Express Entry current direction and trends

Article By : Acme Immigrations

Canada has shifted toward a more stabilized and lower-level immigration intake compared to previous years, meaning that competition for limited PR spaces will remain high as the department (IRCC) takes back control of its numbers, and reduces the immigrant population in Canada. We can tie current trends in Express Entry to the newly published 2026-2028 Levels Plan for immigration (published on March 13, 2026). There, we see that the target for permanent residency admissions has been reduced to 380,000 for 2026 (down from 393,500 in 2025). IRCC is also working to reduce the number of temporary residents (workers and students) from 673,650 in 2025 to a mere 385,000 for 2026. This is said to allow IRCC to keep PR landings at less than 1% of the population beyond 2027 and will allow for the reduction of the total number of temporary residents to less than 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2027.

The Government of Canada is taking back control of the immigration numbers, and working towards reducing numbers overall. It is no wonder that competition for spots in Express Entry is at an all-time high and points remain very high as the Government works towards both permanent residency and temporary residency reductions. Only a certain select few will make it through the gates, and others who hold temporary residency may need to leave Canada. Express Entry is currently doing controlled intakes for the Canadian Experience Class and the Provincial Nominee Program, has increased occupation-category specific draws (categories such as – healthcare and social services, senior managers, and the trades remain priorities), and is only aggressively pursuing the francophone category (French speakers). In an effort to increase national cultural diversity, it appears that Canada is unwavering in its commitment to maintaining its bilingualism on the world stage, as reiterated by the Minister in her speech about Express Entry and the new levels plan on February 18, 2026. The Government intends to work with international partners to encourage francophone immigration globally and that this trend will continue and grow exponentially. Applicants who wish to stay may wish to consider undertaking French language studies or brush up on their French language skills in order to be able to stay in Canada and pursue permanent residency.