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In 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) gives priority to candidates who qualify for the Canadian Experience Class. It also holds category-based rounds for in-demand jobs, top talent, and French speakers. Plans to merge the three programs and add new points are only proposals. IRCC has not set a start date for these changes.
IRCC now focuses on candidates who qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The CEC is for skilled workers with Canadian work experience. IRCC says this helps temporary residents become permanent residents.
IRCC also holds category-based rounds. In these rounds, it invites the candidates with the highest scores in a specific category. According to IRCC, these categories support three main goals:
There is also a new rule for the occupation-based categories. In 2026, you need one year of total work experience in one eligible occupation within the last three years. Law firm reports say the old rule required six months.
IRCC lists five job-shortage categories, four top-talent categories, and one French-language category for 2026.
You can qualify for more than one category. For example, IRCC says candidates invited through the French category can also qualify for other categories, such as education.
Category-based selection now makes up most invitations. The following figures for 2025 come from IRCC.
These figures include candidates invited through any type of round.
These figures come from third-party draw trackers and may differ from IRCC’s official records. IRCC’s rounds-of-invitations page is the main source for each draw’s date, type, number of invitations, and CRS cutoff.
Reported cutoff scores include:
Cutoff scores change with each round. Past scores do not guarantee that you will receive an invitation in the future.
Third-party draw records show no STEM-only draw since April 2024. However, IRCC data show that STEM-eligible candidates still received 5,942 invitations in 2025 through other rounds. Third-party draw trackers also show that no Researchers draw had taken place by October 9, 2026. Check IRCC’s rounds page to confirm the latest status.
IRCC has proposed major changes, but none are in effect.
CIC News reported more details based on IRCC presentation material. It said the 67-point grid for skilled workers would end. It also reported proposed wage levels of 1.3, 1.5, and 2 times the median pay. IRCC’s consultation page confirms the plan to use high-wage jobs but does not list these levels.
IRCC received more than 17,000 replies and is still reviewing them. Once the final changes are ready, they will appear in the Canada Gazette, the government’s official publication for notices. CIC News reported that officials mentioned a timeline of 12 to 18 months. IRCC has not confirmed this timeline.
IRCC is thinking about reducing the number of job categories and giving more attention to top talent. Ideas include researchers, AI talent, and U.S. H-1B workers. Budget 2025 promised a faster path for H-1B holders, but there is no H-1B category today.
The 2026 to 2028 Levels Plan sets Canada’s yearly target at 380,000 permanent residents. The Express Entry target is 109,000 in 2026 and 111,000 in both 2027 and 2028.
The plan also sets targets for French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec. The targets are 9% in 2026, 9.5% in 2027, and 10.5% in 2028. The goal is to reach 12% by 2029.
The 2027 to 2029 plan is due this fall, before November 1. Until IRCC releases it, the 2027 and 2028 targets may change.
Yes. IRCC has changed its priorities and category rules. Plans to merge the three programs into one and add new CRS points have been proposed, but neither change is in effect.
For the 2026 occupation-based categories, you need one year of total work experience in one eligible occupation within the last three years.
You need a score of 7 on the NCLC in all four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
No. Budget 2025 promised a faster path for H-1B workers. IRCC says this group may also shape the 2027 categories.
The 2026 target is 109,000 permanent residents through Federal High Skilled programs, which include Express Entry.
Express Entry in 2026 gives more weight to Canadian work experience, French skills, and in-demand jobs. The major changes are still proposals, and IRCC has not set a date for them to begin. Check your job code, work experience, language scores, and CRS score now. Then follow IRCC’s official pages for updates.
At White Swan Immigration Consultants, we can check where you stand. Our licensed RCIC team can review your profile and explain your options.
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