September 2026 brought several notable developments in Canadian immigration, affecting temporary workers, Express Entry candidates, family sponsorship, pre-removal risk assessments, and certain immigration applicants.
Here are some of the key Canadian immigration developments from the month.
Work Permit Holders Can Pursue Short-Term Studies
As of September 4, 2026, a temporary public policy allows eligible foreign nationals who hold valid work permits to study in Canada without a study permit, provided their program of study is no longer than six months. The authorization lasts for up to six months, or until the worker’s work permit expires, whichever comes first. The measure is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027.
Eligible workers in Quebec may also study under the temporary public policy without obtaining a Quebec Acceptance Certificate, provided they meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
Express Entry Draws Targeted Several Groups
September included several Express Entry rounds targeting specific programs and occupational categories.
On September 1, IRCC invited 2,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 521. On September 4, a healthcare and social services occupations round issued 3,500 invitations, with a CRS cut-off of 475.
Later, on September 16, IRCC held a category-based round for senior managers with Canadian work experience, issuing 250 invitations with a CRS cut-off of 389.
The senior managers category included specified occupations in financial, communications and other business services; health, education, social and community services and membership organizations; trade, broadcasting and other services; and construction, transportation, production and utilities.
Public Policy for Certain Undeclared Family Members Ends
A temporary public policy allowing certain previously undeclared family members to be sponsored ended on September 10, 2026. IRCC will continue applying the policy to eligible applications received between May 31, 2019 and September 10, 2026.
Under the expired policy, certain previously undeclared family members who applied to be sponsored as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child could have been eligible, provided the applicable requirements were met.
PRRA Change for Israel and Palestine
On September 29, IRCC announced that certain nationals and former residents of Israel and Palestine may be eligible to apply for a pre-removal risk assessment without waiting the usual 12-month period.
The exemption applies to individuals who received certain final negative decisions between September 28, 2025 and September 29, 2026 involving a refugee claim, previous PRRA application or Federal Court decision related to their case. Eligibility to apply does not guarantee permission to remain in Canada, and IRCC continues to assess each case individually.
Ebola-Related Immigration Measures Extended
On September 28, IRCC extended temporary immigration measures related to the Ebola disease outbreak for another 60 days, until November 27, 2026.
Immigration documents remain suspended for residents of countries identified as having a high or very high risk of an Ebola disease outbreak. The countries currently listed are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
People whose last country of residence at the time of their application was one of these countries cannot travel to Canada at this time, even with a previously approved visa, permit or electronic travel authorization. IRCC will continue processing affected applications but will not finalize them while the measures remain in place.
Conclusion
September’s developments highlight how Canadian immigration policies can change across several areas at once. Temporary workers gained new flexibility for short-term studies, Express Entry continued targeted selection, a family sponsorship public policy expired, and changes affected PRRA eligibility and Ebola-related immigration measures.
Individuals who may be affected should confirm the current requirements applicable to their circumstances before taking action.
Contact Jain Immigration Law
If you have questions about how recent Canadian immigration changes may affect your application or immigration options, contact Jain Immigration Law to schedule a consultation with one of our immigration lawyers.
Jain Immigration Law
Phone: +1 (416) 548-5533
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jainimmigrationlaw.com