Canadian Immigration News This Week (November 1–7, 2026)
It was one of the biggest weeks of the year. On November 3, Express Entry's new rules took effect and draws were paused for score recalculation; new asylum regulations also came into force. On November 4, the Canada Gazette published regulations making the Rural Community Immigration Program permanent. On November 5, the 2027–2029 levels plan held permanent resident admissions at 380,000 a year, with fewer Express Entry and more PNP spaces.
Express Entry: new rules and a pause
- From November 3, LMIA-supported job offers no longer earn points, and a new labour market factor is part of the CRS.
- IRCC paused draws while it recalculates profiles. No draws have been held since the October 28 transport draw (150 invitations, cut-off 477), and no restart date has been announced as of November 6.
More: the November 3 changes.
New asylum rules in force
From November 3, all asylum claims start with an online registration of intent, followed by an in-person appointment and a deadline to submit a complete application. The regulations (SOR/2026-218) and new Refugee Protection Division Rules (SOR/2026-219) were published on November 4.
RCIP is now permanent
SOR/2026-217 creates a permanent rural community immigration class. Communities can recommend candidates under the new program from January 1, 2027, and people with pilot recommendations must apply by June 30, 2027.
Penalties for unauthorized representatives
The same Gazette issue includes administrative penalties and consequences regulations under the immigration regulations (SOR/2026-220) and the citizenship regulations (SOR/2026-221). Check that anyone helping you is a licensed consultant, lawyer or notary.
The 2027–2029 levels plan
| Target each year | |
|---|---|
| Permanent residents | 380,000 |
| Express Entry (Federal High Skilled) | 100,000 (down from 111,000) |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 95,000 (up from 92,500) |
| New temporary residents | 370,000 |
Budget 2026 also announced a one-time path to PR for in-Canada temporary residents, reported at up to 200,000 people, but no criteria yet. Full breakdown: the 2027–2029 levels plan targets.
Provincial draws
BC's most recent Skills Immigration round was October 29 (772 invitations in the Innovate: High Economic Impact category). Check your province's official page for its latest rounds.
Every situation is different. GLC Immigration Consulting can help in three ways:
- Consultation: a one-on-one session with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, to review your situation and your options.
- Full representation: we prepare and submit your application and act as your authorized representative with IRCC, from start to finish.
- Pre-submission review: you prepare your own application, and we review it for errors, gaps and risks before you submit.
To request full representation or a pre-submission review, or for any other question, email us at hello@gradlifecanada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
Are Express Entry draws happening this week?
No. Draws have been paused since the November 3 rule changes, and the latest draw was on October 28, 2026.
What is the new immigration levels plan?
The 2027–2029 plan targets 380,000 permanent residents and 370,000 new temporary residents a year, with 100,000 Express Entry and 95,000 PNP spaces.
Is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot permanent now?
Yes. Regulations published November 4, 2026 made it a permanent program, with new recommendations starting January 1, 2027.
What changed for asylum claims?
From November 3, 2026, claims begin with an online registration of intent, then an in-person appointment and a deadline to submit a complete application.
Who can apply for the 200,000 temporary-to-permanent initiative?
No criteria have been published yet. Be wary of anyone offering a guaranteed spot.
Fact-checked: Sources: IRCC's 2027–2029 levels plan and Express Entry rounds; Canada Gazette, Part II, November 4, 2026; WelcomeBC invitations; budget details as reported by The Canadian Press. Information as of November 6, 2026. Verified November 6, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
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