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Canada Immigration News—February 18 2026

  • Nina A
  • Feb 18
  • 2 min read
Photorealistic infographic-style image dated “February 18” with the headline “Navigate Your Canadian Immigration Journey!” The design shows a step-by-step pathway with curved arrows across a scenic Canadian background featuring mountains, a skyline, and a Canadian flag on a hill. Four main sections include: “Create a Plan” (checklist: Research immigration pathways, Plan your finances, Gather documents) shown beside a couple working at a desk with a laptop and passport; “Submit Your Application” (Complete forms, Submit & pay fees, Track progress) with small form and phone icons; and two “Prepare for Arrival” sections with checklists (e.g., Find housing, Book your flight, Take essentials, Build community). In the center, a large lightbulb and gear graphic appears as a hub, while additional visuals include a smiling person relaxing, a suitcase with documents and a chart, and a couple standing outdoors, all emphasizing planning, paperwork, and settling in Canada.

Canada Immigration News—February 18 2026 Snapshots: Express Entry • IRCC Policy Shifts • Provincial & Court Notes


📌 Express Entry Activity: PNP & CEC Draws

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) kicked off 2026 with its first Express Entry draw of the year on January 5, issuing 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with a CRS score of 711 — underscoring intense competition among high‑scoring nominees.

Just two days later, on January 7, IRCC held an Express Entry Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw issuing a massive 8,000 ITAs at a CRS cutoff of 511 — one of the most significant CEC results in Canadian history. This reflects continued priority for candidates with strong in‑Canada experience.


🎯 New Year Policy Changes Now in Effect

A series of immigration and labour policy updates took effect on January 1, 2026, reshaping how international students, entrepreneurs and skilled workers approach Canada:

  • Graduate‑level students are no longer subject to the national study‑permit cap, easing access for Master’s and PhD candidates.

  • The Start‑Up Visa program is closed to new applications, though those with 2025 certificates may still file until June 30, 2026.

Other reforms — such as Alberta tightening specific provincial streams and Ontario modernizing labour‑market rules — are being rolled out across jurisdictions.


👨‍👩‍👧 Parents & Grandparents Program Still Suspended

Canada has continued the suspension of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2026, meaning no new permanent‑residence sponsorship applications are being accepted under this route. Families are encouraged to consider the super visa as a temporary alternative.


⚖️ Court & System Notes

Recent Federal Court activity has highlighted procedural fairness concerns around citizenship revocation cases, drawing attention to backlogs and legal process issues within the immigration system.

🧠 Plain‑Language Takeaways

  • Express Entry is active: PNP category drew 574 ITAs (CRS 711), and CEC drew 8,000 (CRS 511) this week — strong signals for skilled worker pathways.

  • Graduate students face more straightforward permit rules , as postgrad study permits are uncapped and attestation letters are no longer required for many.

  • Start‑Up Visa is closed to new applications until a new pilot arrives later in 2026.

  • The Parents and Grandparents Program remains paused for 2026; consider super visas instead.

  • Legal processes are under scrutiny with recent Federal Court rulings on immigration fairness.

📅 Key Dates & Numbers

The Start‑Up Visa accepts only 2025 certificates until June 30













Canada Immigration News—February 18 2026

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