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Canada Permanent‑Residency Immigration News—February 25 2026

  • Nina A
  • Feb 25
  • 2 min read
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Canada Permanent‑Residency Immigration News—February 25 2026 Snapshots:

Concise updates on IRCC policy, Express Entry, provincial programs, and judicial developments.


Express Entry kicks off 2026 with a PNP‑focused draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first Express Entry draw of 2026 on January 5, issuing 574 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The CRS cut‑off was 711—reflecting high competition in the first point‑based selection of the year.


New federal immigration rules take effect.

Recent changes that took effect on January 1, 2026, include several system‑wide updates. Among these:

  • Canada closed the federal Start‑Up Visa program to new applicants as part of broader policy shifts.

  • Graduate students no longer need provincial attestation letters for study permits, easing access to post‑secondary study and future PR pathways.


Permanent resident targets steady amid broader shifts

Under Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, federal authorities have stabilized permanent‑resident admissions at around 380,000 per year, with economic immigration making up most spots. This reflects a move toward sustainable intake and labour‑market alignment while reducing temporary resident inflows.


Provincial programs and criteria evolve.

Ontario and other provinces continue to adjust PNP criteria to match labour market demands better. However, recent selective draws and a tightened occupational focus have left some skilled trades applicants waiting longer for invitations.


🧠 Key Takeaways

  • Express Entry remains active and province‑focused early in 2026—good profiles with provincial ties are in demand.

  • Permanent‑residence targets remain stable under the new federal plan, offering predictability for applicants.

  • Some business and entrepreneur routes have paused (e.g., Start‑Up Visa), so alternative pathways may be needed.

  • System‑wide policy changes continue to streamline student and work permit pathways, which can feed into future PR eligibility.


📅 Key Dates & Numbers

  • January 1, 2026 — Multiple Canada immigration rule changes take effect.

  • January 5, 2026 — First Express Entry draw of 2026: 574 ITAs, CRS 711 (PNP).

  • 2026–2028 — Federal PR target: ~380,000 new permanent residents per year.




Canada Permanent‑Residency Immigration News—February 25 2026

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