The Canadian government adjusts immigration quotas based on economic conditions, housing supply, job market, and social integration capacity. The 2026 quota is 130,000 spots, reduced compared to previous years, to better balance immigration growth with social capacity. The government stated it will focus more on the quality rather than quantity of economic immigrants.

In 2025, Express Entry cut-off scores fluctuated between 450-540 points, depending on the pool size and rounds of invitations. Generally, Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) cut-offs are higher (480-540), while Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and occupation-specific draws have lower cut-offs (450-490). Applicants are advised to target a score above 480 to increase ITA chances.

Not necessarily. The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program under Express Entry does not require a Canadian job offer, but having one gives 50-200 bonus points. Most PNP categories require a job offer. Caregiver immigration must have a job offer. Without an offer, consider improving language scores, obtaining Canadian education, etc., to enhance competitiveness.

ECA processing time varies by agency. WES typically takes 7-8 weeks, IQAS 8-12 weeks, ICES 4-6 weeks. It’s recommended to start at least 3 months in advance. Required materials include: degree certificates, original or notarized transcripts, official English translations. Some agencies require the institution to send sealed transcripts directly.

IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. However, in the Express Entry system, it’s advised to submit the application at least 6 months before the score expires to ensure it remains valid during processing. If the score expires during application processing, the officer may request new language test results. It’s recommended to complete the entire process within the score’s validity period.

Yes. In fact, many PNP streams (Enhanced PNP) are linked to Express Entry. If you receive a provincial nomination, you will automatically get 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw. There are also Base PNP streams that apply directly to the federal government, not through Express Entry, typically with longer processing times (15-19 months).

Yes. If the spouse is accompanying, points can be added through: spouse’s language scores (up to 20 points), spouse’s Canadian work experience (up to 10 points), spouse’s education (up to 10 points). However, note that including a spouse reduces the primary applicant’s individual core points. It’s recommended to use a CRS calculator to compare total scores with and without a spouse to choose the optimal scenario.

You have 60 days from receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA) to submit a complete permanent residence application (e-APR). Within these 60 days, you need to prepare all supporting documents, including: police certificates, medical exam report, proof of funds, work references, ECA, etc. It’s recommended to start preparing these documents before receiving the ITA, as some (like police certificates) may take weeks to obtain. If you cannot submit within 60 days, the ITA will expire and cannot be extended.

Yes. If the application is refused, the officer will state the reasons. The applicant can improve based on the issues and reapply; there is no limit on the number of times. Common refusal reasons include: incomplete documents, misrepresentation, not meeting minimum requirements, insufficient proof of funds, etc. Carefully read the refusal letter and consult a professional immigration consultant if necessary. If you believe the refusal was unreasonable, you can apply for judicial review within 30 days.

No, it doesn’t need to be continuous, but it must be accumulated (at least 3,900 hours) as full-time work within the 36 months before submitting the application. You can work for different employers, but it must be completed while holding a valid work permit. Part-time work can also be accumulated, but the time is calculated proportionally. For example, working 20 hours per week part-time would require 48 months to accumulate the equivalent of 24 months of full-time work.

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Most PNP programs require applicants to commit to settling and working in that province. Applying to multiple provinces may be seen as lacking genuine settlement intent and lead to refusal. It’s advised to choose the 1-2 most suitable provinces based on your conditions and career needs. If the first province refuses, then applying to another province is more prudent.

Yes, but the age score decreases yearly. In the CRS, ages 18-35 get the maximum age score (110 points). After that, the score decreases by 5-6 points per year, and no age points are awarded from age 45 onwards. Although the age score is lower, you can compensate through other means: improving language scores, gaining more work experience, obtaining Canadian education or work experience, getting a provincial nomination, etc. Many applicants over 40 still successfully immigrate to Canada.

After receiving the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) visa, you must complete your landing before the visa expires (usually 1 year, depending on medical exam validity). You can leave Canada shortly after the initial landing, but you must meet the residency obligation: live in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within any 5-year period to maintain PR status. It’s recommended to arrange landing as soon as possible to start accumulating residency time. Upon landing, you will receive a PR card valid for 5 years.

Main costs include: language test (IELTS approx. CAD $300), ECA (CAD $200-300), Express Entry application fee (principal applicant CAD $850, spouse CAD $850, dependent child CAD $230), Right of Permanent Residence Fee (CAD $515 per adult, children free), medical exam (approx. CAD $300-450 per person), police certificates (varies by country, approx. CAD $50-200), translation and notarization (CAD $500-1,000). Total approximately CAD $3,000-5,000 for a single person, CAD $7,000-12,000 for a family.

According to IRCC website data, the standard processing time for Express Entry is 6 months. However, actual processing varies by case; most applications are completed within 3-8 months. Factors affecting processing time include: completeness of application materials, complexity of background checks, peak application periods, applicant’s country of residence, etc. PNP applications (non-Express Entry linked) have longer processing times, typically 15-19 months.

Not necessarily. Many applicants complete the process themselves using IRCC website guides. However, if your case is complex (e.g., prior refusal history, criminal record, complex family situation, etc.), it’s advisable to consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or lawyer. When choosing a consultant, always verify their registration status with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) to avoid fraudulent agents. Fees for licensed consultants typically range from CAD $3,000-8,000.

After becoming a permanent resident, you must have physically resided in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the 5 years preceding the application to be eligible for citizenship. When calculating residence time, time spent in Canada as a temporary resident (e.g., on a study or work permit) before becoming a PR can be counted at 50%, up to a maximum credit of 365 days (1 year). Other requirements for citizenship include: language ability, tax compliance, passing the citizenship test, etc. Processing typically takes 12-18 months.

LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that assesses the impact hiring a foreign worker will have on the Canadian labor market. It proves the employer couldn’t find a suitable Canadian candidate. In Express Entry, a job offer supported by a valid LMIA can earn 50-200 bonus points. However, an LMIA is not a mandatory requirement for Express Entry. Obtaining an LMIA requires the employer to pay a CAD $1,000 fee and meet strict conditions; processing takes weeks to months.

Yes. Unmarried children under 22 years old can be included as dependent children accompanying their parents and do not need to meet immigration requirements independently. Children 22 years or older can only be included as dependents if they are physically or mentally dependent on the parent. The application fee per child is CAD $230 (excluding the Right of Permanent Residence Fee). If a child turns 22 during the application process, submit the application as soon as possible to avoid “aging out.”

Canadian immigration policies are adjusted periodically, usually with the annual Immigration Levels Plan announced each November. The detailed policies and quotas for 2026 were announced in November 2025, but specific implementation details and category-specific cut-off scores will be dynamically adjusted based on actual circumstances. It’s recommended to regularly check the IRCC website for the latest information or subscribe to official communications. Major policy changes are usually announced months in advance, giving applicants ample preparation time. Staying informed helps you seize opportunities promptly.