Immigrate to Canada in 2026: what you need to know
Despite the numerous immigration changes introduced in 2025, including restrictive measures and the suspension of several programs, particularly in Quebec, there are still pathways to immigrate to Canada in 2026, whether for a temporary stay or for permanent settlement.
Immetis provides an overview of the different options that may be available to you this year.
Settling temporarily in Canada
Work in Canada in 2026
To work or even complete an internship in Canada, you must obtain a work permit. In most cases, a signed job offer is required before beginning the process, although some programs provide exceptions.
The two types of work permits
There are two types of work permits: a “closed” work permit and an “open” work permit.
1- Closed work permit
A “closed” work permit is tied to a single unique employer, a specific position, and a defined work location. As a result, any change of employer requires a new work permit application.
This type of permit is often issued under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which requires the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Current restrictions affecting the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), particularly LMIA applications
The employment conditions established by the employer, including salary and work location, determine whether a work permit can be obtained and its duration.
For a position paid below the median wage ($34.62/hour in Quebec), the work location is a decisive factor. If the job is located in a region where the unemployment rate is above 6%, it will not be possible to obtain a work permit. Conversely, if the unemployment rate is below 6%, the work permit issued will be limited to a duration of one year.
Furthermore, positions paid above the median wage are not affected by these restrictions. In addition, the International Mobility Program (IMP), which is not impacted by these measures, also allows employers to obtain a closed work permit.
Open work permit
Unlike a closed work permit, an open work permit is not tied to a specific employer. It allows you to work for any employer and to change jobs freely.
This work permit is not affected by the current restrictions but remains more difficult to obtain.
It is accessible through certain programs, particularly the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, under the Working Holiday Permit (WHP) category.
The other categories of the program allow applicants to obtain a closed work permit, but with simplified procedures for the employer: Young Professionals and International Co‑op Internship.
Note:
Only eligible nationals may participate. To qualify, applicants must meet several criteria, including being a citizen of a partner country and meeting the age requirement (under 30 or 35 years old depending on nationality).
The IEC pools for the 2026 season are open, and the first invitations were issued during the week of January 19, 2026.
Study in Canada in 2026
To study in Canada, you must obtain a study permit. Before beginning your application, you must be admitted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). After that, you are required to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or a Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL).
In Quebec, you must obtain a Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before applying for a study permit.
Restrictive measures in Quebec
Quebec now applies a maximum CAQ quota per institution for vocational, college, and university study levels. These quotas may limit admissions, particularly for schools that welcome a large number of international students.
For a fall intake, it is recommended to begin your process as soon as you receive your acceptance from an institution, or no later than in the spring. This helps avoid any surprises related to processing times.
Settle permanently: obtaining permanent residence in 2026
Permanent residence is the status that allows you to live, work, and study in Canada without any time limitations. It grants the same rights as a Canadian citizen, with the exception of the right to vote. The status is also the mandatory step before obtaining Canadian citizenship.
It can be obtained after holding temporary status, or directly from outside Canada.
Settle in Quebec
Traditionally, two programs provided access to permanent residence in Quebec:
Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP), known as ‘ARRIMA,’ became the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) on November 29, 2024.
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), which included two streams — one for skilled workers, suspended in June 2025, and another for Quebec graduates, suspended in November 2024 — was abolished on November 19, 2025.
This makes the PSTQ the main, and even the only, pathway to permanent residence for most applicants.
The PSTQ operates on a points‑based system with invitations to apply. Its structure is very similar to Express Entry.
The program prioritizes francophone candidates, those who have studied or worked in Quebec, and applicants with skilled or in‑demand occupations.
As a result, it is difficult for someone who has never been to Quebec to receive an invitation under the PSTQ from abroad.
Entrepreneurship in Quebec
Quebec offers three programs for business people: investors, entrepreneurs, and self‑employed.
Within the Entrepreneur Program, three streams exist: innovative business, business start‑up, and business takeover.
To be eligible, the applicant must meet several general criteria, such as being an adult and a French speaker. They must also hold a high school or vocational diploma and demonstrate significant financial assets.
Furthermore, these programs remain the only options currently accessible from outside Canada to obtain permanent residence in Quebec.
Settle in Canada, outside Quebec
For many years, Quebec was a preferred destination for many French‑speaking immigrants. Now, with increased restrictions and the elimination of several programs, many candidates are considering other provinces as pathways for immigrating to Canada.
Express Entry is one of the fastest pathways to obtaining permanent residence outside Quebec. It includes three programs and operates on a points‑based system with rounds of invitations.
Your score depends on several factors, such as your age, level of education, work experience, as well as your language skills (French and/or English).
There are also targeted draws, particularly for in‑demand occupations, skilled trades, and francophone candidates. As a result, these draws significantly increase the chances of receiving an invitation.
Looking for guidance?
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