Canada’s federal government has released its Immigration Levels Plan for 2024–2026, confirming that Express Entry will remain a cornerstone of the country’s economic immigration strategy through 2026. With annual targets steadily rising, aspiring immigrants and their advisors are keen to understand how these plans will shape Express Entry draws, Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-offs, and provincial nominee allocations. Below, we break down the 2026 outlook for Express Entry, unpack key takeaways from the Levels Plan, and offer strategies for candidates determined to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

1. Overview of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2024–2026

Canada’s three-year Immigration Levels Plan sets ambitious targets for permanent residents, aiming to welcome:

  • 485,000 newcomers in 2024
  • 500,000 newcomers in 2025
  • 500,000 newcomers in 2026

Economic class immigrants—primarily selected through the Express Entry system—account for roughly two-thirds of incoming permanent residents each year. As such, Express Entry draws will serve as the main driver of Canada’s skilled-talent pipeline.

2. Express Entry Categories & 2026 Projections

Express Entry manages applications for three federal economic classes:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
    • Selection based on work experience, education, language, age
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
    • Designed for individuals with Canadian work or study experience
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
    • Geared toward qualified tradespeople

In addition to these, many provinces use Express Entry to nominate candidates for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, boosting an applicant’s CRS score by 600 points.

Based on past trends and the rising targets in the Levels Plan, Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is likely to issue approximately 120,000–130,000 ITAs via Express Entry in 2026, broken down roughly as follows:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program: 30,000–35,000 ITAs
  • Canadian Experience Class: 30,000–35,000 ITAs
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program: 5,000–8,000 ITAs
  • Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry–linked): 50,000–55,000 ITAs

3. CRS Score Trends & What to Expect

As Express Entry draws intensify to meet targets, CRS cut-offs will fluctuate based on program focus and application pool size. Here’s what candidates should bear in mind for 2026:

  • FSWP Draws: Historically, FSWP-only draws have the highest CRS requirements—often between 500 and 550. Candidates should strive for a minimum of 470–480 to remain competitive.
  • CEC Draws: These draws tend to have the lowest cut-offs, occasionally dipping below 400. Those with strong Canadian work experience and high language scores may see ITAs with CRS around 360–380.
  • PnP Draws: Provincial nominees almost always secure ITAs with a CRS of 600 due to the automatic 600-point boost.
  • Targeted Draws: IRCC may continue using sector-specific and occupation-specific draws to address labour shortages—particularly in healthcare, tech, and engineering—offering lower cut-offs for targeted groups.

Overall, as application volumes rise alongside IRCC’s targets, average CRS thresholds may increase gradually unless targeted draws carve out lower-scoring opportunities.

4. Strategies to Improve Your Express Entry Profile

Whether you’re just starting your Express Entry profile or looking to maximize your CRS, consider the following tactics:

  • Language Proficiency: Achieving CLB 9+ in English or French tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF) can add up to 50–60 CRS points.
  • Education Credential Assessment (ECA): Secure an ECA for all foreign credentials early to claim education points and avoid last-minute delays.
  • Provincial Nominee Streams: Research PNP streams aligned with your occupation. Even a targeted Express Entry PNP nomination can instantly vault you into ITA territory.
  • Job Offer & LMIA: A valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can add 50–200 CRS points.
  • Spousal Factors: If applicable, ensure your spouse or common-law partner has language tests, ECA, and work experience included in your profile.
  • Work Experience: Accumulate as many years of skilled work experience as possible. Five or more years of NOC 0/A/B experience garners maximum CRS points.

5. Preparing for Potential System Updates

As the government seeks to maximize the benefits of immigration, candidates should remain alert for possible Express Entry reforms. Potential changes could include:

  • Introduction of a two-stage points grid focusing on labour market priorities
  • Sectoral draws targeting specific industries
  • Revised minimum CRS thresholds to manage application volumes

Staying informed via official IRCC communications and trusted immigration portals will help you adapt quickly and maintain your profile’s competitiveness.

Conclusion

With Canada aiming to welcome half a million permanent residents annually by 2025 and 2026, Express Entry will remain the primary gateway for skilled immigration. Candidates who proactively optimize their CRS scores, explore PNP pathways, and stay ahead of system updates will be best positioned to receive an ITA in upcoming draws. As draws intensify and targets rise, thorough preparation and agility will be key to turning your Canadian immigration aspirations into reality by 2026 and beyond.