RBC Proposes Seven Major Changes to Express Entry

Canada’s Express Entry system could look very different if Ottawa adopts recommendations from a new Royal Bank of Canada report.

RBC’s September 1 report, A Smarter Immigration Strategy, argues that Express Entry has moved away from its original points-based model. The bank says category-based draws can allow candidates with lower Comprehensive Ranking System scores to receive invitations ahead of higher-scoring applicants.

RBC Wants High CRS Scores to Matter More

Express Entry originally ranked candidates using factors such as age, education, language skills and work experience.

RBC wants Canada to return to a system where the highest-ranked candidates receive stronger priority.

The report points to a significant gap between different types of draws. In 2026, Canadian Experience Class cut-offs remained above 500 through September 1, ranging from 507 to 523.

Meanwhile, some category-based rounds had much lower thresholds. French-language draws generally ranged between 382 and 420, while a physicians category draw reached 169 in February.

RBC says admission through the Canadian Experience Class requires more than 100 CRS points more, on average, than some category-based selections.

Seven Changes Proposed

The report recommends several major reforms:

• Prioritize the highest-ranking Express Entry candidates.
• Limit or remove federal category-based draws.
• Consider reversing the 2022 legislation that enabled additional categories.
• Guarantee a minimum share of economic immigration through Express Entry.
• Reintroduce a minimum core CRS score.
• Shift occupation-based selection toward provinces and territories.
• Review and update the CRS formula regularly.

RBC argues that labour shortages vary widely across Canada. Under its proposed approach, provinces could target healthcare workers, tradespeople and other needed occupations through provincial nominee programs, while federal Express Entry would focus more heavily on overall CRS rankings.

Why RBC Wants CRS Reviewed Regularly

RBC also wants the scoring system updated more often as Canada’s economy changes.

IRCC’s own 2026 consultations have examined whether the CRS should place greater weight on factors linked with stronger economic outcomes. These include official-language ability and earnings while working temporarily in Canada.

RBC additionally suggests using temporary-worker earnings when assessing candidates.

No Changes Have Been Announced

Candidates should not treat the report as a new immigration policy.

IRCC continues to hold category-based draws, including rounds for French speakers, healthcare and social service workers, tradespeople, physicians, senior managers and other groups.

The department has also been consulting on broader Express Entry reforms, but no final regulations or implementation timeline had been announced when the source article was published.

For now, candidates are advised to continue improving their CRS scores, consider provincial nomination opportunities and follow official IRCC announcements.