Today, on November 8, Ontario announced a new update on the Entrepreneur Pilot. As per the new OINP update, Pilot has now been launched as OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative (OINP-ESI). Furthermore, this pilot is being managed by the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC).
It is a two-year pilot initiative supported by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. The project will assist 100 immigrant entrepreneurs in establishing and growing enterprises in areas outside the Greater Toronto Area.
The Entrepreneur Success Initiative is for business owners who want to immigrate to Canada by establishing a new business or purchasing and expanding an existing one outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
In this article, you can learn about the following:
- Overview of OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative
- How will Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) help?
- About OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative
- Communities part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
- Who qualifies for the OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative?
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Overview of OINP (Ontario PNP) Entrepreneur Success Initiative
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) enables foreign workers, international students, and other individuals with the required qualifications in terms of education, experience, and skills to apply for nomination for permanent residence in Ontario.
The OINP’s Entrepreneur Stream is for entrepreneurs from outside Canada who want to start a new business in Ontario or buy and expand an existing one.
While the OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative (OINP-ESI) will help aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs develop and submit Entrepreneur Stream applications. The initiative’s objective is to draw and support 100 fresh applicants.
Moreover, the OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative OINP-ESI will be administered for two years by the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC).
How will Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) help?
The TBDC administers the OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative and offers personalized services to assist entrepreneurs in identifying business opportunities in Ontario and applying to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Entrepreneur Stream.
The OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative is a program supported by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development. It aims to assist immigrant entrepreneurs in achieving their dream of establishing a firm in Ontario and coming to Canada.
The TBDC offers the following assistance to qualifying entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneur Success Initiative:
- Assist in locating business opportunities in Ontario matching interests and qualifications (for example, opportunities to create a new business or purchase an existing one).
- Help with the application process for the OINP Entrepreneur Stream, including facilitating access to free legal services to assist with the process.
About Ontario PNP Entrepreneur Success Initiative
The OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative, or OINP-ESI, will offer the following services:
- Identify opportunities for business creation and expansion in communities outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
- Market the Entrepreneur Stream and business prospects globally to increase awareness among entrepreneurs.
- Support qualified entrepreneurs who wish to start a new business or buy and grow an existing one in communities outside of the GTA
- Connect qualified entrepreneurs with business opportunities and communities based on their business, personal interests, and professional experience
- Assist qualified entrepreneurs in creating and submitting high-quality expressions of interest (EOI) to the Entrepreneur Stream
The OINP will process applications in the order that they are received.
Communities part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
The Entrepreneur Success Initiative is for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business or buy an existing one in a community outside of the Greater Toronto Area. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) includes the following communities:
- City of Toronto
- Durham Region
- Halton Region
- York Region
- Peel Region
Who qualifies for the OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative?
Interested candidates must meet the eligibility criteria of the Entrepreneur Stream. Then, if you meet the eligibility criteria, fill out the contact form, and a TBDC Advisor will contact you.
For more details, visit the OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative (OINP-ESI) website at futureisontario.com or contact TBDC at info@futureisontario.com.
Source: OINP Updates
Latest Canada Immigration News & Articles
- First Express Entry Draw Of October 2026 Sent 3,500 PR Invitations
The latest Express Entry draw on October 1, 2026, has brought a major new round of invitations for skilled tradespeople seeking permanent residence in Canada.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 3,500 invitations to apply in Express Entry draw #447, targeting candidates eligible under the Trades Occupations category.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score was 476, making this the second Trades-specific Express Entry draw of 2026 and one of the most significant category-based rounds held this year.
Table of Contents
October 1 Express Entry Draw Update
The latest Express Entry draw was held on October 1, 2026 at 12:47:55 UTC. Here are the complete results:
Draw detail October 1 result Express Entry draw number 447 Category Trades Occupations, 2026-Version 3 Invitations issued 3,500 Minimum CRS score 476 Rank required 3,500 or above Date and time October 1, 2026 at 12:47:55 UTC Tie-breaking rule May 28, 2026 at 16:55:23 UTC Candidates needed to qualify for the Trades Occupations category as well as meet the requirements of at least one immigration program managed through Express Entry.
IRCC uses the tie-breaking rule when multiple eligible candidates have the lowest CRS score selected in the round.
For candidates at exactly 476, only qualifying profiles submitted on or before May 28, 2026 at 16:55:23 UTC fell within the invitation range.
Who Qualifies For The Express Entry Trades Occupations Category?
IRCC currently lists Trade occupations as one of the categories used for category-based Express Entry selection.
To qualify for this category, candidates must first meet the minimum requirements for Express Entry and be eligible for one of the programs managed through the system.
These include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class.
Candidates must also have accumulated at least 12 months of full-time work experience, or an equivalent amount of part-time experience, within the previous three years in a single eligible Trades occupation.
The qualifying experience does not need to be continuous and may have been obtained in Canada or abroad.
Importantly, the eligible trade occupation does not necessarily have to be the candidate’s primary occupation.
IRCC currently lists the following occupations for the Trades category:
Eligible occupation NOC 2021 Construction estimators 22303 Construction managers 70010 Home building and renovation managers 70011 Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 72100 Sheet metal workers 72102 Welders and related machine operators 72106 Electricians, except industrial and power system 72200 Industrial electricians 72201 Plumbers 72300 Gas fitters 72302 Carpenters 72310 Cabinetmakers 72311 Bricklayers 72320 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics 72400 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics 72401 Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics 72402 Electrical mechanics 72422 Water well drillers 72501 Other technical trades and related occupations 72999 Concrete finishers 73100 Roofers and shinglers 73110 Painters and decorators, except interior decorators 73112 Floor covering installers 73113 Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services 82021 Butchers, retail and wholesale 63201 IRCC’s current category-based selection requirements should be checked before relying on an occupation as qualifying because category lists and eligibility requirements can change.
Why Canada Is Targeting Skilled Trades Through Express Entry
Trades remain one of Canada’s designated categories for category-based Express Entry selection.
IRCC says category-based selection allows the department to identify candidates whose experience corresponds with particular economic priorities and labour-market needs.
For 2026, Trades remains among the categories intended to help address longer-term labour shortages.
Examples include occupations in construction, mechanical trades, electrical trades, welding, plumbing and related technical occupations.
The federal government has also identified skilled trades as relevant to construction and housing-related labour needs.
Category-based selection does not create a separate permanent residence program.
Instead, eligible candidates must first qualify through the normal Express Entry system and then satisfy the additional requirements of the selected category.
What Invited Candidates Should Do Next
Receiving an invitation to apply is an important step, but it does not mean permanent residence has already been approved.
IRCC gives invited Express Entry candidates 60 days to submit their complete permanent residence application.
Candidates should verify every factor that contributed to their eligibility and CRS score before submitting their application.
This includes employment history, NOC classification, language test results, education, Canadian work experience where applicable, marital status and other information contained in the Express Entry profile.
Trades-category candidates should pay particular attention to documentation proving their qualifying work experience.
The actual duties performed should correspond with the NOC occupation being claimed.
An occupational title by itself is not sufficient if the duties and employment evidence do not support the selected NOC.
Candidates should also verify that passports, police certificates, medical examination requirements and other supporting documents are complete and current.
Candidates who were not invited should not interpret the CRS cutoff of 476 as a permanent target.
The next Trades round could have a higher or lower score depending on invitation volume and the composition of eligible profiles.
The October 1 result does, however, provide an important new reference point after the previous Trades draw in April.
That April round invited 3,000 candidates at CRS 477. The latest round increased invitations to 3,500 while lowering the cutoff marginally to 476.
Candidates who are close to this range should continue keeping their profiles accurate and look for legitimate opportunities to improve their CRS scores.
Candidates may also qualify under more than one Express Entry category, meaning eligibility for Trades does not necessarily prevent selection through another type of future round.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can work experience gained outside Canada count for the Express Entry Trades category?
Yes, qualifying work experience for the Trades category can be gained in Canada or abroad. Candidates need at least 12 months of full-time work experience, or an equivalent amount of part-time experience, within the previous three years in one eligible trade occupation.
Can someone with a CRS score above 476 still miss an invitation?
Yes, a CRS score above 476 does not automatically guarantee an invitation. Candidates also had to qualify for the Trades Occupations category and meet the requirements of at least one immigration program managed through Express Entry.
Does the eligible trade have to be the candidate’s primary occupation?
No, the qualifying trade occupation does not necessarily have to be the candidate’s primary occupation. What matters is whether the candidate has the required recent work experience in one of the occupations currently listed by IRCC for the Trades category.
What if a candidate’s job title matches an eligible trade but their actual duties do not?
A matching job title alone is not enough. The work performed should correspond with the duties of the NOC occupation being claimed, and candidates should have supporting employment records that accurately reflect their experience.
Can a candidate qualify for more than one Express Entry category?
Yes, a candidate may be eligible under more than one Express Entry category or program-specific selection. Being eligible for the Trades category does not prevent someone from being considered in another type of Express Entry round if they meet that round’s requirements.
Fact-Checked: The October 1, 2026 Express Entry round was verified as Trades Occupations, 2026-Version 3, with 3,500 invitations, a CRS cutoff of 476, and a May 28, 2026 tie-breaking timestamp. Current eligibility rules were checked against IRCC’s official Express Entry category-based selection information. The April 2 comparison was verified against the official ministerial instructions for Express Entry draw #408.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Express Entry system and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Candidates should verify their individual eligibility and application requirements directly with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
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- New Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2027 Coming By November 2026
Canada is preparing to release its next Immigration Levels Plan 2027-2029 by November 2026, and this one will carry significant implications for prospective immigrants.
The upcoming 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan will set the first official 2029 targets for permanent resident admissions and new temporary resident arrivals, including international students and temporary workers.
It will also confirm or adjust the existing notional targets for 2027 and 2028 that were established in the current plan.
Under Section 94(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship is required to table the annual immigration report containing the levels plan in each House of Parliament on or before November 1 of each year.
If Parliament is not sitting on November 1, the legislation provides an alternative: the Minister must table the report within the next 30 days on which that House is sitting after that date.
November 1, 2026 falls on a Sunday, which means Parliament will not be sitting that day. The practical expectation is that the new plan will be released around that date, likely in the first few days of November.
For reference, the current 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan was released on November 5, 2025.
In a New York Times interview reported on September 29, Prime Minister Mark Carney said that with Canada’s immigration system back under control, the question is now when Canada resumes a “controlled increase” in population.
Those remarks, delivered weeks before the new plan is expected, represent a significant shift in tone from the reductions Ottawa has pursued since late 2024.
Based on this development and the broader direction of immigration policy, my assessment as a licensed Canadian immigration consultant is that Ottawa may still keep the 2027 permanent resident target near the existing 380,000, but Carney’s comments materially increase the possibility of a controlled upward adjustment towards 390,000-400,000, with some adjustments to the temporary immigration as well.
The most consequential decisions may not involve the headline permanent resident number at all, but rather how many of those spaces go to Express Entry, provincial nominees, international students, temporary workers and Francophone immigrants.
In this article, we analyze the current targets, the latest population and policy signals, where Ottawa could adjust immigration allocations for 2027, and what the new plan could mean for Express Entry, PNP, international students, temporary workers and Francophone immigration.
Table of Contents
Current Immigration Targets For 2027 And 2028
Before examining what might change, it is important to understand the current targets already on the books.
The following table reflects the official figures from the Supplementary Information for the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, published by IRCC on November 5, 2025.
The 2027 and 2028 figures are described by IRCC as notional targets and ranges, meaning they are subject to confirmation or adjustment when the next plan is tabled.
Category 2026 2027 2028 Overall PR Admissions 380,000 380,000 380,000 Range 350,000-420,000 350,000-420,000 350,000-420,000 Economic Total 239,800 244,700 244,700 Federal High Skilled 109,000 111,000 111,000 Provincial Nominee Program 91,500 92,500 92,500 Atlantic Immigration Program 4,000 4,000 4,000 Federal Business 500 500 500 Federal Economic Pilots 8,175 8,775 8,775 Family Total 84,000 81,000 81,000 Spouses, Partners, Children 69,000 66,000 66,000 Parents and Grandparents 15,000 15,000 15,000 Refugees & Protected Persons 49,300 49,300 49,300 Humanitarian & Other 6,900 5,000 5,000 Overall TR New Arrivals 385,000 370,000 370,000 Workers (Total) 230,000 220,000 220,000 Intl Mobility Program 170,000 170,000 170,000 Temp Foreign Worker Prog 60,000 50,000 50,000 International Students 155,000 150,000 150,000 Francophone PR Outside QC 9% 9.5% 10.5% Estimated Number ~30,267 ~31,825 ~35,175 Source: Supplementary Information for the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC Economic immigration already represents approximately 64% of total permanent resident admissions in both 2027 and 2028, the highest proportion in over a decade.
The Provincial Nominee Program target of 92,500 in 2027 and 2028 is a significant increase from the 55,000 admissions target that had been set for 2026 under the previous 2025-2027 plan.
New temporary resident arrivals are targeted at 370,000 in both 2027 and 2028, with an official planning range of 360,000 to 380,000, sharply below the 673,650 target that applied for 2025.
Our Professional Outlook For The 2027-2029 Plan
The following table represents Immigration News Canada’s professional assessment of the most likely direction for each major immigration category in the 2027-2029 plan.
These are informed projections based on current policy direction, government commitments, demographic data and political context, not confirmed government announcements.
Category Current INC Outlook Reasoning Overall PR 380,000/yr Stable or modest increase; 2027 could move toward 390,000–400,000; further increase more plausible by 2029 Carney has raised prospect of controlled growth Economic 244,700 Stable or modest increase as share to around 250,000-255,000 Ottawa prioritizing economic class at 64% of PR Federal High Skilled (EE) 111,000 Possible modest increase to around 115,000–120,000 levels Labour shortages; category-based selection; strategic draws PNP 92,500 Strong candidate for upward adjustment to around 95,000–100,000 Provincial demand; diverse labour markets; can increase within flat total Intl Students 150,000 Possible modest upward revision 160,000-170,000 Sharp declines already; but 5% TR commitment constrains Temp Workers 220,000 Broadly stable; internal shifts possible TFWP/IMP mix may change; sector restrictions; rural needs Overall TR New Arrivals 370,000 Around 380,000–390,000 Student increase partly lifts overall total Family 81,000 Broadly stable Politically sensitive to reduce; limited pressure to expand Refugees 49,300 Broadly stable Humanitarian commitments; no major new crisis driving expansion Francophone 10.5% (2028) Continued increase toward 12% by 2029 Established trajectory; 2029 target first formal year in new plan This outlook represents the professional assessment of Immigration News Canada and is not an official government announcement.
Canada’s Slowing Population Growth Changes The Equation
The demographic context surrounding the 2027-2029 plan is substantially different from the environment in which Ottawa first announced deep immigration reductions.
Statistics Canada’s quarterly estimates, released September 23, 2026, show that Canada’s population reached 41,798,407 as of July 1, 2026.
Annual population growth from July 2025 to July 2026 was just 0.5%, the weakest annual growth rate in percentage terms since 1915-1916.
In absolute numbers, the increase of 189,425 people was the smallest since 1944-1945.
The non-permanent resident population stood at 2,779,774 on July 1, 2026, representing about 6.7% of Canada’s total population.
That was down by 154,614 people from a year earlier and below the revised peak of 2,984,285, or 7.2% of the population, recorded on October 1, 2024.
At Canada’s July 2026 population level, 5% would equal roughly 2.09 million people.
However, the actual numerical threshold at the end of 2027 will depend on Canada’s total population at that time.
The revised estimates show population growth of 0.2% in the second quarter of 2026, while earlier preliminary releases had reported population declines in each of the previous three quarters.
Statistics Canada’s revised April 1, 2026 population estimate is 41,718,064, which is 301,008 higher than the preliminary 41,417,056 estimate published in June, indicating that earlier reports of population decline had overstated the situation.
Canada’s population growth has slowed to historically weak levels, materially changing the demographic context in which the 2027-2029 targets will be set.
Political Context Around The 2027 Immigration Target
The political calculation around immigration has shifted in the past week.
Immigration has been one of the most politically sensitive issues in Canada over the past three years, and the federal government has repeatedly framed its recent reductions as a return to greater control, balance and sustainability in the immigration system.
Despite that sensitivity, the Prime Minister himself has now publicly opened the door to controlled population growth.
That does not confirm an increase in the upcoming Levels Plan, but it suggests the government is beginning to prepare the political and policy case for population growth after the current period of restraint.
The distinction is important: Carney is not arguing for a return to the uncontrolled temporary-resident growth of recent years.
His comments instead emphasize increasing population only after Ottawa believes immigration volumes are under control.
As of late September 2026, two national polls cited in this analysis showed the Liberals ahead of the Conservatives.
A Leger survey conducted September 5-7, 2026, among 1,538 Canadians placed the Liberals at 49% among decided voters, compared with 33% for the Conservatives.
A Liaison Strategies poll conducted September 13-26, 2026, among 1,526 Canadians put the Liberals at 46% and the Conservatives at 29% among decided and leaning voters.
In my assessment, a government in that polling position has the political space to begin a conversation about controlled growth, which is precisely what Carney appears to be doing.
In my assessment, one possible approach is a modest 2027 increase from the existing 380,000 target, followed by a gradual trajectory through 2028 or 2029, framed as controlled and sustainable growth.
What The New Plan Could Mean For Applicants
For prospective immigrants, the key message from this analysis is that individual program allocations may matter more than the headline number.
Express Entry applicants should watch for any increase in the Federal High Skilled allocation and for signals about which category-based selection rounds will be prioritized.
Provincial nominee applicants should monitor whether individual provinces receive larger or smaller shares of the overall PNP allocation.
International students considering Canada should pay attention to whether the 150,000 student target is revised and whether post-graduation work permit policies change alongside the new plan.
Francophone applicants have the clearest tailwind, as the trajectory toward 12% French-language immigration outside Quebec by 2029 creates expanding opportunities in Express Entry, PNP and dedicated Francophone pathways.
The 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan should be expected around early November 2026.
Under IRPA Section 94(1), the annual immigration report must be tabled on or before November 1, or, if a House of Parliament is not sitting on that date, within the next 30 days on which that House is sitting.
November 1, 2026 falls on a Sunday, so the legislation provides additional time for the report to be tabled.
Last year’s plan was released on November 5, 2025, making the first week of November a reasonable expectation this year, although the exact release date has not been announced.
The 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan arrives at a pivotal moment for Canadian immigration policy.
After Ottawa began cutting immigration levels in late 2024, the Prime Minister has now publicly raised the prospect of returning to controlled population growth.
That does not guarantee an increase, but it materially changes the analytical picture for the 2027 targets, which will have the most immediate impact on immigration programs and applicants.
- Population growth is at historic lows.
- Temporary resident numbers are declining.
- Labour-market needs persist.
A competing view comes from the C.D. Howe Institute’s Immigration Targets Council, which recommends 380,000 permanent resident admissions in 2027, 350,000 in 2028 and 340,000 in 2029
The genuinely new outer-year element will be 2029, the first year to receive its own official targets for permanent resident admissions and new temporary resident arrivals.
For applicants and stakeholders, the advice is straightforward: watch whether Ottawa begins to separate permanent immigration growth from temporary immigration restraint, and pay close attention to individual program allocations rather than focusing only on the headline number.
How Ottawa sets the 2027 targets, and whether they signal a return to controlled growth or maintain the current trajectory, will determine the plan’s most immediate impact on immigration to Canada, while the 2028 and 2029 figures will indicate its longer-term direction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Canada announce the 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan?
The plan is expected around early November 2026. Under Section 94(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the immigration minister must table the annual report containing the levels plan on or before November 1, or within the next 30 sitting days if Parliament is not sitting on that date. November 1, 2026 falls on a Sunday. Last year’s plan was released on November 5, 2025.
Is Canada expected to reduce or increase permanent resident targets?
In our assessment, a further large reduction appears less likely given that Canada has already cut its target from a planned 500,000 to 380,000 and population growth has slowed to 0.5% annually. Prime Minister Carney’s remarks reported on September 29 about resuming controlled population growth suggest Ottawa is beginning to consider moving in the opposite direction. However, the C.D. Howe Institute’s Immigration Targets Council has recommended reducing permanent resident admissions to 350,000 in 2028 and 340,000 in 2029. The upcoming plan will signal which direction Ottawa intends to take.
Could Canada increase international student targets in 2027?
A modest increase from 150,000 is possible, but a return to previous high levels is unlikely. The government remains committed to reducing temporary residents below 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2027. Non-permanent residents still represent approximately 6.7% of the population, so Ottawa must balance institutional pressures with its temporary resident reduction commitment.
Could PNP and Express Entry targets rise even if the overall PR target stays at 380,000?
Yes, the government can reallocate spaces between immigration categories without changing the overall permanent resident target. PNP and Express Entry are the two strongest candidates for increased allocations within a stable envelope, given provincial labour-market demands and Ottawa’s increasing use of category-based Express Entry selection.
What will be new about the 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan?
A new element is the addition of the 2029 target year. The current plan only covers through 2028. The 2027-2029 plan will set the first official 2029 targets for permanent resident admissions and new temporary resident arrivals, including the first 2029 Francophone immigration target published within the three-year Immigration Levels Plan.
Fact-Checked: All immigration targets, legislative provisions, population statistics and federal government commitments cited in this article were verified against the official Supplementary Information for the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan as published on Canada.ca with a page date of November 5, 2025, Statistics Canada quarterly population estimates released September 23, 2026, the text of Section 94(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the C.D. Howe Institute Immigration Targets Council recommendations published September 3, 2026, and Canadian Press reporting on Prime Minister Carney’s remarks published September 29, 2026, as of October 1, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Professional projections represent the author’s assessment and do not reflect confirmed government policy. Readers should consult a qualified immigration professional or review the official IRCC immigration levels page for authoritative program information before making immigration decisions.
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- New Canada Immigration Changes And Updates Coming In October 2026
October 2026 brings a series of immigration deadlines, quarterly federal updates and provincial program milestones that will directly affect foreign workers, international students, employers, immigration professionals and permanent residence candidates across Canada.
October will also be closely watched for Ontario’s first draw under the redesigned Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, the pace and composition of federal Express Entry draws, and the countdown to the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan that the government is expected to table by November.
Here are all the major Canada immigration changes, deadlines and updates to watch in October 2026.
Table of Contents
1. B.C. PNP Rural/Remote Health Registration Closes In October
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program’s Temporary Rural/Remote Health Support Initiative stops accepting new registrations at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on October 7, 2026.
This one-time initiative sits within the BC PNP’s broader CARE priority and provides a pathway to permanent residence for cleaning and security staff who are already employed by one of B.C.’s public health authorities in a qualifying rural or remote community.
Three occupations are eligible: janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners (NOC 65312), light-duty cleaners (NOC 65310) and security guards and related security service occupations (NOC 64410).
The BC PNP intends to nominate up to 250 workers through this initiative. Registration originally opened on June 15, 2026, with an August 31 closing date.
The province extended the deadline to October 7 on August 13, citing wildfire-related impacts across the province.
To qualify, workers must be direct employees of one of B.C.’s eight public health authorities, including Fraser Health, Interior Health, Northern Health, Island Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, Providence Health Care, Provincial Health Services Authority and First Nations Health Authority.
The health authority must support the worker’s application. Workers employed by private contractors that provide services to a health authority are not eligible.
Once October 7 passes, this registration window will close unless the province announces another extension.
A successful provincial nomination can support an application for permanent residence to the federal government.
2. Yukon Nominee Program Public Consultation Closes In October
The Government of Yukon opened a 30-day public engagement on the Yukon Nominee Program in September 2026, and that engagement period closes on October 8.
This is a consultation deadline, not a rule change. The Yukon Nominee Program continues to operate under its current rules during the engagement period.
Yukon is reviewing whether the program still matches the territory’s actual labour market needs.
Minister of Economy, Tourism and Culture Jen Gehmair has said the goal is to ensure the program reflects what Yukon’s labour market requires now, not what it needed five years ago.
The Yukon Bureau of Statistics is administering surveys as part of the territorial review.
Employer demand for the Yukon Nominee Program has grown steadily in recent years, while the number of nomination allocations the territory receives from the federal government has not kept pace.
Yukon received an allocation of 282 nominations for 2026, matching the level it reached in August 2025 after a supplementary federal increase.
The YNP is an employer-driven program operating through three streams in 2026: Skilled Worker, Critical Impact Worker and Express Entry.
Program changes are expected to take effect in 2027.
3. New Canada LMIA Restrictions Update Coming In October
Employment and Social Development Canada will publish a new quarterly unemployment-rate table on October 9, 2026, and the results will immediately determine which Canadian cities allow or block low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment applications for the next three months.
Since September 26, 2024, ESDC has refused to process low-wage LMIA applications for positions located in any Census Metropolitan Area where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher.
This is not a discretionary assessment. It is an automatic administrative restriction that applies at the time the LMIA application is submitted.
The current table on Canada.ca, updated on July 10, 2026, governs applications submitted from July 10 through October 8.
On October 9, a new set of rates takes effect and will remain in place until early January 2027.
What could change on October 9?
When ESDC publishes the new table, some CMAs that are currently restricted may drop below 6% and reopen for low-wage LMIA processing.
Others that are currently open may cross above 6% and become restricted. The exact rates will not be known until October 9.
In recent quarters, swings have been significant. Red Deer dropped from 8.9% to 5.9% between the January and April tables, only to jump back to 7.2% in July.
Regina fell from 6.4% to 5.9% in July, reopening Saskatchewan’s capital after two consecutive restricted quarters.
Vancouver entered the restricted list in April 2026 at 6.5% and remains there at 6.7%.
4. PEI Immigration Draw Anticipated For October 15
October 15 appears on Prince Edward Island’s published Anticipated Invitation to Apply Schedule as the province’s tenth immigration draw of 2026.
PEI operates its Provincial Nominee Program through an Expression of Interest system, issuing invitations roughly once per month.
Invitations are tracked across three categories: Labour Impact, PEI Express Entry and Business Work Permit Entrepreneur.
No Business Work Permit Entrepreneur invitations have been issued in any 2026 round.
Candidates in the PEI EOI pool should monitor the Government of PEI Office of Immigration page for the official draw results.
After October 15, the remaining anticipated draw dates for 2026 are November 19 and December 17.
5. Quebec PEQ Deadline Arrives In October
The first application-reception period under Quebec’s temporarily reactivated Programme de l’expérience québécoise closes on October 31, 2026.
The PEQ is a permanent selection program that provides a fast-track pathway to obtaining a Quebec Selection Certificate, which is a mandatory step toward permanent residence for those settling in Quebec.
Quebec abolished the PEQ on November 19, 2025, as part of its 2026–2029 immigration plan.
The province then announced in June 2026 that it would reactivate the program for a temporary two-year period, from July 2, 2026, through July 2, 2028.
Applications under both PEQ streams are being accepted through Quebec’s Arrima portal. The first intake window opened at 8:30 a.m. on July 2, 2026, and runs through October 31.
Major Canada Immigration Events To Watch In October 2026
Beyond the 5 dated changes above, three broader developments will shape the immigration landscape throughout October.
None of these carry a guaranteed October date, but each one could produce significant news at any point during the month.
Ontario’s First Draw Under New OINP Streams Could Come Into Focus
Ontario candidates will be watching closely to see whether the province holds its first invitation round under the redesigned Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
Effective June 25, 2026, Ontario replaced all eight former OINP streams with a single new Ontario Workforce Priority stream, the most significant structural overhaul in the program’s history.
The Ontario Workforce Priority stream has three pathways: a TEER 0–3 skilled worker track, a TEER 4–5 essential worker track and a self-employed physician track.
Ontario’s Expression of Interest portal closed on June 25 for the transition and reopened on August 4, 2026, under the new framework.
As of the end of September 2026, Ontario had not yet held a single invitation round under the new system.
The last draw under the former streams took place on April 30, 2026.
Express Entry Draw Frequency And Size Will Be Closely Watched
Express Entry activity in October 2026 will be watched for three things: how many invitations IRCC issues, which categories receive draws and where CRS cutoffs land.
IRCC does not announce draw dates in advance.
By the end of September 2026, IRCC had conducted 58 Express Entry draws and issued approximately 131,715 invitations to apply, already exceeding both the 113,998 invitations issued in 2025 and the previous calendar-year high of 114,431 recorded in 2021.
The Canadian Experience Class has been the single most active program-specific draw category in 2026, with 17 rounds distributing 55,250 invitations.
CEC CRS cutoffs have operated within a narrow 507–523 band throughout the year.
Whether IRCC maintains the frequency of roughly two draws per week, as it sustained through much of September.
Whether CEC draw sizes hold at the 2,000-invitation level or return to the larger 3,000–4,000 rounds that produced lower CRS cutoffs earlier in the year.
Which category-based draws IRCC conducts, particularly whether another healthcare, French-language, or trades round takes place.
The Express Entry pool contained approximately 229,904 candidates as of September 27, 2026.
Countdown To Canada’s New 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan
October 2026 is the final full month before the federal government faces a statutory deadline to table its new immigration plan, and that reality will dominate immigration policy discussions throughout the month.
The 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan will determine how many permanent residents Canada admits each year, how those admissions are divided across economic immigration, family reunification, refugee and humanitarian categories, how many temporary residents Canada targets, the overall Provincial Nominee Program admissions target, which helps shape provincial and territorial nomination allocations, and how Canada pursues its Francophone immigration targets outside Quebec.
Every stakeholder group in the Canadian immigration system, including provinces, employers, universities, immigration advocates, economists, applicants and immigration professionals, will be closely watching for signals about the plan’s contents.
Section 94 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act requires the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to table the Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, which includes the number of foreign nationals projected to become permanent residents in the following year, by November 1 of each year.
However, there is a statutory nuance that is frequently oversimplified. If a House of Parliament is not sitting on November 1, the Minister must table the report within 30 sitting days after that date.
This means the government is not absolutely required to release the plan on or before November 1 if Parliament is not in session, although in practice the plan has typically been released around that time.
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan was released on November 4, 2025.
Section 94’s non-sitting provision means November 1 is not an absolute release date when a House of Parliament is not sitting.
October 2026 Canada Immigration Dates At A Glance
Date Immigration Update Who It Affects October 7 B.C. PNP Temporary Rural/Remote Health Support Initiative registration closes at 11:59 p.m. PT Cleaning and security workers employed by B.C. public health authorities in rural/remote communities October 8 Yukon Nominee Program public consultation closes Yukon employers, foreign workers and candidates with an interest in the YNP October 9 ESDC publishes new quarterly CMA unemployment-rate table for low-wage LMIA processing Employers filing low-wage LMIA applications and temporary foreign workers in all 41 CMAs October 15 PEI anticipated immigration invitation round PEI Provincial Nominee Program EOI candidates under Labour Impact and Express Entry October 31 Quebec PEQ first intake period closes Foreign workers and graduates who met the applicable PEQ reception criterion by November 19, 2025 Throughout October Express Entry draw frequency, size and category mix to be closely watched All Express Entry candidates (CEC, PNP, category-based) Throughout October Ontario may hold first draw under new Ontario Workforce Priority stream OINP candidates with EOI profiles registered since August 4 By November 1 Normal statutory deadline for the annual immigration report containing the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, subject to IRPA’s parliamentary non-sitting provision All permanent residence applicants, provincial governments, employers, international students and immigration professionals October 2026 is not a month of sweeping federal rule changes, but it is a month packed with firm provincial deadlines and federal program updates that will have real consequences for thousands of applicants.
The B.C., Yukon and Quebec deadlines, October 9 LMIA update and PEI’s anticipated October draw each affect specific groups of workers, employers and candidates who cannot afford to wait.
At the federal level, the pace and composition of Express Entry draws will continue to shape permanent residence outcomes for candidates in every province.
Ontario’s redesigned OINP remains the most closely watched provincial program in Canada, and whether the province begins issuing invitations under the new framework during October will be a defining question for the month.
Above everything else, the approaching statutory deadline for the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan means that October 2026 will be remembered as the month when the entire immigration system held its breath.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the new LMIA unemployment-rate table take effect in October 2026?
ESDC will publish a new quarterly CMA unemployment-rate table on October 9, 2026. Any low-wage LMIA application submitted on or after that date will be assessed under the new rates, which will remain in effect until early January 2027. Applications submitted through October 8 are assessed under the current July 10 table.
Can I still apply to the Quebec PEQ after October 31, 2026?
The first PEQ intake period closes on October 31 and is limited to applicants who met the applicable reception criterion by November 19, 2025. Quebec says new reception periods could be opened before the temporary program ends on July 2, 2028, depending on application volume, but no next intake date has been announced.
Has Ontario held any immigration draws under the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream?
As of the end of September 2026, Ontario has not held any invitation rounds under the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream, which replaced all eight former OINP streams effective June 25, 2026. The EOI portal reopened on August 4, but no invitations have been issued under the new framework.
When will the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan be released?
Section 94 of IRPA requires the Minister of Immigration to table the Annual Report, including the levels plan, by November 1 each year, with a 30-sitting-day extension if Parliament is not sitting. The plan could be released during October, but no confirmed date has been announced.
Does the LMIA CMA unemployment-rate restriction affect my existing work permit?
No, the 6% CMA restriction applies only to the processing of new low-wage LMIA applications. Existing work permit holders can continue working regardless of the unemployment rate in their CMA. The restriction also does not apply to high-wage LMIA applications or exempt sectors.
Fact-checked: All dates, deadlines, program rules, allocation numbers and legal provisions cited in this article were verified against official government sources, including IRCC, ESDC, the Government of British Columbia, the Government of Yukon, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Government of Quebec and the Government of Ontario, with page dates through September 30, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Readers should consult a qualified immigration professional or review the relevant official government pages before making immigration decisions.
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- New Express Entry Draw On September 29 Sent 2,000 PR Invitations
On September 29, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada sent out 2,000 invitations to apply for permanent residency in a new Express Entry draw for Canadian Experience Class candidates, pushing the CRS threshold down for a third consecutive round since the August peak.
The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff fell to 518 points, one point below the September 15 draw that required 519 and five points below the 523 that the August 18 round had established as the steepest CEC floor of the year.
This round is draw number 446 and the 17th CEC-specific selection of 2026, arriving one day after the Provincial Nominee Program draw on September 28 that issued 733 invitations at a CRS of 725.
The back-to-back sequencing follows the cluster pattern that IRCC has maintained since March, where a PNP round opens each weekly window and a CEC round follows within 24 to 48 hours.
With this draw, IRCC has now distributed 131,715 invitations across 58 Express Entry rounds in 2026, and CEC selections alone account for 55,250 of that total.
Table of Contents
Official Express Entry Draw Parameters September 29
IRCC published the following details for the September 29, 2026, Canadian Experience Class round.
Detail Value Draw Number 446 Program Canadian Experience Class Date and Time (UTC) September 29, 2026, at 10:19:21 Invitations Issued 2,000 CRS of Lowest-Ranked Candidate 518 Tie-Breaking Rule February 13, 2026, at 20:48:08 UTC Candidates scoring above 518 were invited regardless of profile submission date. Candidates at exactly 518 needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before February 13, 2026, at 20:48:08 UTC
3 Consecutive CRS Decreases Since The August Peak
The CEC cutoff has now declined in each of the last 3 rounds, tracing a clear downward arc from the 2026 high point.
Draw Date CRS Cutoff Change from Previous August 18 523 +7 September 1 521 -2 September 15 519 -2 September 29 518 -1 The August 18 round carried the smallest CEC invitation volume of the year at just 1,000, which compressed the selection window and forced the cutoff to spike by seven points in a single draw.
Every subsequent round restored the invitation count to 2,000, and the cutoff responded by retreating one to two points each time.
That mechanical relationship between volume and threshold has been the defining pattern of CEC selections throughout 2026.
Larger draws reach further into the ranked list and pull the cutoff down, while smaller draws tighten the selection band and push it up.
The current cutoff of 518 matches exactly where the CRS sat on May 27, when IRCC issued 3,000 invitations in a single CEC round.
Reaching that same threshold with only 2,000 invitations suggests that the pool composition around the 516 to 520 CRS band has thinned since the spring, likely because months of aggressive draw activity have cleared older profiles from that range.
Complete CEC Draw Record For 2026
IRCC has conducted 17 Canadian Experience Class draws between January and September 2026, distributing 55,250 invitations to candidates with qualifying Canadian work experience.
Draw # Date Invitations CRS Cutoff 446 September 29 2,000 518 443 September 15 2,000 519 439 September 1 2,000 521 436 August 18 1,000 523 432 August 5 3,000 516 428 July 21 2,000 516 424 July 7 2,000 517 420 June 23 4,000 516 417 May 27 3,000 518 413 April 28 2,000 514 410 April 14 2,000 515 407 March 31 2,250 509 404 March 17 4,000 507 400 March 3 4,000 508 396 February 17 6,000 508 392 January 21 6,000 509 390 January 7 8,000 511 The data reveals two distinct phases in CEC draw behavior during 2026.
The first quarter featured high-volume rounds of 4,000 to 8,000 invitations with cutoffs between 507 and 511, as IRCC aggressively cleared inventory from the Express Entry pool.
From April onward, invitation volumes dropped to the 1,000 to 3,000 range and the CRS threshold climbed into the 514 to 523 band, reflecting a more measured draw pace through the second and third quarters.
The lowest CEC cutoff of the year remains 507 from the March 17 draw that issued 4,000 invitations, while the highest was 523 on August 18, when only 1,000 invitations were distributed.
Options For Candidates Below The 518 Threshold
CEC candidates scoring between 500 and 517 remain within striking distance of the cutoff and should evaluate whether targeted improvements could push their profiles above the threshold before the next round.
Language proficiency carries the highest per-point return of any CRS factor, and the jump from Canadian Language Benchmark 8 to CLB 9 across all four skills can add 50 to 80 points through cascading skill transferability bonuses.
Candidates who score well in French alongside English should ensure their profiles reflect both languages, since a second official language at NCLC 7 or above also opens eligibility for French-language proficiency draws that have operated between CRS 382 and 420 throughout 2026.
Those whose CRS scores fall in the 450 to 500 range may find faster pathways through category-based draws targeting healthcare occupations, trades, or transport, all of which have delivered cutoffs below the CEC range this year.
A provincial nomination remains the most powerful accelerator available, adding 600 CRS points that place candidates well above every cutoff recorded in 2026 across all draw types.
Ontario’s new Workforce Priority stream, Alberta’s AAIP, and the BC PNP all have remaining nomination room for 2026 and are actively processing expressions of interest.
The September 29 CEC draw extended a 3-round CRS decline that has brought the cutoff from 523 down to 518 since mid-August, signalling that IRCC’s steady 2,000-invitation pace is gradually easing competitive pressure in the pool.
Canadian Experience Class selections remain the largest single source of Express Entry invitations in 2026, with 55,250 distributed through 17 rounds and the CRS operating in a narrow 507 to 523 band all year.
The deep tie-breaking date of February 13, 2026, reveals significant candidate density at the 518 CRS level, which means profiles sitting at exactly this score face stiff competition from others who submitted months earlier.
Invited candidates should treat the 60-day application window as their top priority and begin assembling documentation immediately, since an expired invitation cannot be reinstated and forces a complete restart of the Express Entry process.
IRCC has not indicated any changes to the current draw cadence, so candidates in the CEC stream can anticipate another round within approximately two weeks based on the rhythm that has held since April.
For complete coverage of every Express Entry draw, CRS trend, and IRCC processing time update, follow Immigration News Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does the tie-breaking date matter in a Canadian Experience Class Express Entry draw?
The tie-breaking date determines which candidates receive invitations when multiple profiles share the lowest qualifying CRS score in a draw. IRCC sorts tied candidates by the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles, with earlier submissions receiving priority. In the September 29, 2026, draw, candidates with exactly 518 points needed profiles submitted before February 13, 2026, meaning anyone at that score who entered the pool after that date was not selected. A tie-breaking date that stretches several months before the draw signals heavy candidate congestion at that CRS level, while a date only days or weeks old indicates relatively few candidates sharing the cutoff.
How is the Canadian Experience Class different from other Express Entry programs?
The Canadian Experience Class is one of three federal immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system, alongside the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. CEC is exclusively for candidates who have gained at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada within the three years before their application. Unlike the other two programs, CEC does not require an educational credential assessment or proof of settlement funds, and it places significant weight on Canadian work history and language proficiency. CEC draws in 2026 have consistently required CRS scores between 507 and 523, making them more competitive than category-based draws but accessible to candidates with strong Canadian employment records.
Is the Express Entry CRS cutoff likely to keep falling below 518 in upcoming CEC draws?
The CRS cutoff direction depends primarily on two variables: the number of invitations IRCC issues per round and the volume of new profiles entering the pool between draws. If IRCC maintains the 2,000-invitation pace that has been standard since July 2026, the cutoff is likely to remain in the 516 to 520 range based on current pool dynamics. A larger draw of 3,000 or more could push the threshold below 516, while a smaller round of 1,000 like the August 18 draw could spike it back above 520. IRCC does not pre-announce draw sizes, so candidates should prepare for fluctuations in either direction.
Can I improve my CRS score while my Express Entry profile is already in the pool?
Yes, you can update your Express Entry profile at any time before receiving an invitation to apply. Common improvements include retaking a language test to achieve higher Canadian Language Benchmark scores, completing additional education, accumulating more months of skilled work experience, or obtaining a provincial nomination. After making changes, you update the relevant section of your profile in your IRCC account, and your CRS score recalculates automatically. Updated language test results must come from an IRCC-designated testing organization, and any new credentials must be supported by proper documentation before you can claim the additional points.
What happens if IRCC issues a category-based draw right after a CEC draw and I qualify for both?
Each Express Entry draw operates independently with its own eligibility criteria, CRS cutoff, and invitation count. If you meet the requirements for both a CEC draw and a category-based draw, you could receive an invitation from whichever round your profile qualifies for first. However, once you receive an invitation to apply, your profile is removed from the pool and you cannot receive a second invitation. If a category-based draw for healthcare, French-language proficiency, or trades offers a lower CRS cutoff than the CEC stream, candidates who qualify for both benefit by remaining in the pool for whichever round reaches their score level first.
Fact-Checked: All draw figures, CRS cutoffs, invitation counts, tie-breaking timestamps, and year-to-date totals cited in this article were verified against the official IRCC Express Entry rounds of invitations data as published on Canada.ca on September 29, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Readers should consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or licensed immigration lawyer for guidance specific to their individual circumstances.
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- Latest Express Entry Draw On September 28 Issues 733 PR Invitations
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducted a new Provincial Nominee Program Express Entry draw on September 28, 2026, sending 733 invitations to apply for permanent residence to candidates who hold valid provincial nominations.
The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for the lowest-ranked candidate selected in this round was 725 points.
That threshold is 9 points lower than the 734 recorded in the September 14 PNP draw that opened the earlier September cluster with 576 invitations.
The 733 invitations also represent a 27% increase in volume from that previous round, marking the largest PNP draw since the June 22 round that distributed 955 invitations at a CRS floor of 730.
This draw brings the 2026 total to 57 Express Entry rounds, with approximately 129,715 invitations issued across all draw categories so far this year.
Table of Contents
Full Express Entry Draw Details For September 28, 2026
IRCC selected candidates for this round from the Express Entry pool using the following parameters.
Draw Detail Value Draw Category Provincial Nominee Program Date of Draw (UTC) September 28, 2026 Number of Invitations Issued 733 CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate 725 Tie-Breaking Rule September 17, 2026, at 01:36:00 UTC Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 725 and an Express Entry profile submitted before 1:36 a.m. UTC on September 17, 2026, to receive an invitation in this round.
Any eligible PNP candidate scoring above 725 received an invitation regardless of profile creation date.
The tie-breaking timestamp determines priority among candidates who share the cutoff score of exactly 725 points.
Only those candidates at that score level who submitted their profiles before the specified timestamp received invitations in this draw.
What The CRS Cutoff Of 725 Signals For PNP Candidates
A CRS cutoff of 725 in a PNP draw is largely driven by the 600-point boost that provincial nominations add to an Express Entry profile.
The practical interpretation is that a nominated candidate needed a base CRS score of at least 125 to reach the 725-point cutoff, subject to meeting all applicable Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program eligibility requirements and the tie-breaking rule.
Provincial nominees receive 600 additional CRS points after accepting an Express Entry-aligned nomination, which is why PNP-specific draw cutoffs are substantially higher than those seen in many other Express Entry categories.
PNP cutoffs have fluctuated significantly throughout 2026, with the September 28 threshold of 725 ranking among the lower PNP cutoffs recorded since June.
These cutoffs reflect both the CRS distribution of eligible provincial nominees in the Express Entry pool and the number of invitations IRCC chooses to issue in a particular round.
Changes in the number of provincial nominees entering the pool can affect the candidate distribution, but nomination volumes alone do not determine the cutoff.
Latest CRS Score Distribution In The Pool
Below is the CRS score distribution of candidates in the pool as of September 27, 2026:
CRS score range Number of candidates 601-1200 728 501-600 21,070 451-500 73,131 491-500 12,745 481-490 12,817 471-480 16,465 461-470 16,257 451-460 14,847 401-450 62,611 441-450 13,677 431-440 13,419 421-430 12,173 411-420 11,888 401-410 11,454 351-400 47,298 301-350 17,359 0-300 7,707 Total 229,904 Steps After Receiving An Invitation To Apply
Candidates who received an invitation in the September 28 round have exactly 60 calendar days to submit a complete permanent residence application through their Express Entry account.
Failing to submit within this window causes the invitation to expire, and IRCC removes the profile from the pool entirely rather than returning it to the queue.
A candidate whose invitation expires must create a new Express Entry profile from scratch to re-enter the selection process.
The permanent residence application can require several supporting documents, including proof of qualifying work experience, valid language test results, police certificates, and an immigration medical examination.
Applicants relying on education completed outside Canada may also need a valid Educational Credential Assessment.
An ECA is required when foreign education is being used to qualify as the principal applicant under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or to claim CRS points for foreign education.
Police certificates are generally required for the applicant and family members aged 18 or older for every country where they stayed for six consecutive months or longer during the last 10 years, excluding time spent in Canada.
Application fees effective April 30, 2026, are $990 per adult for processing and $600 per adult for the right of permanent residence fee, bringing the total to $1,590 per adult applicant.
Dependent children under 22 pay $270 each, with no right of permanent residence fee applied. Biometrics cost $85 per individual or a maximum of $170 per family.
IRCC has a six-month service standard for Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program applications, but actual processing times can be longer and vary based on application volumes, annual admissions targets, background checks, and individual circumstances.
Applicants should check IRCC’s current processing-time tool for the latest estimate.
Candidates in Canada whose work permits are nearing expiry may be eligible for a bridging open work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed.
For Express Entry PNP applicants, eligibility conditions include being the principal applicant, living in Canada and intending to live outside Quebec, having submitted a complete permanent residence application that passed the completeness check, receiving an acknowledgement of receipt, and having no employment restrictions attached to the provincial nomination.
The September 28 Express Entry round delivered 733 permanent residence invitations to provincial nominees at a CRS threshold of 725, continuing the steady two-week PNP draw rhythm that has operated throughout the second half of 2026.
Candidates who hold a valid Express Entry-aligned provincial nomination remain strongly positioned in PNP-specific rounds because accepting the nomination adds 600 points to their CRS score.
Candidates still pursuing provincial nomination should monitor official provincial immigration program pages closely, as intake windows, targeted occupations, eligibility requirements, and remaining nomination availability can change throughout the year.
Invited candidates should prioritize assembling their application documents immediately, because the 60-day submission window does not allow for extensions and an expired invitation cannot be recovered.
For full coverage of every Express Entry draw, provincial program update, and IRCC processing time change, follow Immigration News Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I let my Express Entry invitation to apply expire without submitting an application?
If you do not submit a complete permanent residence application within the 60-day deadline, IRCC removes your profile from the Express Entry pool entirely. Your profile does not return to the queue for future draws. You would need to create a brand new Express Entry profile, submit updated language test results and educational credential assessments if they have expired, and wait to be selected again in a future round. This differs from declining an invitation while still eligible, which does return your profile to the pool.
Why is the CRS cutoff for PNP Express Entry draws so much higher than for CEC or category-based draws?
PNP draw cutoffs appear unusually high because candidates with an accepted Express Entry-aligned provincial nomination receive 600 additional CRS points.
A total CRS cutoff of 725 therefore means a nominated candidate with a base CRS score of 125 would reach 725 after receiving the nomination points, although the candidate must still satisfy all applicable immigration-program requirements and the tie-breaking rule.
CEC and most category-based candidates do not receive this automatic 600-point nomination bonus, so their published CRS cutoffs cannot be directly compared with PNP cutoffs as if they represented the same scoring circumstances.How much does it cost to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry after receiving an invitation in 2026?
As of April 30, 2026, the total cost for an adult applicant is $1,590, which includes $990 for processing and $600 for the right of permanent residence fee. Each dependent child under 22 pays $270 with no right of permanent residence fee. Biometrics cost $85 per individual or a maximum of $170 per family. These fees do not include third-party costs such as medical examinations, police certificates, language testing, or educational credential assessments, which vary by country and provider.
Can I apply to multiple Provincial Nominee Programs at the same time to increase my chances of getting a nomination?
It depends on the rules of the individual provincial programs. A candidate may be able to pursue immigration opportunities in more than one province or territory at the same time, but each program has its own eligibility, expression-of-interest, application, and nomination requirements.
An Express Entry candidate can ultimately accept only one provincial nomination at a time and must genuinely intend to live in the province or territory that nominates them.
Candidates should review the rules of each provincial program before submitting multiple applications or expressions of interest.How long does it take to receive permanent residence after being invited through an Express Entry PNP draw?
IRCC has a six-month service standard for Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program permanent residence applications, but that does not mean every application will be finalized within six months.
Actual processing times can vary based on application volumes, annual immigration targets, background and security checks, document completeness, and whether IRCC requests additional information.
IRCC’s published processing data has also shown that Express Entry PNP processing can run longer than the six-month service standard. Applicants should therefore check IRCC’s current processing-time tool for the latest estimate applicable to their case.
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