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Canada immigration rule changes take effect November 2026
Canada implements a series of immigration and border updates in November 2026, affecting Express Entry candidates, employers, travelers at certain Canada‑U.S. crossings, remote‑area permit holders, and temporary foreign workers with pending LMIA applications.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Multiple immigration and border regulations are being updated, including Express Entry scoring, border hours, and representative penalties
- Timing
- Changes begin on November 1 or November 3, 2026, with some effective later in the month
- Who is affected
- Express Entry candidates, employers, border travelers, remote area permit holders, and temporary foreign workers
The details
Express Entry scoring overhaul and LMIA exemption
Starting November 3, 2026, IRCC paused all Express Entry draws to recalculate CRS scores using a new Labour Market Integration factor. The factor adds up to 150 points for candidates without a spouse or common‑law partner and up to 140 points for those with one, applying the higher of two scoring routes.
At the same time, a Labour Market Impact Assessment is no longer required for qualifying job offers used to claim CRS points, though IRCC will still verify offer genuineness.
- New factor awards up to 150 points for single candidates, up to 140 for partnered candidates
- Two routes: work‑experience based or high‑wage job‑offer based, only the higher total applies
- LMIA requirement removed for qualifying job offers in Express Entry
Adjusted operating hours at 26 Canada‑U.S. border crossings
The Canada Border Services Agency changed the operating schedules of 26 land ports of entry effective November 1, 2026. The adjustments cover nine crossings in British Columbia, four in Alberta, and thirteen in Manitoba and align with the provinces’ permanent daylight‑saving time adoption.
The new hours will stay in place until March 14, 2027, and travelers are advised to verify the schedule before crossing.
- Nine crossings in British Columbia, four in Alberta, thirteen in Manitoba affected
- Changes coordinate with U.S. border facilities and provincial daylight‑saving time
Remote Area Border Crossing permit expiration
Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) permits remain valid until 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2026. Starting December 1, travelers entering Canada through designated remote areas of northern Ontario or the Northwest Angle into southern Manitoba must report in person at a staffed port of entry or use a telephone reporting facility.
This replaces the long‑standing system that allowed crossing without reporting to a staffed post.
- Permits expire at the end of November 30, 2026
- From December 1, in‑person or telephone reporting is required
Removal of 90‑day cap for pending LMIA work permits
IRCC updated its instructions on October 28, 2026, eliminating the previous 90‑day administrative limit for in‑Canada work‑permit applications submitted while an employer’s LMIA is pending. Officers must now hold qualifying applications until the LMIA decision is final, with no time cap.
Applicants must meet conditions such as a current permit expiring within two weeks and a complete LMIA filed in advance.
- No longer a 90‑day maximum hold on applications awaiting LMIA
- Eligibility requires imminent permit expiry and a complete LMIA submission
New penalties for unauthorized immigration representatives
Administrative monetary penalties for unauthorized or fraudulent immigration representation took effect on October 28, 2026, with final regulations to be published in the Canada Gazette on November 4. Violations for unauthorized paid representation carry a $5,000 fine per incident, while deliberate misrepresentation incurs $15,000 per instance. Cumulative penalties can reach $1.5 million.
IRCC plans to launch an online registry of penalized representatives in 2027.
- $5,000 penalty for unauthorized paid representation per violation
- $15,000 penalty for deliberate misrepresentation per instance
- Cumulative fines may total up to $1.5 million
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Express Entry candidates should expect a pause in draws from Nov 3 and plan for the next draw around Nov 17
- Travelers using the 26 affected border crossings must check the new operating hours before traveling after Nov 1
- Remote Area Border Crossing permit holders need to complete any final trips before 11:59 p.m. on Nov 30
- Temporary foreign workers with pending LMIA should note that work‑permit applications are no longer limited to 90 days
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced for the Express Entry scoring change or LMIA exemption
- Representatives facing penalties may be required to pay $5,000 or $15,000 per violation as stipulated by the new regulations
- Travelers must use standard border documentation; no additional paperwork is required for the updated crossing hours
- Applicants should retain proof of their LMIA submission when applying for extensions under the revised rules
What you need to do
- Express Entry candidates must verify work experience and job‑offer details in their profiles before the Nov 3 recalculation
- Employers should submit qualifying job offers without an LMIA and ensure offers meet IRCC’s genuineness criteria
- Remote Area permit holders should plan their last crossing before Nov 30 or arrange in‑person reporting after Dec 1
- Representatives should confirm their registration status with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to avoid penalties
Who this affects
-
Express Entry candidates
Their CRS scores will be recalculated with a new Labour Market Integration factor starting Nov 3
What to do Ensure profile information is up‑to‑date before the recalculation
-
Employers offering jobs for Express Entry
LMIA requirement for qualifying job offers is removed as of Nov 3
What to do Submit job offers directly to IRCC without an LMIA
-
Travelers using the 26 Canada‑U.S. land border crossings
CBSA changes operating hours effective Nov 1 to align with provincial daylight‑saving time
What to do Check the updated schedule before crossing
-
Remote Area Border Crossing permit holders
Permits expire at 11:59 p.m. on Nov 30, after which in‑person or telephone reporting is required
What to do Complete any remaining travel before the deadline or follow new reporting procedures
-
Temporary foreign workers with pending LMIA applications
IRCC removed the 90‑day processing limit for concurrent work‑permit applications on Oct 28
What to do Submit extension applications before current permits expire, relying on pending LMIA decisions
Frequently asked questions
When will the Express Entry draw resume after the November 3 pause?
The next draw may occur around November 17, 2026, after the CRS recalculation is completed, although IRCC has not set a firm date.
What is the new Labour Market Integration factor in the CRS?
It awards up to 150 points for candidates without a spouse or common‑law partner and up to 140 points for those with one, using either a work‑experience route or a high‑wage job‑offer route, whichever yields the higher total.
Which Canada‑U.S. border crossings have new operating hours?
Effective November 1, 2026, nine crossings in British Columbia, four in Alberta, and thirteen in Manitoba have adjusted schedules; travelers should consult the CBSA directory for exact times.
What happens to Remote Area Border Crossing permits after November 30?
Permits cease to be valid at 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2026; from December 1, travelers must report in person at a staffed port of entry or use a designated telephone reporting facility.
How much are the penalties for unauthorized immigration representatives?
Violations for unauthorized paid representation carry a $5,000 fine per incident, while deliberate misrepresentation incurs $15,000 per instance, with cumulative penalties potentially reaching $1.5 million.
What are the new rules for work permits when an LMIA is pending?
IRCC no longer imposes a 90‑day limit; officers must hold qualifying work‑permit applications until the LMIA decision is final, provided the applicant’s current permit expires within two weeks and a complete LMIA has been filed.
