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Changes to immigration policies in Canada represent both challenges and opportunities for businesses in 2026. By identifying opportunities and avoiding challenges, businesses can make the most of the True North as they expand, cater to new markets, and attract talent. Immigration is one of the most talked-about topics in the political world today, and Canada is certainly no exception. Some aspects of immigration are divisive and controversial, but other changes receive widespread bipartisan support. What will immigration look like in 2026? How can you take advantage of these changes? Could a business immigration lawyer in Canada help?
Canada’s “New Approach” to Immigration in 2026
The Liberals have announced a new immigration plan for 2026 and beyond. This plan focuses on filling labour gaps, especially in specific “key sectors.” The administration calls this strategy “sustainable” and “balanced,” which reflects a lower overall target for incoming temporary residents and “stabilized” numbers of new permanent residents.
64% of all immigration will involve “permanent economic immigration,” which is good news for businesses inside and outside of Canada. In contrast, Canada will admit almost 50% fewer foreign students and almost 40% fewer temporary workers compared to the previous year. The number of new permanent residents will effectively stay the same.
At face value, this may seem like a major reduction in new immigrants in Canada. However, one has to remember that during previous years, Canada welcomed a staggering number of permanent and temporary residents. Even with a reduction of 50% for some immigrants, the actual number of new people coming into Canada is still incredibly high for such a relatively small population.
Canada Names Key Sectors for Attracting Global Talent
For Canadian immigration authorities, the key sectors are emerging technologies, health care, and skilled trades. If you work in one of these fields, you are more likely to experience success as you pursue permanent residence in Canada. The government has specifically mentioned that it will consider graduate students.
If you have experience in one of these three fields, you could experience faster processing and a streamlined application process. You may also experience these benefits if you’re an entrepreneur with a startup that operates in one of these three fields.
Accelerated Permanent Residence for Certain Skilled Workers
In 2026 and 2027, certain skilled temporary workers will get a one-time opportunity to get permanent residence in Canada. In order to qualify, the workers must already be contributing to and working in Canadian communities. The government states that it will focus on rural areas for this specific initiative. 33,000 skilled temporary workers could transition to permanent residence under this program.
For businesses and global talent search firms, this initiative could help attract temporary foreign workers to Canada. If there is a chance to transition to permanent residence, an applicant may feel more confident about living in working in Canada on a temporary visa. These include skilled workers who are ready to put down permanent roots in Canada. However, search firms and businesses should remind these temporary workers that a transition to permanent residence is not guaranteed.
Canada Plans to Increase Its Supply of Doctors
Another trend for 2026 comes in the form of an increased push to attract foreign doctors. In December of 2025, the government of Canada announced details of this plan. Under this new approach, doctors will reportedly find it easier to pursue permanent residence in Canada. The government will facilitate this by adding a new “Express Entry” category for international doctors. Only one year of relevant work experience in Canada is required to qualify.
The government will reserve 5,000 permanent residency cards for foreign doctors who want to become permanent residents. The federal government notes that it will reserve these 5,000 spots in addition to any Provincial Nominee Programs that already target foreign doctors. The health care system is under enormous pressure in Canada, and the government obviously realizes that it desperately needs more foreign doctors.
Like the accelerated permanent residence program for certain temporary workers, this doctor-focused program may help health care organizations and global search firms attract new talent to come to Canada. A foreign doctor may be more willing to work in Canada if they know that their transition to permanent residence will be simple and accelerated after just one year of work experience.
Family Reunification Remains a Key Priority for Canada
Although the net number of new immigrants might decrease in the next few years, new arrivals to Canada should still find it relatively easy to bring their families to the True North. The Canadian government notes that family reunification remains a key priority for the country, which sees itself as a welcoming nation. Official statistics show that family-based immigration accounts for well over 20% of all immigration in Canada, and the government does not expect this to change.
This may be something worth stressing for foreign workers who want to live in Canada. While the economic opportunities in Canada may seem tempting, many skilled workers (especially older individuals) do not want to leave their loved ones behind. Because skilled workers should find it relatively easy to bring their family members to Canada, they may feel more confident about investing time and energy into their new careers in the True North.
Can a Canadian Business Immigration Lawyer in Canada Help in 2026?
If you are interested in learning more about immigration trends in 2026, it makes sense to continue this conversation with a Canadian immigration lawyer. These legal professionals stay up-to-date on the latest policies, programs, and opportunities within Canada. They are the first to know about these exciting new trends, and they pass their knowledge on to their clients. Whether your business needs to attract foreign talent or you’re a skilled worker pursuing a new life in Canada, you can discuss your options in more detail with Ackah Business Immigration Law. Contact us today at (587) 854-3866, or visit us online.
