The 2026 permanent resident target is 380,000, a 21.6% decrease from 2024 (485,000). Economic class accounts for 61.7% (234,460), family sponsorship 22.4% (85,000), and refugee class 16% (60,800). Study permit quotas drop to 516,600, impacting study-to-PR pathways.

Express Entry quota is approximately 234,460 (61.7% of economic class), with CRS cut-off scores likely rising to 480+. Priority is given to high-skilled, healthcare, and STEM occupations. Policies emphasize transitioning in-Canada temporary residents, requiring higher language proficiency (CLB 9+).

PNP quotas are expected to be around 90,000, down from 117,500 in 2025. Emphasis is on supporting local labor needs (e.g., healthcare, construction, STEM), with applications needing to closely align with provincial priority occupations.

The 2026 SUV quota is not disclosed but expected to remain low. Policies will involve stricter scrutiny of business plan authenticity and innovation, requiring a letter of support from a designated organization, with unchanged investment requirements (e.g., $200,000 venture capital).

Study permit quotas drop to 516,600, with stricter approvals prioritizing high-demand fields. Study-to-PR requires 1-3 years of work experience (PGWP) and CLB 7+, with quotas counted under EE/PNP, necessitating early planning.

The 2026 quota is approximately 85,000, prioritizing spouses/children, with about 10,000 for parents/grandparents (PGP) via lottery. Sponsor income requirements (LICO) may increase, with processing times of 12-24 months.

Due to reduced quotas (234,460), CRS cut-offs are expected to rise to 480+, requiring higher language proficiency (CLB 9+), Canadian work experience, or provincial nomination (+600 points).

Some PNPs (e.g., BC International Post-Graduate) don’t require a job offer but need local ties. Others (e.g., Alberta Opportunity Stream) may require one, with 2026 emphasizing occupational alignment.

Proof of settlement funds ($12,960-$34,299, depending on family size) is required. Designated organization investments (e.g., $200,000 venture capital) are the main cost, with stricter approvals in 2026.

Studies take 1-2 years, PGWP work experience 1-3 years, and application processing 6-12 months, totaling 2-4 years. Reduced study permit quotas in 2026 require choosing high-demand fields to improve success rates.

Sponsors must be citizens/PR, meet minimum income (LICO, e.g., $26,620/year for one person), have no criminal record, and commit to support for 3-20 years. Income requirements may increase in 2026.

Minimum CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0-7.0 per band), but higher scores (CLB 9+) are more competitive in 2026 due to reduced quotas and priority for high-skilled applicants.

Choose provinces matching your occupation, e.g., BC (tech/healthcare), Ontario (high-skilled), Saskatchewan (agriculture/trades). In 2026, monitor provincial priority occupation lists.

Include venture capital funds (e.g., BDC Capital), angel investor groups (e.g., Golden Triangle Angel Network), and incubators (e.g., Communitech). A letter of support is required.

Study permit quotas drop to 516,600, with stricter approvals prioritizing high-demand fields (e.g., STEM, healthcare). Study-to-PR requires earlier planning due to increased competition.

The 2026 quota is approximately 85,000, prioritizing spouses/children, with PGP at about 10,000 via lottery. Reduced quotas may extend wait times.

High scorers (480+) have an 80%+ invitation rate, while lower scorers (<450) need PNP or a job offer. Reduced quotas in 2026 lower overall success rates to 60%-70%.

Yes, enhanced PNP adds 600 CRS points, nearly guaranteeing an invitation. Base PNP is independent, and combining both is advantageous in 2026.

Application fees are expected to remain stable (e.g., EE $1,365/person), but living costs and tuition may rise due to inflation, requiring additional budgeting.

Reduced quotas and stricter policies increase competition. Registered Immigration Consultants (RCIC) can optimize strategies and improve success rates, especially for complex cases.