IRCC expanded category-based draws in 2026, adding Senior Managers, Researchers, Transport Workers, and Skilled Military Recruits to the existing French language, Healthcare, Trades, STEM, Education, and Physicians categories. Category draws can carry CRS cutoffs far below general rounds — meaning your occupation may matter more than your raw score right now.
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan raised planned PNP admissions from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026, holding around 92,500 for 2027–28. A provincial nomination still adds 600 CRS points — often the single biggest lever available to a candidate.
After more than two years without a dedicated round, IRCC held a CEC-specific draw in May 2026 — a signal that candidates with Canadian work experience may see more frequent, targeted invitations going forward.
IRCC's Express Entry backlog fell to just 10% as of March 2026, the lowest on record. Study permit and work permit backlogs, however, have been climbing — up to 40% and 34% respectively — meaning timing your application matters more than ever.
New regulations expand the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants' (CICC) authority to investigate misconduct, raise penalties, and establish a compensation fund for clients defrauded by unlicensed "ghost consultants." Always verify your consultant's licence on the CICC Public Register before paying.
Permanent residence application fees rose across the board: the economic-class principal applicant fee is now $990, spouse $990, dependent child $270, plus a $600 Right of Permanent Residence Fee per adult. These are government fees separate from our professional fee.
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