Canada expands status restoration options for residents

Out-of-status workers and students gain additional options under new rules

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 weighs high-wage factor for Express Entry

Everything we know about the “high-wage occupation factor” in Canada’s proposed Express Entry overhaul

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

Processing times drop for temporary residence applications, latest IRCC data shows

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 PR application fees effective April 30

Canada hikes permanent resident fees

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

IRCC issues 4,000 ITAs in latest Express Entry draw

4000 ITAs issued in third Express Entry draw of the week

IRCC issues 4,000 ITAs in latest Express Entry draw Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, issuing 4,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence. The round targeted candidates with French-language proficiency. The selection sets out current conditions for candidates in this category, reflecting ongoing use of targeted draws within the … Read more

Nova Scotia sets new immigration priority occupations

Nova Scotia nominee program to prioritize workers in healthcare, trades, and select other sectors

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

IRCC issues 2,000 Express Entry ITAs in CEC draw

Canadian Experience Class candidates receive invitations to apply in last Express Entry draw week of April

IRCC issues 2,000 Express Entry ITAs in CEC draw Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw, issuing 2,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence. The round targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), continuing a pattern of selecting applicants with Canadian work experience in 2026. The draw reflects … Read more

Nova Scotia to Introduce 12-Month EOI Expiry

Nova Scotia set to introduce annual expiry of provincial nominee candidate profiles

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

BC invites 484 candidates in April immigration draw

British Columbia targets skilled workers in latest provincial immigration draw

BC invites 484 candidates in April immigration draw British Columbia conducted a new round of invitations under its provincial immigration system on April 22, focusing on skilled workers expected to contribute significantly to the provincial economy. The draw was held through the Skills Immigration (SI) category of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), with … Read more

Manitoba issues 308 invitations in latest PNP draw

Manitoba holds largest immigration draw of the year so far, targeting select occupations

Manitoba issues 308 invitations in latest PNP draw Manitoba conducted a new round of selections under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) on April 23, 2026. The draw resulted in 308 candidates receiving Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) for provincial nomination. This marks the largest draw held by the province so far in 2026. … Read more