Complete 2026 Express Entry policy guide: CRS scoring updates, new category-based draws (healthcare, STEM, French), PNP strategy shifts, processing times, and key application dates for Canada PR. Updated with February 2026 draw data and IRCC announcements.
2026 Express Entry Policy Overview
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve in 2026 with significant policy updates affecting CRS scoring, draw categories, and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) integration.
Key 2026 Changes: Enhanced category-based draws, CRS scoring adjustments for French proficiency, new PNP allocation strategies, and updated processing timelines.
2026 CRS Scoring Changes
| CRS Component | 2025 Points | 2026 Points | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Proficiency (CLB 7+) | 25 | 50 | +25 |
| Canadian Work Experience (1 year) | 40 | 45 | +5 |
| Sibling in Canada | 15 | 20 | +5 |
| Post-secondary in Canada (2+ years) | 30 | 35 | +5 |
2026 Category-Based Draws
| Category | 2026 Target | Recent Draw CRS |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | 35-40% of category draws | 380-420 |
| STEM | 25-30% | 480-520 |
| French Language | 20-25% | 380-450 |
2026 PNP Strategy
- Ontario (OINP): 14,119 nominations (+31%)
- Alberta (AAIP): 6,403 nominations (+31%)
- British Columbia (BC PNP): 5,254 nominations (+31%)
2026 Processing Times
| Stream | 2025 Processing | 2026 Processing |
|---|---|---|
| CEC | 8 months | 7 months |
| FSW | 9 months | 8 months |
| PNP (via EE) | 12 months | 11 months |
Updated: February 25, 2026 | Source: IRCC Official
