Key Takeaways:
- The Canadian government is expected to make significant changes to its immigration system in 2026, including new pathways to permanent residence and tighter eligibility for work permits.
- The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores for Canadian Experience Class draws are predicted to fall in 2026, with the highest score being 535 and the lowest being 495.
- In-Canada applicants are expected to receive greater preference through more "in-Canada" categories and heavier CEC draws.
- Provincial immigration is predicted to become more targeted, with provinces prioritizing candidates from specific in-demand occupations.
- The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is expected to further tighten eligibility in 2026, with higher wage thresholds and more "do-not-process" zones.
- A new pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs is expected to be announced in May-June 2026, with a small intake of 1,500-3,000 principal applicants.
Introduction to Canadian Immigration Changes
In 2026, the Canadian government is expected to make numerous announcements regarding its immigration system. These changes are expected to include new pathways to permanent residence, tighter eligibility for work permits, and updates to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). To gain insight into these potential changes, we used ChatGPT 5.2 to make predictions about Canadian immigration in 2026. We asked the AI 14 questions across a range of immigration topics and instructed it to provide specific answers, including numbers and specific months when changes would come into effect.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Predictions
According to the AI, CRS cut-off scores for Canadian Experience Class draws will fall in 2026, with the highest score being 535 and the lowest being 495. The AI attributes this to the removal of points for arranged employment and the prioritization of in-Canada applicants. However, it is essential to note that these numbers are speculative, and various factors can influence CRS cut-off scores, including large influxes of people into the Express Entry pool and existing candidates leaving the country to gain foreign work experience.
In-Canada Applicants and Provincial Immigration
The AI predicts that in-Canada applicants will receive greater preference through more "in-Canada" categories and heavier CEC draws. The AI also predicts that provincial immigration will become more targeted, with provinces prioritizing candidates from specific in-demand occupations. However, it is worth noting that the most recent Immigration Levels Plan announced plans to accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 temporary residents to permanent status, which the AI failed to mention.
Express Entry Categories and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The AI predicts that Express Entry categories will be paused, and new categories will launch in 2026. The AI believes that the STEM category will be paused, and the Agriculture and agri-food category will be removed. The AI also predicts that two new categories will be introduced: Construction/Housing Delivery and Critical Infrastructure & Energy Transition. Additionally, the AI predicts that the TFWP will further tighten eligibility in 2026, with higher wage thresholds and more "do-not-process" zones.
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience and Immigration Levels Plan
The AI predicts that the first draw for the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category will be in February or March 2026. The AI also predicts that the next Immigration Levels Plan will keep future permanent resident admissions in line with the current plan, with notional targets increasing in 2029. The AI predicts that the targets for PR admissions in the next Immigration Levels Plan will be 380,000 in 2027 and 2028, and 395,000 in 2029.
Immigrant Entrepreneurs and Conclusion
The AI predicts that a new pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs will be announced in May-June 2026, with a small intake of 1,500-3,000 principal applicants. The AI also predicts that the program will have faster PR decisions for founders already operating in Canada. In conclusion, the Canadian government is expected to make significant changes to its immigration system in 2026. While the AI’s predictions provide insight into these potential changes, it is essential to note that these predictions are speculative, and final decisions will be made at the discretion of the Canadian government.
