Latest Immigration News

These are the biggest changes coming to Express Entry in 2026. The updates include a new physician category, proposed Leadership/Research/Defence streams, increased PNP allocations, higher francophone targets (9% in 2026, 12% by 2029), a major NOC revision affecting 165 occupational groups, and potential TOEFL acceptance for PR applications.

IRCC will launch a new Express Entry category in early 2026 for physicians with at least one year of Canadian work experience who are actively treating patients. Additionally, 5,000 new PR admissions spaces are reserved exclusively for physicians, and nominated doctors will receive work permit approvals in just 14 days.

Canada will issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026 (155,000 new students + 253,000 extensions). This target is 7% lower than 2025 and 16% lower than 2024. Starting January 1, 2026, Master's and PhD students at public DLIs no longer need a PAL/TAL, making Canada an attractive destination for graduate-level candidates.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued an important update to its study-permit instructions for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Students moving from secondary to post-secondary programs may now start their post-secondary studies while their new study permit application is being processed. New rules for joint programs require students to obtain one provincial/territorial attestation letter and one study permit tied to the DLI issuing the final credential.

In March 2025, IRCC introduced a five-year temporary public policy offering a pathway for out-of-status caregivers and their families to stabilize immigration status while PR applications are processed. The policy allows status restoration regardless of time out of status, provides open work permits valid for up to 3 years (renewable), study permits for dependants, and waives the $100 open work permit holder fee.

If you work in healthcare professions, this may be the best time to start your Canadian immigration process. Targeted draws give opportunities to applicants with lower CRS scores. We provide complete support including eligibility assessment, PR application preparation, professional licensing guidance, and help you become job-ready before arriving in Canada.

New Brunswick has signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia, launching the first formal healthcare recruitment partnership between a Canadian province and Indonesia. The agreement aims to bring qualified nurses and personal support workers to address New Brunswick’s healthcare shortages. The province will support credential recognition and immigration processes. Since 2019, over 1,300 internationally educated nurses have joined its workforce through accelerated licensing pathways.

On October 17, 2025, Prince Edward Island held its tenth draw of the year under the PEI Provincial Nominee Program, issuing 160 invitations to workers in key sectors. The province prioritized candidates with job offers from PEI employers and international graduates from UPEI, Holland College, and Collège de l’Île. So far in 2025, PEI has invited 1,081 candidates, including one business applicant. The next draw is scheduled for November 20, 2025.

The Government of Canada has renewed funding under the Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund to support Black-led organizations and entrepreneurs, including immigrant business owners, across southern Ontario. The $189 million initiative, running through 2030, aims to expand access to capital, mentorship, and business training. With over 24,000 Black entrepreneurs supported and $70.6 million in loans approved, the program reinforces Canada’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and diverse business development.