A recent public opinion survey shows something surprising: immigration is no longer the main issue worrying Canadians. Instead, people are far more focused on everyday pressures like the economy, inflation, healthcare, and Canada’s relationship with the United States.
So does this mean Canada’s immigration system is finally slowing down?
Short answer: no.
Even though immigration is getting less political attention, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most change-heavy years for Canadian immigration in recent memory. New programs are coming, old ones are closing, rules are shifting, and how applications are assessed is evolving.
This simplified guide breaks down what’s changing, in plain language, and why it still matters if you’re planning your future in Canada.
What Canadians Are Worried About Now
According to a Nanos Research survey of over 1,000 Canadians conducted in late 2025, voters ranked their concerns as follows:
The economy and jobs ranked first.
Canada–US relations followed.
Inflation and cost of living came next.
Healthcare was close behind.
Immigration ranked lower than all of the above.
This shift tells us something important: immigration is no longer the political pressure point it once was, but that does not mean immigration policy is becoming relaxed or predictable.
In fact, the opposite is happening.
Why Immigration Changes Are Still Accelerating
Canada continues to face major labour shortages, an aging population, and pressure to stabilize temporary residents already inside the country. Because of this, the government is quietly restructuring how immigration works, rather than reducing it.
Instead of fewer immigrants, we are seeing:
More targeted immigration
More sector-specific programs
Stricter eligibility checks
Greater focus on in-Canada applicants
Below are the most important changes coming in 2026, explained simply.
New Permanent Residence Programs Are Coming
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is working on several new permanent residence (PR) pathways to replace programs that recently closed or were paused.
Agriculture and Fish Processing Workers
A new program is being developed for workers in farming and fish processing. It will likely include:
A dedicated work permit
A pathway to permanent residence
A focus on filling labour shortages in rural Canada
This program was announced in 2025, but has not launched yet. More details are expected in 2026.
New Entrepreneur Program
Canada shut down the Start-Up Visa Program and paused the Self-Employed Persons Program at the end of 2025. In their place, IRCC is planning a new entrepreneur pilot program.
While details are still limited, the goal is to:
Attract serious business owners
Reduce misuse of self-employment pathways
Focus on real economic contribution
Pathway for Refugee Students
IRCC is also creating a new permanent residence option for refugee students, inspired by the successful Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot.
This program was supposed to launch before the end of 2025 but has been delayed. It is expected to open in 2026.
Pathway for Out-of-Status Construction Workers
Canada plans to regularize up to 6,000 construction workers who are already in the country but lack valid status.
This pathway aims to:
Restore legal status
Fill construction labour shortages
Offer permanent residence to workers already contributing to Canada
No official launch date or eligibility rules have been announced yet.
Fast-Track PR for US H-1B Visa Holders
Canada plans to introduce an accelerated permanent residence pathway for US H-1B visa holders.
This is designed to attract highly skilled professionals working in:
Healthcare
Research
Technology and advanced industries
The government says this pathway should launch sometime in 2026.
Big Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
If you’re an international student, this part is critical.
Canada is updating the list of study programs that qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
In 2025:
119 new study fields were added
178 fields were scheduled for removal
The removals were postponed until early 2026.
This means:
Some students who qualify today may not qualify later
PGWP eligibility will depend heavily on your field of study
Most impacts apply to programs below the bachelor’s level
If your long-term goal is permanent residence, choosing the wrong program could block your pathway entirely.
Major Changes to Job Classification (NOC System)
Canada is revising its job classification system, known as the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
This matters because:
Immigration programs assess your job based on NOC codes
Eligibility often depends on matching duties correctly
Some occupations may be reclassified
The 2026 revision will affect:
Healthcare roles
Science and research jobs
Education and emergency services
Indigenous-related occupations
Candidates may need to re-evaluate how their job duties match the new descriptions, especially for Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.
New Express Entry Categories May Be Introduced
IRCC has consulted the public on adding three new Express Entry categories:
Senior leadership and management
Research and innovation
National security and defence
If introduced, these categories would allow Canada to invite candidates based on specific skills rather than just CRS scores.
No final decision has been announced yet, but updates are expected in 2026.
Bill C-12: Stronger Government Control Over Immigration
Bill C-12 is expected to become law in 2026.
If passed, it would allow the government to:
Pause or stop accepting applications
Cancel applications already in progress
Change conditions for visas and permits
This applies to permanent residence, work permits, study permits, visitor visas, and even PR cards.
This means immigration decisions may become faster, but also more unpredictable.
Canada Is Prioritizing People Already Inside the Country
One of the clearest trends is Canada’s shift toward in-Canada applicants.
This includes:
Higher Provincial Nominee Program targets
Express Entry draws focused on Canadian work experience
Special pathways for doctors and high-demand workers
Transitioning temporary workers and protected persons to PR
For many applicants outside Canada, this means strategy matters more than ever.
What This Means for You
Immigration may not dominate headlines anymore, but the rules are changing faster, not slower.
Success in 2026 will depend on:
Accurate documentation
Correct job classification
Choosing the right study or work pathway
Long-term planning, not shortcuts
Is Canada reducing immigration because public concern is lower?
No. Canada is restructuring immigration, not reducing it. The focus is shifting to targeted and in-Canada applicants.
Will it be easier or harder to immigrate in 2026?
It will be more selective. Strong profiles will benefit, but mistakes and weak documentation will be penalized.
Should international students still rely on PGWP for PR?
Yes, but only if the study program is eligible. This requires careful planning before applying.
Are new programs guaranteed to open?
No program is guaranteed until officially launched. Planning based on assumptions can be risky.
Do NOC changes affect existing applications?
They can. Applicants may need to reassess how their work experience aligns with updated job descriptions.
Final Thought
Immigration is no longer Canada’s loudest political issue, but behind the scenes, the system is being rebuilt. For applicants, this is not the time for guesswork or outdated advice. It is the time for clarity, accuracy, and informed strategy.
For guidance tailored to your situation, Ask Kubeir helps you navigate immigration changes with confidence and compliance.
