The shift forms part of the federal Immigration Levels Plan and is being overseen by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which has committed to reducing the country’s temporary resident population to below five per cent of the total population. The stated aim is to ease pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services while refocusing opportunities on people already in Canada.

On This Page You Will Find

• Why Canada is reducing student and temporary worker inflows
• Monthly data showing declining arrivals in 2024 and 2025
• How international student numbers have changed
• The impact of reforms on temporary worker arrivals
• What the trends mean for Canada’s immigration system

A sustained fall in new arrivals

The most striking trend in the data is the scale and consistency of the decline. Between January and November 2025, Canada recorded 52 per cent fewer combined arrivals of international students and temporary workers compared with the same period in 2024. That represents 334,845 fewer people entering the country on study or work permits.

Monthly figures show that the traditional seasonal spikes remain, particularly in August and December for students, but at much lower levels than in previous years. Outside these peak months, arrival volumes have dropped to historically low levels.

By November 2025, Canada recorded just 2,485 new international student arrivals and 13,365 new temporary worker arrivals, numbers that would have been unthinkable only two years earlier.

International student arrivals fall sharply

International student inflows have contracted more steeply than any other temporary category. Between January and November 2025, Canada admitted 60 per cent fewer new students than during the same period in 2024, a reduction of 157,380 arrivals.

The data reflects the impact of several policy changes. Ottawa introduced an annual cap on study permits in 2024 and announced further reductions for 2025 and 2026. At the same time, it tightened oversight of acceptance letters to combat fraud and raised financial requirements to ensure students arrive better prepared to support themselves.

Seasonal surges remain visible, particularly in August ahead of the fall semester, but even those peaks are now well below previous norms. August 2025 saw 45,065 new student arrivals, compared with nearly 80,000 in August 2024 and more than 95,000 in December 2023.

Temporary worker inflows also retreat

Temporary worker arrivals have followed a similar downward trajectory, although the decline has been slightly less abrupt than in the student stream. Between January and November 2025, Canada admitted 47 per cent fewer new temporary workers than in the same months of 2024, a drop of 177,465 arrivals.

This trend reflects multiple overlapping reforms. The federal government imposed a 10 per cent cap on low-wage hiring under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, with limited sectoral exceptions. It also stopped processing low-wage applications in metropolitan areas with unemployment of six per cent or higher.

Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit program narrowed eligibility, while new restrictions limited open work permits for spouses of international students and temporary foreign workers. At the same time, Canada accelerated permanent residence pathways for select in-demand workers already in the country.

What the total numbers show

While new arrivals have fallen sharply, the total number of temporary residents in Canada has declined more gradually. This reflects processing backlogs and the fact that many permits were issued under earlier rules and remain valid.

As of November 30, 2025, Canada had 476,330 people holding only a study permit, down from more than 670,000 at the start of 2024. The number of people holding both a study and work permit also declined significantly, falling to 244,900.

The picture for work permit holders is more stable. Canada recorded 1,491,500 people holding only a work permit as of November 2025, a slight decline from mid-2025 but still well above 2023 levels. This reflects the longer validity of many work permits and the continued processing of applications already in the system.

Turning temporary residents into permanent ones

Alongside reducing inflows, Canada has placed renewed emphasis on transitioning temporary residents to permanent status. From January to November 2025, more than 177,000 former temporary residents became permanent residents, accounting for roughly 48 per cent of all new permanent admissions during that period.

These applicants tend to be well integrated, with Canadian education, Canadian work experience and proficiency in one or both official languages. Most apply through economic programs such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program, which align selection with labour market and regional needs.

The government has framed this approach as a way to preserve Canada’s ability to attract global talent while easing short-term pressures and restoring balance to the immigration system.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The draw, held on January 21, 2026, required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509.

This invitation round marks a continued effort by the federal government to prioritize temporary residents currently living and working in Canada, transitioning them to permanent residence to meet 2026 immigration targets.

CEC Focus Returns with High Volume

This draw (#392) is exclusively for candidates eligible under the Canadian Experience Class. By targeting this specific pool, IRCC is focusing on individuals who already possess Canadian work experience, a strategy often used to retain talent already integrated into the Canadian economy.

The number of invitations—6,000—represents a significant intake, suggesting that IRCC is moving aggressively to fill its admission targets early in the year.

CRS Score and Tie-Breaking Rule

The minimum CRS score for this draw was 509. While competitive, this score reflects the high caliber of candidates currently in the Express Entry pool, particularly those with Canadian education and work experience which provide additional points.

IRCC applied a tie-breaking rule with a timestamp of October 29, 2025, at 04:35:24 UTC. This means that if multiple candidates had a score of exactly 509, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received an invitation.

Ministerial Instructions

The Ministerial Instructions for this round were signed by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab. The instructions confirm that the invitations are valid for the period beginning January 21, 2026, and ending January 22, 2026.

Candidates who received an ITA in this round now have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

Express Entry Draw #392 Results: January 21, 2026

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The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 746 points.

This draw, numbered 391, marks the start of a new immigration year and emphasizes Canada’s reliance on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to address specific regional labour market needs and targets.

State of the Pool

The latest draw saw the tie-breaking rule implemented on November 19, 2025 at 04:09:11 UTC. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received invitations.

Candidates have a 60-day window to submit their applications, which will usually be processed within the six-month standard.

Summary of Recent Draws

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws consistently yield high CRS scores because candidates automatically receive 600 additional points upon obtaining a provincial nomination.

Key details from recent draw trends:

• January 20, 2026 (Draw 391): Provincial Nominee Program, 681 ITAs, CRS 746.
• The high CRS score reflects the specific, targeted nature of PNP draws, prioritizing candidates who already have provincial endorsement.
• Industry observers expect the Canadian government to resume general draws and Category-Based Selection draws shortly, following this specialized start to the year.

What Can Employers Do To Recruit Foreign Workers?

Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNPs) to ensure long-term retention of employees.

At immigration.ca we provide Canadian employers with unparalleled immigration legal services and can help with the recruitment of foreign nationals. We bring qualified candidates to Canada in the shortest time possible. Employers in a wide range of industries can directly benefit from our unique position as one of Canada’s leading immigration firms in the industry to meet both their recruitment and immigration requirements.

Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are invited to contact us here for further information.

What Should Candidates Do Next?

Securing an approved offer of employment is highly recommended as one of the best pathways to guaranteeing an ITA in the next round of invitations.

Find out whether you qualify for Canada by completing our free online evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.

The post Canada Kicks Off 2026 With First Express Entry Draw Targeting Provincial Nominees appeared first on Canada Immigration and Visa Information. Canadian Immigration Services and Free Online Evaluation..

The adjustments were introduced through Quebec’s annual fee indexation mechanism and reflect inflation rather than any shift in immigration policy. Applicants submitting files in 2026 are already subject to the updated fee schedule.

On This Page You Will Find

• Why Quebec increased immigration fees in 2026
• How inflation indexation works under Quebec law
• Permanent immigration fee changes now in effect
• Updated temporary immigration and professional fees
• A reproduced table of current Quebec immigration fees

Why Quebec Raised Immigration Fees

Quebec law requires immigration fees to be indexed each year in line with inflation. For 2026, the province applied a 2.85 per cent adjustment based on the Quebec Consumer Price Index for the period ending September 30, 2024. The increase applies to fees charged under the Quebec Immigration Act and to the cost of comparative evaluations of studies completed outside Quebec.

The government presented the change as a routine administrative update intended to keep immigration service fees aligned with the cost of delivering programs.

Permanent Immigration Fee Changes Now In Effect

Permanent immigration applicants are now paying higher fees across most categories. Investor program applications increased from $17,875 to $18,241, representing the largest absolute increase. Fees for entrepreneur and self-employed worker applications rose from $1,246 to $1,272.

Skilled worker application fees shifted from $921 to $840. Although this represents a decrease rather than an increase, the updated amount is now the applicable fee for 2026 applications.

Fees for accompanying family members increased slightly from $197 to $201 per person, except for applications submitted under the investor program. Employers requesting validation of permanent job offers now pay $233, up from $228.

Undertakings related to family sponsorships also increased. The fee for the first foreign national rose from $328 to $335, while each additional family member now costs $135, up from $132.

Temporary Immigration Fees In 2026

Temporary immigration applicants are also paying more under the new fee schedule. Applications for temporary selection certificates for foreign workers increased from $228 to $233. Employers requesting assessments of the effects of job offers on the Quebec labour market are subject to the same increase.

Foreign student applications rose from $132 to $135, as did applications for individuals seeking temporary stay in Quebec for medical treatment.

Immigration Consultants And Credential Assessment Fees

Immigration professionals are affected as well. Applications for recognition as an immigration consultant increased from $1,906 to $1,945, while renewal applications rose from $1,551 to $1,583.

The cost of a comparative evaluation of studies completed outside Quebec also increased, from $138 to $141.

Current Quebec Immigration Fee Table

The table below reflects the fees that now apply to Quebec immigration applications in 2026:

What Applicants Should Keep In Mind

Anyone submitting a Quebec immigration application in 2026 should ensure they are using the updated fee amounts. While most increases are modest, total immigration costs can rise quickly once provincial fees are combined with federal processing fees, language testing, medical exams and professional services.

Frequently Asked Questions

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• Why Canada added 5,000 new Francophone selection spaces
• How the move fits into the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan
• What provinces can do with the additional allocations
• How Canada exceeded its Francophone target in 2025
• What the policy shift means for candidates and employers

Canada has moved to reinforce its commitment to expanding French-speaking communities outside Quebec by adding 5,000 permanent residence admission spaces for Francophone candidates in 2026. The move signals a clear policy choice to accelerate growth in the French-speaking population, even as overall immigration levels remain tightly managed.

Speaking in Moncton, New Brunswick on January 19, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said the federal government will reserve 5,000 additional “selection spaces” for provinces and territories. These spaces will sit on top of existing Provincial Nominee Program allocations and regional immigration pilots, giving sub-national governments more flexibility to nominate French-speaking immigrants.

The additional spaces form part of Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which already sets rising targets for Francophone permanent residents outside Quebec. The federal target increases from nine per cent of admissions in 2026 to 10.5 per cent by 2028. Officials say the extra 5,000 spaces are designed to jump-start progress toward a longer-term goal of reaching 12 per cent by 2029.

Provinces Given New Tools To Attract Francophone Talent

Under the new approach, provinces and territories will be able to use the added spaces to target French-proficient candidates who can address labour shortages and support minority Francophone communities. Early guidance suggests allocations will be linked to demonstrated demand for bilingual workers in priority sectors such as health care, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.

For employers, the announcement creates new pathways to recruit French-speaking international students and temporary foreign workers already in Canada, as well as qualified candidates overseas with strong French-language test results. Candidates who combine provincial nomination with high French proficiency are expected to gain a significant advantage across selection systems in 2026.

Canada Exceeded Its Francophone Target In 2025

The announcement followed confirmation that Canada exceeded its Francophone immigration target for the fourth consecutive year in 2025. Preliminary federal data shows French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec accounted for about 8.9 per cent of admissions, surpassing the 8.5 per cent target set for the year.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reported that more than 29,500 French-speaking permanent residents were admitted outside Quebec in 2025. The department credited sustained collaboration with provinces, territories, and community organisations for the result.

Looking Back At Express Entry In 2025

The decision to add 5,000 dedicated Francophone selection spaces in 2026 builds directly on how Express Entry operated in 2025. Last year marked one of the clearest demonstrations yet that French-language ability had become a decisive factor in federal economic immigration selection.

In 2025, French-speaking candidates accounted for 48,000 of the 113,998 invitations issued through Express Entry. That represented 42 per cent of all invitations and made Francophone draws the single largest selection category within the system.

Crucially, these invitations were issued at significantly lower Comprehensive Ranking System cut-off scores than most other draw types. Francophone draws in 2025 had cut-offs ranging from 379 to 481. By comparison, Canadian Experience Class draws ranged from 515 to 547, while health care and social services draws required scores between 462 and 510.

The contrast became most apparent in December 2025, when a single Francophone draw issued 6,000 invitations with a cut-off score of 399. At the same time, more than 157,000 candidates in the Express Entry pool held scores above 400, many of whom were not invited.

The 2025 results confirmed that Express Entry was no longer operating purely as a rank-ordered competition. Instead, targeted draws allowed the federal government to advance specific policy objectives, particularly the growth of French-speaking communities outside Quebec, even when that meant selecting lower-ranked candidates ahead of higher-scoring ones.

Seen in this context, the new 5,000 Francophone selection spaces for 2026 do not represent a sudden shift in policy. They formalise and extend an approach that was already clearly visible in Express Entry outcomes throughout 2025.

Express Entry And Other Programs Support The Shift

Federal officials have pointed to several policy tools that underpin the growth in Francophone immigration. These include the French-language proficiency category within Express Entry, the Francophone Mobility program, and the expansion of the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative.

Together, these measures aim to restore and increase the demographic weight of Francophone and Acadian minority communities while responding to labour market needs. The government has framed the strategy as part of a broader effort to attract global talent, support economic growth, and strengthen Canada’s official languages.

What This Means For Candidates And Employers

The addition of 5,000 dedicated selection spaces confirms that French-language ability will remain a powerful advantage in Canada’s immigration system. Candidates with strong French skills can expect more opportunities through provincial nominations and targeted federal pathways.

For employers, especially outside Quebec, the policy creates greater certainty that bilingual and French-speaking workers will remain a priority in immigration selection decisions through at least 2028.

FAQ

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For decades, Canada’s “first-generation limit” (FGL) acted as a firm ceiling, preventing Canadian citizens born abroad from passing their nationality to their children if those children were also born outside Canada. On December 15, that ceiling was shattered. The new law has not only restored citizenship to thousands of “Lost Canadians” but has effectively invited an estimated 150,000 to 300,000 new eligible individuals to claim one of the world’s most powerful travel documents.

For a detailed explanation of who qualifies, how citizenship by descent flows through parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, and how to apply for proof of Canadian citizenship under the amended law, consult our comprehensive guide to Canadian citizenship by descent under Bill C-3.

The End of the First-Generation Limit

The genesis of this shift began in late 2023, when the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled in Bjorkquist et al. v. Attorney General of Canada that the first-generation limit was unconstitutional. The court found that the law created a “lesser class” of Canadians—those who, despite being citizens, could not pass their heritage to their children simply because of their place of birth.

The Canadian government chose not to appeal. Instead, they introduced a legislative remedy that is more inclusive than almost any other Western peer nation. Under Bill C-3, the rules for citizenship by descent have been bifurcated into two distinct categories: those born before December 15, 2025, and those born after.

1. The Retroactive “Reset”: Born Before Dec 15, 2025

For anyone born before the law’s enactment, the change is transformative. If you were born abroad in the second, third, or even fourth generation with an unbroken chain of descent to a Canadian born or naturalized, you are likely now automatically a Canadian citizen.

There is no “substantial connection” test for this group. If the lineage exists, citizenship exists. This retroactive restoration is what is currently driving a massive surge in “Proof of Citizenship” applications. For these individuals, the Canadian passport is no longer a distant dream; it is a legal reality waiting for a certificate to prove it.

2. The New Standard: The 1,095-Day Rule

For children born on or after December 15, 2025, the law introduces a “Substantial Connection” requirement. To pass on citizenship to a child born abroad in the second generation or later, the Canadian parent must demonstrate that they were physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 cumulative days (three years) prior to the child’s birth or adoption.

This three-year threshold is a deliberate “sweet spot.” It is rigorous enough to protect the value of the Canadian brand, yet accessible enough for the millions of Canadians who live, work, or study abroad for a few years before starting families.

Why Canada? The “Value Proposition” of a Secondary Passport

In an era of geopolitical volatility, a Canadian passport is more than just a travel document; it is a “hedge” against uncertainty. Canada consistently ranks in the top ten of many Passport Index Measures, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 185 destinations.

However, the “Demand for Canada” under Bill C-3 is driven by more than just visa-free travel:

• Generational Security: Unlike “purchased” passports from Caribbean nations, which can be subject to international pressure or changing tax treaties, Canadian citizenship is rooted in a G7 nation with a stable constitutional framework.
• Consular Protection: As seen during the global disruptions of 2024 and 2025, the Canadian government’s capacity for consular assistance and assisted departures for its citizens abroad remains a significant draw for expats living in “frontier” markets.
• Access to the Canadian Economy: A secondary passport grants the right to live and work in Canada at any time, providing a safety net for professionals and an educational gateway for their children (who can then access much cheaper domestic tuition rates at world-class universities).

The “Lineage Gold Rush” of 2026

We are currently witnessing what many immigration practitioners are calling the “Lineage Gold Rush.” Families who previously thought their Canadian connection had “expired” are now digging through archives for grandfather’s birth certificates from the early 1900s Saskatchewan or 1860s Ontario.

Under Bill C-3, the law also rectifies long-standing gender inequities. Historically, Canadian women were often unable to pass on citizenship under the same conditions as men. The new law harmonizes these rules, ensuring that whether the “Anchor Relative” was a mother or father, the line of descent remains intact.

The Adoption Revolution

One of the most compassionate aspects of Bill C-3 is its treatment of international adoptions. Previously, adopted children of Canadians born abroad faced significant hurdles—and often outright blocks—in attaining citizenship. The new law ensures that a “legal” adoption abroad is treated with the same weight as a biological birth. Provided the parent meets the substantial connection test (only for post-2025 adoptions), the child is a Canadian. This has made Canada a premier destination for international families who reside in global hubs like Singapore or the UAE.

Navigating the New System

While the law is inclusive, the burden of proof remains on the applicant. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has made it clear that the unbroken “Chain of Descent” must be proven ideally through long-form documentation. This includes:

• Long Form provincial birth certificates of the Canadian-born ancestor.
• Marriage certificates to link name changes across generations.
• Detailed residency logs for the 1,095-day requirement.

For perfection, applicants will be advised to draw upon secondary sources of documentation such as census registries, death and religious records.

For those born in 1989, 1995, or 2010 who were previously told “No” by a Canadian officer, the answer in 2026 is a resounding “Yes.”

How Big Will Canada Become?

The legislative shift brought about by Bill C-3 is not merely a technical correction; it is a demographic tidal wave. To understand the scale of this change, one must look at the global market for secondary residency and citizenship. Over the past 25 years, it is estimated that formal Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs worldwide—from the Caribbean to Turkey—have issued a combined total of between 500,000 and 700,000 passports.

In a single legislative stroke, Canada has created a pool of potential new citizens that will dwarf the entire global output of the CBI industry’s last quarter-century.

Parliamentary Estimates vs. Emerging Realities

During the parliamentary debates leading up to the enactment of Bill C-3, in the Fall 2025, the government offered relatively conservative figures. Initial projections from the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) suggested that approximately 150,000 to 300,000 individuals would be eligible to apply. However, these figures have been met with significant skepticism from opposition benches and migration experts alike.

The Bloc Québécois, among others, pointed out during House of Commons testimony that the government’s data likely significantly underestimates the “chain effect” of removing the first-generation limit. Some independent estimates now suggest the number of people with a legitimate claim to Canadian heritage—now legally enforceable—could reach as high as 500,000 – 1M people globally.

Conclusion: A Global Titan of Mobility

By removing the first-generation limit, Canada has done what few other Western nations have dared: it has embraced its global diaspora as a core part of its national identity.

In 2026, Canada is no longer just a destination for immigrants; it is a “homeland” for a vast, global network of citizens by descent. As the world seeks stability, mobility, and opportunity, the Canadian passport—bolstered by the fairness of Bill C-3—is set to become the most sought-after secondary status – on the planet.

Read our comprehensive guide to learn more about what has changed and if you qualify under the new rules.

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As a result, families can no longer plan around permanent residence sponsorship for parents and grandparents in 2026. Instead, the focus shifts almost entirely to temporary residence options, with the Super Visa emerging as the most practical and stable solution.

On this page you will find

• Why Canada paused the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2026
• Which applications are still being processed
• Why the Super Visa is now the main option
• Super Visa eligibility and income requirements
• Required documents and insurance rules
• Visitor visa and eTA alternatives
• What families should plan for next

Why the Parents and Grandparents Program Is Closed in 2026

The federal government has directed that no new sponsorship or permanent residence applications for parents or grandparents will be accepted in 2026. Only applications that were

• Submitted in 2025
• Based on invitations issued from the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool
• Counted within a cap of 10,000 sponsorship applications

will continue to be processed this year.

Unless further instructions are issued, no additional PGP applications will be accepted during the 2026 calendar year. Requests based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds from outside Canada will also not be processed if they accompany an application that falls outside these rules.

This policy effectively pauses parent and grandparent permanent residence sponsorship and places families in a holding pattern.

The Super Visa – The Main Option in 2026

With the PGP paused, the Canada Super Visa is now the primary option for parents and grandparents who want to spend extended time in Canada.

The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry temporary resident visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Key features include:

• Valid for up to 10 years
• Allows stays of up to five years per entry
• Option to apply for extensions from inside Canada
• No annual intake cap or lottery

While it does not grant permanent residence, it offers far greater stability than a standard visitor visa and allows families to plan long-term stays.

Who Can Apply for a Super Visa

To qualify:

• The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• The host must be at least 18 years old and living in Canada
• The host must meet the minimum income requirement based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)
• The applicant must apply from outside Canada

Income thresholds depend on family size. For example, recent LICO figures require:

• $34,254 for a family of two
• $51,128 for a family of four

Key Requirements for a Super Visa

Super Visa applications focus heavily on financial capacity and health coverage.

Applicants must provide:

• A signed invitation and financial support letter from the host
• Proof of relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates
• Proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian provider
• A valid passport
• Evidence of financial self-sufficiency
• A clear explanation of the purpose of the visit
• Background and admissibility documents

Medical insurance must:

• Be valid for at least one year
• Provide a minimum of $100,000 in coverage
• Cover healthcare, hospitalisation, and repatriation

Other Temporary Options in 2026

While the Super Visa is the strongest option, it is not the only temporary pathway available.

Visitor Visa

Parents and grandparents may still apply for a standard visitor visa. This option:

• Usually allows stays of up to six months at a time
• Does not require LICO income thresholds
• Does not require mandatory private medical insurance

However, visitor visas offer less predictability. Extensions are discretionary, and repeated long stays can raise concerns about temporary intent. For families seeking extended or recurring visits, this is a weaker option than the Super Visa.

Canada eTA

Visa-exempt parents and grandparents may be eligible to travel to Canada using a Canada electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

An eTA:

• Is valid for up to five years or until passport expiry
• Allows multiple short visits
• Typically permits stays of up to six months per entry

The eTA is best suited for short visits rather than long family stays. It does not provide the stability or extended stay options that many families need.

What This Means for Families in 2026

In 2026, bringing parents and grandparents to Canada is no longer about permanent residence planning. It is about choosing the right temporary status based on length of stay, financial capacity, and family needs.

For most families, the Super Visa offers the best balance of certainty and flexibility. Visitor visas and eTAs remain available for shorter visits but are less suitable for long-term family reunification.

FAQ

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The pause leaves employers with outstanding job offers and skilled refugees with planned applications in limbo, with no timeline from the federal government on when the program may reopen.

On this page you will find

• What the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot is
• Why Canada paused EMPP applications
• What IRCC said about the backlog
• How many refugees the EMPP has admitted
• What the pause means for employers and applicants

What is the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot?

The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot was launched in 2018 as an alternative immigration pathway for skilled refugees and displaced individuals. Unlike traditional refugee resettlement programs, the EMPP allows candidates to immigrate through Canada’s economic immigration system, based on their skills, work experience, and ability to fill labour market gaps.

The program has brought engineers, nurses, skilled trades workers, and technical professionals to Canada, including to smaller and remote communities that often struggle to attract talent. It has been widely viewed as a hybrid model that supports both humanitarian objectives and economic priorities.

Why Canada Paused EMPP Applications

In a December 23 email to partner organisations, a senior official at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada confirmed that no new applications to the EMPP would be accepted until further notice.

The department cited a large and growing inventory of applications, increasing processing times, and limited admission spaces as the reasons for the pause. Officials said that admission spaces allocated to federal economic pilots under the 2026 – 2028 Immigration Levels Plan are not sufficient to process all applications currently in the EMPP inventory.

IRCC said the pause is intended to prevent further inventory growth while the department focuses on processing applications already received.

What the Government Said About the Pause

In the email, IRCC said attracting global talent remains a key government priority, but that this objective must be balanced against the need to return to sustainable immigration levels. The department said it is working toward a “sustainable and effective permanent program” that would continue to benefit both employers and applicants.

However, IRCC confirmed that there will be no intake of new EMPP applications while this work is underway.

EMPP Admissions to Date

The federal government previously said it aimed to admit up to 2,000 skilled refugees and their family members through the EMPP. From 2019 to the end of March 2025, 970 people had been admitted to Canada through the program.

As demand increased, processing times for EMPP applications also grew, contributing to the backlog cited by the department in its decision to pause new intake.

Pause Follows Similar Move on Caregiver Pilots

The EMPP pause comes shortly after the federal government halted new intake under the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots earlier in December. In that case, IRCC said demand for permanent residence exceeded the number of places available under Canada’s immigration targets.

In both programs, IRCC said it will continue processing applications already in its system, based on the number of permanent residence spaces set out in the Immigration Levels Plan.

What Happens Next

At present, IRCC has not announced when applications to the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot may resume. Employers that were preparing to submit applications in early 2026 and skilled refugees with job offers must now wait for further direction.

While the department has framed the pause as an operational measure, the lack of notice and absence of a restart timeline underscore the growing constraints facing Canada’s economic immigration pilots as Ottawa works to limit overall immigration growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The draw, Expression of Interest Draw #262, took place on January 15, 2026. It was exclusively targeted at candidates who had been directly invited by the MPNP under specific strategic recruitment initiatives.

Strategic Recruitment Initiatives Take Priority

Unlike standard draws that select candidates based solely on their point scores in the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool, this round focused on individuals with established connections to the province through recruitment missions and special initiatives.

Candidates invited in this draw had submitted profiles under either the Skilled Worker in Manitoba or Skilled Worker Overseas pathways and declared that they were directly invited by the MPNP.

The invitations were distributed across four key strategic initiatives:

• Employer Services: 21 LAAs
• Regional Communities: 15 LAAs
• Ethnocultural Communities: 9 LAAs
• Francophone Community: 7 LAAs

Additionally, 3 invitations were issued under the Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates (TPP).

Express Entry Alignment

Of the 55 candidates invited, 10 declared a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code. These candidates may now be eligible for a provincial nomination that yields an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, effectively guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence in a subsequent federal draw.

Important Notes for Candidates

The MPNP emphasized that profiles were only considered if the candidate declared a valid invitation number from a strategic initiative. The province noted that some candidates who indicated they had an invitation but did not receive an LAA may have had:

• Expired language test results;
• Missing valid test numbers; or
• Invalid invitation numbers entered in their EOI.

The MPNP also warned that candidates working in regulated occupations who are not fully licensed to work in Manitoba may have their applications refused if they cannot prove they have undergone the necessary licensing steps.

Manitoba PNP EOI Draw #262 Results: January 15, 2026

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