Canada enters 2026 with significant changes to its immigration system, impacting work permits, study visas, and pathways to permanent residence (PR).
It’s a year of opportunity for Nigerian workers, students and professionals already in Canada, but more competition and tougher requirements for those applying from outside Canada.
The country’s immigration system has become more selective and targeted, favoring those who already contribute to the economy and play a priority role. Success in 2026 will require strategic planning, awareness of program changes, and readiness to act quickly on opportunities.
Canadian employers will continue to benefit from retaining skilled temporary residents, while smaller communities in each province will have access to targeted immigration. Therefore, applicants need to plan their paths carefully, consider state programs, and maintain legal standing to navigate a system that increasingly prioritizes community contributions and essential skills.
Summing up the situation, Seyi Obasi, Canada’s advisor on study and work, said: “January 2026 brings big immigration news. While there are some reassurances for those already contributing to Canada’s workforce, there are also challenges. Understanding these changes is critical for anyone planning to live, work or study in Canada this year.”
Express Entry: Priority given to current employees
The Express Entry system launched in 2026 with the largest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw since the pandemic. On January 6, Canada added 110,000 additional economy class slots in a bid to clear backlogs and address labor shortages in critical sectors. Immigration.ca reports that IRCC also issued 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to CEC candidates. “This is encouraging for applicants who are already working in Canada. It shows that the government is prioritizing applicants who are contributing to the labor market,” Obasi said.
Observers expect more jobs to be added to health care workers, French speakers and other high-demand occupations in 2026.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is also expanding. “Local areas now have a bigger role to play, with quotas increasing by 66 percent to an all-time high of 91,500 people,” Obasi said. “Essentially, states are selecting immigrants based on local labor demand, rather than a broader federal lottery.” While competition for federal Express Entry remains strong, state flows offer opportunities in areas such as healthcare, STEM, skilled trades, and education.
Nigerians already in Canada with a work permit may benefit from an early invitation to apply for PR, potentially securing long-term status sooner. For employers, converting temporary workers into permanent residents can help retain skilled staff, especially in sectors suffering from labor shortages.
Also read: Canada simplifies study permit process for some international students
Regional and Atlantic programs: Opportunities outside the city
Canada is also expanding immigration beyond its metropolitan centers. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RCIP), launched in 2025, continues to provide a PR pathway for small communities in need of health, agricultural, trade and sales workers. “While smaller towns offer targeted opportunities with less competition, applicants should plan carefully as local nominations may have caps and expiration dates,” Obasi explained.
On its official government website, Alberta cited revised rural renewal streams under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, imposing a one-year cap on community approvals and requiring applicants to have a valid work permit. This ensures that key roles in the healthcare, construction and agri-food sectors are prioritized, while reducing the risk of applicants losing their legal status.
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) also reported a slight improvement in processing times, with application times reduced from an average of 37 months to 33 months. “If you are willing to move to Atlantic Canada, you could benefit from less competition and targeted labor demand, particularly in health care and trade,” Obasi said.
International student priorities
In November 2025, the Government of Canada announced a 50 per cent reduction in study permits over the next few years to reduce pressure on housing and local resources, with the aim of reducing temporary residents to less than 5 per cent of the total population by 2027. Universities in Ontario and British Columbia, which rely heavily on international tuition revenue, face possible program cuts and stricter admissions standards.
But Obasi highlighted the exception for graduate research students, saying, “Applicants for master’s and doctoral degrees at public universities are exempt from provincial caps and can expect fast processing, in some cases within two weeks. Canada is clearly trying to attract STEM talent and researchers, even as we reduce our overall student population.”
Temporary foreign workers: reduced quotas, extended processing
Canada is stricter about the entry of temporary foreign workers into the country. The Canadian government has released its 2026-2028 plan, aiming for 230,000 work-related arrivals in 2026, a decrease from the previous year. The number of jobs required by the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) will decrease to 60,000 in 2026 and further to 50,000 by 2028. Only about 170,000 people per year are exempt from the LMIA in international liquidity programs.
Processing times have increased in many countries. For example, average processing time in Nigeria has now increased from 8 weeks to 11 weeks. Obasi stressed that “applicants must submit complete applications to avoid further delays. Critical sectors, especially healthcare and agri-food, are being prioritized for faster processing.”
Ontario has also implemented legislative changes to assist new entrants. Employers can no longer require Canadian work experience in job postings, and out-of-province professional qualifications can now be accepted within 10 days. “This will reduce barriers for skilled Nigerians and other immigrants seeking employment,” Obasi said.
Latest information on tourist visas and Quebec
According to the Government of Canada, the introduction of a new visitor visa policy on January 5, 2026 will allow visitors to stay in Canada for longer periods of time without the need to repeatedly extend their visas. The statutory six-month limit remains in place, but border officials have been instructed to grant long-term stays if applicants can demonstrate sufficient funds and a clear plan to leave the country.
The changes are in response to long-standing concerns from families and tourism organizations that frequent extension requests are congesting IRCC’s workflow and discouraging long-distance travel. It also brings Canada in line with countries such as Australia and New Zealand, which typically allow authorized visitors to stay for up to 12 months.
Quebec has also set its own cap on study permits. The state has replaced the PEQ (Programme de l’expérience québécoise) fast-track system, which requires applicants to independently monitor the state’s regulations.
