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
Nova Scotia, Quebec join rural TFW cap policy Nova Scotia and Quebec have become the first provinces to apply a new federal public policy that adjusts limits on low-wage temporary foreign workers in rural areas. The measure is part of a time-limited framework introduced by Ottawa earlier in April. The policy enables certain employers outside … Read more
Canada expands LMIA processing freeze to 30 regions The federal government has broadened restrictions on low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications, with new measures taking effect April 10. Under the update, applications in 30 census metropolitan areas (CMAs) will not be processed for the second quarter of 2026, an increase from 24 regions in … Read more
Canada proposes broader work rights for students and graduates Canada’s immigration department has introduced proposed regulatory changes aimed at expanding work authorization for international students, recent graduates, and certain foreign apprentices. The measures were published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on April 1, 2026, and are currently in the consultation phase with provinces, … Read more
BC streamlines licensing for US healthcare workers British Columbia has reported a significant increase in U.S.-trained healthcare professionals entering its workforce following regulatory changes introduced in 2025. The province states that more than 400 doctors, nurses, and allied health workers from the United States began working in B.C. over the past year. The changes are … Read more
Canada doubles LMIA ad period, adds youth hiring rules Employers in Canada are now subject to longer advertising requirements and new youth outreach obligations when applying to hire foreign workers under the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The updated rules took effect on April 1, 2026, and apply to Labour Market … Read more
Canada expands work permit access for some asylum claimants Canada has introduced a temporary public policy enabling certain foreign nationals to obtain or retain open work permits after their refugee claims are deemed ineligible for referral to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD). The measure aims to address a gap that can arise between an ineligibility … Read more
Canada extends LMIA-exempt work permit pilot The federal government has extended a pilot program that allows certain Canadian companies to hire foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The initiative, known as the Innovation Stream, will now remain in place until March 22, 2028. It applies to a small group of high-growth firms … 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