7 Canada Immigration Changes in November 2026: Express Entry, CRS and LMIA Rules
November 2026 is bringing several important developments to Canada’s immigration system, and some could directly affect people planning to apply for permanent residence, extend their work permits, or travel across the Canadian border. From changes to Express Entry scoring and stronger penalties for immigration fraud to revised border procedures, the month has several important dates applicants should keep in mind.
The federal government is also expected to present its next Immigration Levels Plan, which will outline Canada’s permanent and temporary resident targets for 2027 to 2029. Understanding which changes have already taken effect, which are scheduled for November, and which are still awaiting confirmation can help applicants and employers avoid unnecessary complications.
1. Canada’s New Immigration Levels Plan for 2027–2029 Expected in November
One of the biggest developments expected in November is the federal government’s next Immigration Levels Plan, covering the period from 2027 to 2029. This document is important because it sets out how many permanent residents Canada intends to admit and provides direction for temporary immigration programs, including international students and foreign workers. Its targets also help explain which immigration pathways may receive greater attention in the coming years.
Under the existing 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada has set a target of 380,000 permanent resident admissions annually and 370,000 new temporary resident arrivals in each of 2027 and 2028. The new plan is expected to confirm or revise the existing targets for 2027 and 2028 while introducing Canada’s first official permanent resident admission target for 2029.
The upcoming announcement is also expected to provide further details about allocations across major immigration categories, including:
- Express Entry and other economic immigration pathways.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Family sponsorship.
- Temporary foreign workers.
- International students.
- Canada’s approach to managing the temporary resident population.
The Immigration Levels Plan matters because admission targets can influence the direction of future immigration policy. However, an increase or decrease in the overall target does not automatically mean that every applicant will have a better or worse chance of receiving permanent residence. Individual program eligibility, selection priorities and available invitations will continue to matter.
What applicants should watch: Pay attention to the allocation of permanent residence admissions between economic immigration, provincial nominations and family sponsorship. These figures can provide useful insight into the federal government’s priorities for the next three years.
The government has indicated that the 2027–2029 plan will be tabled during the fall 2026 parliamentary session. An exact release date was not specified in the source announcement.
2. Express Entry Introduces a New CRS Scoring Factor Starting November 3
Express Entry candidates are facing an important change on November 3, 2026, when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduces a new Labour Market Integration factor into the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
This change is designed to give additional recognition to candidates whose Canadian work experience or qualifying job offers are connected to high-wage occupations. It introduces a new way of assessing how candidates fit into Canada’s labour market, rather than relying only on the existing CRS factors.
The new factor can provide a maximum of:
- 150 additional CRS points for candidates without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner.
- 140 additional CRS points for candidates with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner.
Candidates may qualify through one of two routes. The first considers eligible Canadian work experience, including the duration of that experience and the wage level associated with the occupation. The second considers qualifying job offers in designated high-wage occupations.
How the New Labour Market Integration Points Will Work
The two routes have different scoring structures. Candidates who qualify under both will receive points through whichever route provides the higher result. The points from Canadian work experience and a qualifying job offer will not be added together.
Route 1: Canadian work experience in high-wage occupations
Candidates with at least 12 months of eligible Canadian work experience may receive additional points depending on the wage level of their occupation.
| Occupational wage level | Additional CRS points |
|---|---|
| At least 2 times the median wage | 70 |
| At least 1.5 times the median wage | 40 |
| At least 1.3 times the median wage | 20 |
These additional points are separate from the regular CRS points awarded for the duration of eligible Canadian work experience. The existing work experience component can provide up to 80 points for five years of experience. When the new high-wage points are included, qualifying candidates could receive up to 150 points for Canadian work experience.
Route 2: Qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations
Candidates with qualifying job offers may also receive additional CRS points based on the occupation’s wage level.
| Job offer wage level | Additional CRS points |
|---|---|
| At least 2 times the median wage | 100 |
| At least 1.5 times the median wage | 70 |
| At least 1.3 times the median wage | 50 |
A qualifying job offer must generally involve full-time, continuous employment in Canada for at least one year after the candidate becomes a permanent resident.
Express Entry Invitation Rounds Will Be Temporarily Paused
The introduction of the new scoring factor also means that IRCC will temporarily suspend Express Entry invitation rounds while it recalculates the CRS scores of candidates already in the pool.
The recalculation process may take up to two weeks after November 3. If the process follows that timeline, the next invitation round could resume around November 17, 2026, at the earliest. However, this is an expected timeframe, not a confirmed draw date.
Candidates should understand that the pause does not mean their existing Express Entry profiles will automatically be deleted. The purpose is to update scores under the incoming system.
What Express Entry Candidates Should Do Now
Candidates should review their profiles and make sure their employment information, Canadian work experience and qualifying job offer details are accurate before the new rules begin. This is particularly relevant for people who may become eligible for additional points through high-wage occupations.
Another important point is that receiving additional CRS points does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Candidates must still meet the applicable program requirements and achieve a competitive score for the relevant invitation round.
3. New Immigration Fraud Penalties Can Reach $1.5 Million
Canada is introducing stronger financial penalties for immigration and citizenship representatives involved in unauthorized paid representation or specified forms of deliberate misrepresentation.
The new administrative monetary penalty regulations came into force on October 28, 2026, with formal publication of the final regulations in the Canada Gazette scheduled for November 4.
These measures apply to unauthorized representatives as well as licensed professionals who commit the specified violations. They can also apply to representatives operating outside Canada.
The penalty structure includes:
| Violation | Financial penalty |
|---|---|
| Unauthorized paid immigration representation | $5,000 per violation |
| Specified deliberate misrepresentation violations | $15,000 per instance |
| Maximum cumulative penalties for multiple or repeated violations | Up to $1.5 million |
The maximum amount is particularly significant because repeated or multiple violations can result in substantial financial consequences.
IRCC also plans to introduce a publicly accessible online registry containing information about immigration representatives who have been penalized. This registry is expected to launch in 2027.
How Immigration Applicants Can Protect Themselves
Immigration fraud can create serious problems for applicants, particularly when someone promises guaranteed permanent residence, a guaranteed work permit or special access to IRCC officials.
Before hiring an immigration representative, applicants should:
- Check whether the consultant is authorized through the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
- If working with a lawyer, verify their membership with the relevant Canadian law society.
- Request a written service agreement explaining the services and fees.
- Keep copies of payment receipts, application documents and communications.
- Avoid representatives who guarantee approval or encourage applicants to submit false information.
One practical point worth remembering is that an immigration representative cannot guarantee an IRCC decision. Even a licensed professional must follow immigration laws and provide accurate information when handling a client’s application.
4. Canada Changes Operating Hours at 26 Canada–US Border Crossings
People travelling between Canada and the United States should pay attention to revised operating hours at several land border crossings beginning November 1, 2026.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is adjusting schedules at 26 land ports of entry across three provinces: British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. These changes are connected to British Columbia’s adoption of permanent daylight saving time and the need to maintain coordination with neighbouring US border facilities.
The distribution of affected crossings is as follows:
| Province | Number of affected crossings |
|---|---|
| British Columbia | 9 |
| Alberta | 4 |
| Manitoba | 13 |
| Total | 26 |
The revised schedules generally remain in effect until March 14, 2027.
These adjustments are particularly relevant to people who regularly use smaller or less busy border crossings. Unlike major international ports, smaller crossings may have limited operating hours, so arriving outside the scheduled period could disrupt travel plans.
What Should Travellers Do?
Before travelling, check the operating schedule of the specific border crossing you intend to use. The CBSA maintains an online directory containing information about its offices and services, including operating hours.
Travellers should also remember that passenger and commercial vehicle schedules may differ at the same crossing. If you are transporting goods or travelling for business, check the relevant commercial operating hours rather than assuming they match passenger services.
Practical takeaway: Do not rely on the operating hours you remember from an earlier visit. Check the current CBSA schedule before leaving, particularly if your journey depends on a smaller crossing in British Columbia, Alberta or Manitoba.
5. Remote Area Border Crossing Permits Will Expire on November 30
Another important border-related change affects people who use Canada’s Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program. This program has allowed eligible travellers to enter Canada through certain remote areas without having to report physically to a staffed port of entry.
However, the existing system is being replaced with new reporting arrangements.
According to the Canada Border Services Agency, all existing RABC permits will remain valid until 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2026. From December 1, 2026, travellers entering Canada through the affected remote areas will have to follow the new reporting requirements.
These changes apply to designated remote locations in northern Ontario and the Northwest Angle area leading into southern Manitoba.
What Happens After November 30?
Once the current permits expire, travellers will need to report to CBSA using one of the designated methods:
- Report in person at a Canadian port of entry.
- Use a designated telephone reporting site.
The change will affect people who regularly travel through remote border areas, including cottagers, anglers, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts who have previously relied on RABC permits.
For these travellers, the main concern is planning. A person who has used the same remote crossing for years may need to change their route or arrange a different reporting method before entering Canada.
If you currently hold an RABC permit, review your upcoming travel plans rather than assuming the permit will continue working after November.
You should also check whether your usual crossing is covered by the new reporting arrangements and identify the appropriate reporting facility before travelling.
6. IRCC Removes the 90-Day Waiting Limit for Certain Pending LMIA Work Permit Applications
Temporary foreign workers in Canada who are waiting for an employer’s Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) decision may also be affected by an important procedural change introduced in October.
On October 28, 2026, IRCC updated its instructions concerning certain work permit applications submitted from inside Canada while an employer’s LMIA application is still being processed.
Previously, immigration officers could hold eligible applications for a maximum of 90 days while waiting for Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to make a decision on the LMIA.
Under the updated instructions described in the announcement, officers must hold qualifying applications until ESDC reaches a final decision. The previous administrative 90-day waiting limit has been removed.
This is relevant because an employer’s LMIA decision may take longer than expected, creating uncertainty for workers whose existing permits are approaching their expiry dates.
Who May Benefit From This Change?
The updated instructions generally apply to applicants who meet the relevant concurrent-processing conditions, including:
- Their existing work permit expires within two weeks.
- Their employer has already submitted a complete LMIA application sufficiently in advance.
- The LMIA decision is still pending.
- They are applying from inside Canada under the applicable concurrent-processing rules.
Where a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) is required, officers must also wait for the relevant CAQ before making a final work permit decision.
Does This Mean Workers Can Continue Working While Waiting?
There is an important distinction between an application being held for a pending LMIA decision and the applicant’s authorization to work.
Eligible applicants who submit a qualifying work permit extension application before their current permit expires may benefit from maintained status. Under the applicable conditions, they may continue working while IRCC processes their application.
However, maintained status is not automatic permission for every applicant to work in every situation. The person’s previous work authorization, application type and compliance with the applicable conditions all matter.
For example, a worker with an employer-specific permit should not assume that they can freely change employers simply because an extension application is pending.
Does the Change Remove the LMIA Requirement?
No. This is one of the most important points to understand.
The removal of the 90-day administrative waiting limit does not eliminate the LMIA requirement for work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Employers must still follow the applicable LMIA process, and workers must meet the requirements of their work permit category.
The change concerns how certain applications are held while an LMIA decision is pending, rather than creating a new work permit exemption.
Practical advice for temporary foreign workers: Do not wait until your work permit has expired to discuss an extension with your employer. Confirm when the LMIA application was submitted, keep evidence of the application and review your maintained-status eligibility before making decisions about continued employment.
7. Temporary Immigration Restrictions for Three Countries Are Scheduled to End November 27
Canada has also introduced temporary immigration and border measures affecting certain foreign nationals connected to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
These measures were introduced in response to concerns surrounding the Ebola disease outbreak and were subsequently extended for another 60 days.
The current measures are scheduled to end at 11:59 p.m. on November 27, 2026.
Under these temporary arrangements, certain immigration documents belonging to affected foreign nationals are suspended. This means that people covered by the measures cannot travel to Canada during the suspension period, even if they previously received an approved visa, work permit, study permit or electronic travel authorization.
IRCC is continuing to process new and existing applications from affected individuals. However, final decisions on those applications are being postponed while the measures remain in effect.
Who Is Affected by the Temporary Measures?
The measures concern foreign nationals whose last country of residence at the time of their immigration application was one of the following:
- Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Uganda.
- South Sudan.
The restrictions should not be interpreted as a permanent immigration ban on citizens of these countries. They are temporary measures connected to the public health situation and are subject to the government’s announced end date and any further official decisions.
What Happens After November 27?
If the measures expire as currently scheduled, valid immigration documents will no longer remain suspended under these temporary arrangements, and IRCC can resume making final decisions on affected applications.
However, applicants should not assume that every application will automatically be approved or that a previously suspended document guarantees entry into Canada. Normal immigration requirements and admissibility checks will continue to apply.
The government may also extend or modify the measures before the scheduled expiry date.
People affected by these restrictions should monitor official IRCC announcements, particularly as November 27 approaches.
What Canada Immigration Applicants Should Do in November 2026
With several changes affecting permanent residence candidates, temporary foreign workers, employers and travellers, November is a good time to review your immigration situation.
However, not every announcement will affect every applicant. The most useful approach is to identify which changes apply to your current immigration category and pay attention to the relevant effective dates.
Here are some practical steps worth taking.
1. Express Entry Candidates Should Review Their Profiles
If you are currently in the Express Entry pool, check your work experience, employment history and job offer information before November 3. The new Labour Market Integration factor could change your CRS score if you meet the qualifying conditions.
Do not assume that a higher score automatically guarantees an invitation. Continue monitoring draw announcements and maintain your eligibility for the relevant immigration program.
2. Employers Should Understand the New Job Offer Rules
Employers supporting Express Entry candidates should review the November 3 changes carefully. The removal of the LMIA requirement for qualifying job offers used for Express Entry points or program eligibility does not mean that every job offer will qualify.
IRCC will continue checking whether job offers are genuine, and employers hiring through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program must still follow the applicable LMIA rules.
3. Temporary Foreign Workers Should Check Their Permit Expiry Dates
Workers with an upcoming permit expiry should speak with their employers early and confirm whether their LMIA application and work permit extension meet the updated requirements.
Keep copies of your application confirmation, employer documents and existing work permit. These records may be important if you need to establish that you submitted an eligible extension application before your current authorization expired.
4. Immigration Applicants Should Verify Their Representatives
Before paying an immigration consultant or lawyer, confirm their authorization. Avoid anyone promising guaranteed permanent residence, guaranteed invitations or special treatment from immigration officers.
The new penalties make it particularly important to ensure that the person handling your application follows the law.
5. Travellers Should Check Border Requirements
If you regularly travel through smaller Canada–US land crossings, review the revised operating schedules. People using the Remote Area Border Crossing Program should also prepare for the December 1 reporting changes.
6. Applicants Affected by Temporary Restrictions Should Monitor IRCC
People connected to the temporary measures involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan should check official government announcements before making travel arrangements or assuming their application will be finalized.
7. Watch for the Next Immigration Levels Plan
The 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan will provide important information about Canada’s future immigration priorities. Applicants interested in Express Entry, PNPs, family sponsorship and other permanent residence pathways should review the official targets once they are announced.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Immigration Changes in November 2026
The major developments include the new Express Entry Labour Market Integration factor starting November 3, changes to immigration representative penalties, revised operating hours at 26 Canada–US border crossings, the replacement of the Remote Area Border Crossing Program, updated processing instructions for certain LMIA-pending work permit applications, and temporary immigration restrictions scheduled to end November 27. Canada is also expected to introduce its 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan.
IRCC is expected to temporarily pause Express Entry invitation rounds from November 3 while it recalculates CRS scores under the new Labour Market Integration factor. The process may take up to two weeks, making November 17 the earliest expected date for draws to resume. However, IRCC has not confirmed a specific date for the next invitation round.
Yes. Under the new Labour Market Integration factor, eligible candidates may receive additional points based on Canadian work experience in high-wage occupations. Depending on the qualifying wage level, candidates may receive 20, 40 or 70 additional points through this route. Candidates may also qualify through a high-wage job offer, but the two routes cannot be combined.
No. Starting November 3, qualifying job offers used to claim Express Entry CRS points or meet relevant program eligibility requirements will no longer require an LMIA. However, employers hiring foreign workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program must still follow the applicable LMIA requirements. IRCC will also continue verifying the genuineness of qualifying job offers.
Existing RABC permits will expire at 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2026. From December 1, travellers entering Canada through the affected remote areas of northern Ontario or from the Northwest Angle into southern Manitoba must report to CBSA in person at a port of entry or through a designated telephone reporting facility.
Fact Check: The immigration dates, CRS scoring changes, representative penalties, border requirements and temporary immigration measures discussed in this article are based on Government of Canada announcements and program information from IRCC and CBSA, including updates published between October 2026 and November 2026. Information reviewed on November 2, 2026. The 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan was still awaiting its official announcement at the time of writing.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules and government policies can change. Readers should verify the latest information through official Government of Canada sources or consult an authorized Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or qualified Canadian immigration lawyer before making immigration decisions.
