A Message From Our President,

Keeping up with Canadian immigration news isn't always easy. Rules and programs change, and it can be difficult to understand what these changes mean for you and your family.

In this newsletter, we've chosen a few updates to highlight and explain in everyday language. Whether you're already in Canada, planning your next step, or helping a family member, we hope you find this information useful.

Please remember that every individual's situation is different. If you have questions about an immigration matter or need help understanding your personal options, please contact us. We're here to help you understand the process and the steps that may be available to you.

Cari Gombinsky

Express Entry: Major Changes Coming November 3

Recent Express Entry draws show that the Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) needed to receive an invitation to apply for PR can vary considerably. For example, while recent Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws have typically required CRS scores around 520, some candidates in targeted categories, such as French-language speakers and certain senior managers, have received invitations with scores below 400. In a particularly striking example, a September 3^rd draw invited 229 physicians with Canadian work experience with a minimum score of just 198. These lower scores apply only to candidates who meet the requirements of the specific category; they do not apply to Express Entry candidates generally.

On October16, 2026 the government announced important changes to the Express Entry program that will take effect on November 3^rd including the following: Candidates may receive additional CRS points for eligible Canadian work experience in certain high-wage occupations, or for a qualifying job offer in one of these occupations. Depending on the occupation's wage level,  20, 40 or 70 additional points will be applied for Canadian work experience, while 50, 70 or 100 for a qualifying job offer. The wage level is based on the typical earnings for the occupation across Canada, not simply the salary an individual earns.  Please note that you cannot combine the points from the Canadian work experience option and the job-offer option. IRCC will use whichever option gives you the higher score.

Another important change concerns job offers and LMIAs. From November 3^rd, an LMIA will no longer be required for qualifying job offers used to meet the job-offer requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades Program, or to receive the additional CRS points noted above. However, the job offer must still meet IRCC's requirements, and only qualifying offers in eligible high-wage occupations will receive the new points.

If you already have an Express Entry profile, IRCC has indicated that your score will be recalculated automatically under the new system, which may take up to two weeks. Invitation rounds will be paused during this period. To receive points for a qualifying job offer, you must make sure the required information is included in your profile before November 3^rd.

These changes could affect how competitive your Express Entry profile is, particularly if you have Canadian work experience or a job offer in an eligible occupation. At Solutions Immigration, we can help you review your profile, understand how the new rules may affect your score and explore the options that may be available to you to increase your chances of success.

Read more: IRCC announcement: Changes to Express Entry

More details: Details of the new points system and job-offer rules

Changes to the Online Refugee Claim Process 

Starting November 3, 2026, IRCC is changing its online process for refugee claims. If you have started an application in the IRCC Portal but have not submitted it by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on November 2, 2026^, your personal information will be saved, but you will need to review your previous responses and answer some additional questions. If your application is submitted before the deadline, you will not need to provide new information unless specifically asked to do so by the IRCC.

If CBSA has asked you to complete your claim online, it is recommended (when possible) that your claim be linked to your IRCC Portal account and submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on November 2^nd to avoid the extra steps under the new process.

The refugee claim process is very complex, and mistakes or missing information can cause significant issues. If you have already started a claim or need help understanding the process, Solutions Immigration can explain the requirements, review your situation and assist with preparing and submitting your application. We are here to help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions

Read more: IRCC: Claiming asylum from within Canada

For border claims: IRCC: If CBSA asks you to complete your claim online

Work Permit Holders: You May Be Able to Study Without a Study Permit

On September 9, 2026, the government announced a temporary measure allowing eligible work permit holders to study in Canada for up to six months without applying for a separate study permit. The measure took effect on September 4th and is scheduled to remain in place until December 31, 2027.

To qualify, you must have a valid work permit, and your course must not be longer than six months. You are permitted to study only until your course ends or your work permit expires, whichever comes first. Simply applying to extend your work permit does not allow you to continue studying under this measure if your current permit expires.

This could be a useful opportunity for workers who want to upgrade their skills or take a short training course while in Canada. However, the rules have specific conditions, so it is very important to check the official requirements before enrolling in any course. At Solutions Immigration, we can help you understand whether this temporary change is applicable to your situation.

Read more: IRCC: Public policy allowing some work permit holders to study without a study permit

Ontario Immigration News: Two Updates for People Considering Ontario

The following updates relate specifically to Ontario's provincial immigration program. They may be helpful if you are considering settling in Ontario, but they do not apply to all immigration applicants.

• More immigration opportunities in selected Ontario communities: Ontario is continuing its  Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative through the end of 2027. The program gives selected communities additional opportunities to attract skilled workers who can help meet local employment needs. Participating areas include Greater Sudbury, Kenora, Nipissing, Rainy River, Renfrew County and Thunder Bay. People interested in these communities must still qualify under Ontario's Immigrant Nominee Program. Read Ontario's official update.

• Higher earnings can mean more points under Ontario's Workforce Priority Stream: Ontario has increased the points available for candidates whose past Canadian earnings were higher. If your CRA Notice of Assessment shows earnings of at least $80,000 in any one year during the past five years, you can now receive 10 points for this factor. These are points in Ontario's provincial selection system, not Express Entry CRS points. Read Ontario's official update.