IMMIGRATION ALERTS

Canada and Manitoba invest $1.3M to boost Francophone immigration outside Quebec. Student pilot extended to August 2027. Bilingual healthcare, education, and manufacturing jobs targeted. No cap on participants.

Ontario has launched Phase 1 of a comprehensive OINP redesign, replacing eight previous streams with a single Ontario Workforce Priority stream. The changes, effective June 26, 2026, include TEER 0-3 (CLB 6) and TEER 4-5 (CLB 4) pathways, a self-employed physicians pathway, and rural flexibility. Old EOIs are withdrawn; new system opens summer 2026.

Quebec will reopen family sponsorship applications on July 2, 2026, with a new two-year cap of 15,700 applications. The cap includes 13,300 spots for spouses and partners, and 2,400 for parents and grandparents. Adult dependent children aged 18+ are now exempt from the cap. A phased intake schedule prioritizes applicants who have been waiting the longest

Quebec has announced the temporary reopening of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) from July 2, 2026 to July 2, 2028. The first intake (July 2 – October 31, 2026) is open to those who met eligibility requirements by November 19, 2025. No application cap. Average processing time 6-7 months. PSTQ invitations will be reduced during this period.

Ontario has overhauled its Provincial Nominee Program (OINP), discontinuing most economic immigration streams including Employer Job Offer categories, Master's and PhD Graduate streams, Express Entry Human Capital streams, and Entrepreneur stream. The changes took effect May 30, 2026. A new consolidated Job Offer Stream with High-Skill and Labor Shortages tracks, plus mandatory Employer Portal registration, will replace the legacy system.

Canada removes visa requirements for Indonesian and Malaysian citizens effective May 26, 2026. The new eTA system costs CAD $7, is approved within minutes, and allows stays of up to 6 months for tourism, short-term study, or business – a game-changer for over 400 million people.

Canada’s major regulatory overhaul for immigration consultants takes effect July 15, 2026 – new compensation fund, stronger penalties, enhanced public register for CICC licensees.

Canada proposes major Express Entry overhaul: new single high-skilled immigration class to replace FSW, CEC, and FST categories. Public consultations spring 2026.

Big win for international students in Canada: no more separate co-op work permits required starting April 1, 2026. Study permit now covers mandatory co-op placements.

Canada extends immigration concessions for Ukrainian citizens until 2027 – open work permits, study permit flexibility, and family reunification priority extended.

Canada tightens LMIA rules for low-wage positions starting April 1, 2026: 8-week advertising + mandatory youth recruitment now required for TFWP.

Canada enacts Bill C-12: Strengthening Immigration System and Borders Act receives royal assent March 26, 2026. New asylum rules, document cancellation powers, enhanced border security.

Canada unveils 2026–2027 immigration reset: Sharp cuts to temporary residents (-43%), stable PR targets (380K–395K), and stronger focus on French-speaking & critical-skills talent.

Canada to ease income requirement for Super Visa – two new options from March 31, 2026: two-year income window or combine host income with visiting parent/grandparent income.

Canada launches new Temporary Work Permit for Quebec Skilled Workers: 12-month bridge for those with DSP invitations and permits expiring March–December 2026. Apply by December 31.

Canada's New TR to PR Pathway 2026: Up to 33,000 temporary foreign workers can transition to permanent residency. Priority sectors, rural focus, and April 2026 full rollout.

IRCC March 2026 update: Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time for Indians Drops to 57 Days – down from 71 days in February. Apply now for summer travel!

Canada launches IRCC AI Strategy 2026: AI assists, humans decide. Faster processing, fraud detection, and ethical safeguards for all visa and PR applications.

Canada's March 4, 2026 Express Entry French draw issued a record 5,500 ITAs at CRS 397, opening doors for bilingual professionals worldwide.

The Government of Canada has confirmed a major passport fee hike effective March 31, 2026, raising the adult 10-year passport to CAD $260. Here are the new rates and how to beat the increase.