top of page
Search


Ottawa held new IEC draws, inviting over 3,000 candidates
Over the last two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws under the International Experience Canada (IEC). From March 14 to March 27, Canada invited 3,167 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of March 27, 31,077 candidates have registered in the pool and are awaiting the invitation. In these rounds, there were 233 ITAs for Australia, 6 ITAs for Austria, 38 ITAs for Belgium, 4 ITAs for Chile, 4 ITAs for Costa Rica, 10 IT
Mar 30


Canada to raise citizenship and permanent residence fees starting March 31 and April 30
Ottawa will raise key immigration fees this spring as it adjusts charges for inflation and program costs. As of March 31, 2026, the right of citizenship fee for adults will increase from $3.25 to $123, while the $530 processing fee for adult citizenship grants remains the same. A second increase follows on April 30, 2026, affecting permanent residence programs, including the right of permanent residence fee ($600) and higher rates for provincial nominees, business applican
Mar 30


IRCC expanded work permit eligibility for spouses of significant investment project workers in British Columbia
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a major policy change on March 23, 2026, expanding eligibility for open work permits for spouses of workers under Significant Investment Projects in British Columbia. The update removes previous restrictions that limited eligibility to spouses of high-skilled workers at specific TEER levels. Now, spouses of all SIP workers—whether employed in high-skilled occupations (TEER 0-3) or low-skilled positions (TEER 4-5)—
Mar 24


Canada expands super visa income requirements to support more families
Canada has announced changes to the super visa program that will make it easier for families to bring parents and grandparents to visit. Starting March 31, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will offer two new ways to meet income requirements. Families can now use income from either of the past two tax years instead of just one. They can also include the visiting parent or grandparent's income to reach the minimum threshold. The super visa allows parents and
Mar 23


Federal Court orders visitor visa reconsideration after four judicial reviews
On March 12, 2026, the Federal Court ordered expedited reconsideration of a visitor visa application after four rounds of judicial review. Indian parents Subash Kumar and Rashmi sought to visit their children, who were studying in Canada, but faced repeated refusals despite strong financial ties and a travel history. The case was taken pro bono after multiple settlements failed to resolve the issue. Justice Grant found the visa officer's decision unreasonable for ignoring ev
Mar 20


Canada welcomed over 24,000 new permanent residents in January 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processed 32,400 permanent residence applications and welcomed 24,100 new residents in January 2026. The department also granted citizenship to 227,300 individuals between April 2025 and January 2026. During the same month, IRCC finalized 34,200 study permit applications and 136,700 work permit applications, including extensions. These numbers reflect Canada's ongoing commitment to maintaining robust immigration pathways for
Mar 20


IRCC launches new work permit policy for Quebec permanent residence applicants
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary public policy to help Quebec transition more temporary residents to permanent status. The initiative offers streamlined access to employer-specific work permits through the International Mobility Program for eligible foreign workers. Applications will be processed within 30 days, with submissions accepted until December 31, 2026. The policy targets three groups: workers with permits expiring by ye
Mar 20


Canada invited 4,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates
On March 17, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) in this draw. In round #404, the cut-off score was 507 points, one point fewer than in the previous CEC-targeted draw, and the lowest since August 2024. The tie-breaking rule for this round was May 11, 2025, at 18:57:31 UTC. As of March 15, 2026, 231,362 profiles were registered
Mar 18


Canada invited 362 PNP candidates under the Express Entry draw #403
On March 16, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the Express Entry draw #403 for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. The Government of Canada issued 362 Invitations to Apply (ITA), and the round’s cut-off score was 742 points, 32 points more than the previous PNP-targeted draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was October 05, 2025, at 20:35:25 UTC. As of March 15, 2026, 231,362 profiles were registered in the Express Entry pool. This
Mar 17


Ottawa introduced a new work permit extension for Quebec's skilled workers
The Federal Government announced a temporary measure that allows eligible skilled workers in Quebec to extend their employer-specific work permits for up to 12 months. This gives Quebec additional time to process applications for the Quebec Selection Certificate, which is required before applying for permanent residence. The measure targets workers who received invitations to submit a Demande de Selection Permanente under Quebec's Skilled Worker Selection Program. Applicatio
Mar 17


IRCC invited up to 3,500 candidates through the new IEC draws
Over the last week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws under the International Experience Canada (IEC). From March 7 to March 13, Canada invited 3,496 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of March 13, 28,448 candidates have registered in the pool and are awaiting the invitation. In these rounds, there were 196 ITAs for Australia, 4 ITAs for Austria, 25 ITAs for Belgium, 4 ITAs for Chile, 2 ITAs for Costa Rica, 5 ITAs for
Mar 17


Canada expanded the Young Professionals Program with new initiatives for Portugal and Taiwan
Canada's International Experience Canada program has introduced two new opportunities for young professionals. The Inov Contacto initiative now welcomes participants from Portugal, while Taiwan's Global Pathfinder Initiative opens doors for Taiwanese applicants. Both programs fall under the Young Professionals stream of the International Mobility Program, which promotes cultural exchange and work experience between Canada and partner countries. These bilateral arrangements s
Mar 10


IRCC conducted new invitation rounds under the IEC
Over the last two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws under the International Experience Canada (IEC). From February 21 to March 6, Canada invited 8,676 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of March 6, 28,404 candidates have registered in the pool and are awaiting the invitation. In these rounds, there were 645 ITAs for Australia, 20 ITAs for Austria, 70 ITAs for Belgium, 68 ITAs for Chile, 23 ITAs for Costa Rica, 7
Mar 9


Canada invited senior managers with Canadian work experience under the new Express Entry category
On March 5, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first-ever Express Entry draw for senior managers with Canadian work experience. IRCC issued 250 Invitations to Apply (ITA) in the fourth draw of the week. In round #402, the cut-off score was 429 points. The tie-breaking rule for this round was August 19, 2025, at 15:10:18 UTC. As of March 1, 2026, 232,534 profiles were registered in the Express Entry pool. So far in 2026, the Government of Cana
Mar 6


Canada extends work permit support for Iranian nationals through 2027
On March 4, 2026, the Government of Canada announced that it will continue offering temporary immigration relief to Iranian nationals already living and working in the country. The measures, first introduced in February 2023 due to ongoing instability in Iran, now allow Iranians holding valid work permits issued on or before February 28, 2025, to apply for extensions. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stated these provisions will remain in effect until March 31, 2
Mar 5


IRCC conducted a new Express Entry draw and invited 4,000 CEC candidates
On March 3, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) in this draw. In round #400, the cut-off score was 508 points, the same as it was in the previous CEC-targeted draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was June 24, 2025, at 22:35:48 UTC. As of March 1, 2026, there were 232,534 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. So f
Mar 4


IRCC held a new PNP draw #399 under Express Entry
On March 2, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the fifth Express Entry draw #399 for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. The Government of Canada issued 264 Invitations to Apply (ITA), and the round’s cut-off score was 710 points, 79 points fewer than the previous PNP-targeted draw, and it was the lowest of the year. The tie-breaking rule for this round was August 07, 2025, at 18:02:56 UTC. As of March 15, 2026, 232,534 profiles were regi
Mar 3


IRCC invited 4,000 healthcare professionals and social workers in the new Express Entry draw
On February 20, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first occupation-specific Express Entry draw of the year for candidates working in healthcare and social services occupations. In round #398, IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA), and the cut-off score was 467 points (9 points fewer than the last draw for this category). The tie-breaking rule for this round was December 9, 2025, at 18:22:06 UTC. As of February 15, 2026, 235,695 profil
Feb 23


Canada conducted the first Express Entry draw for physicians with Canadian work experience
On February 19, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first Express Entry draw for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience. IRCC issued 391 Invitations to Apply (ITA) in this draw. In round #397, the cut-off score was only 169 points. The tie-breaking rule for this round was January 03, 2026, at 03:25:14 UTC. As of February 15, 2026, 235,695 profiles were registered in the Express Entry pool. So far in 2026, the Government of Canada has issued
Feb 20


Canada targets specialized skills with new 2026 Express Entry categories
Canada is shifting its immigration strategy to prioritize high-skilled professionals and economic sustainability. On February 18, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab revealed new Express Entry categories designed to fill labour gaps. The new update introduces priority streams for researchers, senior managers, and aviation experts. Additionally, the government will streamline immigration pathways for foreign military personnel for roles within the Canadian Armed Forc
Feb 19
bottom of page