Canada Immigration 2026: Major Changes to PR & PNP Programs

Canada’s Immigration System in 2026: What’s Changing and Why It Still Matters

While immigration has historically been a front-and-centre topic for Canadians, recent surveys suggest that it’s no longer the top concern for most voters. According to a late-2025 report from Nanos Research, Canadians are more worried about the economy, inflation, U.S. relations, and healthcare than they are about immigration levels. But does that mean major changes to immigration policy are behind us?

Not quite. Despite a dip in public focus, Canada’s immigration system is set for some significant updates in 2026. From new permanent residence (PR) pathways and Express Entry changes to updates in job classifications and post-graduation work permits, there’s a lot on the horizon.

Let’s explore what’s coming and how it could affect newcomers, international students, and temporary workers alike.

Key Highlights

• New PR pathways are being introduced for construction workers, refugee students, entrepreneurs, and H1-B visa holders.
• Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility may impact international students planning to stay in Canada after graduation.
• Major revisions to Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system could affect eligibility for immigration programs.
• Three new Express Entry categories related to leadership, research, and national security are under consideration.
• Bill C-12 could give the federal government more control over immigration application processing.
• PR applications from in-Canada candidates, such as temporary workers and students, are being prioritized in 2026.

New PR Pathways Launching in 2026

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is rolling out several new permanent residence programs to address gaps in the Canadian labour market and replace programs that have recently been paused or closed. Here’s a peek at what’s coming:

Agriculture and Fish Processing Stream

To tackle labour shortages in agriculture and fish processing, this new stream will offer a sector-specific work permit and a corresponding PR pathway. Though officially announced in 2025, it hasn’t launched yet—and we’re still waiting on updates.

Entrepreneur Pilot Program

With the closure of the Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs, IRCC is preparing a new pilot stream for immigrant entrepreneurs. While details are still under wraps, the goal is to attract innovative business minds to Canada.

Pathway for Refugee Students

Based on the success of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), this new initiative aims to provide a PR route for refugee students. Originally set to launch by the end of 2025, it’s now expected sometime in 2026.

Construction Worker PR Pathway

In March 2025, IRCC announced a special pathway for out-of-status construction workers already living in Canada. Up to 6,000 spots will be made available—although eligibility criteria and timelines are still pending.

Expedited PR for H1-B Visa Holders

As part of efforts to attract top talent, Canada is introducing a fast-track PR process for U.S.-based H1-B visa holders in high-demand areas like healthcare and tech. This is expected to launch in 2026.

Discover if You’re Eligible for a PR Pathway

PGWP Eligibility Changes Are Coming

If you’re an international student planning to work in Canada after graduation, you’ll want to pay close attention to upcoming PGWP changes.

Back in June 2025, IRCC announced updates to the list of eligible study programs—adding 119 new ones and removing 178. The removal of ineligible fields was postponed until early 2026, so students in those programs still have a window to apply if they filed for a study permit before November 1, 2024, or after June 25, 2025.

These changes mostly impact post-secondary programs below the bachelor’s level, but there are exceptions. If your ultimate goal is to use Canadian work experience to qualify for PR (for example, through the Canadian Experience Class), confirming your program’s eligibility is crucial.

Schedule a Free PGWP Consultation

Major Updates to the NOC System

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) system is a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration process. It determines which occupations qualify for various immigration programs, including Express Entry and many Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.

In 2026, Canada will introduce a major NOC revision impacting about one-third of all job classifications. Some of the key changes include:

• Incorporating Indigenous-related content to ensure cultural accuracy and respect.
• Modernizing health, science, and public safety roles to reflect current responsibilities.
• Updating education and emergency services job profiles based on internal research and feedback.

These updates could shift how your job title or duties are classified, so it’s smart to check how your experience aligns with the revised NOC codes—especially if you’re planning to apply through Express Entry category-based selection or a targeted PNP stream.

New Express Entry Categories Under Review

The federal government is always fine-tuning Express Entry to better match Canada’s immigration goals. In late 2025, IRCC held consultations around three possible new Express Entry categories for 2026:

• Leadership: Targeting senior managers and executives with project oversight experience.
• Research and Innovation: For scientists and researchers contributing to Canada’s knowledge economy.
• National Security and Defence: Designed to support military and defence needs through skilled immigration.

If introduced, these new categories would allow IRCC to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates whose skills align with Canada’s evolving priorities.

Check How Competitive Your Express Entry Profile Is

Bill C-12: A Game-Changing Immigration Law?

Bill C-12, officially titled the “Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act,” is moving through Parliament and is expected to become law in 2026. If passed, it would give the federal government more tools to manage immigration applications—including the ability to pause or refuse new applications entirely.

This power would apply across various immigration streams, including PR visas, work permits, study permits, visitor visas, and more. It also allows the government to adjust conditions for temporary residents, such as international students and foreign workers.

While the bill is still awaiting its final Senate reading and royal assent, it signals a more agile—but possibly stricter—approach to immigration policy.

Focus on In-Canada Candidates

One of the biggest shifts in immigration strategy is the prioritization of candidates already in Canada. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab emphasized this approach in 2025, and it’s reflected in the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

Here’s how IRCC is supporting this new direction:

• PNP admissions are ramping up from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026. These programs often favour candidates who’ve studied or worked in the nominating province.
• New Express Entry draws will focus on candidates with Canadian work experience, including a specific category for physicians.
• Both temporary workers and protected persons will see an accelerated path to PR, with up to 148,000 individuals transitioning between 2026 and 2027.

This is good news if you’re already living in Canada on a temporary permit—it means more opportunities to make your stay permanent.

Final Thoughts

Even if immigration isn’t dominating headlines anymore, the policies that shape it are still evolving quickly. Whether you’re a student, worker, or future applicant, staying up to date on these changes is more important than ever.

Planning to apply for PR? Make sure you’re informed about the most recent updates to PGWP eligibility, Express Entry categories, and NOC codes. And if you’re already in Canada, now might be the perfect time to explore your options for permanent status.

Want help navigating Canada’s immigration system? Don’t go it alone—contact our team for a personalized assessment or check out our in-depth guides on Express Entry and the Manitoba PNP.