Canada is building a new Express Entry platform. Here is what IRCC has said

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has confirmed that Express Entry will be among the first programs moved onto its new digital platform. The detail appears in the department's 2026 transition binder for its incoming deputy minister.

What IRCC has confirmed

IRCC is replacing the Global Case Management System, which it has used for more than 20 years. The department itself describes that system as complex and fragile, and unable to meet the demands of today's immigration system.

The next phase of the replacement has an early focus on Express Entry. Its first release is set to deliver a new Expression of Interest system to manage Express Entry applications, and IRCC lists it among its milestones for the coming year.

• More automation for straightforward cases.
• Artificial intelligence integrated into processes, to support officers rather than replace their decisions.
• Faster implementation of policy changes, and better reporting and inventory management.
• Fewer outages and a more stable system.

A single online account

IRCC is also moving clients onto one online account. By January 31, 2026, more than 123,000 people had used it to apply for a visitor visa, and more than 91,000 Canadians for an adult passport renewal. Express Entry clients are expected to follow.

What has not changed

• No new eligibility rules have been announced.
• The Comprehensive Ranking System stays as it is.
• Express Entry itself is not being replaced. The technology behind it is.
• There is no launch date, and candidates do not need to do anything yet.

What to do now

Keep your current profile accurate and up to date. New systems tend to be less forgiving of inconsistent information, so the details in your profile should match your documents exactly. We will update this post when IRCC announces a date.