If you thought Express Entry draw changes were already complicated, things just got more interesting.

A new report from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is calling for a major rethink of how Canada selects skilled immigrants. One of the biggest proposals? Ending or significantly reducing federal category-based Express Entry draws and putting much more emphasis on CRS scores.

But before you panic and start deleting your Express Entry profile—don’t.

These are recommendations, not new IRCC rules. IRCC is still conducting category-based Express Entry draws in 2026.

So what exactly is changing, what could change, and what should you do if you’re already in the Express Entry pool?

Let’s break it down.

What Is the RBC Report Saying About Express Entry?

RBC’s September 1, 2026 report, A Smarter Immigration Strategy, argues that Canada’s Express Entry system has moved away from its original points-based purpose.

The concern is simple:

A candidate with a relatively low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through a category-based draw, while someone with a higher CRS score but without category eligibility could remain in the pool.

RBC believes Canada should put greater emphasis on the highest-ranking candidates and potentially move occupation-specific selection toward Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

And that’s where these Express Entry draw changes get serious.

The 7 Proposed Express Entry Changes

1. Put the Highest CRS Candidates First

The first proposal is essentially a return to the traditional points-based immigration system.

Under this approach, Express Entry would focus heavily on candidates with the strongest CRS score, rather than giving separate federal selection opportunities to specific occupations.

That means factors such as:

• Age
• Education
• English or French language ability
• Canadian work experience
• Foreign work experience
• Other CRS factors

could become even more important.

RBC argues that Canada’s economic immigration system should prioritize candidates most likely to succeed economically.

What does this mean for you?

If you’re sitting at a strong CRS score but don’t qualify for a current Express Entry category, this could potentially be good news.

But if you’re relying heavily on a category-based Express Entry draw, the opposite could be true.

2. Reduce or End Federal Category-Based Express Entry Draws

This is the proposal getting the most attention.

Canada introduced category-based selection in 2023 to target candidates with skills and experience linked to specific economic priorities.

Current categories include areas such as:

• 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
• Skilled military recruits

RBC argues that these categories can create situations where candidates with lower CRS scores receive ITAs ahead of higher-scoring candidates outside the category.

For example, 2026 category-based draws have produced CRS cutoffs significantly below some Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws.

The problem?

If your immigration strategy is basically:

“My CRS isn’t high enough, but my occupation is targeted.”

you may want a Plan B.

3. Reverse the 2022 Changes That Enabled More Categories

This is the most aggressive proposal.

RBC suggests reversing the legislative changes that gave the immigration minister broader authority to create additional Express Entry categories.

Those changes helped make today’s category-based selection possible.

If such legislation were actually reversed, federal category-based draws could eventually disappear.

But here’s the catch: this cannot simply happen overnight through an IRCC webpage update.

Changing statutory authority would require Parliamentary action.

So don’t treat this as tomorrow’s immigration rule.

It isn’t.

4. Protect a Minimum Share of Economic Immigration Through Express Entry

RBC also proposes that Canada consider maintaining a minimum proportion of economic immigration through federal Express Entry.

Why?

Because Canada’s economic immigration landscape has increasingly relied on provincial programs and other pathways.

RBC’s argument is that federal points-based selection should continue to play a significant role in choosing skilled immigrants.

For applicants, this could mean Express Entry draw changes remain an even more important part of Canada’s economic immigration system.

5. Bring Back a Minimum Core CRS Threshold

Here’s another proposal that could seriously affect lower-scoring applicants.

RBC suggests considering a minimum CRS threshold based on core selection factors.

In other words, even if you qualify for a particular pathway or selection approach, there could potentially be a baseline score you need to reach.

That would make CRS score improvement even more important.

And suddenly, things that candidates sometimes ignore—like improving language results, gaining eligible work experience, or increasing education points—could become much more valuable.

6. Move Category-Based Selection Toward Provinces

This idea is particularly interesting.

RBC isn’t necessarily saying Canada should stop targeting healthcare workers, tradespeople, educators or other workers Canada needs.

Instead, it argues that provinces and territories may be better positioned to identify their own labour shortages.

Think about it.

A shortage of construction workers in Alberta isn’t necessarily the same as a shortage of healthcare professionals in British Columbia.

That’s where Provincial Nominee Programs could become more important.

Under the proposed model:

Federal Express Entry → Focus on high CRS candidates

Provincial immigration → Focus on regional labour shortages

It’s a significant shift in how Canada could manage skilled immigration.

7. Review and Recalibrate the CRS More Regularly

The final proposal targets the CRS scoring system itself.

RBC argues that Canada should regularly review the CRS formula so it reflects the modern Canadian labour market.

And honestly, this makes sense.

The skills Canada needs today won’t necessarily be the skills Canada needs five years from now.

Artificial intelligence, automation, healthcare shortages, construction demand and changing labour-market conditions can all affect what Canada considers economically valuable.

IRCC itself has also been consulting on potential Express Entry reforms and CRS changes in 2026.

Is Canada Actually Ending Category-Based Express Entry Draws?

No—not right now.

This is the most important part of the entire story.

RBC is making recommendations.

RBC does not make Canadian immigration policy.

IRCC continues to operate category-based Express Entry selection in 2026, including categories covering French-language proficiency, healthcare, trades, education, STEM, transport and other targeted groups.

So if you qualify for a current category, you should not assume that the pathway has suddenly disappeared.

At the same time, candidates shouldn’t ignore the possibility of future changes.

IRCC has already been reviewing Express Entry categories and the CRS, so immigration policy is clearly moving.

What Could These Changes Mean for Your CRS Score?

This is where candidates need to stop obsessing over one number.

A CRS score doesn’t exist in isolation.

Your immigration strategy should consider:

CRS score + Express Entry program + category eligibility + language ability + work experience + provincial options.

For example, a candidate with a CRS of 450 shouldn’t automatically conclude:

“I can’t get Canada PR.”

That’s too simplistic.

Depending on the candidate’s profile, French-language proficiency, healthcare experience, skilled trades experience, education occupation, STEM experience, transport experience or provincial nomination could change the available options.

IRCC’s current category-based system still ranks eligible candidates by CRS within the relevant category.

What Should Express Entry Candidates Do Now?

Don’t wait for the government to make a decision before improving your profile.

That’s the biggest mistake.

1. Calculate your CRS score

Know exactly where you stand.

2. Look for realistic CRS improvements

Consider whether you can improve:

• IELTS/CELPIP results
• French language score
• Education credentials
• Canadian work experience
• Eligible foreign work experience
• Spouse-related CRS factors

3. Check category eligibility

Don’t look only at the general CRS cutoff.

Check whether your NOC, work experience and language profile fit a current category.

4. Explore PNP options

If your CRS isn’t competitive, a Provincial Nominee Program may deserve serious attention.

5. Watch official IRCC announcements

Don’t make a major immigration decision based solely on a bank report, social media post or viral headline.

The government hasn’t announced an end to category-based Express Entry draws.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Panic—Prepare

The headline sounds dramatic:

“Canada May End Category-Based Express Entry Draws.”

But the reality is more nuanced.

RBC has proposed seven major changes, including stronger CRS-based selection, reducing federal category draws, potentially reversing the legislation behind additional categories, strengthening Express Entry’s role, introducing a minimum CRS threshold, shifting targeted selection toward provinces, and regularly reviewing the CRS formula.

None of this means your Canada PR dream is suddenly over.

It means the immigration landscape could become more competitive—and potentially more focused on measurable economic factors.

Your best move isn’t to wait for the next Express Entry draw. It’s to make your profile stronger before the rules move again.

Need Help Understanding Your Express Entry Options?

VisaNexa can help you assess your Express Entry profile, CRS score, category eligibility and potential Canadian immigration pathways so you can make decisions based on your actual profile—not rumours circulating online.

Don’t just wait for the next draw. Build a profile that’s ready for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Canada ending category-based Express Entry draws?

No. The proposal to reduce or eliminate federal category-based draws comes from RBC. IRCC has not announced that category-based Express Entry selection is ending.

What is the CRS score in Express Entry?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points-based system IRCC uses to rank eligible Express Entry candidates. Points can be influenced by factors including age, education, language ability and work experience.

Can a lower CRS score still receive an Express Entry ITA?

Yes, depending on the type of draw and the candidate’s eligibility. Category-based draws rank eligible candidates within the selected category, which can result in cutoffs lower than some program-specific or other rounds.

Should I still create an Express Entry profile?

If you meet the eligibility requirements, creating and maintaining a strong Express Entry profile can still be worthwhile. Your strategy should also consider CRS improvement, category eligibility and provincial immigration options.

Could Express Entry rules change in 2027?

Potentially. IRCC has been reviewing its Express Entry system, including economic priorities and possible CRS reforms. However, future changes should not be treated as confirmed until officially announced.