Immigration Updates Team
Ontario issues 1,825 invitations in first 2026 OINP draws The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducted six invitation rounds on February 2, 2026, distributing 1,825 invitations to apply for provincial nomination. The draws targeted applicants under the Employer Job Offer streams, focusing on healthcare, early childhood education, and regional economic development roles. These were the … Read more
Provinces list priority jobs for Express Entry PNPs Several Canadian provinces have released updated lists of priority occupations eligible for Express Entry–aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. The programs enable provinces to select skilled workers from the federal Express Entry pool who meet regional labour needs. According to recent provincial criteria, candidates whose primary occupation … Read more
Passport expiry can shorten Canadian work permits Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues work permits that align with the validity of a worker’s passport. This means a permit cannot extend beyond the passport’s expiry date, regardless of the employment period approved by the employer or assessment document. The policy affects foreign nationals applying for … Read more
Passport Expiry Can Shorten Canadian Work Permits Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ties the validity period of a temporary work permit to the expiration date of the applicant’s passport. This policy affects both new applicants and current workers seeking to extend their stay in Canada. According to IRCC’s operating rules, a permit cannot extend … Read more
Eight Canadian Cities Ranked Most Livable for Newcomers The Globe and Mail has released its third annual ranking of Canada’s most livable cities for newcomers, identifying eight municipalities that combine strong job markets, community support, and quality-of-life factors. The assessment provides a snapshot of how settlement opportunities vary across the country. The index evaluated cities … Read more
Manitoba issues 47 invitations in late-January MPNP draw The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has conducted its second immigration draw of 2026, inviting 47 candidates to apply for provincial nomination. The selection targeted skilled workers who had previously indicated participation in a strategic recruitment initiative within their Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles. The draw, held … Read more
Canada prioritizes essential occupations for faster work permit processing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is giving priority to work permit applications in designated essential occupations across the country. The measure aims to address ongoing labour shortages, particularly in healthcare and agri-food sectors. Applications that qualify under these categories are processed faster if they meet … Read more
Saskatchewan reaches job nomination caps in key sectors The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has confirmed that its first 2026 intake window for capped sectors has closed after reaching position limits across all eligible industries. The intake, which opened on January 13, filled within days, marking a rapid start to the province’s annual nomination schedule. … Read more
Newfoundland and Labrador to Host Virtual Immigration Fair The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will host a virtual immigration and job fair on February 11, providing an opportunity for foreign skilled workers to connect with employers across the province. The online event, scheduled between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. GMT, is designed to attract international … Read more
Six Healthcare Jobs Prioritized for Canadian Permanent Residence Canada continues to prioritize healthcare professionals for permanent residence as part of its immigration strategy to address labour shortages in critical medical and support roles. Several healthcare occupations that require two years or less of college training have been identified among those receiving priority consideration through federal … Read more