IRCC backlog declines as Express Entry reaches record low Canada’s immigration application backlog fell to 935,000 cases as of March 31, 2026, according to newly released data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The figures show continued reductions in several major categories, including Express Entry and provincial nominations. The update provides a snapshot of … Read more
Nova Scotia issues NOIs to link workers with jobs Nova Scotia began issuing Notices of Interest (NOIs) in May 2026 to select candidates in the federal Express Entry pool as part of a new effort to address labour shortages in key sectors. The initiative focuses on connecting skilled foreign nationals with employers in industries facing … Read more
Canada lifts asylum filing limits for minors On May 19, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a temporary public policy that removes key asylum filing restrictions for unaccompanied minors. The measure changes how certain refugee claims are assessed under recent reforms tied to Bill C-12. The update follows rules that took effect on … Read more
Canada ranks 19th in 2026 global country index Canada secured 19th place in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Countries rankings, released on May 13, marking a shift under a newly introduced data-driven evaluation system. The updated ranking reflects performance across 100 statistical indicators, replacing earlier perception-based surveys used in previous editions. The … Read more
British Columbia issues 437 invitations in May 14 Skills Immigration draw British Columbia conducted a new round of invitations under its Provincial Nominee Program on May 14, 2026, issuing a total of 437 invitations through the Skills Immigration category. The draw focused on candidates meeting specific wage and scoring thresholds tied to labour market priorities. … Read more
Newfoundland and Labrador issues 186 immigration invitations in May 11 draw Newfoundland and Labrador extended 186 invitations to immigration candidates on May 11, 2026, marking the province’s fifth selection round of the year and its second draw in May. The invitations were distributed through two pathways: the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and … Read more
Canada updates LMIA-exempt GATS work permit rules Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued revised instructions for officers processing LMIA-exempt work permits under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), affecting foreign professionals entering Canada for short-term service contracts. The update introduces clearer documentation requirements, revised eligibility details, and expanded access for certain … Read more
Canada eases exit rules for refugee applicants Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued updated program delivery instructions confirming that refugees applying for resettlement are not required to provide exit permits or proof of legal status in their host country. The clarification, published in 2026, aligns with provisions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection … Read more
CBSA confirms permanent closure of Four Falls border crossing The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced on May 11, 2026, that the Four Falls port of entry (POE) in New Brunswick will not reopen, formalizing a closure that has been in place since May 2020. The crossing, located in northwestern New Brunswick, had been shut … Read more
IRCC updates processing times for PR and citizenship On May 12, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released revised processing time estimates for permanent residence and citizenship applications across multiple programs. The update shows longer processing periods for several economic immigration streams, including Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), alongside notable increases in … Read more