Recent data from Statistics Canada shows a notable increase in the number of international students who remain in Canada after completing health degree programs. The 2019 cohort saw 68% of international health graduates filing tax returns three years after graduation, up from 52% in 2010. This surpasses the average retention rate for all international graduates. However, retention varies significantly by field and province. Pharmacy graduates had the highest retention at 64%

A joint study by Statistics Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reveals that provincial nominees screened through the Express Entry system achieve better economic outcomes than those admitted through base streams. Enhanced provincial nominees earned 7% to 16% more one year after arrival and 12% more three years later, even after accounting for demographic differences. The research, which analyzed data from 2016 to 2024, shows that 78% of enhanced nominees

A recent study from HEC Montreal reveals that the route immigrants take into Canada matters more than their qualifications alone. Workers arriving with closed permits typically earn higher incomes than other groups, while foreign students show the fastest wage growth once they enter the job market. The research, which surveyed 2,500 university-educated immigrants in 2025, found that the current points-based selection system does not always identify candidates who will perfor

On the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Parliamentary Secretary Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk highlighted Alberta's support for displaced Ukrainians. Since the conflict began, the province has welcomed almost 65,000 Ukrainian evacuees who now live in 213 communities across Alberta. Armstrong-Homeniuk noted that millions have been forced from their homes due to the ongoing war, which has become Europe's largest conflict since World War II. She emphasized that U

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has clarified how work permits will be issued to applicants under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) in 2026. Candidates who have submitted a complete permanent residence application under either pilot and hold a valid job offer may qualify for a work permit valid for up to two years while their PR application is processed. These work permits are exempt from t

Employers who break the rules of Canada's temporary foreign worker program now face much steeper penalties. Fines have jumped from $102,250 across 74 companies in 2018-19 to $4.8 million for 147 companies last fiscal year. McMaster University professor Catherine Connelly notes the government shifted from an educational approach to a deterrence strategy. The change comes as public scrutiny of the program intensified. Despite larger penalties, experts believe many violations s

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced plans for an October 2026 referendum on immigration policy, marking a significant departure from her previous support for high population growth. The proposal comes as the province grapples with rapid demographic changes that have strained public services. Smith attributes the shift to federal immigration reforms under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which moved away from merit-based selection toward increased temporary work

Rodney Sidloski has been charged with six offences under Saskatchewan's immigration legislation for allegedly exploiting two foreign workers at HELP International Shelterbelt Center near Weyburn between 2022 and 2024. The charges include producing false payroll records, misrepresenting employment terms, and taking advantage of the workers' trust and lack of knowledge. These alleged violations occurred at the tree farm operation and involve breaches of the Foreign Worker Recr

The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) has called on Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab to address the mounting challenges facing international students following recent policy changes. The CCR expressed concern that shifting regulations around post-graduation work permits and provincial immigration pathways have left thousands of students uncertain about their legal status. The Council emphasized that international students contribute significantly to Canada's economy

A new poll shows that 80% of British Columbians support expediting the removal of non-citizens charged or convicted of extortion and related crimes. The Research Co. survey found that 56% of residents have been closely following news about the surge in extortion attempts and shootings across the province. Support for faster deportation processes spans political lines, with 87% of Conservative voters, 85% of NDP supporters, and 73% of Green Party voters backing the measure. A

Nova Scotia has restructured its immigration system by consolidating ten separate streams into four main pathways. The Nova Scotia Nominee Program now offers clearer options for newcomers through the Nova Scotia Graduate, Skilled Worker, Entrepreneur, and Nova Scotia: Express Entry streams. This change took effect on February 18, 2026, and applies only to new applications submitted after that date. Existing applications remain unaffected, and all eligibility requirements sta

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program will reopen on March 9, 2026, with significant changes to its Employer-Driven Stream. The territory has been allocated 197 nominations for the year and is introducing an Expression of Interest system to improve fairness and transparency. Employers will submit profiles for foreign workers, which will be scored based on work experience, education, language proficiency, and connections to the NWT. The first selection draw is scheduled f

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

According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the country saw 53% fewer international student and temporary worker arrivals in 2025 compared to the previous year, marking a significant shift in immigration policy. New figures released for December 2025 show just 9,665 study permits and 9,735 work permits were issued that month, reflecting the government's commitment to reducing temporary resident numbers to below 5% of the total popul

Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board processed 6,456 new refugee protection claims in January 2026, marking a notable decline from previous months, according to recently released statistics . The agency finalized 6,663 claims during the same period, resulting in a slight reduction in the pending caseload to 299,960. Meanwhile, refugee appeals continued their upward trend with 1,037 new filings and 984 finalizations, bringing the pending appeals to 4,742. Immigration appeals

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the continuation of a streamlined process for International Experience Canada (IEC) participants. Those currently in Canada with valid IEC work permits can now request examination and document issuance domestically when submitting subsequent applications. The extension, effective February 10, 2026, will remain operational indefinitely, offering greater convenience for young professionals, working holiday parti

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) continues its regular invitation rounds for candidates registered in its Skills Immigration stream. As of February 8, 2026, the registration pool contains 10,988 candidates across various score ranges. The distribution shows significant concentration in the mid-tier brackets, with 2,134 registrations in the 100-109 range and 1,979 in the 90-99 category. Higher-scoring candidates remain competitive, as 41 registrations

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program will temporarily close its application portal from February 13 to February 18, 2026, as part of a major modernization effort. During this period, applicants with in-progress Expression of Interest submissions must complete them by February 13 at 4:00 PM, or they will be automatically cancelled. The program is also consolidating its streams from 10 to 4, aiming to provide greater clarity and a more streamlined application experience. Importantl

Canada's Express Entry pool is showing signs of reduced competition at the top tier for the second consecutive month. Between January 4 and February 2, over 6,200 profiles with CRS scores above 501 exited the system, marking a significant 29% decrease in the 501-600 range alone. While the overall pool expanded by 2,366 candidates, the reduction in high-scoring applicants suggests improving prospects for mid-range candidates seeking permanent residence invitations. Immigratio

Canada's healthcare crisis is hitting a critical point , with new data revealing that 50% of Canadians either lack a family doctor or face significant barriers accessing one, up from 40% a decade ago. This deteriorating situation poses particular challenges for immigrants and newcomers, who already navigate complex settlement processes and now encounter a strained medical system ill-equipped to meet growing demand. Despite healthcare spending nearly doubling to $399 billion s