top of page
Search


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
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


Canada ended the special work permit policy for Iranian nationals
A temporary public policy allowing Iranians in Canada to apply for open work permits has officially expired. The policy , which was available to Iranian nationals who arrived in Canada by February 28, 2025, ended at midnight on March 1, 2026. It had offered open work permits, priority processing, and the option to apply for study permits from within Canada. Originally introduced in February 2023 following civil unrest in Iran after Mahsa Amini's death, the policy was part of
Mar 2
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada invited new candidates under the IEC
Over the last week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws under the International Experience Canada (IEC). From February 7 to February 13, Canada invited 6,986 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of February 13, 28,872 candidates have registered in the pool and are awaiting the invitation. In these rounds, there were 290 ITAs for Australia, 21 ITAs for Austria, 40 ITAs for Belgium, 128 ITAs for Chile, 12 ITAs for Costa Rica
Feb 18
Â
Â
Â


Canada reports a major drop in international student and temporary worker arrivals
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
Feb 18
Â
Â
Â


Canada invited 6,000 CEC candidates under Express Entry
On February 17, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. IRCC issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) in this draw. In round #396, the cut-off score was 508 points, one point fewer than it was in the previous CEC-targeted draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was March 16, 2025, at 09:35:59 UTC. As of February 15, 2026, 235,695 profiles were registered in the Express Entr
Feb 18
Â
Â
Â


IRCC conducted a new PNP draw #395 under Express Entry
On February 16, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the Express Entry draw #395. The Government of Canada issued 279 Invitations to Apply (ITA) for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates in this draw. This round’s cut-off score was 789 points, 40 points more than the previous PNP-targeted draw, which was the highest of the year. The tie-breaking rule for this round was September 05, 2025, at 0:59:13 UTC. As of February 15, 2026, 235,695 p
Feb 17
Â
Â
Â


Canada extended in-country work permit printing for IEC participants
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
Feb 11
Â
Â
Â


IRCC conducted a new round of invitations under the IEC
Over the last two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws under the International Experience Canada (IEC). From January 24 to February 6, Canada invited 14,982 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of February 6, 31,632 candidates have registered in the pool and are awaiting the invitation. In these rounds, there were 2 ITAs for Andorra, 1,029 ITAs for Australia, 82 ITAs for Austria, 159 ITAs for Belgium, 525 ITAs for Ch
Feb 10
Â
Â
Â


North Bay & Area RCIP unveils expanded 2026 priority occupation list with new sector
The North Bay & Area Rural Community Immigration Pilot has announced significant updates to its 2026 Priority Occupation List, including the addition of a sixth priority sector focused on natural and applied sciences. Following consultation with over 170 designated employers and analysis of regional labour market data, the program has refined its occupations list to better address workforce needs across healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and newly added technology fiel
Feb 5
Â
Â
Â
bottom of page