Alena Odegova
21st, Jun 2026
Canadian immigration policy has seen significant changes over the past year and a half. IRCC has reduced immigration targets, tightened eligibility for open work permits, shifted Express Entry toward category-based draws, and proposed a major overhaul of the federal economic immigration system. Here is a summary of the most important changes that applicants and employers should be aware of.
After several years of high immigration targets, Canada significantly reduced its planned permanent resident admissions. The 2026 target is set at 380,000 new permanent residents — down from over 485,000 in 2024. The government’s stated priority is managing population growth while maintaining targets for economic immigration, which continues to receive the largest allocation.
This reduction has real consequences for applicants. Fewer total invitations across all programs means increased competition and, in many categories, higher CRS cut-off scores for Express Entry draws.
One of the most significant operational changes to Express Entry is the shift away from large general draws toward targeted category-based draws. Since IRCC introduced category-based selection in 2023, invitations are now regularly issued for specific occupational groups — including healthcare workers, skilled trades, STEM, agriculture, education, and French-language proficiency.
In 2026, IRCC has continued expanding the categories it draws from. French Language Proficiency draws have been especially active — over 30,000 invitations were issued across six draws in the first five months of 2026 alone, typically at CRS cut-offs in the low 400s, significantly lower than Canadian Experience Class draws, where cut-offs exceeded 500.
If you are in the Express Entry pool, it is important to understand which categories your occupation may qualify for — a category draw may be your most realistic path to an invitation, even if your overall CRS score is not competitive for a general draw. Use the CRS Calculator to assess your current standing, or book a consultation to review your profile.
In early 2026, IRCC released a proposal that could fundamentally change how Express Entry works. The proposal includes retiring the three existing federal programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program — and replacing them with a new consolidated system that would place greater weight on earnings potential and employer job offers over Canadian work experience alone.
Under the proposed changes, candidates with higher wage offers and in-demand occupations would receive priority over those whose primary advantage is Canadian work experience. These proposals are subject to public consultation and have not yet been finalized. However, they signal a clear direction for how IRCC plans to develop economic immigration selection going forward.
Blue Pacific Immigration is closely monitoring these developments and will keep clients informed of any confirmed changes to the Express Entry system.
The PNP allocation has increased to 91,500 nominations targeted for 2026. At the same time, the federal government has set a new requirement that provinces direct at least 75% of their nominations to candidates already in Canada. This change prioritizes temporary residents — international graduates, foreign workers, and others already living and working in Canada — over applicants from abroad.
For international students, temporary foreign workers, and Post-Graduation Work Permit holders currently in Canada, provincial nomination may be more accessible now than it has been in recent years. Specific PNP streams, requirements, and draw frequencies vary by province. Learn more about your PNP options.
Effective January 21, 2025, IRCC significantly narrowed who qualifies for spousal open work permits and open work permits for family members of temporary residents. These changes have affected many families already in Canada.
Spouses of foreign workers now only qualify for a spousal open work permit if the principal applicant holds a position classified as TEER 0, TEER 1, or select TEER 2 and 3 occupations in healthcare, trades, and natural resources. Spouses of workers in TEER 4 or TEER 5 occupations are no longer eligible.
Spouses of international students now only qualify if the student is enrolled in a master’s program of at least 16 months, a doctoral program, or certain professional and eligible programs. Students in shorter undergraduate or college programs no longer qualify to sponsor a spousal open work permit.
Dependent children of foreign workers are no longer eligible for an open work permit under the family member provisions.
Permits approved before January 21, 2025, remain valid until their expiry date. Applications received before that date were processed under the previous rules. New applications are assessed under the current, more restrictive eligibility criteria.
If your spouse or partner currently holds or is planning to apply for a spousal open work permit, it is important to confirm eligibility before applying. Review spousal open work permit eligibility on the official IRCC website, or contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Recent policy changes have also affected PGWP eligibility. Students who completed programs at designated learning institutions (DLIs) continue to qualify, but the connection between PGWP, spousal work permits, and PNP pathways is now more important than ever to plan carefully.
International graduates holding a valid PGWP and working in a skilled occupation remain among the strongest candidates for provincial nomination programs and Canadian Experience Class draws — particularly given the new 75% in-Canada PNP requirement. Learn more about the Post-Graduation Work Permit on the official IRCC website.
Canada is increasing its Francophone immigration targets outside Quebec. The 2026 target is 9% of total admissions, rising to 10.5% by 2028. This reflects the government’s continued commitment to supporting French-language communities outside Quebec.
For applicants with French language ability, this is a real opportunity. French Language Proficiency Express Entry draws have consistently had lower CRS cut-off scores, and the category is expected to remain active. Taking TEF Canada or TCF Canada and including French language results in your Express Entry profile can significantly improve your chances.
The overall direction of Canadian immigration policy in 2025–2026 has been toward reduced volumes, higher selectivity, and greater priority for candidates with in-demand skills and Canadian connections. For some applicants, this means increased competition. For others — particularly those already in Canada, those with French language ability, or those in healthcare and trades — new opportunities are opening up.
Understanding how these changes apply to your specific profile is the most important first step. If you are unsure about your options or want to understand how recent policy changes affect your application, book a consultation with Blue Pacific Immigration. Our team stays current on IRCC policy changes and will help you find the right path forward.
This article reflects publicly available IRCC information as of June 2026. Immigration policies change frequently. If you have questions about your specific situation, book a consultation with us.
