Express Entry French Draw Trends Shift in 2026 Canada issued 4,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) to French-speaking candidates on April 29, 2026, with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 400. The result marked a noticeable drop from the previous French-language draw on April 15, which had a cut-off of 419 for the same … Read more
Ontario issues 997 GTA-focused immigration invitations Ontario invited 997 candidates to apply for provincial nomination on April 30 through targeted draws under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The invitations focused on workers with job offers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The draws were conducted under two Employer Job Offer streams and primarily targeted … Read more
Canada expands restoration rules for out-of-status temporary residents On May 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its operational guidance, allowing certain temporary residents who lose status to apply for restoration as visitors. The change introduces an additional pathway for foreign nationals who were previously limited to restoring their original status as workers … Read more
IRCC considers new high-wage factor in Express Entry reform Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is reviewing a proposal to award additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to candidates in high-paying occupations, with public consultations open until May 24, 2026. The proposal forms part of a broader overhaul of the Express Entry selection system expected … Read more
IRCC updates processing times for temporary visas Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released revised processing time estimates on April 29, 2026, showing notable reductions in several temporary residence categories. The changes reflect a comparison with figures published two weeks earlier on April 15. The most significant shifts were recorded for applicants submitting from Pakistan … Read more
Canada raises permanent residence application fees across all streams Permanent residence application costs in Canada rose on April 30, 2026, with updated fee levels applied to all major immigration pathways, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and family reunification. The revisions affect principal applicants as well as accompanying spouses, partners, and dependent children. The Right … Read more
Nova Scotia sets new immigration priority occupations Nova Scotia has introduced updated selection priorities under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), outlining how candidates will be assessed for provincial nomination. The changes, announced on April 27, establish a three-tier framework that ranks occupations based on current labour market demand. The revised structure affects both applicants … Read more
Nova Scotia to introduce 12-month validity for immigration EOIs Nova Scotia has confirmed a new expiry timeline for candidate profiles submitted through its provincial immigration system. The change affects individuals applying under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). Beginning May 1, 2026, Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted on or after that date will remain active … Read more
Canada eases work permit access for CSQ applicants The federal government has introduced a temporary measure allowing some foreign workers in Quebec to obtain employer-specific work permits while awaiting a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). The policy took effect on March 13, 2026, targeting individuals already invited to apply for permanent residence through Quebec’s Skilled Worker … Read more
BC and New Brunswick adopt TFWP rural measures British Columbia and New Brunswick have joined a federal initiative that provides added flexibility for rural employers seeking to hire low-wage temporary foreign workers. The measures are part of a time-limited policy under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The policy, introduced by the federal government, allows … Read more