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

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

Ottawa has announced significant changes to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), with new co-payment requirements taking effect May 1, 2026. Under the updated policy outlined in Budget 2025, eligible beneficiaries will pay $4 per prescription medication and 30% of costs for supplemental services such as dental care, vision care, counselling, and assistive devices. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states these measures will ensure the program's long-t

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised its Instrument of Designation and Delegation, effective December 15, 2025. The update broadens authority across multiple roles, including Director Generals and case processing agents, while introducing three key changes. Officers in Resettlement Operations can now refuse permanent resident visas when Quebec selection criteria are not satisfied. The Director General of the Migration Health Branch regains the auth

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada has reported a significant milestone: pending refugee protection claims reached 300,163 by December 2025. Despite processing 6,724 finalizations during the month, the new intake of 7,397 claims continues to outpace the resolution. The backlog has grown steadily throughout the year, reflecting ongoing challenges in the refugee determination system. Meanwhile, refugee appeals have also increased, with 4,665 cases pending by year-end,

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

President Trump's decision to halt asylum claims has intensified calls for Canada to suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement, with legal experts warning the pact may no longer be valid. Immigration lawyers argue the U.S. has abandoned its obligation under the UN Refugee Convention, eliminating the agreement's foundation. While some specialists caution that suspension could trigger an influx of asylum seekers—potentially millions currently in the U.S.—others insist Canada fa

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced an extension to the temporary pause on new applications under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program's group of five and community sponsor streams, now lasting until December 31, 2026. The decision comes as the department works to address a significant backlog caused by high demand and lengthy processing times. While new applications remain on hold, previously submitted cases will continue to be processed, and C

A federal initiative designed to help Canadian employers hire skilled refugees from overseas is facing serious challenges , with processing times ballooning from an initial six months to 54 months. The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, launched in 2018 to address labour shortages by connecting businesses with qualified refugee workers, has left more than 20 companies struggling with production cuts and lost revenue while applicants remain in precarious situations abroad. Refu

On September 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released updated instructions on Sponsorship Agreement Holder...

August 2025 saw a marked decline in the number of new refugee protection claims submitted to Canada’s Refugee Protection Division (RPD),...

Experts are raising alarms about Bill C-2, Canada's Strong Borders legislation, which could prevent persecuted dissidents, journalists,...

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab has defended the newly proposed Strong Borders Act (Bill C-2), which introduces significant...

U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has revealed that more than 200 individuals, including young children, were held in makeshift detention...

On August 26, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the number of Ukrainian newcomers arriving in Canada...