Canada Eyes New Express Entry Priorities for 2027

The federal government is considering major changes to how Canada selects skilled workers for permanent residence through Express Entry in 2027.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched public consultations focused on four groups: U.S. H-1B visa holders, researchers, candidates linked to Canada’s International Talent Attraction Strategy, and workers connected to the Global Talent Stream.

The survey opened August 4 and runs until September 1, 2026. Feedback could help reshape category-based selection, which allows Canada to invite Express Entry candidates based on specific occupations, skills or labour-market priorities.

Changes could take effect as early as 2027, when Canada plans to admit 122,000 permanent residents through Express Entry.

H-1B Workers Among Groups Under Review

One major focus is U.S. H-1B visa holders, particularly workers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The H-1B program is widely used by highly skilled foreign workers in the United States. IRCC is asking Canadians how strongly these workers should be prioritized under future Express Entry categories.

The federal government has previously signalled interest in attracting H-1B talent, including workers in healthcare, research and advanced industries.

Researchers Could Receive Greater Priority

Researchers are another group under consideration.

IRCC has linked this focus to Canada’s Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, which targets areas including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cybersecurity, biotechnology, clean technology, climate resilience, advanced manufacturing and defence-related technologies.

The consultation also asks whether researchers should need Canadian work experience to receive priority.

Express Entry already includes a category for researchers with Canadian experience, covering university professors, lecturers, and post-secondary teaching and research assistants.

Global Talent Programs Could Shape Selection

IRCC is also examining candidates connected to the International Talent Attraction Strategy.

The strategy includes efforts to recruit highly qualified researchers, doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows and international assistant professors. Future Express Entry priorities linked to the strategy could include emerging technologies, healthcare and skilled trades.

The Global Talent Stream is the fourth focus area.

The program provides faster work permit processing for certain highly skilled foreign workers, particularly in technology-related occupations. It has also been associated with the federal government’s plans to attract artificial intelligence professionals.

Existing Categories Could Be Narrowed

IRCC is not only considering new priorities. The department is also asking whether Canada should reduce the number of existing Express Entry categories or narrow their eligibility requirements.

Respondents can rank current categories and indicate whether Canada should continue targeting a wide range of occupations facing shortages or focus on a smaller number of strategically important jobs.

So far in 2026, IRCC has held 18 category-based Express Entry rounds and issued 58,216 invitations.

Two of the 10 existing categories have not been used for draws this year: STEM and researchers with Canadian work experience. Trades, transport and skilled military recruits have each received one draw.

Wider Express Entry Reforms Continue

The consultations come as Ottawa considers broader changes to Express Entry.

Earlier proposals included replacing the current three-program structure with a single streamlined system and changing how Comprehensive Ranking System points are awarded.

One proposal would give additional points to workers in occupations earning at least 1.3, 1.5 or two times Canada’s national median wage.

IRCC says the broader reforms could take 12 to 18 months to fully implement, although some major changes may arrive sooner.