IRCC Updates Processing Times for Temporary Visas Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised its official processing times for temporary resident applications, including visitor visas, work permits, and study permits. The latest update reflects variations across different application categories and regions. The update provides insight into current operational trends, highlighting steady or improved timelines … Read more
Spousal Work Permits May Accelerate PR for Couples Canada’s immigration framework allows the spouse of an international student to work while their partner studies, potentially leading to permanent residence (PR) eligibility earlier than the studying spouse. This pathway has gained attention among foreign nationals seeking faster routes to PR through programs such as Express Entry … Read more
Rural Community Immigration Pilot Marks First-Year Results More than one thousand newcomers secured permanent residence in 2025 through Canada’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The initiative is aimed at strengthening smaller and rural communities by addressing local workforce needs. The pilot continues this year as part of … Read more
Canada and U.S. took opposing paths on immigration in 2025 Canada and the United States both reduced immigration levels in 2025, but each adopted sharply different strategies. The U.S. government implemented wide-ranging restrictions, while Canada narrowed its focus to adjust programs in specific sectors facing labour shortages. The contrasting approaches affected pathways to permanent residence, … Read more
Canada explores new trade deals with mobility focus The Government of Canada has concluded public consultations on potential free trade agreements with India, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and the Mercosur bloc. The discussions are expected to inform how upcoming negotiations could affect temporary entry for businesspeople and professionals. The consultations, which ended on January … Read more
CEC Cut-Off Scores Drop, Expanding Eligibility in 2026 Cut-off scores for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry have declined sharply after several months of stagnation, opening the door for more candidates to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. Between August and November 2025, minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores for CEC … Read more
BC PNP Raises Skills Immigration Application Fees The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has increased its application fee for the Skills Immigration category. The adjustment raises the cost from $1,475 to $1,750 and took effect on January 22, 2026. According to the BC PNP, applications submitted on or after that date must include … Read more
Federal government announces new grocery and essentials benefit The Government of Canada has unveiled a new refundable tax credit that will provide additional financial support to eligible residents, including many newcomers. The measure, called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, replaces the existing Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit. Announced on January 26, 2026, the … Read more
Canada outlines 2026 updates to LMIA‑exempt work permits Canada’s federal government has detailed several measures affecting Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)‑exempt work permits for 2026. Key actions include a higher intake target under the International Mobility Program, a freeze on post‑graduation work permit (PGWP) eligible fields of study, and ongoing reviews of temporary and provincial … Read more
Canada outlines 2026 changes to LMIA‑exempt work permits Ottawa has detailed several adjustments to Canada’s Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)‑exempt work permit framework set to take effect in 2026. The federal announcements include a higher admissions target, a pause on updates to post‑graduation work permit (PGWP) study fields, and multiple temporary public policies reaching their … Read more