Immigration Updates Team
IRCC updates rules for LMIA-exempt work permits Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new guidance for officers assessing Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt work permits issued under reciprocal employment provisions of the International Mobility Program (IMP). The updated framework, released on February 20, 2026, specifies how reciprocity is to be evaluated and clarifies … Read more
Express Entry Updates Work Experience Rules Canada has introduced a new work experience requirement for Express Entry candidates applying through occupational categories. The change took effect on February 18, 2026, and modifies the length of eligible work experience needed to qualify. Under the new policy, candidates must demonstrate at least 12 months of eligible work … Read more
Prince Edward Island issues 109 invitations in February 2026 draw Prince Edward Island conducted its latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) selection round on February 19, 2026, continuing its scheduled series of draws for the year. The province maintained its focus on attracting candidates with existing ties to the island and alignment with priority labour sectors. … Read more
Alberta issues 441 invitations across six AAIP draws Between February 6 and 19, 2026, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted six rounds of invitations targeting candidates from several provincial immigration streams. The draws resulted in a total of 441 invitations to apply for provincial nomination. The selections were distributed across the Alberta Express Entry … Read more
Canada Shortens Study Permits for Prerequisite Students Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised its policy for international students completing prerequisite courses before beginning longer academic programs. Under new instructions issued on February 19, 2026, study permits will now be valid for a shorter period than before. The change affects students arriving in Canada … Read more
IRCC issues 4,000 Express Entry invitations for healthcare workers Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw focused on healthcare and social services occupations. The February 20, 2026, round saw 4,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) issued to eligible candidates under the category-based selection stream. This marks the first healthcare-focused draw … Read more
Northwest Territories sets 2026 nomination quota, launches EOI model Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that the Northwest Territories will retain 197 nomination spaces for 2026 under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP). The figure matches the territory’s closing allocation for 2025 following a year-end increase. The Government of the Northwest Territories also … Read more
Canada launches new Express Entry Transport category Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new Transport category within the Express Entry system, providing an additional pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals with recent experience in specific transportation occupations. The new category came into effect on February 18, 2026, and is intended to … Read more
Nova Scotia reduces immigration streams to four Nova Scotia has overhauled its provincial immigration framework, merging ten nominee program streams into four broader categories. The revision, effective February 18, 2026, aims to simplify pathways for newcomers and employers while maintaining existing eligibility criteria. The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration stated that the consolidation is intended … Read more
IRCC invites 391 physicians in new Express Entry draw Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw focused on physicians with Canadian work experience. A total of 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, marking the first selection under this occupational category. The draw, held on February 19, required a … Read more