MAY 27^TH – MAY 29^TH 2026
MISSISSAUGA, ON

Registration & Boarding Lounge - Welcome aboard. Begin your NCIC 2026 experience by checking in, collecting your materials, and reconnecting with colleagues from across the country. This informal start to the day provides an opportunity to network, engage with exhibitors, and ease into the conference environment before the program begins.

Welcome Aboard: Final Boarding Call - Join us as we officially launch NCIC 2026. This opening session introduces the conference theme, highlights key priorities, and provides a roadmap for the discussions ahead. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how the program is designed to reflect current realities in immigration and support both strategic thinking and practical application.

Think Differently: A Pathway to New Possibilities -

What’s on the Radar: AI, Systems & the Evolving Processing Environment - Technology is playing an increasingly central role in how immigration applications are processed. This session explores how automation, artificial intelligence, and digital modernization are shaping the way applications are triaged, assessed, and prioritized. Participants will gain insight into how these systems support decision-making, how risk may be identified within processing environments, and what this means for practitioners working within a more structured and technology-influenced system.

Morning Break - Lots to digest including morning snacks! Have you checked out all the sponsors yet?

Gate A -When A File Stalls - Refused, Reconsidered or Refiled: Choosing the Best Route - What happens when a file gets stuck? What are some of the things “in behind the scenes” that might cause delays. Participants will gain practical insight into how to evaluate these “stalls, identify potential gaps, and move forward in a way that reflects both client goals and professional obligations. A refusal is not the end of the road, but determining the most appropriate next step requires careful consideration. This session provides a structured approach to assessing refusal decisions and identifying whether reconsideration, reapplication, or an alternative pathway is the most effective course of action. Participants will gain practical insight into how to evaluate refusal reasons, identify potential gaps, and move forward in a way that reflects both client goals and professional obligations.

Gate B — OINP in Focus: Priorities, Trends & Practical Insights - Ontario remains a key destination within Canada’s immigration system, yet its programs continue to evolve in response to labour market needs and federal direction. This session takes a closer look at the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and its future. What is the rationale for a revamped program, the new objectives, program integrity overview and quality assurance strategies. The discussion will explore the new reality, review transition protocol and discuss how practitioners can manage within this evolving landscape.

Lunch & St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship Programme - an introduction to the world's first and finest citizenship by investment program - Enjoy lunch and join Patrick McCarthy and His Excellency Calvin St Juste as provide an overview of the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship Programme. During the session, they will be discussing how the Programme works, what is making the Programme so popular these days, and why now is the best time for RCICs and Global Mobility Professionals to add this Programme to the services they offer to their clients.

Gate A — From Borders to Enforcement — Are You Ready? - Former CBSA officers provide practical insight into how border and inland examinations are unfolding in today’s enforcement-focused environment. Through real-world examples and operational perspectives, this session explores documentation, client preparation, inspections, temporary status concerns, and common issues arising at ports of entry and inland enforcement settings. Participants will gain practical strategies to better prepare clients, manage expectations, and navigate increasingly complex interactions with border and inland authorities.

Gate B -- Crosswinds & Cross-Border Strategies - Cross-border movement is increasingly influenced by global and regional factors. This session explores how U.S. policy shifts, trade agreements, border practices, and broader cross-country mobility issues are impacting movement, strategy, and decision-making. The discussion will also examine practical work permit strategies, including key considerations, common challenges, and how to navigate evolving requirements in cross-border and international contexts. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how these external factors are shaping immigration pathways and how to adapt strategies to better support clients in a changing environment.

Gate C - Untapped Runways: Emerging Immigration Regions - As traditional immigration pathways become more competitive, new opportunities are emerging across different regions of Canada. This session invites practitioners to look beyond conventional destinations and consider how regional economic needs are shaping immigration opportunities. Attendees will gain a broader perspective on underutilized pathways and how expanding geographic focus can create new possibilities for clients.

Afternoon Break - Stretch your legs, check out the snacks and meet a new friend over the coffee line up!

Gate A — Out of Runway: When Going Home Is the Safest Flight Plan - There are situations where continuing forward may not be the most appropriate option. This session explores how to recognize when departure may be the safest and most responsible course of action, and how to guide clients through these decisions with clarity and professionalism.

Gate B — International Students Under Scrutiny - Canada’s international student program is undergoing significant change, with increased scrutiny, new controls, and evolving expectations. This session explores how study permit applications are currently being assessed and what is influencing outcomes in today’s environment.

Gate C — Pilot Lessons for Appeals: Navigation Skills for IAD, RAD & Beyond - Appeals require a different level of preparation and strategic thinking. This session focuses on how to build strong, credible cases and understand how decisions are reviewed across appeal bodies.

Express Entry: Charting a New Flight Path - This session explores both the current state of Express Entry and what may lie ahead. The discussion will examine how category-based selection is influencing who receives invitations, how priorities such as occupation, language, and economic outcomes are shaping selection, and how recent draw patterns are impacting strategy.

Chair’s Gala — Celebrate at Cruising Altitude - Join fellow delegates for an elegant evening of celebration and connection. Toast the profession and enjoy a relaxed, uplifting journey at 30,000 feet.

Breakfast Session — The Black Box of a Sustainable Practice - What keeps a practice running effectively behind the scenes? This session explores workflows, risk awareness, and maintaining control of files in an evolving environment. Attendees will gain practical insight into building a more resilient and sustainable practice.

Welcome and Housekeeping – IMMeSuite Showcase - Let’s hear from our flight crew as we get set for Day 2.

Canada’s Immigration Airspace - Take a step back and consider the broader immigration landscape. This session offers a high-level discussion of the current operating environment, including shifting policy priorities and evolving pressures across Canada’s immigration system. The discussion will explore how tools such as the Job Bank, labour market assessments, and employer compliance measures are being applied, as well as what is driving current trends in processing and outcomes. Attendees will gain valuable insight into how ESDC is balancing competing priorities, where challenges are emerging, and what this means for practitioners working with employers in a rapidly evolving environment.

ESDC Flight Deck: Program Pressures & What’s Driving the System - This session provides a broader look at how current pressures, labour market needs, and program integrity considerations are influencing decision-making across ESDC programs. The discussion will explore how labour market assessments and broader program tools are being applied, as well as what is driving current trends in processing and outcomes. Attendees will gain valuable insight into how ESDC is balancing competing priorities, where challenges are emerging, and what this means for practitioners working with employers in a rapidly evolving environment.

Morning Break - Lots to digest including morning snacks! Have you checked out all the sponsors yet?

Gate C — Cancellations: Approaches to Challenging IRCC and Quebec Case Refusals - When Quebec immigration pathways are not viable, practitioners must pivot. This session explores how to approach these situations and identify alternative pathways to support clients effectively. Attendees will gain practical insight into adjusting strategies and managing expectations.

Gate B — TRPs & Discretion: Understanding the Pathways - Temporary Resident Permits play an important role within Canada’s immigration system, offering a pathway in situations where standard requirements may not be met. This session provides an overview of how TRPs function and how discretionary decision-making is applied.

Gate A — Impact of Bill C-12 on Immigration Programs and Practice - Immigration policy continues to evolve in response to shifting priorities, system pressures, and broader public policy considerations. This session explores the impact of Bill C-12 and what it signals for the direction of Canada’s immigration system. The discussion will focus on how legislative changes may influence program design, operational priorities, and decision-making across lines of business. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the broader policy context driving change and how these developments may impact both applicants and practitioners moving forward.

Gate A — Pressure Points: Client Expectations, Judgment & Professional Balance - The demands of practice continue to evolve, placing increasing pressure on practitioners to balance client expectations, timelines, and professional responsibilities. This session explores how these pressures influence judgment and decision-making, and how to maintain clarity and professionalism in challenging situations. Attendees will gain practical insight into setting boundaries, managing expectations, recognizing when they may be struggling, and maintaining a sustainable approach to practice. The discussion will also consider the importance of building a roster of trusted resources to support both the practitioner and the client. Your role is immigration advisor, but having the right supports in place is essential.

Gate B — Refugees & Asylum Processing: Navigating Severe Turbulence - This session explores current realities within refugee and asylum processing, including expectations, timelines, and broader system pressures. Participants will gain a better understanding of how these cases are progressing and how to navigate this evolving area of practice.

Lunch - Enjoy lunch, networking and all of our Sponsor Booths!

Gate A — Missed Connections: Family Class - Family reunification remains a central part of immigration practice, yet expectations and scrutiny continue to evolve. This session explores how family class applications are currently being assessed and where common challenges are emerging.

Gate B — Citizenship: Preparing for Smooth Landings - This session focuses on how citizenship applications are assessed in practice, including common challenges, evolving interpretations, and areas where applications may face closer scrutiny. Attendees will gain insight into preparing clients through the citizenship process. Residency considerations will be addressed where relevant, but the focus remains on citizenship outcomes. The session will also include a genealogical perspective, with a genealogist explaining citizenship by descent, how lineage-based claims arise, and how this may support appropriate cases as part of broader client strategy.

Afternoon Break - Grab that last cup of coffee and get ready for our final sessions!

Gate A — Scanning the Horizon: The 2026 Labour Market & Program Gaps - Look ahead to emerging labour market trends and consider how they are influencing immigration programs and opportunities. This session explores how current labour needs are being reflected across existing pathways, and where gaps may be creating challenges for both employers and applicants. Hear from Signal 49 (formerly Conference Board) as the discussion will focus on how practitioners are seeing these trends play out in real time, including where programs are aligning with labour demand and where limitations or disconnects may exist.

Gate B — From TikTok to Trust: Building Ethical Influence in Immigration Practice - Explore how practitioners can build a professional and ethical presence online while maintaining trust, credibility, and appropriate boundaries in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Closing Plenary — Notes from the Passengers & Crew - Before we land, we hear from you. This fast-paced, interactive closing session brings together highlights, hot takes, and practical tips from across the conference. What stood out? What challenged your thinking? What are you doing differently on Monday? Through live reflections from the room, speakers, and moderators, we’ll capture the real takeaways from NCIC 2026—those moments that sparked ideas, shifted perspectives, or made you rethink your approach. Expect energy, honesty, and a few unexpected insights as we wrap up the conference together.