Federal High Skilled Immigration Program: Canada’s New Express Entry (2026)

Canada’s immigration authority (IRCC) is proposing to replace the three existing Express Entry programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) — with a single Federal High Skilled Immigration Program.

These changes are not yet final. IRCC is currently consulting with partners, stakeholders, and the public before making regulatory amendments.

What is the Federal High Skilled Immigration?

The Federal High Skilled Immigration Program is Canada’s proposed replacement for the three existing Express Entry federal programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST). Rather than requiring candidates to qualify under one of three separate programs with different eligibility thresholds, the new single program would apply the same streamlined criteria to all candidates entering the Express Entry pool.

The change is driven by IRCC’s goal to reduce complexity and duplication in the system — particularly since the introduction of category-based draws in 2023 has made three distinct programs less necessary. The program is designed to attract a wider range of skilled workers across TEER 0–3 occupations, while keeping its focus on selecting candidates most likely to achieve strong economic outcomes in Canada.

Who Would be Eligible for the Federal High Skilled Class?

To enter the Express Entry pool under the proposed program, candidates must meet three minimum requirements:

• Education: Canadian high school diploma or equivalent (foreign credentials require an ECA)
• Language: CLB/NCLC 6 in all four abilities (reading, writing, speaking, listening) in English or French
• Work experience: At least one cumulative year in a TEER 0–3 occupation within the last three years, in Canada or abroad

A job offer is not required to be eligible, though it may earn additional CRS points.

What’s Changing in the CRS?

Staying the same

The following core human capital factors remain unchanged, as they are the strongest predictors of economic success:

• Age: 0 points after 45; maximum 110 points for ages 20–29
• Education: 0 points for less than high school; maximum 150 points for a PhD
• First official language: Maximum 136 points at CLB/NCLC 10+
• Second official language: Maximum 24 points at CLB/NCLC 9+

New: Points for high-wage occupations

Canadian work experience and job offer points will be restructured into a Labour Market Integration factor. Points will be awarded based on occupation wage tier:

• 2× the national median wage (e.g., physicians, university professors)
• 1.5× the national median wage (e.g., engineers, teachers, transportation managers)
• 1.3× the national median wage (e.g., financial analysts, bricklayers, heavy-duty equipment operators)

This replaces the previous flat job offer points (removed in March 2025) and rewards candidates with the highest earnings potential.

New: Recognition of Canadian licensure

IRCC is prioritizing “practice-ready” candidates in regulated occupations:

• Trades: Only Red Seal certificates will be accepted; new points for apprenticeship work
• Healthcare, teaching, and other licensed professions: Candidates already fully licensed in Canada may receive priority and could be exempt from additional language testing

Factors being reduced or removed

IRCC is reassessing factors it considers weaker predictors of economic outcomes:

• French language bonus points: May be removed or reduced, as category-based draws since 2023 are already meeting Francophone targets
• Canadian study points: May be limited to graduate-level education only (currently 76% of recipients held only a 1–2 year college credential)
• Sibling in Canada (15 pts): Under consideration for removal
• Spousal factors (up to 40 pts): May be removed or adjusted, which could simplify the decision of whether to list a spouse as accompanying

Clearer Definition of Canadian Work Experience

IRCC is proposing clearer rules on what counts as Canadian work experience.

Included:

• Work performed in Canada as a temporary resident
• Paid by wages or commission

Excluded:

• Most self-employment (except physicians)
• Work during full-time studies
• Unauthorized work
• Work during asylum claims
• Foreign government employment or embassy/consulate roles

Note: Self-employment is currently eligible under FSW. Under the proposed changes, it would be excluded for all candidates.

What This Means for Applicants in 2026

The new program lowers the barrier to enter the Express Entry pool, but places greater emphasis on earning potential rather than years of experience alone. Candidates in high-wage occupations, licensed professions, or with Canadian work experience in well-paying roles will be better positioned under the new system.

Express Entry itself is not going away — the goal of these reforms is to make the system simpler, more consistent, and better calibrated to Canada’s labour market needs.

These changes are not yet in force. Regulatory amendments will follow the public consultation process. Consult this page later for the updated information.

Find out if you’re eligible for the Federal High Skilled Immigration Program

To find out if you may be eligible for the Federal High Skilled Immigration Program, head over to our Express Entry CRS Calculator. You’ll discover your eligibility for all three federal economic immigration programs managed under Express Entry, including FST, plus you’ll get an idea of your potential CRS score and competitiveness within Express Entry.

Find out your eligibility and points total here.