Canada remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for immigrants, offering a high quality of life, a stable economy, and a well-established framework for permanent and temporary migration. In 2026, Canada’s immigration system reflects a more measured, policy-driven approach that balances economic needs with infrastructure and housing capacity.
Federal immigration policy in 2026 places greater emphasis on economic outcomes, in-Canada applicants, and regional labour shortages. Core programs such as Express Entry, the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP), and family sponsorship continue to form the backbone of Canada’s immigration framework, with selection increasingly shaped by occupation-specific priorities and provincial workforce demands.
Alongside permanent residence pathways, Canada continues to rely on targeted temporary programs, including employer-specific work permits, to support skills transfer and economic growth. Business immigration is in transition, with the Start-Up Visa program suspended while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada develops a new Entrepreneur Pilot intended to better align business immigration with labour market outcomes and regional priorities.
While opportunities to immigrate to Canada remain strong in 2026, the system has become more competitive and structured around clearly defined policy objectives. Successful applicants must understand eligibility requirements, program priorities, and timing considerations. This page provides an overview of immigration to Canada in 2026, with links to detailed guides on individual programs and pathways.
On this page you will find
- An overview of Canada’s immigration system in 2026
- How federal immigration priorities shape selection decisions
- The main permanent residence pathways under the Economic Class
- How Express Entry works and how candidates are ranked
- The role of Provincial Nominee Programs in economic immigration
- Quebec’s separate immigration system and selection process
- The current status of business immigration programs
- Family sponsorship options for Canadian citizens and permanent residents
- How temporary work permits fit into Canada’s immigration strategy
- What prospective immigrants should consider before applying in 2026
Immigrate to Canada: Economic Class
Professionals and skilled workers who wish to pursue permanent residence in Canada must demonstrate a strong likelihood that they will settle and integrate quickly.
The main selection factors of all economic programs are education, work experience in a high-demand occupation and language ability in English and/or French.
IRCC manages Canada’s federal skilled worker immigration programs using the Express Entry system. Under this system, applicants who meet basic criteria submit an online profile to the Express Entry pool, known as an expression of interest.
The profiles of candidates in the pool are ranked against each other, under a Comprehensive Ranking System. The highest-ranked candidates are considered for an invitation to apply for permanent residence under regular draws that target different categories of candidates. Those who receive an invitation to apply must then apply to one of the three federal Canada immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker
- Federal Skilled Trades
- Canadian Experience Class
- Each of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs also includes an Express Entry stream
The provincial programs follow a two-step process to permanent residence: applicants are first selected or nominated by a province if they meet program requirements; based on that selection or nomination, they may apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
The province of Quebec manages its own economic immigration programs, mainly through the Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program.
Canada Immigration Business Programs
In addition, the Economic Class includes various business and investment-based programs. The Start-Up Visa Program and Self-Employed Programs are suspended as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada works on a new Entrepreneur Pilot.
Other business programs include:
Immigrate to Canada: Family Class
Under the family reunification class, current sponsorship policies promote the reunion in Canada of Canadian citizens and permanent residents with their close relatives.
Eligible relatives under the Sponsorship programs include:
- Spouse or partner
- Children and adopted children
- Parent or grandparent
- an orphaned sibling, nephew, niece or grandchild, unmarried and under 18 years of age; or any other relative where the sponsor has none of the above relatives or family members, in Canada or abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration to Canada in 2026
1. Is Canada still accepting immigrants in large numbers in 2026?
Yes. Canada continues to accept a substantial number of immigrants in 2026, although admissions are more carefully managed than in previous years. Immigration targets remain high by international standards, with a strong focus on economic immigrants who can support labour markets and regional growth. The system prioritises candidates with skills, work experience, and language ability that align with current economic and demographic needs.
2. What are Canada’s main immigration pathways in 2026?
Canada’s main immigration pathways include economic immigration, family sponsorship, and selected humanitarian programs. Economic immigration dominates overall admissions and includes Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and Quebec’s skilled worker programs. Family sponsorship allows citizens and permanent residents to reunite with close relatives. Temporary residence pathways, such as work permits, also play a key role in meeting short-term labour needs.
3. How does Express Entry work in 2026?
Express Entry is the federal system used to manage applications for key economic immigration programs. Eligible candidates submit an online profile and enter a pool, where they are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System. Regular invitation rounds target specific categories of candidates, such as those with Canadian work experience or in-demand occupations. Higher-ranked candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residence.
4. Which programs are managed through Express Entry?
Express Entry manages three federal economic programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. In addition, many Provincial Nominee Programs operate Express Entry–aligned streams. These allow provinces to nominate candidates who meet regional labour needs, giving them a significant advantage in the federal selection process.
5. What role do provinces play in Canada’s immigration system?
Provinces and territories play an increasingly important role through Provincial Nominee Programs. These programs allow regions to select immigrants who match local labour market needs and demographic goals. Most provincial programs involve a two-step process, starting with provincial nomination and followed by a permanent residence application to the federal government. Provincial selection often improves an applicant’s chances of success.
6. Does Quebec follow the same immigration system as the rest of Canada?
No. Quebec manages its own economic immigration programs and selection criteria. The province selects skilled workers, investors, and entrepreneurs through its own processes, separate from Express Entry. Applicants who are selected by Quebec must then apply to the federal government for permanent residence. Quebec’s system places a strong emphasis on French language ability and integration into Quebec society.
7. What is happening with Canada’s business immigration programs in 2026?
Business immigration is in transition in 2026. The Start-Up Visa Program and the federal Self-Employed Program are suspended while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada develops a new Entrepreneur Pilot. The goal is to better align business immigration with economic outcomes and regional priorities. Some provincial entrepreneur programs and Quebec’s investor program remain available.
8. Can I still immigrate to Canada through family sponsorship?
Yes. Family reunification remains a core pillar of Canada’s immigration system. Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor eligible relatives, including spouses or partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. In limited cases, other relatives may also qualify. Sponsors must meet financial and residency requirements, and processing times can vary depending on the relationship and application volume.
9. How important is Canadian work experience in 2026?
Canadian work experience is increasingly valuable in 2026. Many federal and provincial programs prioritise candidates who are already working in Canada, particularly under the Canadian Experience Class or provincial pathways. In-Canada applicants often integrate more quickly into the labour market and society, making them a key focus of current immigration policy and selection strategies.
10. What should applicants consider before applying to immigrate to Canada?
Applicants should carefully assess eligibility requirements, program priorities, and timing before applying. Immigration selection in 2026 is competitive and policy-driven, with a strong focus on economic contribution and regional needs. Understanding how programs operate, preparing accurate documentation, and choosing the most appropriate pathway are critical steps for anyone planning to immigrate to Canada.
