The biggest changes in 2026 are the significant increase in Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) quotas and the tightening of temporary resident intake. According to the latest 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan:

• PNP quota surge: Target set at 91,500 people, a 66% increase from 55,000 in 2025, making it the primary economic pathway to permanent residence.
• Temporary resident tightening: To manage population growth and public resource balance, annual intake targets for international students and temporary workers are substantially lowered.
• Strategy core: Policy direction shifts from “broad intake” to “targeted selection” and “in-Canada transition”, favoring individuals already living, working, and possessing required skills in the country.

The substantial PNP quota increase means different things for various applicant types:

• Applicants with low CRS scores: Opportunities significantly increase. Even if your Express Entry score isn’t high, if your occupation meets a province’s needs, chances of obtaining the 600-point PNP bonus are greater.
• Applicants in in-demand occupations: Provinces will have more spots to nominate professionals in healthcare, skilled trades, IT, etc.
• Applicants already working/living in provinces: Provinces may expand nomination programs targeting their graduates and work permit holders.
• Application strategy: Requires deeper research into provincial priority occupations and program requirements rather than focusing solely on federal Express Entry draw scores.

The study-to-immigration pathway still exists, but with higher thresholds, increased competition, and need for earlier, more precise planning:

• Harder to obtain study permits: Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is no longer a study permit guarantee. More substantial proof of funds and study plan justification required.
• Program choice is crucial: Choosing programs highly relevant to Canada’s labor market needs (STEM, healthcare, skilled trades) increases success rates and post-graduation employment opportunities.
• Strategic province selection: Some provinces with lower population pressure (Atlantic provinces, Prairie provinces) may have relatively easier study permit approval and clearer PNP pathways post-graduation.
• Potential higher language requirements: Prepare language tests early for higher scores to gain advantage in both study permit and subsequent immigration applications.

All provinces have increased PNP quotas, but the following are particularly noteworthy due to economic needs or policy directions:

• Ontario (OINP): Largest quota base, tech talent, skilled trades, and healthcare worker streams remain active.
• British Columbia (BCPNP): Stable tech pilot program, IT-friendly, healthcare and early childhood education prioritized.
• Alberta (AAIP): Accelerated Tech Pathway, significant quota growth, energy transition creating new occupation demands.
• Saskatchewan (SINP): In-demand occupation list frequently updated, balancing traditional industries and emerging tech.
• Atlantic Provinces (AIP/PNP): Clear population growth targets, relatively lower thresholds for international graduate programs, employer-driven streams predominant.

Yes, many PNP streams don’t require Canadian work experience, but 2026 policies increasingly favor those with local experience.

• Overseas applicant streams: Such as Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream, Saskatchewan’s Occupation In-Demand, primarily assess applicants based on education, language ability, foreign work experience, and age.
• Key factors: For overseas applicants, job offer, occupation-province demand match, high language scores become more important. Some provinces’ in-demand occupation lists directly target overseas recruitment.
• Trend: While pathways exist, increased quotas may flow more to the “in-Canada transition” group with local work experience. Overseas applicants must ensure their occupation is on the target province’s in-demand list and seek employer support where possible.

Upon successful nomination through an Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program, applicants receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This virtually guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw, even with an initially low score. This is one of PNP’s most attractive advantages.