09/10/2026
🇨🇦 CANADA IMMIGRATION WEEKLY UPDATE
Week of September 7, 2026
A busy week for Express Entry, an important new financial requirement for international students, and continued attention on Ontario’s redesigned OINP.
1. STUDY PERMIT FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT INCREASED — EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1
CONFIRMED CHANGE
For study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, IRCC increased the minimum living-expense funds applicants must demonstrate.
For applicants studying outside Quebec, the new minimum for 1 person is $23,448, up from $22,895. This amount is in addition to tuition and transportation costs. Requirements increase according to accompanying family size.
IRCC also emphasizes that applicants must demonstrate not only that funds exist, but that they are genuinely available and sufficient to support the studies. Evidence may include bank statements, tuition payment receipts, education loans, scholarships and documented financial support from sponsors.
Practical implication: Study permit applications prepared using the old financial threshold must be reviewed before submission. Applicants should also avoid relying solely on a last-minute bank balance without adequately documenting the source and availability of funds.
2. EXPRESS ENTRY: 3,500 HEALTHCARE & SOCIAL SERVICES CANDIDATES INVITED
CONFIRMED — SEPTEMBER 4
IRCC issued 3,500 Invitations to Apply under the Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category.
➡️ Minimum CRS: 475
➡️ ITAs issued: 3,500
➡️ Draw date: September 4, 2026
This is significant because the CRS cut-off was substantially lower than the recent Canadian Experience Class draw.
Practical implication: Candidates should not assess their chances based on CRS alone. An applicant who is not competitive in a CEC draw may still be competitive if they qualify for one of IRCC’s category-based selections.
However, having a healthcare or social-services job title does not automatically make someone eligible. The applicant must meet the Express Entry program requirements and the specific occupational-category criteria.
3. SPECIAL EXPRESS ENTRY DRAW FOR PHYSICIANS
CONFIRMED — SEPTEMBER 3
IRCC also held a targeted draw for physicians with Canadian work experience, issuing:
➡️ 229 ITAs
➡️ Minimum CRS: 198
➡️ Draw date: September 3, 2026
The unusually low CRS reflects the highly targeted nature of this draw and should not be interpreted as a general Express Entry cut-off.
Physicians working in Canada should have their NOC, Canadian work history and Express Entry eligibility carefully reviewed rather than assuming that a low CRS by itself will result in an invitation.
4. CANADIAN EXPERIENCE CLASS DRAW — CRS 521
CONFIRMED — SEPTEMBER 1
IRCC issued 2,000 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class candidates.
➡️ ITAs: 2,000
➡️ CRS cut-off: 521
➡️ Draw date: September 1, 2026
This continues to show strong competition among candidates relying primarily on CEC selection.
Strategy point: Workers with CRS scores below recent CEC levels should assess whether they may qualify for category-based Express Entry, provincial nomination, French-language points, additional Canadian experience or another permanent residence pathway.
5. ONTARIO OINP — WORKFORCE PRIORITY STREAM REMAINS THE KEY ONTARIO PATHWAY
The redesigned stream now provides job-offer pathways covering TEER 0 through TEER 5, together with a pathway for qualifying self-employed physicians. Ontario’s former eight OINP streams were closed as part of the redesign.
For the TEER 4–5 pathway, key minimum requirements include:
• a full-time, permanent Ontario job offer
• at least 9 months of qualifying experience with the job-offer employer within the previous 2 years
• CLB 4
• Canadian secondary-school education or equivalent
Employer warning: A job offer alone does not establish OINP eligibility. Employer revenue, business history, location, staffing levels, wage, position and the candidate’s qualifications should all be reviewed before registering an EOI.
6. EXPRESS ENTRY 2027 CONSULTATION HAS CLOSED
IRCC’s consultation regarding potential 2027 Express Entry category-based selection priorities closed on September 1, 2026.
Important distinction: A consultation is not an immigration program change.
Any occupations or categories discussed during the consultation should not be advertised as confirmed 2027 Express Entry pathways until IRCC formally announces them.
GENESIS IMMIGRATION WEEKLY TAKEAWAY:
The biggest lesson this week is that Canada’s immigration system is becoming increasingly targeted.
A CRS score that looks too low for one Express Entry round may be competitive in another—but only when the candidate genuinely qualifies for that category.
For students, the September 1 increase in proof-of-funds requirements should immediately be incorporated into new study permit assessments and document checklists.
For Ontario workers and employers, the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream requires careful assessment of both the candidate and employer before proceeding.
Need your immigration options professionally assessed?
Genesis Immigration Consulting Inc. assists individuals, families and Canadian employers with Express Entry, OINP, work permits, study permits, LMIA applications and permanent residence strategies.
Immigration programs and selection criteria can change without notice. Eligibility must always be assessed based on the individual facts of the case and the rules in effect at the time of application.
