In late 2025 and early 2026, IRCC shifted towards targeted, category-based Express Entry draws emphasizing French-language proficiency, Canadian work experience, and specific occupations. CRS points for job offers were removed in March 2025. French-proficient candidates, Canadian Experience Class applicants with strong human capital, and provincial nominees had the highest likelihood of invitations. CRS cut-offs varied by category, with PNP nominees benefiting from a 600-point boost. Applicants are advised to prioritize French proficiency, maximize language scores, secure Canadian work experience, and explore provincial nomination pathways.

• IRCC emphasized program-specific and category-based draws in late 2025 and early 2026, targeting French-language proficiency, healthcare, STEM, trades, agriculture, transport, and education occupations.
• Federal economic class draws increasingly focused on candidates with Canadian work experience (Canadian Experience Class).
• CRS points for arranged employment, including LMIA-supported job offers, were removed as of March 25, 2025.
• French-language proficiency rounds had lower CRS cut-offs (~400) and large invitation volumes, benefiting bilingual candidates.
• Canadian Experience Class rounds had higher CRS cut-offs (~500+) due to competition among in-Canada skilled workers.
• Provincial Nominee Program rounds had CRS cut-offs above 700 due to the automatic 600-point nomination boost.
• Applicants with French proficiency, Canadian skilled work experience, or provincial nomination were most likely to receive invitations.
• Strategic CRS bands identified: 390–420 competitive mainly for French category; 450–500 borderline for CEC; 500+ strong competitiveness; PNP nomination guarantees invitation.
• Applicants should prioritize French-language eligibility, maximize language scores, document Canadian work experience, and pursue provincial nomination pathways.
• Job-offer CRS points removal shifted the pool distribution, increasing importance of language test scores and reducing artificial CRS inflation.

• Removal of CRS points for arranged employment (including LMIA-supported job offers) effective March 25, 2025.
• Shift to category-based and program-specific draws emphasizing economic priorities and in-Canada experience.

• Express Entry candidates, especially French-speaking applicants, Canadian Experience Class candidates, and Provincial Nominee Program nominees.

• Candidates should evaluate eligibility for French-language category draws.
• Maximize language test scores to improve CRS.
• Secure and document at least one year of Canadian skilled work experience.
• Explore and apply for provincial nomination programs to gain a 600-point CRS boost.

• March 25, 2025 - Removal of CRS points for job offers.
• December 2025 to February 2026 - Various Express Entry draws with category-based focus and CRS cut-offs.
• February 6, 2026 - French-language proficiency draw with CRS cut-off 400.
• January 21, 2026 - Canadian Experience Class draw with CRS cut-off 509.

• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html
• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2025/02/canada-announces-2025-express-entry-category-based-draws-plans-for-more-in-canada-draws-to-reduce-labour-shortages.html
• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/job-offer.html
• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations.html
• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/annual-report-parliament-immigration.html