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Canada Immigration Briefing — December 19, 2025

  • Nina A
  • Dec 19
  • 2 min read
A photorealistic scene in a Canadian immigration office: an immigration consultant shows two newcomers a laptop with charts while they hold plain folders and passports. Their expressions mix relief and focus, reflecting a large Express Entry invitation round and tighter study-permit allocations. A small maple-leaf desk flag and a fall coat rack appear in the background; no text is visible anywhere.

Canada Immigration Briefing — December 19, 2025 Snapshots: Express Entry picked up pace;2026 student-permit allocations published; Quebec’s PEQ is now closed; Alberta sets 2026 rules for Rural Renewal; Ottawa’s 2026–2028 Levels Plan.


Key headlines

  • Express Entry picked up pace: A general round on Nov 28 issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) at a cut-off CRS 408—one of the lower cut-offs this fall. If your CRS is near 400, keep your profile current and watch for broader draws. Canada

  • 2026 student-permit allocations published: IRCC expects up to 408,000 study permits next year (155,000 new arrivals + 253,000 extensions)—about 7% lower than 2025 and 16% lower than 2024. Schools and applicants should plan for tighter quotas and earlier filing. Canada

  • Quebec’s PEQ is now closed: As of Nov 19, the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) has ended. Skilled workers should use the PSTQ selection route through Arrima; check current invitation summaries. Quebec+1

  • Alberta sets 2026 rules for Rural Renewal: From Jan 1, 2026, the AAIP will apply new endorsement rules (community caps, one-year validity, TEER-based endorsements; valid work permit required at filing/assessment). Communities and employers should update their pipelines now. Alberta.ca

  • Big picture: Ottawa’s 2026–2028 Levels Plan keeps permanent-resident targets steady while reducing temporary-resident arrivals to rebalance the system. Expect steady PR opportunities—especially if you’re already in Canada—paired with tighter student and other temporary streams. Canada+1

What to do this week

  • Express Entry candidates: Re-check language test validity, job offers, and proof-of-funds. A profile at ~400–420 CRS could be competitive if broad rounds continue. Canada

  • Prospective students for Fall 2026: Secure admission letters early and line up financial proof well in advance—allocations are tighter, and timing will matter. Canada

  • Quebec-bound grads/workers: If you planned for PEQ, pivot to PSTQ via Arrima and track invitation criteria closely. Quebec+1

  • Rural Alberta hires: Coordinate with designated communities to ensure your endorsement letters meet the 2026 format and timelines. Alberta.ca

Dates & numbers at a glance

  • Nov 28, 2025: Express Entry 6,000 ITAs, CRS 408. Canada

  • 2026: Student-permit plan: 408,000 total (155k new, 253k extensions). 7% below 2025; 16% below 2024. Canada

  • Nov 19, 2025: PEQ closed (switch to PSTQ/Arrima). Quebec

  • Jan 1, 2026: AAIP Rural Renewal changes take effect. Alberta.ca

  • Ongoing: The Levels Plan aims to stabilize PR and reduce TR volumes. Canada+1



Canada Immigration Briefing — December 19, 2025

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