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
Canada updates rules for business visitors Canada has released updated guidance affecting foreign nationals seeking entry under the business visitor exemption from work permit requirements. The changes were published on March 19, 2026, as revised instructions to immigration officers. The update clarifies how officers assess eligibility and documentation for those entering Canada to conduct limited … Read more
Newcomer job search experiences highlighted in Canada Recent accounts from newcomers to Canada have outlined the challenges of entering the labour market without pre-arranged employment. The experiences reflect broader settlement realities for permanent residents adapting to new hiring practices, workplace expectations, and regional employment systems. Immigrants arriving through economic and family pathways are among those … Read more