British Columbia's Skills Immigration registration pool has recorded 11,210 total registrations as of January 6, 2026, according to the latest provincial data . The distribution shows a concentration of interest across all scoring tiers, with the 100-109 range leading with 2,161 registrants, followed closely by the 90-99 bracket at 2,048. The pool's composition reveals sustained demand for skilled worker pathways, as scores ranging from 60 to 149 demonstrate consistent regist

Canada faces a mounting challenge as nearly one million work permits have expired by late 2025, with close to another million set to lapse throughout 2026. This could result in roughly two million individuals without legal status by mid-2026, with South Asian nationals comprising approximately half of this figure. The situation has intensified due to recent policy shifts that have narrowed pathways to permanent residency, particularly affecting international students and tem

New quarterly demographic data from Statistics Canada reveals a notable shift in Canada's temporary resident landscape. By the fourth quarter of 2025, the country saw approximately 477,000 study permit holders, marking a substantial decrease from earlier in the year. Work permit holders numbered around 1.48 million during the same period. Meanwhile, asylum claimants and protected persons reached roughly 505,000, reflecting year-over-year growth in this category. The figures

Statistics Canada's latest quarterly data show that Canada admitted 102,867 immigrants in the third quarter of 2025, maintaining steady immigration levels compared with previous quarters. However, the period also saw a significant increase in emigration, with 41,203 Canadians leaving the country—nearly double the Q2 2025 figure. Meanwhile, 21,147 former emigrants returned home during the same period. Net emigration reached 20,056, reflecting growing outward migration pattern

The Canadian restaurant sector is bracing for serious challenges as federal immigration restrictions threaten to worsen an already critical staffing crisis. With Ottawa slashing temporary resident admissions by 43 percent for 2026, industry leaders warn this could add another 50,000 vacant positions to the nearly 150,000 openings expected by 2027. Restaurant operators, many of whom are immigrants themselves, say the cuts not only make it harder to recruit reliable staff but

The Government of Quebec has announced new language requirements for temporary foreign workers seeking a Quebec Acceptance Certificate under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Starting December 17, 2028, applicants who have completed three years of work in Quebec must demonstrate Level 4 proficiency in French, as defined by the Echelle québécoise. Agricultural workers, political office employees, and staff of recognized international non-governmental organizations

Canada has recorded a significant decline in asylum applications, with 33% fewer claims submitted between January and October 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This decrease follows the government's implementation of stricter border controls and enhanced screening processes. The country's asylum system, designed to protect individuals fleeing persecution and danger, has seen rising numbers in recent years due to global instability and armed conflicts. Recent policy c

Ontario's college sector is grappling with significant upheaval as tighter federal restrictions on international student visas force institutions to suspend programs and reduce services. Ottawa's decision to reduce study permit issuance to 408,000 in 2026 – down from 485,000 in 2024 – has prompted colleges to cut hundreds of programs and eliminate more than 8,000 positions. Students at institutions such as George Brown, Conestoga, and Fanshawe are experiencing reduced suppor

Following major changes to Ontario's immigration system, many newcomers pursuing permanent residency are in limbo , uncertain about their future in Canada. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, which offers a fast-track pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and international students, is undergoing significant restructuring. The province has suspended its skilled trades stream and is reducing entry categories from nine to four, while Ottawa has cut provincial no

On December 24, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant updates to the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. The revisions include enhanced verification procedures for work permits, updated guidelines for medical examinations and police certificates, and refined case management protocols. Key changes involve corrections to Australian International Co-op validity periods and new provisions that allow Dutch post-secondary studen

Ontario is adjusting its approach to international student admissions following Ottawa's decision to reduce study permit approvals by 42 percent for 2026. The province will strategically allocate its 104,780 Provincial Attestation Letters, prioritizing programs in high-demand fields such as construction, nursing, teaching, and STEM. Minister Nolan Quinn emphasized that Ontario remains committed to maintaining its reputation for world-class education while ensuring graduates

On December 18, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab released a statement recognizing the vital role migrants play in strengthening Canada's communities and economy. She acknowledged how their skills and determination support key sectors while noting the growing complexity of global migration driven by conflict, economic challenges, and climate pressures. Canada remains committed to working with international partners, including the UNHCR and IOM, to promote safe and order

Saskatchewan has announced its 2026 immigration plan, setting the province's initial allocation under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program at 4,761 nominations. The province is taking a more focused approach this year, reserving at least half of all nominations for priority industries, including healthcare, agriculture, skilled trades, and technology. In a shift from previous years, Saskatchewan has introduced caps on certain sectors that have historically dominated th

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced immediate changes to its business immigration programs as part of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan and Canada’s Talent Attraction Strategy. As of December 19, 2025, IRCC has stopped accepting applications for the optional work permit under the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program, except for applicants already in Canada seeking to extend an existing SUV work permit. The department will also prioritize permanent residence

On December 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the indefinite suspension of intake for Home Care Worker Immigration pilots, effective immediately. This decision addresses the growing gap between demand and available space, resulting in longer processing times for applicants. The pause supports Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which is designed to stabilize immigration levels while addressing critical labour market needs. IRCC w

On December 18, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revised the eligibility criteria for Hong Kong residents applying through Stream B of the permanent residence pathways. Effective immediately, principal applicants must demonstrate at least 1,560 hours of authorized Canadian work experience obtained through paid employment at any skill level within three years prior to submission. Additionally, all applicants are required to have maintained a valid Can

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program has officially reached its 2025 allocation after issuing 10,750 nominations across all available streams. Officials confirmed that applications submitted before the cap was reached, along with new submissions, will be processed under the province's 2026 allocation. The program continues to accept applications without interruption, though processing timelines may extend into next year. Ontario remains one of Canada's most popular destinat

Canada's efforts to reduce temporary resident numbers are showing measurable results, with new data revealing a 53% decrease in student and worker arrivals between January and October 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The government has implemented stricter caps on international student permits and tightened eligibility for temporary foreign workers as part of its commitment to bring the temporary population below 5% of the total population by late 2027. Only 3,030 n

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada reported 7,527 new refugee protection claims in November 2025, marking a continued decline from earlier months. With 6,738 cases finalized during the period, the backlog now stands at 299,452 pending claims. This represents a steady increase from 149,088 pending cases in November 2023. Meanwhile, refugee appeals climbed to 4,283 pending cases after processing 846 finalizations in November. Immigration appeals also saw growth, with

On December 11, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published new updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. The updates clarify that applicants must have held a valid study authorization within 180 days of completing their studies to remain eligible. Language and field-of-study requirements now apply equally across university and non-university programs, effective March 11, 2025. However, students who applied for their study permit befo