Canada PR Immigration News February 4 2026

Canada PR Immigration News February 4 2026 Snapshots: IRCC, Express Entry, PNP targets, processing times & policy shifts

📌 Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan Holds Steady

Canada will admit 380,000 permanent residents per year in 2026–2028, emphasizing economic immigration while balancing family reunification and humanitarian cases. The federal plan prioritizes labour market needs and sustainable immigration levels.

📈 Express Entry Continues With Targeted Selection

Express Entry — Canada’s primary economic immigration system — is evolving in 2026 toward smaller, more frequent and category‑based draws rather than large all‑program rounds. Occupations in healthcare, trades, STEM, and other priority sectors are increasingly focal points, reflecting tight labour-market alignment.

🏆 Provincial Nominee Programs on Track for Growth

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets are set to rise in 2026, with an expected 91,500 total nominations, giving provinces substantial influence over PR selections and offering candidates a strategic alternative to federal draws.

Provincial allocations vary — British Columbia’s 2026 PNP allocation is 5,254 nominations after advocacy for higher provincial quotas.

⏱️ IRCC Backlog & Processing Update

IRCC’s application inventory remains elevated: about 2.18 million active applications across permanent residence, temporary residence and citizenship categories. Approximately 54 % are progressing within current service standards.

Meanwhile, IRCC recently published updated processing time estimates as of December 31, 2025, giving applicants clearer expectations for decision timelines.

⚖️ Quebec Family Reunification Delays Continue

Quebec’s family sponsorship stream remains slower than the rest of Canada, with average wait times exceeding 34 months due to provincial quotas and selection caps. These delays have drawn policy debate and frustration among applicants and advocacy groups.

📊 Policy Shifts Reflect Targeted Selection

Canada’s 2025 policy changes — now carrying into 2026 — show a more selective and targeted immigration landscape with adjusted eligibility rules for Express Entry and restrictions in some work‑permit streams, signalling

a move away from broad, high‑volume selection.

🧠 Plain‑Language Takeaways

• Canada keeps high PR targets (380,000) in 2026–28, focusing on economic needs and sustainability.

• Express Entry is active but narrower, with more frequent, category‑focused rounds.

• Provincial Nominee Programs are key for many candidates; most provinces have expanded or specific allocations.

• IRCC backlogs remain significant, with ongoing delays across categories.

• Quebec family sponsorship waits are notably long, drawing criticism from applicants.

• Policy trends point to more targeted selection and updated eligibility criteria in immigration pathways.

📅 Key Dates & Numbers

Date / Event	Update
2026–2028	Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan: 380,000 PR admissions per year.
2026 Target	91,500 PNP nominations anticipated.
Dec 31, 2025	Latest IRCC processing times published.
Current	IRCC holds ~2.18 million applications; ~54 % within standard processing.
Ongoing	Quebec family sponsorship ~34 months average wait.

Canada PR Immigration News February 4 2026