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Canada’s immigration landscape is entering a new phase. After several years of tighter admission targets and efforts to manage temporary resident numbers, the federal government is preparing its next Immigration Levels Plan, covering the period from 2027 to 2029. For people planning to immigrate to Canada, this announcement could provide important clues about which immigration pathways will receive greater attention, how permanent residence admissions may evolve, and what role international students and foreign workers will play in the country’s immigration strategy. The existing immigration plan sets a target of 380,000 permanent resident admissions annually for 2026, 2027 and 2028. However, the figures for 2027 and 2028 are provisional planning targets that may be revised in the next announcement. The upcoming plan is also expected to introduce official targets for 2029, extending the government’s immigration planning horizon. Does this mean Canada will make immigration easier in 2027? Not necessarily. Even if the overall number of permanent resident admissions increases, the effect on individual applicants will depend on program allocations, eligibility criteria, provincial priorities and selection policies. For prospective immigrants, understanding these differences is essential when deciding which pathway to pursue. In this guide, we examine Canada’s current immigration targets, the possible direction of future policy, the programs worth monitoring and the practical steps applicants can take while waiting for the next announcement. Canada’s Immigration Targets: Where Things Stand The existing 2026 – 2028 Immigration Levels Plan provides the starting point for understanding what could happen next. The following figures are the established planning targets in the existing plan, rather than predictions about what the government will announce for 2027 – 2029. Current Permanent Residence Targets Source: IRCC’s Supplementary Information for the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. These numbers show that economic immigration is a major component of Canada’s permanent residence strategy. Federal economic programs and provincial nomination pathways therefore remain important categories to watch when the next plan is released. The table also illustrates why applicants should look beyond the overall permanent residence target. A change in the number of spaces assigned to a particular category could affect its opportunities even if the total number of admissions remains unchanged. What About Temporary Residents? Canada’s existing plan also sets targets for new temporary resident arrivals. These figures reflect the government’s effort to manage the number of people entering Canada temporarily while maintaining immigration pathways that support economic and social needs. The next plan will help clarify whether this approach continues unchanged or whether the government makes adjustments to particular categories. Could Canada Increase Permanent Residence Admissions in 2027? One of the biggest questions surrounding the next announcement is whether Canada will maintain its existing permanent residence target or begin increasing admissions again. A target of 380,000 remains the established planning figure for 2027. A higher figure is a possibility, but it should not be treated as a confirmed outcome. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s reported comments in September 2026 about the possibility of returning to controlled population growth have added to the discussion about Canada’s longer-term immigration direction. At the same time, the government continues to face competing considerations, including housing availability, infrastructure capacity, labour-market demand and the management of temporary residents. These factors leave room for several possible policy directions. Scenario 1: Permanent Residence Targets Remain Stable The government could retain the current target while adjusting how admissions are distributed among economic immigration, family sponsorship and other categories. Under this scenario, applicants might see changes in individual programs without a major increase in total admissions. Scenario 2: A Gradual Increase in Admissions The government could introduce a moderate increase if it determines that demographic and economic conditions support additional immigration. Immigration News Canada’s published assessment has identified a possible 2027 target of 390,000 – 400,000 as one scenario to watch. This is an estimate, not an official government commitment. Scenario 3: A Longer-Term Adjustment Rather Than an Immediate Increase Another possibility is that the government maintains restraint in the near term while setting out a different trajectory for 2028 and 2029. The new three-year plan will be important because it can reveal whether Ottawa intends to maintain its current approach or gradually change the balance between population growth and immigration controls. For applicants, the practical lesson is simple: avoid making major financial or career decisions based on an unconfirmed target. Wait for the official plan and examine the allocations relevant to your circumstances. Express Entry: Why Program Allocations Matter Express Entry is one of the most closely watched systems for skilled workers seeking Canadian permanent residence. The Federal High Skilled category has an existing target of 111,000 admissions in both 2027 and 2028. Whether this allocation changes in the next plan could be an important development for candidates considering an Express Entry pathway. However, the number of admissions allocated to a category does not directly determine an individual candidate’s chances of receiving an invitation. Candidates should also consider: A higher allocation could create additional capacity, but its effect would depend on how IRCC conducts selection rounds and distributes invitations. What Should Express Entry Candidates Do Now? Rather than waiting passively for the new plan, candidates can use this period to strengthen their profiles. Review your language test results, check that your educational credentials are properly assessed where required, update your work experience and identify any legitimate opportunities to improve your CRS score. Candidates should also keep their profiles accurate and monitor official IRCC announcements for changes to selection categories or program requirements. Provincial Nominee Programs Could Remain Important The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another area worth watching in the upcoming immigration announcement. The existing plan sets the PNP target at 92,500 admissions for both 2027 and 2028. That is considerably higher than the 55,000 target for 2026 under the previous 2025–2027 plan. This allocation highlights the importance of provincial nomination within Canada’s economic immigration strategy. Provinces and territories have different labour-market requirements, population needs and nomination priorities. As a result, the most suitable provincial pathway can vary considerably from one applicant

Canada’s new high-wage occupation points could reshape the Express Entry pool. We examine the latest draw data, the mechanics of the new rules, and the scenarios CEC candidates should prepare for. For months, candidates in Canada’s Express Entry pool have been watching the same number: their CRS score. For some, a score in the low 500s has meant waiting for another Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw. For others, the difference between receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and remaining in the pool has come down to a handful of points. Now, the rules are about to change. On November 3, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will introduce new CRS points for eligible Canadian work experience in designated high-wage occupations and qualifying job offers in those occupations. Existing profiles will be recalculated, and IRCC says invitation rounds will pause for up to two weeks while the changes are implemented. The obvious question is what happens when draws resume. Will the CEC cut-off rise sharply? Will larger invitation rounds bring it back down? And if your occupation does not qualify for the new points, what options remain? At Ask Kubeir, we believe applicants need more than a predicted number. They need to understand the rules, the forces that move the cut-off, and the decisions they can make before the new system takes effect. Our starting point: the rules are confirmed, but the first post-change CEC cut-off is not. Any forecast must account for the recalculated candidate pool and IRCC’s invitation decisions. 1. What exactly changes on November 3? IRCC is introducing a Labour Market Integration factor into the CRS. Candidates may qualify for additional points through eligible Canadian work experience in designated high-wage occupations or through a qualifying job offer in one of those occupations. The two routes do not stack. IRCC will assess the available options and award the higher applicable score. The new high-wage occupation points are structured as follows: Occupation’s wage tier Additional points for qualifying Canadian work experience Points for a qualifying job offer At least 2 times the national median wage benchmark 70 100 At least 1.5 times the benchmark 40 70 At least 1.3 times the benchmark 20 50 Source: IRCC’s official 2026 CRS changes. The work-experience bonus generally requires at least 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in eligible occupations. Separate requirements apply to qualifying job offers. There is an important distinction here. An applicant does not qualify simply because their personal salary is high. IRCC determines eligibility using the occupation’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code and the applicable national wage data. The occupation must appear in the official list, and the candidate must satisfy the relevant work-experience or job-offer requirements. For Canadian work experience, the qualifying period is at least 12 months, or 1,560 hours, subject to the existing Express Entry requirements. The work may be accumulated across eligible occupations, and overlapping hours cannot be counted twice. The new rules also change the treatment of job offers. From November 3, an LMIA will no longer be required for a qualifying job offer to receive the new CRS points or to meet the relevant Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program job-offer requirements. The offer must still be genuine and satisfy IRCC’s conditions. These details matter because a headline bonus of 70 or 100 points is not an automatic increase for everyone working in Canada. Official references: CRS changes | High-wage occupation list 2. What the latest draw data tells us Before looking ahead, it helps to understand where Express Entry stands today. IRCC’s October 15, 2026 CEC draw issued 2,500 invitations, with a lowest invited CRS score of 519. The following day, a French-language proficiency draw issued 5,000 invitations at a cut-off of 435. Those results illustrate two different selection mechanisms within the same system. CEC draws target candidates eligible under the Canadian Experience Class. French-language category draws use separate category criteria and can reach candidates whose scores are substantially lower than those seen in some CEC rounds. Neither result, on its own, predicts the next CEC cut-off. The size of the invitation round matters, but so does the number of eligible candidates above each score. A large draw can reach further down the ranking, while a smaller draw may leave many candidates waiting. Changes in the pool can alter that relationship. The October 12 pool snapshot is a useful baseline, but it reflects the old scoring system. Once the new rules take effect, the distribution of CRS scores will change. Sources: IRCC invitation-round records 3. Why the next CEC cut-off is difficult to predict The temptation is to take the current cut-off and add a certain number of points. That is not a reliable forecasting method. Suppose two candidates currently have the same CRS score. One has qualifying Canadian work experience in an eligible high-wage occupation; the other does not. Their relative positions may change after November 3. Now extend that comparison across thousands of candidates. The result depends on how many people qualify for each new points tier, how their existing CRS scores are distributed, how many new profiles enter the pool, and how many invitations IRCC issues. There are three broad scenarios applicants should consider. Scenario A: IRCC resumes with a smaller CEC draw A smaller round could leave the cut-off elevated if many newly eligible candidates move above the previous threshold. Candidates who do not qualify for additional points could face stronger competition at their existing scores. Scenario B: IRCC resumes with a moderate draw A moderate invitation round could offset some of the pressure created by the new scoring rules. The outcome would depend on how many candidates sit in the score bands reached by that round. Scenario C: IRCC issues a large catch-up draw A larger round could reach further down the pool and potentially produce a lower cut-off than a smaller round under otherwise similar conditions. It would not, however, erase the effects of the new points for every candidate. We

A new temporary measure from Canada allows eligible foreign workers already in the country to pursue short-term education and training without obtaining a separate study permit. The Temporary public policy to allow foreign nationals with valid work permits to study without a study permit was signed on August 5, 2026, took effect 30 days later on September 4, 2026, and was officially announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on September 9, 2026. The measure is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027, unless it is revoked earlier. Under the policy, eligible foreign nationals who hold a valid work permit may study in Canada without a study permit for a course or program lasting 6 months or less, subject to the conditions of the policy and other applicable immigration requirements. For temporary workers looking to upgrade their skills, pursue short-term training or work toward professional licensing, the measure could provide useful additional flexibility. However, there are several important conditions to understand before enrolling. What Has Changed? Normally, paragraph 188(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) allows a foreign national to study without a study permit when the course or program is 6 months or less and can be completed within the period of stay authorized when the person entered Canada. The new public policy, established under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), provides eligible work permit holders with an exemption from the requirement in IRPR 188(1)(c) that the course or program be completed within the period of stay originally authorized upon entry. This is particularly relevant to workers whose authorized stay in Canada has changed since they originally entered the country. Who Can Study Without a Study Permit? The central eligibility condition under the new public policy is that the foreign national must hold a valid work permit. In addition, the course or program of study must be 6 months or less in duration. IRCC’s current guidance states that an eligible worker may study for: Up to 6 months or until their work permit expires, whichever comes first. Other applicable eligibility and admissibility requirements that are not specifically exempted by the public policy continue to apply. How Long Can You Study? The maximum program duration under this measure is 6 months. However, your work permit must remain valid. For example: Scenario 1 You have a valid work permit for another 10 months and want to take a 4-month eligible course. You may potentially qualify under the policy, subject to the other applicable requirements. Scenario 2 You have a valid work permit for another 8 months and want to take a 6-month eligible course. You may potentially qualify under the policy, subject to the other applicable requirements. Scenario 3 Your work permit expires in 3 months and you want to enrol in a 6-month course. You should not assume that the policy allows you to study for the entire 6 months. Your authorization under this public policy cannot simply continue beyond the expiry of the qualifying work permit. The practical point is: Valid work permit + program of 6 months or less + work permit remaining valid = key requirements. What About Full-Time Studies? This is an important area where workers should be particularly careful. The text of the public policy establishes the 6-month program-duration requirement and provides an exemption from the specific requirement in IRPR 188(1)(c) concerning the period of stay authorized upon entry. However, in its September 9, 2026 announcement, IRCC specifically stated that full-time studies will still require a study permit. Workers should therefore not assume that a full-time program qualifies for the exemption simply because the program lasts 6 months or less. IRCC’s other current guidance also discusses circumstances involving eligible workers studying full-time without a study permit, particularly when explaining how studying may affect eligibility for permanent residence programs. Because these official materials need to be considered together, workers planning full-time studies should verify the requirements that apply to their specific program and circumstances before enrolling. If you are planning a full-time academic program, obtaining a study permit may still be necessary. Why Did IRCC Introduce This Measure? IRCC says the measure is intended to help temporary workers already in Canada develop in-demand skills and better contribute to Canada’s labour market. Short-term education or training may help workers: IRCC specifically highlighted examples such as tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians when announcing the measure. The policy may be particularly useful for workers who need short-term training or licensing opportunities but do not intend to undertake a longer academic program. Will IRCC Notify Eligible Workers? IRCC announced that it would begin notifying eligible work permit holders about the new flexibility. The announcement highlighted workers in sectors such as healthcare and skilled trades as examples of people who could benefit from the measure. However, the notification process should be distinguished from the legal eligibility conditions of the public policy. The public policy itself establishes the requirement that the foreign national hold a valid work permit, along with the applicable study-duration and other requirements. Therefore, workers should assess their eligibility against the official policy and current IRCC instructions rather than assuming that receiving or not receiving a notification alone determines eligibility. What Happens When Your Work Permit Expires? The study exemption does not continue indefinitely. The public policy states that the exemption applies until: whichever happens first. This means you should carefully compare your program dates with your work permit expiry date before beginning your studies. Do not assume that enrolling in an eligible short-term program automatically gives you permission to complete the entire program after your work permit expires. What About Maintained Status? Workers relying on maintained status should be especially cautious. The new public policy specifically requires the foreign national to hold a valid work permit. This differs from the previous 2023 public policy, which expressly covered certain individuals who had applied to renew their work permits and were authorized to continue working under IRPR 186(u). The new

If you are planning to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada, the processing time for super visa applications is one of the first things you need to understand before you apply. Unlike a fixed timeline, it changes regularly and depends heavily on where your parent or grandparent is applying from. Here is what actually determines the processing time for super visa applications, what the official service standard is, and how to plan your application around it. What the Processing Time for Super Visa Actually Means IRCC publishes two kinds of figures that affect how you should read the processing time for super visa applications. The first is the service standard. This is the internal target IRCC sets for itself, and for super visas it is currently 112 days. It represents the timeline the department aims to meet, not a guarantee for any individual file. The second is the published estimate on IRCC’s processing times tool. This figure reflects how long it actually took to finalize 80 percent of recently completed applications in that category, broken down by country. This is the number that matters most when you are trying to estimate your own processing time for super visa applications, since it reflects real recent outcomes rather than an internal target. Why the Processing Time for Super Visa Varies by Country There is no single processing time for super visa applications that applies to every applicant. The published estimate is specific to the country your parent or grandparent is applying from, because each visa office handles a different volume of applications and a different mix of verification requirements. A parent applying from a country with a smaller caseload and fewer security or document verification steps will often see a shorter processing time for super visa applications than a parent applying from a higher-volume country. Estimates for major applicant countries such as India, Nigeria, the Philippines and Pakistan have moved considerably over the course of 2026, at times dropping by several weeks in a single update and at other times climbing again, so the country-specific figure can shift noticeably from one month to the next. Because of this movement, do not rely on a number you saw a few months ago. Always check the current processing time for super visa applications using IRCC’s official processing times tool, which is updated on a regular basis. What Happens During Processing Understanding the stages that make up the processing time for super visa applications helps explain why timelines vary so much. Submission and file opening. The clock starts when IRCC receives a complete application, either at the timestamp of an online submission or when a paper application reaches the mailroom. Document and eligibility review. An officer checks that the application includes proof of income for the host, a valid health insurance policy for at least one year, and proof of the relationship between the applicant and the host. Biometrics. Most applicants must give fingerprints and a photo at a local biometric collection point. This step is not included in the published estimate, so it can add extra weeks on top of the timeline. Medical exam. The applicant must complete a medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician. Results typically take a few weeks to come back and can affect the overall processing time for super visa applications if scheduled late. Decision and visa issuance. Once the file is complete and reviewed, IRCC issues a decision. If approved, the visa is placed in the applicant’s passport. What Can Extend Your Processing Time for Super Visa A few factors consistently push the processing time for super visa applications beyond the published estimate. Incomplete documentation. Missing proof of income, an unclear Notice of Assessment, or a health insurance policy that does not meet the minimum coverage requirements will trigger a request for more information, which pauses the file until it is resolved. Late biometrics or medical exams. Since these steps run somewhat independently of the main file review, delaying either one adds directly to your overall processing time for super visa applications. Additional verification or security screening. Some applications require extra document checks or background verification, particularly where information in the file needs to be confirmed with another source. Seasonal application volume. Timelines can lengthen during periods when a particular visa office receives an unusually high number of applications relative to its capacity. How to Plan Around the Processing Time for Super Visa Because the processing time for super visa applications is only an estimate and not a promise, it is worth building in a buffer before your parent or grandparent’s intended travel date. Check the current processing time for super visa applications on IRCC’s official tool before you apply, using the exact country of application, not a general Canada-wide figure. Complete your medical exam and biometrics as early as possible rather than waiting for a request from IRCC, since both run in parallel with the main review and can otherwise become the longest step in the file. Submit a complete package the first time. A request for additional documents is one of the most common reasons a file runs longer than expected. If your parent or grandparent’s country has historically seen longer waits, apply well ahead of any planned visit, ideally several months before the intended travel date. Final Thoughts The processing time for super visa applications is not a fixed number. It is a moving estimate shaped by the country of application, application completeness, and how quickly biometrics and the medical exam are completed. The 112-day service standard gives you a general benchmark, but the country-specific figure on IRCC’s tool is the more reliable guide for your own timeline. Since these figures change regularly, always confirm the current processing time for super visa applications directly on IRCC’s website before you apply or make travel plans, and consider speaking with a licensed immigration consultant if your situation involves any added complexity.