Canada immigration policy moved quickly in 2025 and 2026. IRCC reduced targets, tightened temporary resident rules, and restructured Express Entry draws — all while demand from international students, workers, and PR applicants remained high. This guide summarizes every significant change in plain language so you can plan your immigration strategy for 2026.
2026 Immigration Targets — 395,000 New Permanent Residents
Canada's 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets 395,000 new permanent residents in 2026, down from the 485,000 target in 2024. This planned reduction reflects government pressure to manage housing costs and public service capacity. The 2026 number is expected to climb back toward 380,000–400,000 range before increasing again in 2027 (380,000) and 2028 (365,000 — note IRCC has revised targets multiple times and you should verify current targets at IRCC.gc.ca).
Permanent residence is allocated across three broad categories:
- ✓ Economic Class — Express Entry, PNP, Atlantic Immigration Program, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot successors, Agri-Food Pilot
- ✓ Family Class — Spousal sponsorship, parent and grandparent program, dependent children
- ✓ Humanitarian and Protected Persons — Refugees, protected persons, humanitarian and compassionate applications
Key insight: Lower PR targets mean Express Entry CRS cutoff scores are generally trending upward as fewer invitations are issued in each draw. Use the CRS Calculator to estimate your score and competitiveness.
Express Entry 2026 — Category-Based Selection Continues
Category-based Express Entry draws — introduced in 2023 under Bill C-19 — continue in 2026. These draws target specific occupational or demographic groups regardless of their CRS score, creating pathways for lower-scoring candidates in priority sectors.
Categories used in recent Express Entry draws have included:
- ✓ STEM occupations — engineers, computer scientists, data analysts, IT professionals
- ✓ Healthcare occupations — nurses, physicians, allied health
- ✓ Trades occupations — electricians, plumbers, carpenters
- ✓ French language proficiency — strong French outside Quebec
- ✓ Agriculture and agri-food — farming, food production
- ✓ Transport occupations — truck drivers, pilots, transit operators
- ✓ Education occupations — teachers, early childhood educators
General draws (open to all Express Entry streams) continue alongside category draws. The CRS cutoffs for category draws are typically lower than general draws, making them valuable for candidates with strong occupational profiles but moderate overall CRS scores.
IRCC has not published a fixed schedule for when specific categories will be drawn — they are announced at IRCC's discretion. You can view current draw history at the IRCC website and track your profile with the CRS Calculator.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) — Still Closed
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) intake remains paused as of early 2026. IRCC accepted interest to sponsor forms in past years but has not announced a new intake window for 2026.
The Super Visa is the primary alternative for extended visits by parents and grandparents:
- ✓ Up to 5 years per entry (extended from 2 years in 2022)
- ✓ Multiple entries allowed for up to 10 years total
- ✓ Requires $100,000 CAD Canadian medical insurance coverage
- ✓ Sponsor must meet minimum necessary income (MNI) thresholds
Monitor IRCC.gc.ca for PGP intake announcements. When PGP reopens, the application window historically fills within hours.
Study Permits — Cap and PAL System
Canada introduced an international student cap and a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) system beginning in 2024, with the framework continuing into 2026:
- ! 2025 cap: Approximately 437,000 study permit approvals allocated across provinces
- ! PAL requirement: Most undergraduate/college applicants must obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter from their province before applying
- ! Exempt from PAL: Master's, PhD students, primary/secondary students, visiting students, and some other categories
- ! Off-campus work hours remain limited (previously 20 hrs/week during academic sessions; verify current rules at IRCC.gc.ca)
The PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) eligibility rules have also been updated — your program, field of study, and institution type all affect PGWP eligibility. Students should verify PGWP eligibility at application time, not after graduation.
Work Permit Changes in 2026
Key work permit changes and issues to know for 2026:
- ✓LMIA cap on low-wage positions: Cap of 10% of workforce for low-wage LMIA positions remains in effect for most employers (20% in certain sectors/regions). Employers in some CMAs face stricter rules.
- ✓Open Work Permit program tightening: The broad open work permit (OWP) that was available during COVID-era programs has ended. Current OWP eligibility is narrower — spousal OWPs, post-graduation, and certain vulnerable worker situations.
- ✓CUSMA (USMCA): CUSMA work permits for Americans and Mexicans in eligible professions remain available — no LMIA required. See our CUSMA Work Permit Guide.
- ✓IEC Working Holiday: International Experience Canada quotas and eligible countries change annually. Check IRCC for 2026 quotas and pool opening dates for your country.
TRP Fees and IRCC Fee Changes
IRCC periodically adjusts application fees. Always verify current fees on the IRCC website before submitting. Key fee categories to check for 2026:
- • Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): $200 CAD
- • Study permit: $150 CAD
- • Work permit: $155 CAD
- • Visitor visa (TRV): $100 CAD
- • Biometrics: $85 CAD per person ($170 family)
- • PR application (economic class): $1,365 CAD right of permanent residence fee + $515 application fee
Use the Fee Calculator to estimate total costs for your specific application type.
What to Watch in 2026
PGP Reopening
Watch for announcement of new PGP intake window. No date confirmed as of March 2026.
Express Entry category announcements
IRCC may add new categories or adjust draw frequencies. French-language and STEM draws expected to continue.
Study permit cap for 2026
IRCC to announce 2026 study permit cap and provincial allocations. Watch for updates to the PAL system.
PGWP field of study requirement
Verify which programs remain PGWP-eligible, especially in fields of study deemed non-priority.
Temporary Resident cap
IRCC set a 5% cap on temporary resident population growth. Processing for visitor visas, study permits, and work permits may be affected.
US policy uncertainty and Canadian response
US immigration policy changes in 2025 may affect cross-border worker flows and CUSMA work permits. Monitor for IRCC responses.
Find the right program for you
Use the Program Finder to see which 2026 immigration pathways match your profile — Express Entry, PNP, work permit, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Canada's 2026 immigration target?+
Canada's 2026 levels plan targets 395,000 new permanent residents, down from higher targets in 2023–2024. This reduction is intended to ease pressure on housing and public services while Canada rebalances temporary and permanent resident inflows.
Is Express Entry still active in 2026?+
Yes. Express Entry remains Canada's primary economic immigration pathway. IRCC conducts regular draws — both general draws and category-based draws targeting specific occupational or language groups. CRS cutoffs fluctuate based on draw type and number of invitations issued.
Can I apply for the Parent and Grandparent Program in 2026?+
As of March 2026, the PGP intake is not open. The Super Visa is the primary option for extended parental visits. Monitor IRCC for PGP intake announcements — they are made with little advance notice.
Are study permit rules stricter in 2026?+
Yes. Canada introduced study permit caps and the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) system. Most college and undergraduate applicants need a PAL from their province before applying. The 2025 cap was 437,000 approvals; the 2026 figure will be announced by IRCC.
What immigration programs are best for 2026?+
It depends on your profile. High CRS scores favour general Express Entry draws. Specific occupations (STEM, healthcare, trades) benefit from category draws. PNP programs offer pathways for those with provincial connections. Use the Program Finder to identify your best options.
Important: This tool provides general information based on publicly available Canadian immigration law (IRPA). Results are not a determination of admissibility. Only a CBSA officer at a port of entry can make admissibility decisions. For complex legal situations, professional guidance may also be beneficial.