October 28, 2025
Changes in Express Entry and How Shifts in U.S. Immigration Policy Can Help Canada Attract Global Talent
Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve, and 2025 has been a pivotal year for skilled immigration. Recent updates to the Express Entry system and concurrent policy shifts in the United States – particularly surrounding the H-1B visa program – are creating new dynamics in the global competition for talent. For skilled professionals seeking stability and opportunity, Canada’s immigration landscape is becoming more attractive.
Updates to Canada’s Express Entry System
The Express Entry system, which manages applications for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class, has seen several key adjustments aimed at aligning immigration with labor market needs.
- Targeted Category-Based Draws
The introduction of category-based selection has transformed how candidates are invited. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now conducts draws targeting specific sectors such as:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Education occupations
This strategy supports Canada’s efforts to draw talent suited to its current and anticipated workforce demands. Those in skills-in-demand sectors (e.g., healthcare, French language) may be favoured under category-based draws.
- Removal of CRS Bonus Points for Job Offers
Effective 25 March 2025, Express Entry candidates with a valid arranged employment offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or LMIA-exempt work permit no longer receive the additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points (50 or 200) previously granted for such offers. IRCC explains this measure is temporary and aimed at reducing fraud in the arranged-employment category.
Canada’s Opportunity to Attract Talent
Recent policy adjustments in the United States, including tighter eligibility and lottery changes under the H-1B visa program, have created uncertainty for many skilled workers. Longer processing times and complex renewal procedures are prompting professionals to explore more reliable options.
These shifts in the U.S. landscape present a strategic opportunity for Canada. Skilled professionals seeking stability, clear pathways to permanent residence, and a welcoming environment are increasingly viewing Canada as a favorable alternative.
- Clearer Path to Permanent Residence
Canada’s Express Entry provides a transparent, merit-based process with defined criteria and frequent invitation rounds. Many professionals appreciate that they can obtain permanent residence within months, rather than facing years of uncertainty.
- Inclusive Approach and Family Benefits
Work authorization for spouses, access to public healthcare, and strong support for family immigration make Canada’s programs particularly appealing to skilled families seeking long-term settlement.
Conclusion
As both Canada and the United States refine their immigration systems, Canada’s adaptive and inclusive approach is positioning it as a leading destination for global talent. For individuals considering immigration or employers exploring international recruitment, now is an ideal time to understand these evolving opportunities. If you’re interested in learning more or exploring options for relocating to Canada, please schedule a consultation with our legal team.
Lijing Cao
Lijing’s practice encompasses a broad range of Canadian immigration matters, including all categories of work permit applications under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program, citizenship, labour market impact assessments, study permits, temporary resident permits, and sponsorship applications. She also advises entrepreneurs, business owners, international students and skilled workers on the options for permanent residence to Canada, including provincial nominee programs, Start-up Visa, Federal Skilled Worker, and Canadian Experience Class programs.
Lijing graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) and holds a Juris Doctor degree from Hong Kong. She is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese. Prior to joining Bellissimo Law Group, Lijing worked as an associate lawyer at a boutique business immigration firm, where she provided advice to corporate clients to fulfill their workforce mobility and labour shortage needs.