Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has opened consultations on the priorities that could shape Express Entry category-based selection in 2027, with a stronger focus on highly skilled international talent, emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. The consultation is open until September 1, 2026.
IRCC currently has 10 Express Entry categories for 2026, covering French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, STEM, trades, education, transport, physicians with Canadian work experience, senior managers with Canadian work experience, researchers with Canadian work experience, and skilled military recruits.
For 2027, the department says it is considering expanding its approach to attracting and retaining highly skilled workers while potentially narrowing or changing some of the categories aimed at labour shortages. This means the current 2026 categories are not guaranteed to remain unchanged next year.
Four talent groups being considered
IRCC’s consultation survey specifically asks for feedback on four groups that could receive greater priority through category-based selection:
- Candidates whose profiles align with the Global Talent Stream, including workers in technology and AI;
- Researchers, in connection with Canada’s Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative;
- Candidates aligned with IRCC’s International Talent Attraction Strategy, including workers in emerging technologies, healthcare and skilled trades;
- U.S. H-1B visa holders, many of whom work in STEM and other specialized occupations.
Importantly, IRCC has not announced these as four confirmed new Express Entry categories. They are currently areas being considered as part of the consultation process, and some overlap with existing categories—for example, researchers already have a dedicated category in 2026.
Existing categories could also change
IRCC is also asking participants which existing categories should continue in 2027 and whether occupation-based categories should become more targeted. The department says limited immigration spaces may require it to focus on a smaller number of occupations facing the most significant shortages.
The French-language category also appears likely to remain an important priority, as Canada continues working toward increasing French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec.
Members of the public and other stakeholders can participate in IRCC’s online survey and provide feedback on which categories and economic priorities should receive greater emphasis in 2027. The survey closes September 1, 2026.
One important clarification: IRCC is currently considering four talent-focused areas. It has not yet confirmed that these will become four new Express Entry categories for 2027.
