A Message From Our President,

After a colder and rainier than usual spring, it looks like warm weather is on its way!!!

Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve as we move through 2026. Ongoing policy changes are affecting international students, workers, employers, entrepreneurs, refugee claimants, and families applying for permanent residence.

Immigration planning is becoming more complex as labour shortages, housing pressures, economic conditions, international events, and changing government priorities continue to shape immigration policy across the country. Staying informed and planning ahead is increasingly important—and we are here to help with professional advice and services at every stage.

At Solutions Immigration, we continue to support individuals, families, students, and businesses across a wide range of immigration matters. Our focus is on clear guidance, careful preparation, and practical strategies tailored to each client’s situation.

We appreciate your continued trust and remain available to assist you with any questions or immigration planning needs.

Cari Gombinsky

Express Entry Updates

Express Entry continues to evolve as the federal government reviews how economic immigration selection supports Canada’s labour market and economic needs.

Recent IRCC consultations have discussed possible changes that could place greater emphasis on higher-wage occupations, earning potential, valid job offers in certain skilled and targeted occupations, and regional priorities. Discussions have also included possible changes to how Canadian work experience and other factors are considered within the system.

Beyond selection factors, IRCC has also discussed the possibility of simplifying the current Express Entry system by replacing the existing Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program with a single economic immigration program.

While no formal changes have been announced, current discussions suggest that Express Entry selection priorities may continue to evolve. At Solutions Immigration Consulting, we continue monitoring these developments and assisting clients with long-term immigration planning.

Undeclared Family Members - Important Reminder

Under Canadian immigration rules, individuals who did not declare spouses or dependent children during earlier immigration applications may later face sponsorship restrictions. In certain refugee and family sponsorship situations, temporary public policies introduced in recent years have provided relief by allowing some previously undeclared family members to still be sponsored for permanent residence despite earlier disclosure issues.

Importantly, the current public policy is scheduled to apply only to sponsorship applications received up to September 10, 2026. At the time of writing, no extension beyond that date has been formally announced by the Government of Canada.

Individuals and families who may be affected should consider seeking professional advice as early as possible in order to better understand available options, timelines, and eligibility requirements before the current policy expires.

Business Immigration Programs

Business immigration programs across Canada continue to change, with several recent developments affecting entrepreneurs and investors considering options in Canada.

As of January 1, 2026, the federal Start-Up Visa Program has been paused for most new applicants, while the Self-Employed Persons Program remains paused. Ontario’s Entrepreneur Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) also remains inactive, and the province has not announced a reopening date. The federal government has indicated that it plans to introduce a new targeted entrepreneur pilot program in the future, although few details have been released so far.

Together, these changes suggest that immigration authorities are placing greater emphasis on active business operations, credible investment funds, and realistic business plans when assessing business immigration applications.

At Solutions Immigration Consulting, we continue working with business owners and investors to help them understand immigration options and prepare for future opportunities.

Temporary Resident (TR) to Permanent Resident (PR) Pathways

Recent federal announcements confirmed plans to accelerate permanent residence processing for up to 33,000 workers already living and working in Canada during 2026 and 2027. The initiative is intended to help address labour shortages in smaller communities across Canada. Current government information suggests the initiative will mainly focus on applicants already in existing immigration streams rather than a new public TR-to-PR pathway similar to the program introduced in 2021.

The announcements also reflect the federal government’s continued focus on regional immigration and retaining workers already established in Canada. At Solutions Immigration Consulting, we continue assisting temporary residents in understanding evolving immigration pathways and planning for permanent residence opportunities in Canada.