IRCC Updates Temporary Residence Processing Times Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released updated processing timelines for temporary residence applications, showing overall reductions or stability across multiple categories. The latest figures, current as of March 24, indicate shorter wait periods for several visa and permit types compared to the department’s previous update issued on … Read more
Express Entry: Common Work Experience Errors Explained Work experience remains a central factor in Canada’s Express Entry system, influencing both eligibility for immigration programs and ranking under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Differences between program requirements and CRS scoring criteria continue to create confusion, with errors in reporting work history affecting many applications. The issue … Read more
Canada entry rules tighten on past criminal records Foreign nationals seeking to enter Canada can be refused entry if they have a prior criminal record, even for offences considered minor in their home country. Canadian law allows border officials to assess admissibility using domestic legal standards. The issue remains relevant as cross-border travel increases and … Read more
Canada expands spousal work permits for select BC firms The federal government has introduced a targeted measure allowing spouses and common-law partners of foreign workers at two British Columbia companies to obtain open work permits. The change took effect for applications submitted on or after March 23, 2026, and applies regardless of the worker’s occupation … Read more
Canada extends LMIA-exempt Innovation Stream to 2028 The federal government has extended the Innovation Stream pilot, a program that allows certain high-skilled foreign nationals to obtain employer-specific work permits without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). According to a program update released on March 23, 2026, the initiative will now remain in effect until March … Read more
Early planning linked to faster PR for students International students in Canada can reach permanent residence more quickly depending on decisions made during their studies, according to a comparative scenario examining immigration pathways. The example outlines how two students with similar profiles experienced different timelines for obtaining permanent residence due to differences in preparation, work … Read more
Canada tightens accreditation rules for foreign lawyers Canada has introduced new accreditation requirements for internationally trained lawyers seeking to practise in common-law jurisdictions. The changes took effect on March 1, 2026, and apply to applicants assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). The updated framework adds mandatory language screening and a new educational requirement … Read more
Alberta issues over 1,400 invitations in six AAIP draws Alberta has conducted six immigration draws through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) between late February and mid-March 2026. More than 1,400 candidates received invitations across several provincial pathways, reflecting ongoing selection activity in key labour sectors. The draws targeted applicants in healthcare, technology, and rural … Read more
IRCC tie-break rule affects Express Entry invitations Candidates in Canada’s Express Entry system can meet the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off in a draw and still not receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence. The outcome can hinge on the exact date and time a profile was submitted. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) … Read more
Ontario FCIP regions update 2026 priority jobs Three communities in Ontario participating in the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) have published revised priority sectors and occupations for 2026. The updates reflect changing labour needs at the local level. Timmins, Greater Sudbury, and the Superior East Region each adjusted their lists, removing some roles while introducing … Read more