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The Canadian government has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to its Express Entry immigration system, seeking feedback on new categories aimed at attracting highly skilled workers.
The consultation, organised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), opened on August 4 and will run until September 1, ahead of the 2027 Express Entry selection process.
According to IRCC, the review focuses on addressing long-term labour shortages, attracting global talent and increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Among the proposed additions are four new talent-focused categories targeting professionals in artificial intelligence and technology, international researchers, candidates under Canada‘s International Talent Attraction Strategy and H-1B visa holders currently working in the United States.
The department is also reviewing existing occupation-based categories, including healthcare, STEM, skilled trades, transport, education and French-language proficiency, to determine whether they should be retained or narrowed to priority occupations.
IRCC said category-based selection has become a key part of Canada’s immigration strategy since its introduction in 2023, with eligible candidates accounting for 87 per cent of Express Entry invitations issued in 2025.
The department encouraged individuals, employers and organisations to participate in the consultation, noting that feedback will help shape the final Express Entry categories for 2027 and support Canada’s long-term economic and demographic goals.
