Canada Immigration Daily Update – January 22, 2026
Canada Immigration Daily Update – January 22, 2026
Canadian Immigration Daily Brief — January 22, 2026
Canada’s immigration system faces mounting pressure as the federal government seeks to dismiss hundreds of pending court cases to address severe backlogs. At the same time, a record-breaking Express Entry draw delivers historically low CRS scores for in-Canada workers, while Quebec’s PEQ controversy continues to fuel political tension. Rising asylum claims linked to U.S. border crackdowns and new provincial immigration priorities for 2026 further underscore a period of rapid policy shifts and systemic strain.
Crisis Point: Why Canada Is Moving to Dismiss Hundreds of Pending Immigration Cases
In an extraordinary legal move, the federal government has asked the Federal Court of Canada to dismiss hundreds of immigration and refugee cases currently awaiting judicial review. This request, filed by government lawyers, reflects mounting pressure on Canada’s overburdened immigration litigation system and signals an aggressive attempt to reduce the long-standing backlog at the court level.
Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups have reacted with concern, warning that mass dismissals—if granted—could undermine procedural fairness and applicants’ right to be heard. Although the government has not publicly disclosed the precise criteria used to identify the targeted cases, legal analysts suggest reliance on procedural rules, technical deficiencies, or arguments that certain files no longer require active court supervision.
The Federal Court’s response will be closely watched. A decision in favour of the government could establish a powerful precedent for how immigration litigation is managed in periods of systemic strain, while a refusal may force Ottawa to confront deeper structural problems within the immigration and appeals framework.
The Unending Storm: Why Quebec’s PEQ Controversy Refuses to Fade
The political fallout from reforms to Quebec’s flagship immigration pathway, the Programme de l’expérience québécoise, shows no sign of abating. Once promoted as a fast and reliable route to permanent residence for international students and temporary foreign workers, the PEQ has been significantly tightened, leaving thousands in limbo.
Critics argue that abrupt rule changes disrupted long-term plans for candidates who invested in Quebec-based education and employment. Business associations warn that restricting the PEQ worsens labour shortages, particularly in sectors dependent on francophone-trained talent. At the same time, the controversy has evolved beyond technical eligibility rules into a broader debate about trust, predictability, and Quebec’s economic priorities.
Until a clearer balance is struck between immigration control and labour market realities, PEQ is likely to remain a political flashpoint and a symbol of federal-provincial tension in Canadian immigration policy.
Record-Breaking Express Entry Draw #392 Lowers CRS to Historic Levels
Canada’s latest Express Entry draw—number 392—focused exclusively on candidates under the Canadian Experience Class, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply. Most notably, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off dropped to an unprecedented low.
This outcome significantly expands access to permanent residence for workers already established in Canada, reinforcing the government’s strategy of prioritizing in-country experience and integration. For many applicants, the lowered CRS threshold reduces reliance on exceptionally high language scores or academic credentials and highlights the value of Canadian work experience.
Experts interpret the draw as a pragmatic response to labour market needs and a sign that Canada is accelerating permanent residence pathways for temporary residents who are already contributing economically.
Border Shift: U.S. Crackdowns Drive Rising Asylum Claims in Canada
Tighter immigration enforcement in the United States is producing immediate spillover effects in Canada. A growing number of asylum seekers are redirecting northward, perceiving Canada as a more predictable and humanitarian destination amid restrictive U.S. policies.
Canadian authorities report increased arrivals at irregular border crossings, placing pressure on processing capacity, housing resources, and social services. This trend underscores the interconnected nature of North American migration systems: policy changes in Washington quickly translate into operational challenges for Ottawa.
If U.S. restrictions persist, Canada may need to further adapt its asylum infrastructure to manage sustained elevated claim volumes.
Dramatic Spike: Immigration Inquiries from U.S. Residents Surge
Immigration professionals are reporting a sharp rise in inquiries from U.S. residents exploring relocation options abroad. Political uncertainty, economic anxiety, healthcare concerns, and quality-of-life considerations are widely cited motivations.
For countries like Canada, this surge represents both an opportunity and a policy challenge. If inquiry levels convert into actual applications, Canada could attract highly skilled and mobile professionals—but would also need to manage increased demand within already strained immigration systems.
Passport Power Play: Canada Holds 7th Place as Global Mobility Gap Widens
The latest Henley Passport Index ranks the Canadian passport seventh worldwide, confirming its strong visa-free and visa-on-arrival access. This reflects Canada’s stable diplomatic relationships and international standing.
However, the report also highlights a growing global mobility divide. While top-ranked passports grant near-unrestricted travel, citizens of many countries face increasing barriers. The data points to a two-tier global travel system, where mobility increasingly mirrors geopolitical and economic power.
Alberta Sets the Stage: Priority Immigration List for 2026
Alberta has unveiled a forward-looking framework outlining which types of immigrants it intends to prioritize for permanent residence in 2026. Through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, the province aims to better align immigration selection with long-term economic and demographic needs.
By signaling priorities well in advance, Alberta is offering greater predictability to employers and prospective immigrants, while positioning itself to address future labour shortages strategically rather than reactively.
Saskatchewan Employers Charged Under Immigration Services Act
In Saskatchewan, authorities have laid formal charges against certain employers under the Immigration Services Act. This enforcement action underscores increased scrutiny of employer conduct within provincial immigration programs.
The move sends a clear message: compliance with immigration legislation is not optional. For employers, the case highlights the growing importance of lawful recruitment practices and transparency when engaging with immigration systems.
Outlook:
From court-level interventions and record-low CRS thresholds to provincial priority planning and cross-border asylum pressures, Canada’s immigration landscape in early 2026 is defined by both acceleration and strain. For applicants, employers, and practitioners, strategic timing, compliance, and informed decision-making are more critical than ever.
Source: NEXUS Conferences & Canadian media sources
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