Canada Immigration Daily Update – February 04, 2026
Canada Immigration Daily Update – February 04, 2026
Canadian Immigration Daily Brief – February 04, 2026
Canada’s immigration landscape opened February with sharp contrasts: while the Destination Canada forum moved forward despite tighter federal signals, provinces and municipalities intensified pressure on governments to balance economic needs with policy restraint. From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issuing 423 new Express Entry invitations, to Ontario launching a massive Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program draw, and Quebec municipalities demanding transitional fairness after PEQ reforms, today’s developments underscore a system under recalibration—tightening controls while still relying heavily on targeted immigration to sustain regional labour markets and economic stability.
Destination Canada Forum Proceeds Despite a Tougher Immigration Climate
The annual Destination Canada forum opened this week amid clear signals from Ottawa pointing toward stricter immigration criteria and moderated intake levels. Traditionally a flagship recruitment platform connecting skilled workers with Canadian employers and governments, the forum now operates in a more cautious policy environment. Its continuation highlights a structural reality: even with tighter controls, Canada’s demand for talent—especially in technology, healthcare, and skilled trades—remains acute. Observers see the forum as a real-time indicator of which immigration streams the federal government intends to protect and prioritize despite broader restraint.
Laval Joins Push for Vested Rights After PEQ Overhaul
Following sweeping changes to Quebec’s Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ), the City of Laval has formally called for a vested rights clause to protect applicants already studying or working under previous rules. Laval’s stance mirrors growing concern from educational institutions and municipalities that sudden policy shifts undermine predictability and risk eroding Quebec’s ability to retain global talent. The demand centers on fairness: applicants who structured their lives around established criteria should not face retroactive barriers to permanent residence.
Thunder Bay Pilot Shows Rural Immigration Can Deliver Results
Northern Ontario continues to offer a counter-narrative to urban-centric immigration. Thunder Bay reported that its rural immigration pilot has supported the settlement of more than 800 newcomers, providing housing coordination, employment matching, language training, and community integration. The success reinforces federal interest in region-specific pathways as a solution to aging populations and persistent labour shortages outside major cities.
British Columbia Premier Calls for Closing an Immigration “Loophole”
British Columbia Premier David Eby urged Ottawa to act quickly to close what he described as a critical immigration loophole straining provincial capacity. While details remain limited, the statement reflects growing provincial frustration over mismatches between federal intake mechanisms and local service realities. The call adds pressure for tighter federal-provincial coordination in managing immigration flows.
Express Entry Issues 423 Invitations to Start February
Canada’s first Express Entry draw of February issued 423 Invitations to Apply, advancing candidates across federal economic programs. Though modest in size, the draw signals continued intake amid speculation over future frequency and volumes. Applicants and practitioners will be watching closely to see whether IRCC sustains momentum or further recalibrates selection thresholds.
New Brunswick Reshapes Atlantic Immigration Program
New Brunswick introduced a candidate-pool model and sector bans under the Atlantic Immigration Program, shifting toward tighter labour-market alignment. By selectively inviting candidates whose skills match real shortages—and temporarily excluding oversaturated sectors—the province aims to improve retention and economic outcomes.
Ontario Launches 2026 OINP with 1,825 Job Offer Invitations
Ontario opened its 2026 nomination cycle decisively, issuing 1,825 invitations under the Employer Job Offer stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. The scale of the draw reflects sustained employer demand and signals Ontario’s intent to move early to meet its annual allocation.
IRCC Introduces Facebook Messenger for General Inquiries
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada launched a Facebook Messenger channel for general immigration questions, available during business hours. The service is strictly informational—case-specific inquiries and personal data remain off-limits—positioning Messenger as a digital front desk rather than a case management tool.
Quebec Faces Lawsuit from Temporary Foreign Workers
A group of temporary workers has filed legal action against the Quebec government, alleging unfair treatment under provincial immigration and labour policies. While details are still emerging, the case could influence future policy design and worker protections, particularly for those contributing to essential sectors without clear permanent pathways.
Saskatchewan Releases Updated SINP Processing Statistics
The Government of Saskatchewan published new data on Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program processing times and backlogs. Regular transparency helps applicants and employers plan realistically and assess stream-specific timelines as provincial nominations play an increasingly central role in Canada’s immigration system.
Source: NEXUS Conferences & Canadian media sources
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