Immigration and Studies in Canada in 2026: Open Programs, Rules, and Practical Steps

Are you planning to relocate or study in Canada from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, or Mauritania? The year 2026 brings specific demands from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Between targeted candidate draws, revised financial thresholds, and strict language requirements, putting together a solid file demands clear methods and verified facts.

At AMRI Consulting, a private advisory firm based in Montreal and Rabat, we guide your process step by step. Every immigration file we handle is closely supervised alongside Mr. Mohammed El Habib Cherdoud, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, license number R532955 with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, and Quebec license 11852, verifiable on the CICC public register). Please note that no private firm issues visas or decides on admissions: the final word always rests with designated Canadian government officers.

Here is a direct overview of the programs currently handled by our firm, the necessary steps, and the administrative pitfalls to avoid.

1. Express Entry: Meeting Federal Pool Requirements

The Express Entry system manages permanent residence applications for skilled workers. In 2026, IRCC continues to conduct general selections as well as category-based draws, specifically targeting French-speaking candidates and key sectors such as healthcare, science, and technology.

Language Tests Approved by IRCC

This is a frequent reason profiles get refused: IRCC does not accept academic diplomas like the DELF or DALF. To demonstrate your language proficiency, you must take one of the approved official tests:

• In French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
• In English: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, or PTE Core.

Every point matters for your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. A strong French test result (NCLC level 7 or higher) adds a substantial point bonus for bilingual applicants.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and Work History Evidence

Before entering the pool, you must have degrees obtained in North Africa (bachelor's, license, master's, or engineering degrees) assessed by a designated organization such as WES. You will also need precise employment reference letters: they must state your employment dates, weekly working hours (at least 30 hours per week for full-time roles), and detailed core duties matched to the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

To review your eligibility criteria and learn how we manage these files, visit our page on Express Entry guidance.

2. Study Permits: Getting Ready for University

Studying in Canada requires careful planning at least nine to twelve months ahead of your target intake (fall in September, or winter in January).

Université de Moncton: Our Academic Recommendation

For high-quality French-language post-secondary education with tuition fees that remain lower than those in large Ontario or Quebec cities, we primarily recommend the Université de Moncton in New Brunswick. Our team helps you prepare and submit your admission application to this institution at no extra fee. If you prefer to apply to a different Canadian university, we can also assist you upon request.

Admissions follow the standard Canadian university framework:

• After earning your high school diploma (baccalauréat), you apply for undergraduate studies (a Canadian bachelor's degree, which generally takes 3 to 4 years).
• Entering a master's program (graduate level) requires a prior bachelor's degree or equivalent (3 or 4 years of higher education).
• Doctoral programs (PhD) require an accredited master's degree.

Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP)

Université de Moncton participates in the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) launched by IRCC. This initiative targets citizens of member countries of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (including North African nations). It offers adjusted financial proof requirements and provides an avenue toward permanent residence after graduation. Keep in mind that available spots are capped each year. While IRCC sets the minimum French eligibility at NCLC 5, Université de Moncton requires NCLC 7 for regular program entry.

To learn more about academic programs and registration requirements, check our page on university and higher education.

3. Family Sponsorship: Bringing Your Family Together

If your spouse or common-law partner is already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, family sponsorship lets you join them in Canada as a permanent resident. This process demands clear, concrete evidence of an authentic relationship: legalized marriage certificates, proof of shared residence, joint financial records, and consistent communication history.

Our Active Services and Fee Schedule

At AMRI Consulting, we focus strictly on the files we know inside and out. We do not provide services for job offers, closed work permits, visitor visas, or independent Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

Our professional fees cover advisory work, regulatory review, and file preparation by our team and our partner RCIC. These fees are separate from IRCC government charges (processing fees, biometrics), medical exams, language testing, and university tuition, which remain the responsibility of the applicant.

To give you full visibility over your budget, our payments are structured in installments based on project stages:

• Express Entry: $5,000 CAD (single applicant) or $8,000 CAD (couple with or without dependent children).
  • Initial consultation: $100 CAD
  • Stage 1 - File setup and profile submission: $900 CAD
  • Stage 2 - Receipt of the Invitation to Apply (ITA): $2,000 CAD
  • Stage 3 - Final submission of the permanent residence application: $2,000 CAD
• Study Permit: $5,000 CAD.
  • Initial consultation: $100 CAD
  • Stage 1 - File opening and application submission: $2,400 CAD
  • Stage 2 - IRCC final decision: $2,500 CAD
• Family Sponsorship: $3,500 CAD.
  • Initial consultation: $100 CAD
  • Stage 1 - File opening and file preparation: $1,650 CAD
  • Stage 2 - IRCC final decision: $1,750 CAD

See our full breakdown of services on our consulting fee schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a DALF C1 or C2 diploma for Express Entry?

No. Even though a DALF demonstrates advanced French skills, IRCC does not accept it for Canadian immigration. You must take either the TEF Canada or the TCF Canada, ensuring that all required modules (reading, listening, writing, and speaking) are completed during the same testing session.

2. Why do you recommend Université de Moncton over Montreal universities?

New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province. Université de Moncton delivers its courses in French and charges lower tuition than schools in large metropolitan areas. It also takes part in the FMCSP, which eases certain financial requirements for students from French-speaking countries and simplifies transitions to permanent residency later on.

3. How long does an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) take?

Depending on the designated organization you select (WES, ICAS, etc.) and how quickly your university in North Africa sends sealed transcripts or verified electronic records, processing usually takes two to four months. We recommend starting this step right away, even before taking your language tests.

Assess Your Project with Our Team

A successful immigration plan starts with an honest review of your profile. Complete our free online eligibility assessment to check where you stand. You can then book your initial $100 CAD consultation: this amount will be fully credited toward your fee if you retain our services.