Maple News reports that Canada is pursuing a major overhaul of Express Entry, the government’s flagship system for selecting permanent residents. In the meantime, foreign nationals can act now by focusing on three core areas: building robust skilled work experience, obtaining a certificate of qualification if applicable, and retaking an immigration language test to boost their scores.
The reforms are still in the consultation phase, and there is no certainty about the final design or when the changes will take effect.
What has been disclosed suggests a set of core shifts, with full implementation anticipated over roughly 12 to 18 months. Some elements, such as potential changes to how candidates are scored under a comprehensive ranking system, could roll out sooner, according to officials.
Guidance from the government thus far points to several concrete steps candidates can advance: ensure a cumulative one year of skilled work experience within the past three years; aim for a minimum language benchmark of CLB 6 across all four abilities using a test valid for at least 18 months; anticipate removal of certain bonus points tied to a sibling in Canada, Canadian post-secondary credentials, and high French proficiency; pursue the highest-wage occupations in Canada’s job bank for which they are qualified; and, where relevant, obtain a Red Seal certificate to strengthen recognition of trades qualifications.
For many, rebooking a language test is the most actionable move today. Language scores remain a dominant factor in the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System), contributing up to 310 points, and a higher, valid result can immediately boost CRS scores and improve odds across future draws. Tests from government-approved providers are valid for two years, so candidates who prepare now can be confident their results will stay usable when the reforms launch, which is expected within 12–18 months.
Candidates with language results older than six months may want to retake to avoid expiry, while those who already hold high scores can still benefit from continued study to push those scores higher. While the final Express Entry design remains to be seen, securing strong language results now positions applicants to compete effectively in the redesigned regime.