Navigating the New Horizon: A Historic Week for Canadian Immigration
- Gagandeep Singh
- Feb 22
- 3 min read
The third week of February 2026 has officially gone down in the record books as one of the most transformative periods for the Canadian immigration system. For those of us navigating these waters as consultants, the message from Ottawa is clear: Canada is prioritizing expertise, integration, and the heroes already within our borders.
Between historic Express Entry draws and the unveiling of the 2026 Roadmap, there is a lot to unpack.
Here is your weekly briefing.
A Week of Record-Breaking Draws: 10,670 Invitations
This week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) was exceptionally active, conducting four distinct draws in just five days.
February 16 – Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): The week kicked off with Draw #395, issuing 279 ITAs to candidates with a provincial nomination. The CRS cut-off was 789, reflecting the 600-point boost these candidates receive.
February 17 – Canadian Experience Class (CEC): In a move to support those already contributing to the economy, IRCC issued 6,000 ITAs to CEC candidates with a minimum CRS of 508.
February 19 – NEW CATEGORY: Physicians with Canadian Work Experience: This was a historic moment. IRCC conducted the first-ever draw for foreign medical doctors already working in Canada. In Draw #397, 391 ITAs were issued with a CRS score of just 169—the second-lowest cut-off in Express Entry history.
February 20 – Healthcare and Social Services: To cap off the week, Draw #398 targeted 37 healthcare occupations, issuing 4,000 ITAs with a CRS of 467.
The physician-specific draw with a CRS of 169 is a game-changer. It signals a move away from "high scores" and toward "high impact." By lowering the score bar for doctors already in the country, the government is effectively saying: If you are here saving lives, we want you to stay permanently. We expect this "Canadian Experience + Occupation" hybrid model to become the standard for 2026.
Minister Lena Unveils the 2026 Express Entry Roadmap
On February 18, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, made a landmark announcement at the Canadian Club of Toronto. She officially introduced the 2026 Categories for Express Entry Selection.
The New Priority Groups include:
Physicians with Canadian work experience
Researchers and Senior Managers with Canadian experience.
Transport Sector Professionals (including pilots and aircraft mechanics).
STEM Specialists (focusing on AI and cybersecurity).
Skilled Foreign Military Applicants (recruited for the Canadian Armed Forces).
French-Language Proficiency (remaining a top priority)
Crucial Policy Change: The Minister also announced that the work experience requirement for occupational categories has been raised to one year within the last three years (up from six months), although the experience no longer needs to be continuous.
A Message from the Top: PM Mark Carney on Sustainability
Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the government’s commitment to a "sustainable and strategic" immigration levels plan. In a statement following the levels plan update, the Prime Minister noted that while permanent residency targets will stabilize at 380,000 annually through 2028, the focus is now on "quality over quantity."
The Prime Minister’s rhetoric marks a shift toward "nation-building." By focusing on military recruits, researchers, and healthcare, the government is aligning immigration directly with national security and infrastructure needs.
Provincial Updates: OINP and Beyond
Ontario (OINP): On February 18, Ontario issued 1,404 invitations under the Skilled Trades stream. Ontario also confirmed its 2026 allocation is 14,119 nominations.
Manitoba (MPNP): Changes to the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot took effect this week, removing the Hospitality and Food Services sectors from eligibility to better align with current labor needs.
Nova Scotia (NSNP): The province is currently modernizing its application portal, which was temporarily offline this week, signaling a more digital-first approach for 2026.
The Business & Start-Up Landscape: A Period of Transition
As of January 1, 2026, the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program remains paused for new applicants. Only those with valid 2025 commitment certificates can apply (deadline: June 30, 2026).
The pause is a strategic "reset." The government is preparing to launch a New Entrepreneur Pilot later this year. We expect this new program to have much stricter eligibility and lower intake caps, likely requiring higher capital investment or more direct oversight from Canadian incubators.
What to Expect Next Week
Given the announcement of the new 2026 categories, we anticipate a French-Language Proficiency draw or a STEM-specific round in the coming week. IRCC typically follows a major policy announcement with a round of invitations that "tests" the new criteria.
Weekly Immigration Tip: The "1-Year Rule"
With the new requirement of 12 months of experience for category-based draws, candidates should audit their profiles immediately. If you previously qualified with 6 months, you may no longer be eligible for the next category-specific draw. Ensure your profile accurately reflects your cumulative experience over the last three years to stay competitive!
Stay informed and stay ahead. For a personalized assessment of how these new 2026 categories affect your journey, visit our latest articles at www.elginimmigration.com.
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