Immigration
Permanent residence routes in 2026: Express Entry, provincial nominee programs, family sponsorship and study, explained in plain language.
About 63% of 2026 permanent residents are planned in economic programs, 22% in family programs and 15% in refugee and humanitarian programs. Canada also plans a one-time measure to move about 33,000 skilled temporary workers to permanent residence over 2026–27.
Information checked November 2026. Programs change often; we confirm the current rules before you apply.
The Talent Services is a recruitment company. In Canada, only licensed immigration consultants (RCICs), lawyers and other authorized representatives may charge for immigration advice or representation. When your case needs one, we will tell you and connect you with an authorized representative. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Federal
Express Entry in 2026
Express Entry manages the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades programs. Candidates are ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
2026 category-based draws
- New: physicians with Canadian work experience; researchers and senior managers with Canadian experience; transport jobs such as pilots and aircraft mechanics; skilled military recruits.
- Continuing: French-language proficiency, health care and social services, and trades.
Since March 25, 2025, a job offer no longer adds CRS points, except for some physicians. A provincial nomination still adds 600 points.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Provinces nominate people who meet local labour needs. A nomination leads to permanent residence.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- 2026 allocation: 4,761 nominations. At least 2,381 go to priority sectors and 750 priority spots are kept for Saskatchewan graduates.
- International Skilled Worker sub-categories include Employment Offer, Occupation In-Demand, Saskatchewan Express Entry, and the Health, Agriculture and Tech talent pathways.
- Saskatchewan Experience pathways for people already working in the province. Post-graduation work permit holders who studied outside Saskatchewan can no longer use these pathways.
- Employer-supported applications now go through the Employer Position Assessment.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- Alberta reported a 2026 allocation of about 6,600 nominations, after an extra 200 spaces were added in August 2026.
- Alberta Opportunity Stream for people working full time in Alberta in eligible jobs.
- Alberta Express Entry pathways, including accelerated tech and priority-sector draws.
- Rural Renewal, Tourism and Hospitality and Dedicated Health Care pathways.
- Alberta may send a Notification of Interest to Express Entry candidates whose profiles match its needs.
Start-up Visa
The Start-up Visa program stopped accepting new applications at 11:59 pm on December 31, 2025, and its optional work permit closed on December 19, 2025 (except extensions inside Canada). The Self-Employed Persons Program is also paused.
The Government of Canada has said it plans a new entrepreneur pilot. Until it opens, we can review other options with you, such as provincial entrepreneur streams or work-permit routes for business owners.
Family sponsorship
- Spouses, partners and dependent children: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can still sponsor them.
- Parents and grandparents: new applications to the Parents and Grandparents Program were paused on July 15, 2026.
- Super Visa: still open. Parents and grandparents can stay up to 5 years at a time on a visa valid for up to 10 years.
Study in Canada
- Canada's 2026 cap allows about 408,000 study permits. Saskatchewan's share is about 11,300 applications that need a provincial attestation letter.
- From January 1, 2026, master's and PhD students at public institutions do not need an attestation letter.
- Post-graduation work permit: apply within 180 days of finishing; English or French at CLB 7 for university and CLB 5 for college graduates; college programs must be in fields linked to job shortages.
Not sure which route fits you? Book a call and we will go through your options together.
Immigration FAQ
How many immigrants will Canada admit in 2026?
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets 380,000 new permanent residents in 2026, plus 230,000 temporary workers and 155,000 international students.
Is the Start-up Visa still open?
No. It stopped accepting new applications on December 31, 2025. The government has said a new entrepreneur pilot is planned.
Can I sponsor my parents in 2026?
New Parents and Grandparents Program applications were paused on July 15, 2026. The Super Visa is still available.
Does a job offer still help in Express Entry?
Since March 25, 2025, job offers no longer add CRS points, except for some physicians. A provincial nomination still adds 600 points.