This update is part of the Express Entry draws hub, with the Express Entry guide. New research indicates Express Entry immigrants have strong economic outcomes, including higher employment and earnings. However, the data used in the studies predates significant changes to the Express Entry system, raising questions about its current relevance. This matters because the findings may not accurately reflect the outcomes of immigrants selected under the current system.

Joint research by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Statistics Canada indicates that Express Entry immigrants are more likely to be employed, earn more, and remain in their intended occupations than economic immigrants selected outside Express Entry. The research, published in 2026, includes data only up to 2022, which predates the introduction of category based Express Entry draws in 2023. This raises questions about the usefulness of the research for current selection decisions.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada released four studies examining the labor market performance of immigrants selected through Express Entry. The studies found largely positive economic outcomes for these immigrants. The research was conducted jointly by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Statistics Canada. The studies were published in 2026 and include data up to 2022.

Express Entry immigrants admitted between 2016 and 2021 earned $17,200 to $32,500 more per year than non Express Entry immigrants. Express Entry immigrants who earned at least $100,000 as temporary residents earned around 1.6 times as much as those with no Canadian employment earnings before permanent residence. Those who earned less than $25,000 before permanent residence earned 18 percent less.

Express Entry immigrants with CLB 9 earned around 10 percent less than those with CLB 10 or higher, 24 percent less for CLB 8, 37 percent less for CLB 7, and 44 percent less for CLB 6. One year of Canadian work experience was associated with around 14 percent more earnings, increasing to around 28 percent for five or more years. Federal Skilled Worker Program immigrants with job offers earned 24 percent more than those without one, and Canadian Experience Class immigrants with job offers earned 10 percent more. Those who received French language bonus points earned 14 percent less than other Express Entry candidates. Sibling points were associated with 7 percent lower earnings.

Around 35 percent of Express Entry immigrants remained in their intended occupation, compared with 27 percent of economic immigrants selected outside Express Entry. For Express Entry immigrants, occupational retention was 52 percent for STEM, 46 percent for health occupations, and 37 percent for trades. Canadian Experience Class immigrants had a 38 percent occupational retention rate, Federal Skilled Worker Program immigrants had 36 percent, and Provincial Nominee Program immigrants had 33 percent.

The Express Entry system has undergone significant changes, including the introduction of category based draws in 2023. The data used in the recent studies predates these changes, making it difficult to compare outcomes directly with current selection methods. As of September 24, 2026, 128,982 Invitations to Apply were issued, with 53,250 through Canadian Experience Class draws and 75,732 through category based draws. French language draws accounted for 50,500 Invitations to Apply.

The findings suggest that the current Express Entry system, which heavily relies on category based selection and French language draws, may not achieve the same economic outcomes as the earlier system. This could affect how Canada selects immigrants and potentially influence future policy decisions regarding immigration criteria. The research also raises questions about whether occupation based selection guarantees workers will stay in their intended sectors.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is considering significant changes to Comprehensive Ranking System scoring. These proposed changes include removing or altering additional points for French proficiency, Canadian education, siblings in Canada, and spousal characteristics. The department is also considering giving more weight to Canadian work experience and reintroducing job offer points for high wage occupations.

While recent studies indicate strong economic outcomes for Express Entry immigrants, the data's relevance to the current, significantly altered Express Entry system remains a key concern.