Canada’s immigration system could be heading toward another major change.
A recent report from RBC is questioning whether Canada should continue using occupation-based categories within Express Entry.
The report, titled “A Smarter Immigration Strategy,” argues that Canada should go back to the original idea behind Express Entry: use a strong points-based system and invite the highest-ranking candidates.
That does not mean Express Entry itself should disappear.
Instead, RBC is suggesting that Canada consider removing many of the category-based sub-categories inside Express Entry and return to a system where candidates compete more directly based on their overall qualifications.
So, what could this mean for people planning their Canada PR?
Let’s break it down in simple language.
What Did RBC Say About Express Entry?
Express Entry was introduced in 2015 to help Canada select economic immigrants through a points-based system.
Candidates receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as:
- Age
- Education
- Language ability
- Canadian work experience
- Foreign work experience
- Other factors
The basic idea was simple:
The stronger your profile, the higher your CRS score, and the better your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
However, Canada later introduced category-based selection.
Under category-based draws, Canada can invite candidates who meet specific requirements in areas such as French-language ability, healthcare, trades, education, transport and other targeted categories.
This created another way for some candidates to receive an invitation.
RBC believes this has made the original points-based system less effective.
Why Is RBC Questioning Category-Based Express Entry?
According to RBC, category-based selection can allow candidates with lower overall CRS scores to receive invitations ahead of candidates with higher scores who do not qualify for a particular category.
For example, imagine two candidates:
Candidate A
- CRS: 520
- Strong education
- Strong language scores
- Several years of experience
- Does not qualify for a current category
Candidate B
- CRS: 470
- Meets the requirements of a targeted occupation category
Under a category-based draw, Candidate B may receive an invitation while Candidate A continues waiting.
RBC argues that this can weaken the original purpose of the points system.
The report says that Express Entry should focus more heavily on selecting the candidates who rank highest overall rather than repeatedly trying to predict which occupations Canada will need in the future.
Does RBC Want Canada to Scrap Express Entry?
This is where the headline can be confusing.
RBC is not calling for Express Entry to be eliminated completely.
In fact, the report suggests strengthening the original Express Entry model.
RBC recommends going “back to basics” by restoring a stronger points-based approach and removing Express Entry sub-categories.
In simple terms:
Keep Express Entry, but potentially remove many of the category-based draws within it.
The report also suggests that targeted immigration should play a larger role at the provincial and territorial level, where governments may have a better understanding of their specific labour shortages.
Why Does This Matter for Immigration Applicants?
This could be very important for people building their immigration plans around a particular Express Entry category.
For example, some candidates may currently be thinking:
“My CRS score is not very high, but my occupation is in a category that Canada is targeting.”
If category-based Express Entry draws are reduced or removed in the future, that strategy could become less reliable.
Candidates may once again need to focus heavily on improving their overall CRS score.
That could make factors such as language scores, Canadian work experience, education and age even more important.
What About Candidates With CRS Scores Above 500?
For high-scoring candidates, a return to a more traditional points-based Express Entry system could potentially be good news.
If invitations are primarily based on ranking, candidates with stronger CRS scores may have a clearer path to an invitation.
However, there is an important point to remember:
RBC is making recommendations. It is not announcing a change to Canada’s immigration rules.
The Government of Canada would have to decide whether to make these changes.
So candidates should not stop their immigration plans simply because of this report.
What About Healthcare, Trades, Education and French Candidates?
This is one of the biggest questions.
Canada has been using category-based Express Entry draws to target specific skills and labour market needs.
RBC does recognize that Canada has genuine shortages in areas such as healthcare and skilled trades.
But its argument is that these needs can be addressed more effectively through provincial and territorial immigration programs, rather than continuously adding more categories to the federal Express Entry system.
This could mean a bigger role for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
For example, provinces could identify their own labour shortages and select workers based on what their local economies actually need.
Could This Make PNPs More Important?
Potentially, yes.
RBC argues that labour shortages can be very different from one province or region to another.
A province may urgently need construction workers, while another may have a greater need for healthcare professionals or other skilled workers.
A federal category may not always reflect those regional differences.
The report therefore suggests putting more responsibility for targeted immigration with provinces and territories, while allowing federal Express Entry to focus more on candidates with strong overall economic potential.
For immigration applicants, this could make it increasingly important to look beyond Express Entry.
A candidate should not necessarily ask only:
“What is my CRS score?”
They should also ask:
“Which province needs my skills?”
Express Entry Could Become More Competitive
If Canada moves toward a system where the highest-ranking candidates are invited more consistently, competition could become stronger.
Candidates with CRS scores in the higher range could benefit.
But candidates relying mainly on a specific occupation category may face more uncertainty.
This is why improving your overall profile remains important.
For example, improving your language score can sometimes make a significant difference.
Canadian work experience, additional education and a provincial nomination can also have a major impact on your immigration strategy.
Is This the End of Category-Based Express Entry?
Not necessarily.
RBC’s report is a policy recommendation, not a government announcement.
Canada has not simply announced that all Express Entry categories are being cancelled because of this report.
However, the report is important because it comes from one of Canada’s major financial institutions and presents a detailed argument about how the immigration system could be redesigned.
RBC also notes that the federal government has already indicated that it plans to streamline Express Entry categories and suggests that Canada could potentially go further.
That makes this something prospective immigrants should watch closely.
What Should Express Entry Candidates Do Now?
Don’t panic.
And don’t make a major immigration decision based on a policy proposal alone.
Instead, focus on the parts of your profile that you can control.
1. Improve your language score
Language remains one of the most important parts of the CRS system.
A higher language score can improve your ranking and may open additional immigration options.
2. Look at Canadian work experience
Canadian experience can significantly strengthen an Express Entry profile.
If you are already in Canada, understand how your work experience could affect your eligibility and CRS score.
3. Explore PNP options
Do not rely only on federal Express Entry.
A provincial nomination can dramatically change your immigration prospects.
4. Choose education carefully
Additional education can help, but candidates should look at the complete immigration picture before spending significant money on a new program.
The goal should not simply be to obtain another credential.
The goal should be to build a stronger overall immigration profile.
5. Don’t choose an occupation only because of today’s category
This is perhaps the biggest lesson from the RBC report.
Immigration categories can change.
An occupation that is targeted today may not be targeted in the future.
That means your long-term immigration plan should not depend entirely on one Express Entry category.
The Bigger Question: What Should Express Entry Be?
At the heart of RBC’s report is a simple question:
Should Express Entry predict Canada’s labour shortages, or should it primarily identify the strongest economic candidates?
RBC’s answer appears to favour the second approach.
The report argues that Express Entry should return closer to its original purpose: using a points-based system to identify candidates who are most likely to succeed economically in Canada.
At the same time, targeted immigration would still have a role—but potentially through provinces and territories that are closer to their regional labour markets.
What This Means for You
If you are planning to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry, this is a good reminder that Canada’s immigration system can change quickly.
Today’s category may not be tomorrow’s category.
Today’s CRS strategy may also change.
But one thing remains important:
Build a strong profile rather than relying on one immigration pathway.
Improve your language score. Gain relevant work experience. Check your education options. Explore PNPs. Understand your CRS score. And keep watching official immigration announcements before making major decisions.
Final Thoughts
RBC’s new immigration report has started an important conversation about the future of Express Entry.
The bank is essentially suggesting that Canada should simplify the system: bring back a stronger points-based approach, reduce federal category-based selection and allow provinces to focus on their own labour shortages.
Whether Canada actually adopts these recommendations remains to be seen.
For now, the message for immigration candidates is simple:
At Eiffel Immigration, we help clients understand their available immigration options and develop a strategy based on their individual profile.
Have questions about your Express Entry profile or your PR options? Message Eiffel Immigration to know more.
