📈 Canada Study & Immigration Weekly Trends: Top 10 Updates
2026 Study Permit Cap: 155,000 Applications
Federal cap maintained, but provincial allocations adjusted. Ontario sees 5% reduction while British Columbia gets 3% increase. Master’s and PhD programs remain exempt.
CRS Score Drops to 485 in Latest Draw
January 22 draw invites 2,850 candidates. CRS cut-off decreases 8 points from previous draw. STEM category draws continue bi-weekly pattern.
Ontario Invites 1,452 in Tech Draw
OINP Tech Draw targets IT professionals with CRS 470+. Significant increase from December 2025 draws. Healthcare and skilled trades draws expected next week.
🔥 Top 10 Canada Immigration & Study Trends This Week
IRCC Implements Enhanced Financial Requirements
Starting February 1, 2026, study permit applicants must show minimum $22,895 CAD (increased from $20,635). Living cost requirements updated for all temporary residence programs.
Express Entry Category-Based Draws Expanded
New categories added: Clean Energy Technology and Agriculture occupations. STEM draws now weekly with 500+ invitations per draw.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) System Streamlined
Most provinces now issue PAL within 14 business days (down from 30 days). Online portal for PAL applications shows 95% completion rate.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility Tightened
Programs under 2 years now get 18-month PGWP (reduced from 24 months). Private college graduates face additional restrictions.
Visitor Visa Processing Times Reduced
Average processing time down to 45 days (from 65 days in 2025). Super visa processing at 90 days for complete applications.
International Student Work Hours Cap Re-evaluated
24-hour work limit remains but exceptions expanded for co-op programs and research positions. Off-campus work allowed immediately upon program start.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Extended to 2027
Program made permanent with increased quotas. New Brunswick sees 40% allocation increase. Employer requirements simplified.
Biometrics Backlog Cleared
90% of biometrics appointments now within 15 days globally. New centers opened in Latin America and Africa.
Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility Expanded
Spouses of master’s and PhD students now eligible immediately. Spouses of college students eligible after first semester completion.
Digital Nomad Program Formalized
6-month visitor visa for remote workers formalized. No LMIA required. Must show employment with foreign company and minimum income threshold.
📊 Weekly Policy Impact Analysis
Study Permit Approval Rates
Week-over-week approval rates by province:
Express Entry Draw Analysis
Last 4 draws comparison:
🗺️ Provincial Breakdown: Study Permit Allocations 2026
⏱️ Current Processing Times (Week of Jan 24, 2026)
| Program | Processing Time | Trend | Service Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study Permit (Inside Canada) | 8 weeks | ↓ 2 weeks | 12 weeks |
| Study Permit (Outside Canada) | 12 weeks | No change | 14 weeks |
| Work Permit (Inside Canada) | 16 weeks | ↑ 1 week | 20 weeks |
| Express Entry (PNP) | 8 months | ↑ 1 month | 11 months |
| Visitor Visa | 45 days | ↓ 20 days | 60 days |
| PGWP | 75 days | ↓ 10 days | 90 days |
🔮 Next Week & Month Predictions
Quarterly Forecast
- Total Express Entry invitations: 25,000+
- Study permit approval rate: 78-82%
- New immigration pathways announcement expected
- Processing times to improve 10-15% across programs
❓ Weekly Trends FAQ
The 155,000 cap applies to new applications received in 2026. Applications submitted before 2026 are processed under previous rules. Each province has its own allocation, and once reached, new applications may be refused or returned unless exempt (master’s/PhD programs).
Yes, gradual decline predicted. With increased draw sizes (2,500-3,000 invitations) and category-based selections, CRS scores are expected to stabilize in the 470-490 range for general draws, and 430-460 for category-based draws throughout Q1 2026.
Top gainers for 2026: Alberta (+7%), British Columbia (+3%), Nova Scotia (+5%). Reductions: Ontario (-5%), Manitoba (-2%). These adjustments reflect provincial capacity and housing availability assessments.
Provincial Attestation Letters are valid for 6 months from issue date. If your study permit application is not submitted within 6 months of PAL issuance, you’ll need a new PAL. PALs are program and institution specific.
The formal Digital Nomad Program launches March 1, 2026. Until then, remote workers can apply under existing visitor rules. The new program provides clearer eligibility criteria and a dedicated application pathway for 6-month stays extendable to 12 months.
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