Canada Immigration Guide 2026

2026 objectives and beyond

According to IRCC, 380,000 new permanent residents are targeted in 2026 (and each year until 2028). These targets may be adjusted each year based on priorities, but the multi-year framework provides visibility. The plan emphasizes "viable" immigration, i.e., calibrated to harmonize with reception capacities (housing, infrastructure, etc.) while meeting the country's economic needs.

Long-term trends

The reduction compared to previous targets is partly explained by the public debate of 2024-2025. Faced with immigration records in 2021-2023, concerns (e.g., housing shortage) emerged, leading the government to reassess downward for the first time in years. Nevertheless, Canada maintains an open and ambitious immigration policy. In the medium term, the number of new arrivals should stabilize around ~1% of the Canadian population per year, after several years of strong growth. No official announcement plans to completely interrupt immigration after 2026 – on the contrary, the crucial role of immigration in filling labor shortages and supporting demographic growth is regularly reaffirmed.

Beyond 2026

The 2026-2028 plan focuses on stability, but levels could evolve after 2028 depending on the priorities of the government in place. Each fall, a new three-year plan is tabled in Parliament (targets for the second and third years are forecast). For example, the 380,000 target for 2026 may be confirmed or adjusted in the 2025 report (fall). It is therefore important to stay attentive to annual announcements. Furthermore, the current plan emphasizes that the share of economic immigration will increase (up to 64% of admissions in 2027-2028) to prioritize talents needed for the economy. Canada also aims to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec (target 9% of admissions in 2026), which demonstrates a long-term commitment rather than a stop.

Planned policies or post-2026 changes

No government policy plans to stop immigration after 2026. However, the government is committed to rebalancing the temporary residents / population ratio (see below) for "viable" levels. Measures have been announced to gradually reduce the flow of new students and temporary workers (objective: temporary residents represent <5% of the population by end of 2027), while favoring transitions to permanent residence for workers already in Canada. In summary, Canada is not closing its borders, but adjusting the pace and composition of its immigration for post-2026 years, based on its reception capacity and economic imperatives. Humanitarian and family reunification commitments remain intact (around 13% of admissions for refugees/protected persons and ~21-22% for family each year until 2028).

Immigration levels by program in 2026

The government has set precise quotas by program for 2026 in the Levels Plan. Of the 380,000 admissions planned in 2026: Approximately 239,800 (63%) are allocated to economic immigration, representing an increase in volume and proportion (vs ~59% in 2025). This includes notably 109,000 admissions via federal skilled worker programs (FSWP, FSTP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and 91,500 via provincial PNPs. 4,000 admissions are planned via the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Economic pilot programs total approximately 8,175 admissions in 2026. Family reunification represents 84,000 new residents in 2026 (≈22% of total). Refugees and protected persons would account for 49,300 admissions (13% of total).

In addition to these targets, the government is launching ad-hoc initiatives in 2026-2027, notably the regularization of approximately 115,000 protected persons already in Canada and up to 33,000 temporary workers established in Canada will be able to obtain PR in an accelerated manner over 2026-2027.

Express Entry: changes in 2025-2026

The Express Entry system introduced important innovations in 2023-2024, which will be fully in effect in 2026. The most notable is category-based selection created by Bill C-19 and deployed from mid-2023.

Federal programs (FSWP, FSTP, CEC)

Basic eligibility criteria for these programs remain unchanged in 2026. For example, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) still requires a minimum of 67 points out of 100 on its selection grid, a language level of CLB/NCLC 7 in English or French for all four skills, and proof of funds. However, selection policy changes the game de facto: by valuing CEC and certain trades more, FSW candidates without particular assets (job offer, French, etc.) may require a very high CRS to be invited.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) in 2026

PNPs play an increasing role. Their overall (federal) quota is 91,500 new permanent residents in 2026, a sharp increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. Each province/territory (except Quebec which has its own system and Nunavut which has no PNP) receives an annual nomination allocation negotiated with IRCC. In 2026, some provinces have obtained an additional quota increase thanks to renewed bilateral agreements. Overall, provinces will have more weight in economic selection in 2026, with the federal plan betting on PNP for 24% of economic admissions.

New immigration pathways introduced in 2026

• The federal government has announced the deployment of a "Fast track" for H-1B visa holders from the United States. For 2026, we may expect integration of these H-1B talents toward PR.
• The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) could be succeeded by a broader Community Program in 2026. Similarly, the agri-food pilot could be extended or transformed into a permanent program.
• Although not "new programs" per se, 2026 emphasizes coordinated study → work → permanent residence transitions. IRCC counts on Canadian graduates to feed CEC and PNPs.

In summary, PR policy in 2026 is marked by finer and more targeted selection of economic immigrants, while maintaining high volumes. Canada is not closing its doors but stabilizing the level of economic immigration to best integrate new arrivals. Express Entry favors certain categories (Francophones, health/STEM/trades, Canadian experience) – you must adapt your strategy accordingly. PNPs are more than ever a pathway of choice for candidates not reaching the Express Entry threshold.

All this information is based on policies announced in late 2025. Adjustments remain possible (for example, if the economic situation changes or in case of a new federal government, immigration targets and priorities could be revised). IRCC has also planned to confirm or revise 2027-2028 targets by November 2026.

Language requirements (IELTS, TEF, CELPIP, etc.)

No generalized increase in minimum language levels has been announced for 2026 in federal programs. Existing thresholds therefore remain:

• Federal Express Entry (FSW): CLB 7 minimum in French or English for speaking, listening, reading and writing (equivalent ~6.0 IELTS General per skill, or B2 in TEF) to be eligible for FSW. This threshold has not changed.
• Skilled trades (FST): still CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading/writing (i.e., IELTS ~5.0/4.0) minimum.
• Canadian Experience (CEC): CLB 7 if experience concerns a TEER 0 or 1 job (highly skilled position), CLB 5 if TEER 2 or 3 (technicians, trades).

Education requirements and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

For candidates trained abroad, it is still required to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) by a designated organization by IRCC. In 2026, recognized ECA organizations remain: WES, CES (U of T), ICAS, IQAS, ICES, MCC (physicians) and the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (pharmacists).

New in 2024: IRCC has designated a new ECA organization specific to architects, the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). As of May 2024, architects who immigrate can have their diploma assessed via CACB.

Work experience requirements

Minimum experience thresholds by program remain unchanged (FSW: 1 year continuous full-time; FST: 2 years in the trade; CEC: 1 year in Canada; PNP: varies by stream, often 6 months or a job offer). However, the Canadian occupational classification system has moved to NOC 2021 codes (TEER system) since November 2022, and all immigration programs now use these codes in 2026.

However, be careful with targeted Express Entry categories: to benefit from a targeted trade draw, you need 6 months of continuous experience in that specific trade in the last 3 years. This is a new requirement (introduced with category-based selection) that candidates will need to verify.

Proof of funds (settlement funds) – new 2026 amounts

Economic immigration candidates must demonstrate they have sufficient settlement funds to establish themselves, unless they already have a job in Canada or Canadian experience (CEC). IRCC updates these thresholds each year based on LICO (Low-Income Cut-Off). Last update: July 7, 2025.

• Single (1 person): $15,263 CAD (vs $14,690 before July 2025).
• Couple (2 people): $19,001 CAD.
• Family of 3: $23,360 CAD.
• Family of 4: $28,362 CAD.
• Family of 5: $32,168 CAD.
• Family of 6: $36,280 CAD.
• Family of 7: $40,392 CAD.
• Beyond 7, add $4,112 per additional person.

In 2026, IRCC should as usual adjust these figures around June/July. In the absence of data, we can estimate a slight increase (according to inflation). For example, in 2024 the single person threshold was $13,757, increased to $14,690 in 2025, then $15,263 mid-2025. So for 2026, it could be around ~$15,800 if the trend continues.

Proof of funds must be presented in the form of official bank letters showing the balance and 6-month history. The money must be available and transferable to Canada upon arrival. You cannot borrow these funds or count illiquid assets (house, car).

Medical requirements

Anyone who immigrates must undergo an immigration medical examination (IME) with a designated physician. In 2026, the rule remains that most PR applicants must have a valid IME (valid for 12 months).

Major change: As of August 21, 2025, IRCC again requires that the IME be done upfront (before or at the time of PR application submission via Express Entry). In other words, in 2026, if you receive an EE invitation, you must undergo the medical exam quickly and include proof in the application.

The immigration medical examination generally costs between $200 and $500 per adult, depending on the country and required tests.

Security requirements (criminal record, background)

All applicants ≥18 years old must provide police certificates for each country where they have resided ≥6 months since age 18. In 2026, IRCC continues enhanced background verification (criminal, national security). The validity period of police certificates remains 6 months.

Federal priority categories (Express Entry)

IRCC has established selection categories based on occupations, reflecting "in-demand" trades at the national level. In 2025-2026, 7 categories are in place:

Priority lists by province and territory

At the provincial level, needs vary according to local economy, but we find common trends.

• Ontario : Ontario: largest economy, diverse needs. Priority sectors: health (huge demand for nurses, physicians, paramedical professionals), technology and finance (Toronto is a fintech/IT hub), construction (to address the housing crisis).
• Québec : Quebec: priorities: digital/video game sector in Montreal, health everywhere, manufacturing and construction (shortages of electricians, mechanics), and maintaining Francophonie.
• Colombie-Britannique : British Columbia: economy driven by technology (Vancouver = Silicon Valley North), film/special effects, and also health. BC PNP has weekly Tech draws (various IT positions), and periodic draws for health professionals.
• Alberta : Alberta: dominated by energy/oil industries, agriculture, but also increasingly technology (Calgary is diversifying). In-demand occupations: engineers (oil, mechanical), process technicians, welders, operators (plants, refineries), physicians and nurses for rural areas.
• Prairies : Prairies (Saskatchewan, Manitoba): Economies with strong agri-food component, manufacturing, logistics. Saskatchewan regularly publishes a list of in-demand occupations: we see many technical trades and technicians, health professionals, skilled workers, as well as STEM professionals.
• Atlantique : Atlantic (N.B., N.S., P.E.I., N.L.): These smaller provinces have critical health needs (recurring – family physicians, nurses, pharmacists), it's often priority #1. Technology is beginning to emerge. Services: population growth through immigration creates demand in social services, education.

Government fees (application fees)

As of January 1, 2026, processing fees for permanent residence are those that came into effect on April 30, 2024. Indeed, IRCC adjusts fees every 2 years based on inflation. The last increase took place in 2024 (the next could therefore be in 2026, to be confirmed around April 2026).

Language test costs

Official language tests are a significant expense for most candidates. Approximate rates in 2025 (unlikely to change significantly in 2026, except for exchange rate fluctuations):

• IELTS General Training: ~$300 CAD (between $250 and $330 depending on center/country).
• CELPIP-G (English test available mainly in Canada and a few countries): ~$280 CAD in Canada.
• Pearson PTE: ~$330 CAD (approximately $250 USD), similar price to IELTS.
• TEF Canada (French): ~$440 CAD (often billed by section, complete approximately €300 in Europe).
• TCF Canada: ~$300 CAD. Cheaper than TEF, varies by center.

2026 tip: plan for the cost of at least two potential attempts, in case you need to retake to improve your score.

Educational credential assessment (ECA) fees

Depends on the chosen organization and number of diplomas to assess.

• WES: ~CAD 240 (including electronic submission to IRCC).
• CES (Univ. Toronto): ~CAD 210.
• IQAS (Alberta): ~CAD 200, but long delays.
• CES, ICES (BC) and others are in the $200-285 range.
• Specific ECAs: MCC for physicians ~CAD 220, Pharmacy Board ~CAD 600. CACB (architects): announced at ~CAD 1,100 for the complete file.

Overall, most candidates spend ~$250-300 for ECA in total.

Proof of funds amounts (2026)

This is money you must have but not spend, so it's not a "cost" per se, however it's money to be set aside. For example, a single candidate must have $15,263 set aside (2025 amount), a couple ~$19,000, etc. We emphasize: this money must exist in your account and be transferable to Canada. You will not pay this money to the government, but must prove its availability. In 2026, we can estimate that for a single person the threshold will be around $15.5k-16k if adjusted.

Medical exam costs

In 2026, we can estimate $200 to $350 per adult, approximately $150 per child, depending on the country. For example, an IME in India ~5,500 INR ($90) is cheaper, while in the United States it can cost $300. In Canada itself (for those changing status), it's often ~$250.

Cost of living estimate by province (installation)

The initial installation budget depends heavily on the province and city where you establish yourself.

Other costs not to forget

• Translations and document certifications (diplomas, certificates): depending on volume, this can cost $100 to $500.
• Travel and moving: Airplane ticket to Canada (e.g., ~$1,000 from South Asia, $600 from Europe), excess baggage or cargo shipment ($1,000-3,000 if you ship belongings/furniture).
• Installation costs: purchase of basic furniture (bed, table) often ~$1,500-3,000 to plan upon arrival, unless furnished housing.
• Private health insurance: if your provincial health insurance has a waiting period (e.g., 3 months in Ontario for Health Card, or if you arrive as PR in Ontario it's immediate, but in BC it's 3 months), you need interim insurance (~$300 for 3 months).

Express Entry for highly qualified profiles

For young candidates (20-35 years), graduates of higher education, with good experience and a strong language level, Express Entry generally remains the most direct pathway to permanent residence. In 2026, if you have a high CRS (say 500+), you will probably be invited in a general draw without other conditions.

Facilitating changes: new category-based selections can make obtaining an invitation "easier" for certain profiles that were previously just below the cut-off. For example, a software engineer with CRS 480 would not have been invited in 2022 (cut-offs ~500), but in 2025 a STEM draw may have invited them if the STEM cut-off was, say, 470.

Maximizing your EE profile remains key: language improvements (every CLB point counts), obtaining a provincial nomination (600 CRS bonus points) if possible, or accumulating Canadian experience.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) – the flexible alternative

For those whose profile does not guarantee a direct Express Entry invitation, PNPs are often the most accessible means. Each province having its criteria, it's about finding the province where your profile is in demand. In 2026, PNPs remain very active – approximately 1 economic candidate in 4 will go through there.

Study pathway in Canada (international student → PGWP → PR)

Often presented as the "easy path" for young people, it involves costs but remains an efficient strategy for many. Principle: come study in Canada, obtain a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), acquire 1 year of Canadian experience, then be eligible for CEC or PNPs.

Why is it easier? Because by having a Canadian diploma and local experience, you get many points in Express Entry (a Canadian diploma is worth 15-30 points, 1 year of Canadian experience ~35-40 points), not to mention advantages in PNPs.

Provinces with the most "open" criteria

• Saskatchewan : Saskatchewan (SK) is often cited as one of the most accessible provinces. Its Nominee Program (SINP) does not systematically require a job offer for key streams (International Skilled Worker – Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand). Instead, a points system out of 110 evaluates candidates (need ≥60 points). Advantage: no need for family link or offer, low language criteria (CLB 4-5 for many trades).
• Manitoba : Manitoba (MB) is accessible especially for those who have a link in the province (friend, family) or local experience/studies. MPNP works by points as well. Advantage: if you have a distant relative or even friend willing to support you in Manitoba, your chances are good – the "connection" criterion gives big points.
• Nouvelle-Écosse : Nova Scotia (NS): this Atlantic province has some assets. Its Labour Market Priorities (LMP) stream allows inviting profiles via Express Entry without them having applied – often specific trades. NS also has a Skilled Worker stream that accepts CLB 5 and even C/D trades (rare) if there's a job offer.
• Alberta : Alberta (AB): accessibility criterion = does not require connection or offer for its Express Entry stream. AB showed openness by inviting in 2023 EE candidates with CRS 300+, including candidates in 40+ different occupations. They have an emphasis on candidates with family links, Francophones, and certain in-demand trades.
• Ontario : Ontario (ON): it's the most requested province, so paradoxically not "easy" because competitive. Its Express Entry streams (HCP, Francophone, trades) have many more candidates than allocations. However, Ontario remains accessible for some: Francophones (very good success rate in the Francophone stream because few competitors outside Francophone Africa), and master's/PhD graduates.
• Québec : Quebec: Apart from the French language barrier (required B2 level for PEQ), Quebec has an ARRIMA (points) system that in 2023-2024 invited at relatively low scores for several professions. If you speak French, immigrating to Quebec via the Regular Program (Arrima) or PEQ can be easier than federal, because international competition is lower.

Francophone programs by province

• Ontario : Ontario – Francophone Skilled Worker stream: probably the most active Francophone program. Criteria: French NCLC 7, English CLB 6, post-secondary education. Very accessible because no score, it's on a rolling basis.
• Nouveau-Brunswick : New Brunswick: has a Strategic Francophone stream (included in Skilled Worker) that allows nominating with CLB4 in French + commitment to settle in a Francophone NB community. NB also has Destination Acadie recruitment missions targeting Francophones.
• Saskatchewan : Saskatchewan: has a "Francophone" category in its EOI system – they can give 20 additional points to Francophones (a big boost on 110).