Amit Bhardwaj, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1678902 Licensed Immigration Adviser (NZ), Licence No. 201600534 Amit Bhardwaj · MARN 1678902 · NZ IAA 201600534
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Canada PR · Express Entry · Provincial programs

Migrate to Canada from India: 2026 guide

Canada plans to welcome 380,000 new permanent residents in 2026, most through economic programs. Here is how Express Entry, provincial nominee programs and the study-to-PR route work, and how to build a stronger profile.

Canadian city skyline
380,000
New permanent residents planned for 2026
63%
Of 2026 admissions in economic programs
CLB 7
Minimum English for Federal Skilled Worker
+600
CRS points for a provincial nomination
Pathways

Main routes to Canadian PR

Federal Skilled Worker
Skilled work experience outside Canada, CLB 7 English, education and settlement funds. Managed through Express Entry.
Canadian Experience Class
At least one year of skilled work in Canada, often after a PGWP. The usual route for former students.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Provinces nominate people for their labour needs. A nomination through Express Entry adds 600 CRS points.
Study to PR
Study at a Canadian institution, work on a PGWP, then apply through Express Entry or a province.
Express Entry

How Express Entry and CRS work

  1. Take an approved English test IELTS General Training, PTE Core or CELPIP (or TEF / TCF for French).
  2. Get an educational credential assessment An ECA shows how your Indian degree compares with Canadian education.
  3. Create your Express Entry profile You get a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score out of 1,200.
  4. Receive an invitation to apply IRCC invites the highest-ranked candidates in regular general and category draws.
  5. Submit your PR application Upload documents, police certificates and medicals within 60 days of the invitation.
English is the fastest way to raise your CRS
Moving from CLB 7 to CLB 9 in every skill can add a large number of points. We coach PTE Core and IELTS General Training in Ambala Cantt and Ladwa.
Latest Express Entry draws
DrawDate (2026)InvitationsCRS cut-off
French-language proficiency16 Oct5,000435
Canadian Experience Class15 Oct—519
Provincial Nominee Program13 Oct—772
Trades occupations1 Oct3,500476
Senior managers (Canadian experience)16 Sep250389
Healthcare and social services4 Sep3,500475
Transport occupations7 Aug300470

Draws change every few weeks. Check the official IRCC rounds of invitations page. Checked 22 October 2026.

2026 categories

Category-based Express Entry draws

IRCC also invites candidates with specific skills, often with lower cut-offs than general draws.

Healthcare and social servicesSTEMTradesEducationTransportFrench-language proficiencyPhysicians with Canadian experienceSenior managers with Canadian experienceResearchersSkilled military recruits
English levels

CLB levels for Canada (IELTS General and PTE Core)

Shown as Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking. CLB 7 in every skill is the minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker program.

CLB levelIELTS General TrainingPTE Core
CLB 55.0 / 4.0 / 5.0 / 5.039 / 42 / 51 / 51
CLB 76.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.060 / 60 / 69 / 68
CLB 87.5 / 6.5 / 6.5 / 6.571 / 69 / 79 / 76
CLB 98.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 / 7.082 / 78 / 88 / 84
CLB 10+8.5 / 8.0 / 7.5 / 7.589 / 88 / 90 / 89

Source: IRCC language test equivalency charts.

How we help

Build a stronger Canada profile with us

Profile review
We look at your age, education, work experience and English to see which pathways fit you.
CLB-focused coaching
PTE Core and IELTS General Training classes aimed at the CLB level you need.
Study-to-PR planning
Choose programs that are PGWP-eligible and fit long-term PR goals.
Document checklists
Clear lists for your ECA, work reference letters, police certificates and funds.
Provincial program updates
We follow provincial streams and Express Entry draws and keep you informed.
Compare countries
If Canada is tough for your profile, compare Australia and New Zealand options too.
Book a consultationStudy in Canada guide
FAQs

Canada PR questions

What CRS score do I need for Canada PR?
There is no fixed score. Cut-offs change with each draw and category. Recent general draws were above 500, while some category draws were lower.
Does a job offer still add CRS points?
No. Since March 2025, job offers no longer add CRS points in Express Entry. A job offer can still help with some provincial programs.
Which English test should I take for Canada PR?
IELTS General Training, PTE Core or CELPIP-General. IELTS Academic and PTE Academic are not accepted for Express Entry.
How many people will Canada accept in 2026?
The 2026–2028 levels plan sets a target of 380,000 new permanent residents for 2026, with about 63% in economic programs.
Is study the best way to Canada PR?
For many younger applicants it is, because Canadian education and work experience add CRS points. It costs more, so plan carefully.
Do you also help with Australia and New Zealand?
Yes. Amit Bhardwaj is a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1678902) and a Licensed Immigration Adviser in New Zealand (Licence No. 201600534).