CONSULTANTS IMMIGRATION • EDUCATION • GLOBAL MOBILITY
Canadian Immigration, International Education & Global Mobility
This week's edition examines Canada's evolving Express Entry priorities and important developments affecting international students, including a timely opportunity for qualifying French-speaking students.
This Week's Immigration Developments
Canada Seeks Input on Express Entry Priorities for 2027
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is consulting stakeholders, partners and the public on economic priorities and categories that could shape Express Entry category-based selection in 2027.
The consultation is open from August 4 through September 1, 2026. IRCC is considering how category-based selection can continue to address long-term labour shortages, attract and retain highly skilled talent, and support Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Canada's International Student Environment Continues to Change
Newly updated IRCC statistics show a target of 155,000 new international student arrivals for 2026, with 22,405 arrivals recorded from January through June.
IRCC notes that student arrivals are affected by recent changes to the International Student Program, recruitment by educational institutions and the number of prospective students applying. Student arrivals are also seasonal, with increases normally seen ahead of major academic intakes.
New Annual Allocation for Francophone Student Pilot Begins August 26
Under IRCC's updated public policy for the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot, a maximum of 2,970 study permit applications may be accepted for processing under the applicable part of the policy between August 26, 2026 and August 25, 2027.
IRCC states that applications received under the applicable part of the pilot in excess of the annual cap will not be accepted for processing and will be returned.
The pilot is intended for eligible French-speaking international students studying at participating designated learning institutions outside Quebec. Eligibility depends on factors including citizenship, French-language ability, the institution selected and the proposed program of study.
For qualifying French-speaking students, the pilot may offer an important alternative to the regular study-permit route. Students should confirm that both their institution and proposed program qualify before proceeding.
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