends to develop Express Entry as competition for international skilled workers intensifies.
The government has already demonstrated its willingness to target candidates with specific qualifications, occupations and Canadian work experience.
However, any broader overhaul of the federal skilled immigration programs or CRS would have more far-reaching implications for applicants.
The key questions include whether Canada will introduce new selection categories, revise existing criteria or announce a timetable for structural reforms.
Until IRCC confirms the details, candidates should continue to assess their eligibility under the existing Express Entry rules.
The October 15 consultation report provides important background on the government’s policy considerations, but it does not itself change immigration eligibility or CRS scoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Canada announce its new Express Entry changes?
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab is scheduled to announce changes to Express Entry on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11am Eastern Time in Kitchener, Ontario. IRCC has confirmed that the announcement will focus on attracting skilled talent and supporting economic growth but has not disclosed the specific measures in advance.
Will Canada introduce new Express Entry categories in 2026?
Canada has already introduced several new Express Entry categories in 2026, including those targeting physicians, researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience. Further categories are possible, but IRCC has not confirmed whether the October 16 announcement will introduce additional groups or change the eligibility requirements for existing categories.
Could Canada introduce an Express Entry category for H-1B visa holders?
Canada could introduce a category targeting skilled professionals working in the United States under H-1B visas. The government previously offered open work permits to eligible H-1B holders in 2023. However, IRCC has not confirmed a new Express Entry category or indicated whether one will feature in the October 16 announcement.
Is Canada planning to merge the Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Worker Program?
IRCC has consulted on combining the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program into one immigration pathway. However, the government has not approved the proposal. Its consultation found that 46 per cent of respondents preferred keeping the programs separate, compared with 41 per cent supporting a merger.
Will Express Entry CRS points change in 2026?
IRCC is considering changes to CRS points for age, Canadian work experience, education, high-wage occupations and family connections. These proposals could significantly affect candidates’ rankings, but no changes have been confirmed through the October 15 consultation report. Existing CRS rules remain in effect unless the government formally announces and implements new requirements.