NEWS & RESOURCES

Canada’s 2026 student permit cap and exemptions for graduate programs take effect, new pathways for international doctors enter the spotlight, and IRCC processing times show notable shifts across key categories.

Canada just published its 2026 international student cap allocations—what it means for your study permit, PAL/TAL, and planning your next steps. Plus: a major Express Entry shift that matters to graduates already working in Canada.

Canada Immigration News — January 7, 2026 Snapshots: IRCC 2025's most significant PNP‑only Express Entry draw; Processing backlogs remain enormous; Regulatory & digital updates on the horizon; Provincial plans and targets evolve. IRCC wraps 2025 with the most significant PNP‑only Express Entry draw. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held one of the year’s biggest Express Entry rounds on December 8 , issuing 1,123 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Provi

IRCC launches a fast‑track Express Entry category for doctors (ITAs early 2026), runs 2025’s largest PNP draw (1,123 ITAs, CRS 729), sets 2026 study‑permit math (408k total; grad students PAL/TAL‑exempt), and Federal Court rule changes take effect Dec 21. Manitoba’s support‑letter deadline hits Dec 15.

In a major December shake‑up, IRCC issued 1,123 ITAs — the largest PNP‑focused Express Entry draw of 2025 — while launching a dedicated Express Entry category for doctors, with 5,000 PR slots reserved for practice‑ready physicians. Starting December 1, several immigration and work‑permit application fees also rose, affecting candidates under programs such as IEC. Meanwhile, the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan confirms Canada will continue welcoming about 380,000 new permane

In a major December shake‑up, IRCC issued 1,123 ITAs — the biggest PNP‑focused Express Entry draw of 2025 — while launching a dedicated Express Entry category for doctors with 5,000 PR slots reserved for practice‑ready physicians. Starting December 1, several immigration and work‑permit application fees also rose, affecting candidates under programs such as IEC. Meanwhile, the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan confirms Canada will continue welcoming about 380,000 new permanen

Canada’s immigration agenda sharpens focus this week: IRCC plans a December 8 announcement unveiling new measures to help internationally educated health‑care professionals — potentially easing credential recognition and providing faster pathways to permanent residence. The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan holds steady at 380,000 new permanent residents annually, with expanded provincial‑nominee spots boosting prospects for applicants tied to Canadian provinces. Meanwhile, a

IRCC preps new health‑workforce plan; 380,000 PRs/yr target confirmed; immigration fees rise; Ontario PNP overhauled; Skilled Trades stream suspended.

Canada’s immigration landscape is shifting. As of December 1, 2025, IRCC has raised fees for IEC work permits, status restoration, and inadmissibility applications. Meanwhile, Ontario’s provincial‑nominee program (OINP) is set to overhaul its employer-based streams in 2026. On a national scale, the new 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan keeps the permanent resident target at ≈ 380,000 per year — but adds a fresh emphasis on converting temporary workers already in Canada to per

Canada closed November with a major Express Entry French‑language draw (Nov 28): 6,000 ITAs at CRS 408. For 2026, IRCC set a national target of up to 408,000 study permits (about 155k new + 253k extensions) and published PAL/TAL allocation tables—with 309,670 application spaces capped for PAL/TAL‑required cohorts and master’s/PhD public‑DLI students PAL/TAL‑exempt from Jan 1, 2026. In Quebec, the PEQ program ended Nov 19, shifting candidates to the PSTQ via Arrima. Ontario su

Canada’s immigration file remains active heading into year-end. IRCC issued 6,000 Express Entry invitations on Nov 28 at CRS 408, signaling continued momentum for broadly targeted draws. For students, Ottawa published 2026 study-permit allocations—up to 408,000 permits (155,000 new arrivals and 253,000 extensions), a further reduction from 2024–2025 levels. In Quebec, the PEQ program has officially closed (Nov 19), shifting skilled workers to the PSTQ process via Arrima. Albe

Stay informed: IRCC opens December 1 pilot for tech‑graduates, Manitoba boosts PNP quota, B.C. shifts to points‑based model Jan 15, and a landmark Federal Court decision improves processing fairness.

Canada’s immigration system is recalibrating. IRCC’s 2026–2028 plan keeps permanent-resident admissions steady while lowering temporary-resident volumes to align with labour-market needs. International students face tougher proof-of-funds rules (effective Sept 1, 2025). In Quebec, the long-standing PEQ pathway closed on Nov 19, 2025, shifting candidates toward the PSTQ selection system via Arrima. Meanwhile, provinces remain active: British Columbia posted updated invitations

Canada Immigration Update – December 12 2025

Canada tightens visa rules, revises levels plan, and shifts focus to in‑Canada temporary residents transitioning to permanent. Key figures, dates & takeaways for you.

Canada unveils its 2026‑2028 immigration strategy: 380,000 permanent‑residents annually, deep cuts on temporary‑resident (particularly student) intake, stricter student‑funds and permit revival rules, and Quebec closing its popular PEQ pathway. What you need to know.

Canada announces sweeping changes to immigration policy: permanent resident targets set at 380,000 per year; temporary resident admissions slashed; student visa refusal for Indian applicants hits 74% what you need to know.

Canada launches its 2026‑28 immigration plan, slashes temporary‑resident slots and tightens permit cancellation rules. Key dates, numbers and takeaways you should know.

Canada’s immigration system is shifting. From tighter study‑permit limits to new temporary‑resident rules, here are the key December 2025 updates from IRCC, provincial nominee programmes and courts—and what they mean for you.

Canada released its 2026–28 Immigration Levels Plan on November 4, 2025, while bold changes continue in study‑permit approvals and provincial nominee streams. From high rejection rates to unscheduled PNP draws, here’s what applicants and advisors need to know—clear numbers, key dates and action points included.