Canada’s immigration system is bracing for a major reset. A sweeping September 2026 report from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), titled “A Smarter Immigration Strategy,” outlines bold proposals that could completely transform how skilled workers qualify for permanent residency.

The report argues that the current Express Entry framework is broken because category-based selection rounds allow lower-scoring candidates to leapfrog higher-ranking applicants who have been waiting in the pool. Citing a striking 100-point average Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) gap between Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws and category-based selections, RBC has outlined seven major proposals to overhaul how economic immigrants are chosen

1. Restore the Points-Based System by Admitting the Highest-Ranking Candidates First

RBC says Canada’s immigration system should focus on its original goal: choosing people who are most likely to earn a high income based on their education, language skills, age, and work experience.

It basically highlights three main points:

• Go back to basics: Prioritize applicants with the strongest overall qualifications.
• Proven success: Government data shows that immigrants who use standard, points-based programs do very well, with a median income of $92,100 after 10 years.
• No more line-jumping: End alternative immigration tracks that allow lower-scoring candidates to skip ahead of people with better qualifications.

2. Rein In or Remove Federal Category-Based Express Entry Draws

Introduced in 2023, federal category draws target specific fields like healthcare, STEM, trades, and French-language proficiency. RBC points out that these create lower entry thresholds, such as French-language draws inviting candidates at CRS 382 while CEC requirements hovered above 500, and physicians dropping as low as 169. The report recommends eliminating these sub-categories entirely at the federal level to restore fairness.

3. Reverse the 2022 Legislation That Enabled Additional Categories

This is the most aggressive proposal in the report. In 2022, Parliament gave the immigration minister legislative authority to create non-traditional Express Entry categories. RBC suggests that reversing this legislation through Parliament would permanently strip the federal government of the power to run occupation-specific federal draws, forcing a clean slate back to a pure points-based model.

4. Set a Minimum Proportion of Economic Immigration Through Express Entry

In 2000, nearly 80% of skilled immigrants came to Canada through the main national points system. Today, that number has dropped to about 30% because other pathways, like provincial programs, have grown significantly.

To keep the system strong, RBC suggests:

• Set a safety net: Create a guaranteed minimum quota for Express Entry spots.

• Protect the core: Ensure the main points-based system remains the primary way Canada chooses skilled economic immigrants.

5. Reintroduce a Minimum Core CRS Score for Express Entry

During the pandemic, the score required to get in dropped very low, down to 75. Even though scores have recovered, RBC suggests setting a strict baseline score requirement without counting bonus points from provincial programs. This rule would permanently stop low-scoring candidates from getting invitations and ensure everyone meets a high standard

6. Shift Category-Based Selection to Provinces and Territories

Instead of completely stopping targeted job-based immigration, RBC suggests shifting control from the federal government to the provinces. Because labour shortages vary widely across the country, local governments are better equipped to run targeted draws for specific fields like healthcare, trades, and education. Additionally, data show that provincial nominees selected from the Express Entry pool earn about 30% more after three years than those from standard provincial streams, making it a much more effective way to meet regional economic needs.

7. Commit to Regular CRS Recalibration Reviews

RBC’s final proposal focuses on updating how immigration points are calculated. Because the job market changes quickly, RBC suggests regularly reviewing the scoring system using real-world data. This approach would reward applicants such as temporary workers who have already proven they can successfully earn a high income in the Canadian job market.

What the 100-Point CRS Gap Means for Current Candidates

Today’s immigration draws reveal a massive gap between different application tracks. While general points score consistently stay above 500, special categories like healthcare and French language skills let candidates in with scores down in the 380s. If RBC’s recommendations were adopted, top-scoring general candidates would benefit greatly by facing much less competition from lower-scoring groups. Meanwhile, applicants relying only on specific job advantages would face serious challenges unless local provinces step in through targeted provincial nominee streams.

Final Word: IRCC Has Not Announced These Changes

While RBC is Canada’s largest bank and its reports heavily influence policy debates, these proposals are entirely private-sector recommendations. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to operate category-based draws as normal. However, IRCC’s own spring consultations have signalled that major overhauls to the CRS formula and program structures are already under active review. Candidates in the pool should continue optimizing their human capital scores, exploring provincial pathways, and monitoring official government announcements rather than pivoting solely based on banking sector proposals.

How can MilkyWay help you in assisting?

This is where MilkyWay stands entirely alone. While immigration rules shift and major Express Entry overhauls shake up the system, MilkyWay anchors your future in the unshakeable foundation of legal expertise, absolute transparency, and uncompromised CICC ethical standards. Navigating sweeping policy changes and stricter score requirements is too important to leave to guesswork. By delivering straight facts, realistic assessments, and bulletproof strategies tailored to Canada’s evolving landscape, MilkyWay doesn’t just help you map out a destination, but we secure a legacy!