What Is Changing and What It Means for People Who Want to Apply
What are the new rules for Canada PR from 2026 to 2028?
Canada has made a new Permanent Residence (PR) system for the years 2026 to 2028. This means that the process of choosing and settling immigrants in Canada will change a lot in the next few years. The new Canada PR rules put more emphasis on sustainability, economic growth, and making it easier for people who are already making money in Canada to move to Canada.
If you want to apply for Canada PR in 2026, knowing about these changes ahead of time can help you a lot.
Also Read Canadian Job Interview Process
A look at Canada's new immigration plan for 2026 to 2028
The new IRCC Immigration Levels Plan for Canada sets a steady goal of 380,000 permanent residents each year from 2026 to 2028. Instead of pushing for aggressive growth, the government is now focusing on long-term planning, balancing the job market, and getting infrastructure ready.
One of the most beneficial aspects about this plan is that it focuses a lot on people who are already employed or living in Canada, particularly temporary workers and people who are safeguarded.
In-Demand Occupations Eligible for Two-Week Processing (Category B)
| Occupation Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Computer and information systems managers | 20012 |
| Civil engineers | 21300 |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 |
| Mining engineers | 21330 |
| Aerospace engineers | 21390 |
| Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | 21311 |
| Mathematicians and statisticians (subset) | 21210 |
| Data scientists | 21211 |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 |
| Business systems specialists | 21221 |
| Information systems specialists | 21222 |
| Web designers | 21233 |
| Database analysts and data administrators | 21223 |
| Software engineers and designers | 21231 |
| Computer systems developers and programmers | 21230 |
| Software developers and programmers | 21232 |
| Web developers and programmers | 21234 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 22310 |
| Computer network and web technicians | 22220 |
| Information systems testing technicians | 22222 |
| Visual effects and video game project managers (subset) | 51120 |
| Digital media and design professionals (subset) | 52120 |
Many of these roles are also aligned with Canada’s STEM immigration priorities, making them highly valuable for long-term settlement.
More Focus on Moving Temporary Residents to Permanent Residence
One of the most important things about the new Canada PR rules is that they make it clear that temporary status should be changed to permanent residency.
The Canadian government is interested in speeding up the procedure for about 33,000 temporary foreign workers to become permanent residents between 2026 and 2027. These applicants have previous jobs in Canada, which will help them fit in faster and more easily. This change is good for:
- People who have work permits
- Graduates from other countries working in Canada
- Professionals with Canadian experience who are good at what they do
- For many applicants, being in Canada will now give them an edge in getting a PR.
Also Read Canadian PR through Express Entry
Express Entry and PNP are still the main ways to get PR
- Express Entry will keep inviting skilled workers from Canada and other countries.
- Provincial Nominee Programs will be more important in helping to fill job openings in certain areas.
- For jobs that are in high demand, category-based draws should still be useful.
- These programs will still be the most popular for Canada PR invitations, especially for people with good work experience, language scores, and the ability to adapt.
New PR Paths for Smaller and Rural Areas
For candidates with high CRS scores who are having trouble getting into Express Entry, rural PR pathways may become a strong option in 2026.
Making PR easier for protected people in Canada
Also Read UK Youth Mobility Scheme for Indians
Important Changes to Policies That Applicants Should Know About in 2026
There have also been some technical changes that have had a big effect:
- No more CRS points for arranged employment
- Under Express Entry, job offers, including those based on LMIA, no longer add CRS points.
- A medical exam is required before submitting a PR application.
- They also have to have an IME after getting an ITA and before they send in their application for PR.
Also Read Home Care Worker Immigration pilots
Basic Requirements for 2026 Permanent Residence in Canada
- A valid ECA if your education is from outside of Canada.
- Language skills through IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF; skilled work experience usually under NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3
- Age as a factor in choosing under Express Entry
- Proof of funds for settlement Medical exam and police clearance when needed
- Once you get PR, you have to live in the country for 730 days over the course of five years.
Also Read Fast-Track Work Permits
What the New Canada PR Rules Mean for People Who Want to Move There in 2026
- Giving priority to candidates who are already in Canada
- Help with regional and economic job needs
- Lessening dependence on CRS points based on job offers
- Offering more than just Express Entry as a way to get PR
Step 2: Apply for Your Canada Work Permit
Once the LMIA is approved, you can submit your work permit application from outside Canada. During the application, you must clearly indicate that your LMIA was issued under the Global Talent Stream. Most eligible applicants receive a decision within two weeks, allowing them to start working in Canada much sooner than usual.
Why Nova Scotia Is Growing in Popularity
- High demand for healthcare professionals, IT workers, educators, and trades
- Accessible immigration streams under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Lower housing costs compared to large metropolitan cities
- Strong community integration and settlement support
Key Questions New Rules for Canada PR
The Canada PR rules for 2026 focus on skilled workers in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and trades. The government is expanding category-based Express Entry draws, strengthening PNP selections, and permanently adopting economic mobility pathways. A key goal is to transition 33,000 temporary residents to PR by 2027 under the Immigration Levels Plan.
Under the new Canada PR rules for international students, Canadian work experience through a PGWP is essential. Graduates can apply via CEC, Express Entry, or PNPs, provided they hold skilled jobs under NOC TEER 0–3. Study permit caps and financial rules are stricter, with some flexibility for Master’s and PhD graduates.
The minimum funds required for Canada PR depend on family size and the immigration program. Proof of funds is required for Express Entry (FSW) and some PNP streams. Applicants under CEC or those working in Canada are generally exempt from this requirement.
The Express Entry system in 2026 has removed CRS points for LMIA-based job offers. Selection now relies more on category-based draws, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience. These changes aim to create a fairer and skill-focused Canada PR system.
Thinking about getting PR in Canada in 2026?
