Strengthening the Path to Canada
- Gagandeep Singh
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Welcome to our weekly wrap-up. With new legislation, shifting priorities in Express Entry, and major updates to family reunification, the landscape is moving fast—but for those with the right strategy, the opportunities remain abundant.
The Big News: Bill C-12 Receives Royal Assent
On March 26, 2026, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12) officially became law.
Minister Lena Metlege Diab emphasized that these changes are about fairness and integrity. The Act provides IRCC with modern tools to manage asylum claims more efficiently and gives the government more control over immigration documents to prevent misuse.
This isn't just about security; it’s about "taking back control" to ensure the system remains sustainable. For genuine applicants, this means a more streamlined process and a system that prioritizes those following the rules.
Express Entry: The Power of Category-Based Selection
This week, IRCC reiterated its commitment to Category-Based Selection. We are seeing a clear shift away from general draws toward targeted rounds that address specific labor shortages.
Recent Activity: While we saw a massive French-language draw recently (CRS 393), the focus this week remained on Healthcare, STEM, Trades, and Transport.
A Historical First: Earlier this month, we witnessed the first-ever dedicated draw for Senior Managers (NOC 00 codes) with a remarkably low CRS of 429.
CEC Draw Analysis: The most recent Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw saw scores dip to 507.
If you are a skilled worker in Canada with a CRS in the 500s, you are in a "wait-and-see" zone for general draws. However, if you fall into a targeted category (like French proficiency or Healthcare), your chances have never been better. The "low score" era isn't gone; it has just become more selective.
Provincial Spotlight: Ontario and PEI Lead the Way
The Provinces have been busy this week!
Ontario (OINP): On March 25, Ontario issued over 400 invitations across its Employer Job Offer streams, specifically targeting Northern, Eastern, and Southwestern Ontario.
Prince Edward Island: PEI held its third draw of the year on March 20, inviting 101 candidates with a focus on Healthcare and Manufacturing.
PNPs are becoming the "Gold Standard" for permanent residency in 2026. If you have a job offer in a smaller community or a high-demand sector, the provinces are rolling out the red carpet.
Business Immigration: The SUV Pause & New Beginnings
A reminder for our entrepreneurs: The Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is currently paused for new commitment certificates as of January 1, 2026.
What’s Next? Minister Lena has hinted at a new "Entrepreneur Pilot" launching later this year. This pilot is expected to be more "boutique"—prioritizing founders already in Canada on work permits and those in high-growth tech sectors.
The era of "volume-based" business immigration is ending. The new pilot will likely look more like Express Entry—selection by invitation. If you are a business founder, now is the time to refine your business plan to align with Canada’s 2026 economic goals.
Family News: The Super Visa Upgrade
Starting March 31, 2026, IRCC is making the Super Visa more accessible:
Extended Income Assessment: You can now use the last two taxation years to meet the income requirement (instead of just one).
Joint Income: For the first time, the income of the visiting parent or grandparent can be added to the host’s income to meet the threshold.
This is a huge win for families! It recognizes the financial strength of the entire family unit and makes it much easier for new Canadians to bring their parents over for long-term visits.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect Next Week
As we head into the first week of April:
Fee Increases: Be aware that PR and Citizenship fees are increasing on March 31. If you are ready to submit, do it now to save.
Draw Predictions: With a heavy focus on French and STEM recently, we anticipate a Trades or Healthcare-specific draw in the coming days.
💡 Weekly Immigration Tip
Did you know? Under the new 2026 rules, "Senior Managers" (NOC 00) now have their own dedicated category in Express Entry. If you have 12 months of C-suite or executive experience in Canada, you might qualify for an ITA with a score significantly lower than the general CEC cut-off. Check your NOC code today!
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