As of May 31, 2026, IRCC had roughly 1.5 million applications across permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship awaiting a final decision, according to the department’s own inventory data. Permanent residence applications alone totalled 705,315, split across new Economic, Family, and Protection categories that replaced IRCC’s older reporting structure. Category Applications Awaiting Decision Permanent Residence (total) 705,315 ...
Roughly 1,500 international graduates, many from programs delivered through a public-private college partnership in Alberta, are facing Post-Graduation Work Permit refusals after IRCC clarified that non-credit programs do not qualify for a PGWP. IRCC says this is not a new rule but a reaffirmation of an existing eligibility requirement, though affected graduates argue they enrolled believing their...
Canada has conducted its First Express Entry Draw for Skilled Military Recruits, marking a significant milestone in the country’s evolving immigration strategy. On July 23, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued four Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under a newly introduced category designed specifically for experienced foreign military personnel with confirmed job offers from the Canadian Armed Forces. ...
Ontario has officially released the eligibility requirements for its new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, introducing one of the most significant changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) in recent years. While the Expression of Interest (EOI) system has not yet opened, the publication of the program guide gives skilled workers and employers an opportunity to...
Canada has officially updated the median wage thresholds for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), introducing new provincial and territorial wage requirements effective July 17, 2026. The changes, announced by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), will determine whether employers must submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under the high-wage or low-wage stream. While the update may appear to be a routine...
Canada is accelerating efforts to improve foreign credential recognition after federal, provincial, and territorial labour ministers met in Halifax to discuss solutions for ongoing workforce shortages. During the Forum of Labour Market Ministers (FLMM) on July 16, 2026, governments agreed to work more closely to help internationally trained professionals enter the Canadian workforce faster. The meeting focused on reducing employment...
In Express Entry Round #429, held July 22, 2026, IRCC issued 5,000 invitations to French-speaking candidates with a CRS score of 399 or higher. This was the eighth French-language draw of the year and pushed total 2026 invitations past 104,000, putting this year on pace to become the largest in Express Entry history. Category Details Round...
Prince Edward Island has conducted its largest Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) draw of 2026, issuing 195 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to skilled workers who can help address the province’s labour market needs. Held on July 16, 2026, the latest invitation round focused on candidates already contributing to PEI’s economy or those with strong employment prospects in priority sectors. ...
Alberta has continued its targeted immigration strategy by issuing 1,177 invitations across six Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) draws during the first half of July 2026. Rather than conducting one large general draw, the province focused on filling labour shortages in healthcare, technology, rural communities, law enforcement, and other priority occupations. The latest results reinforce Alberta’s long-term...
