Canada Immigration News — February 2, 2026

Canada Immigration News — February 2, 2026 Snapshots: IRCC backlog, Express Entry & PNP draws, provincial policy updates

📈 IRCC Backlog & Processing Trends

Canada’s immigration system continues to manage a high volume of applications across permanent and temporary residence categories. The latest figures show that over 2.18 million applications are in IRCC’s inventory, with persistent backlogs, especially in Express Entry–aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, rising to about 51 % of files at month’s end — the highest since 2022.

Recent departmental updates emphasize IRCC’s aim to finalize 80 % of applications within service standards, though complex background checks and verification often prolong decisions.

📌 Express Entry & Provincial Nominee Draws

Express Entry continues to be a central PR pathway: in late December 2025, IRCC issued 6,000 invitations in a category‑based French‑language draw with a CRS cut‑off of 399 — one of the lowest thresholds in 2025 and a sign of targeted selection.

Provincial Nominee Program draws remain active. A recent round in November 2025 invited 777 PNP candidates with a CRS cut‑off of 699, underscoring the advantage of provincial nominations for skilled immigrants.

Expect similar patterning in early 2026, with frequent smaller category‑ and PNP‑focused draws planned, including new occupational lanes such as for doctors.

📍 Provincial Policy & Legal Moves

Alberta implemented changes to its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program on January 1, 2026, refocusing the Rural Renewal Stream to better match labour market needs and rural workforce goals.

In Quebec, long delays in family reunification processing remain a point of legal and community pressure, with ongoing litigation highlighting differences in provincial immigration management.

Saskatchewan also made headlines by laying its first‑ever charges under provincial immigration protection laws to safeguard foreign workers — signalling stronger regulatory enforcement at the provincial level.

🧠 Plain‑Language Takeaways

• Backlogs remain elevated — IRCC is improving service, but many files still exceed standard timelines.

• Express Entry draws continue to be held frequently in 2025–26, especially for targeted categories like French speakers.

• Provinces are shaping pathways with strategic changes to PNP streams and enforcement policies.

• Provincial nomination significantly boosts chances in Express Entry with lower CRS requirements.

📅 Key Dates & Numbers

Date / Eventa	Update
Dec 17, 2025	Express Entry issued 6,000 ITAs, CRS 399 in French‑language draw.
Nov 25, 2025	777 PNP candidates invited, CRS cut‑off 699.
Jan 1, 2026	Alberta introduces new AAIP rules for rural and economic alignment.
Late 2025	IRCC backlog totals ~2.18 M applications with high Express Entry PNP backlog.

Canada Immigration News — February 2, 2026