Canada Immigration Update September 2026: 7 Powerful Changes

Canada Immigration Update September 2026: Study Permit Funds Increase

One of the most important changes taking effect this month affects international students.

For study-permit applications made on or after 1 September 2026, students applying to provinces and territories outside Quebec must demonstrate higher living-expense funds.

The required amount is separate from tuition fees and transportation costs.

For a single applicant, the amount increased from CAD $22,895 to CAD $23,448.

Students should therefore review their financial documentation carefully before submitting a new application.

Latest Express Entry Draws in September 2026

Express Entry has remained highly active in September, with multiple invitation rounds targeting different groups of candidates.

The 4 September healthcare and social-services draw was particularly significant because IRCC issued 3,500 invitations.

These invitation rounds are not new visa categories. They operate under Canada’s existing Express Entry category-based selection framework.

Who Should Pay Attention?

• Healthcare professionals
• Social-services professionals
• Candidates with Canadian work experience
• Eligible physicians with Canadian work experience
• Applicants preparing an Express Entry profile

Canada PR Fees: Important 2026 Changes

Canada also updated several permanent-residence application fees during 2026.

The revised charges apply to applications received on or after 30 April 2026.

Applicants should always verify the applicable government fee before submitting an application because fees can change independently of eligibility requirements.

Canada Immigration Levels 2026: What the Numbers Show

Canada’s current immigration strategy is also focused on managing the number of temporary residents while maintaining permanent immigration levels.

Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada is targeting approximately:

• 380,000 permanent residents in 2026
• 385,000 temporary-resident arrivals in 2026
• Approximately 230,000 workers within the temporary-resident target
• Approximately 155,000 students within the temporary-resident target

The temporary-resident target is planned to fall further in 2027.

Canada Immigration Backlog: Latest Numbers

IRCC’s latest available inventory data provides an important picture of the number of applications still awaiting finalisation.

The figures below are based on data available as of 30 June 2026, rather than a real-time 6 September snapshot.

IRCC reported that approximately 79% of Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class applications received decisions within the six-month service standard during the July 2025–June 2026 period.

Family Sponsorship: Parents and Grandparents Program Remains Paused

Family sponsorship continues to be an important part of Canadian immigration, but applicants should pay close attention to the current intake restrictions.

Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program remains paused for new applications.

IRCC announced the pause on 15 July 2026 and confirmed that existing applications would continue to be processed.

Canada plans to admit up to 15,000 people through the PGP in 2026.

This is a current 2026 policy, but it was not newly introduced during 1–6 September.

Hong Kong Permanent Residence Pathways Closed to New Applications

Canada’s special temporary Hong Kong permanent-residence pathways stopped accepting new applications on 31 August 2026.

This means the closure occurred immediately before September and remains highly relevant to applicants reviewing Canada’s current immigration options.

Applications submitted by the deadline continue to be processed according to the applicable rules.

As of 30 June 2026, approximately 30,315 applications had been received, representing approximately 48,560 people.

More than 8,600 applications, representing around 13,485 people, had been approved by that point.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program: What Employers Should Know

There was no new nationwide salary threshold confirmed during 1–6 September 2026 that changes Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program across the board.

However, existing TFWP restrictions remain important for employers.

• Low-wage positions can be subject to workforce caps.
• Some sectors and occupations can have different applicable cap rules.
• LMIA applications can face restrictions in metropolitan areas with elevated unemployment.
• Employers must meet the applicable wage requirements for the position and location.
• Additional requirements may apply depending on the stream and occupation.

A temporary measure also allows eligible employers in participating rural areas to use a 15% low-wage cap instead of the general 10% cap during the applicable 2026–27 period.

What Does the Canada Immigration Update September 2026 Mean for You?

For Skilled Workers

• Check whether your profile fits an Express Entry category.
• Review your CRS score before relying on a particular draw.
• Keep language test and education documents current.
• Assess Canadian work experience carefully where applicable.
• Monitor category-based invitation rounds.

For International Students

• Prepare for the new CAD $23,448 minimum living-expense requirement for one applicant outside Quebec.
• Remember that tuition and transportation costs are separate.
• Keep financial documentation consistent and well supported.
• Check current study-permit requirements before submitting an application.

For Families

• Understand the current status of the Parents and Grandparents Program.
• Plan around processing times and annual immigration spaces.
• Review current sponsorship fees.
• Consider available temporary alternatives where appropriate.

Canada Immigration Processing Times in 2026

Canada’s processing times vary by application type, location and individual circumstances.

IRCC publishes estimated processing times based on application data, but these figures are not guaranteed decision dates.

For economic immigration, the six-month service standard remains an important benchmark for Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class applications.

Family applications can take considerably longer, with spouse, partner and child applications outside Quebec having recently shown processing periods of approximately 14 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Immigration Update September 2026

Click on any question to see the answer.

What is the biggest Canada immigration change in September 2026?

One of the most important changes is the increase in the study-permit financial requirement effective 1 September 2026. A single student applying outside Quebec must demonstrate CAD $23,448 in annual living-expense funds, excluding tuition and transportation.

How much proof of funds does a student need for Canada in 2026?

From 1 September 2026, a single applicant outside Quebec needs CAD $23,448 for annual living expenses. Higher amounts apply depending on the number of accompanying family members.

What were the latest Express Entry draws in September 2026?

Recent rounds included a Canadian Experience Class draw on 1 September, a physicians-with-Canadian-work-experience draw on 3 September and a healthcare and social-services draw on 4 September 2026.

How many healthcare workers were invited in the latest September draw?

On 4 September 2026, Canada invited 3,500 candidates through the Healthcare and Social Services category, with a CRS cut-off of 475.

Did Canada increase immigration fees in 2026?

Yes. Several permanent-residence application fees changed effective 30 April 2026. Applicants should verify the applicable fee before submitting their application.

Is the Parents and Grandparents Program open in September 2026?

No. IRCC has paused new intake for the Parents and Grandparents Program. Existing applications continue to be processed.

Can I still apply through the Hong Kong PR pathway?

No. The temporary Hong Kong permanent-residence pathways stopped accepting new applications on 31 August 2026. Applications submitted by the deadline continue to be processed.

What is Canada’s immigration target for 2026?

Canada’s 2026 plan targets approximately 380,000 permanent residents. The temporary-resident target is approximately 385,000 arrivals, including workers and students.

What is the current Canada immigration backlog?

As of 30 June 2026, IRCC reported 401,280 temporary-residence applications and 249,555 economic permanent-residence applications that had not yet been finalized. These are June figures, not a live September backlog count.

Does Canada still have Express Entry opportunities in 2026?

Yes. Canada continues to conduct Express Entry invitation rounds, including category-based selections and Canadian Experience Class draws. Eligibility and CRS requirements depend on the specific round.

Final Takeaway

The latest Canada Immigration Update September 2026 shows that Canada continues to balance economic immigration with tighter management of temporary residents.

For students, the biggest immediate change is the higher financial requirement that took effect on 1 September 2026. For skilled workers, the latest Express Entry rounds show continued opportunities in healthcare, social services and other targeted categories.

At the same time, applicants should remain aware of updated fees, immigration inventory levels, family sponsorship restrictions and the closure of specific temporary pathways.

Canada immigration rules can change quickly. Checking the current requirements before submitting an application is essential for making an informed immigration decision.