Canada mulls major overhaul of Express Entry, likely to scrap key immigration streams
PTC News Desk: In a move that could affect thousands of Punjabis seeking to settle in Canada, the Canadian government has proposed replacing three existing economic immigration streams under Express Entry with a single, unified pathway.
According to the Forward Regulatory Plan 2026–2028 released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on April 8, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program will be repealed and merged into a new “federal high-skilled immigration class.”
The plan aims to simplify the Express Entry system, introduced in 2015, and better align immigration policies with current labour market needs. Under the proposed changes, eligibility criteria for entering the pool would be standardised. Applicants would need at least one year of skilled work experience (in Canada or abroad), a minimum language proficiency of CLB 6, and at least a high school education. Existing program-specific requirements would be removed.
The Comprehensive Ranking System is also expected to be revised. More weight may be given to higher earnings, valid job offers in in-demand occupations, and strong labour market outcomes. At the same time, points for factors such as Canadian education or having a sibling in Canada could be reduced or eliminated.
This overhaul is being viewed as one of the most significant structural changes to Canada’s skilled immigration system in over a decade. Experts believe it may benefit applicants with strong job offers and higher-paying skills, while potentially reducing advantages for certain profiles that currently perform well under the system.
The proposal remains at a planning stage, with public and stakeholder consultations expected to begin in Spring 2026. Until then, the existing Express Entry programs will continue as usual.
For aspirants in regions like Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, as well as the Punjabi diaspora in Canada, the changes signal a potential shift in how permanent residency applications may be assessed in the coming years.
- With inputs from agencies
