VisaVerse Bi-Weekly Updates (November)

Canada’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan

Canada is targeting 380,000 permanent resident admissions per year from 2027 through 2029. Within that plan, the Federal Business category, which includes the Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs, rises from a previously planned 500 admissions in 2027 to 1,500, with 2,725 planned for 2028. These are category-wide admissions targets. Individual processing timelines can still vary.

Separately, IRCC is making up to 100,000 additional permanent residence spaces available in 2027 for eligible workers already living in Canada outside Quebec and their families. Provinces and territories can identify workers with pending applications in select federal programs, including Start-Up Visa. The spaces are shared across participating pathways, including the Provincial Nominee Program.

Express Entry now awards points for eligible high-wage occupations

Since November 3, 2026, candidates with at least 12 months of eligible Canadian work experience in qualifying high-wage occupations can earn 20, 40 or 70 additional CRS points on top of their points for the length of that experience. A qualifying job offer can earn 50, 70 or 100 points. The three tiers use occupation-level median wages of at least 1.3, 1.5 or 2 times the national median. Check your occupation’s classification before estimating your score, since the tier depends on the occupation’s median wage.

If you qualify under both options, IRCC uses the higher score after comparing your total Canadian work experience points with your job-offer points. A Labour Market Impact Assessment is unnecessary for these Express Entry job-offer points. Work permit requirements are assessed separately.

The Rural Community Immigration Program opens January 1, 2027

The permanent program builds on the pilot, with all 14 pilot communities expected to participate. Applicants need an eligible job offer from a designated employer and a community recommendation. They also generally need related work experience, an approved language test, an educational credential and settlement funds where required. Some eligible graduates can qualify for a work-experience exemption. If you already have a pilot recommendation dated December 31, 2026, or earlier, check its expiry date and apply before it expires.

Eligible work permit holders can study for up to six months

Under the temporary policy effective September 4, 2026, eligible workers with valid work permits can take a full-time or part-time program lasting six months or less. Check your permit expiry date before enrolling. A pending extension does not preserve study authorization under this policy. Work gained during full-time studies under the policy also does not count toward Canadian Experience Class eligibility or Express Entry Canadian work experience points.

Book your first free 15-minute consultation with a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) through the VisaVerse mobile app or at www.visaverse.ca.