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

On February 19, 2026, Prince Edward Island conducted 2026’s second invitation round under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). In this draw, PEI issued 109 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates working in priority sectors based on economic impact in PEI. The province prioritized candidates with employment offers from PEI-based organizations and international graduates from recognized institutions, including UPEI, Holland College, and Collège de

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

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

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

On February 18, 2026, Alberta released the results of the recent Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) immigration draws. On February 6, the province invited up to ten candidates under the Alberta Express Entry Stream – Law Enforcement Pathway, while the February 10 draw invited 212 Rural Renewal Stream candidates. Additionally, on February 11, Alberta invited 147 Express Entry candidates under the Accelerated Tech Pathway. Furthermore, the province conducted three A

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

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

On February 18, 2026, the Government of Ontario conducted new invitation draws in the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream (EJO FW) and International Student Stream (EJO IS) of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). In these draws, the province targeted candidates working in the skilled trades-related occupations. The OINP issued 951 invitations to apply (ITAs) under the EJO FW Stream and 453 ITAs under the EJO IS Stream. In total, this year, the province issued

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

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

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

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

Canada stands at a crossroads as experts debate the country's immigration future amid a shrinking working-age population. Economic analysts suggest the government's plan to maintain near-zero population growth through 2028 represents a necessary correction following rapid expansion that strained housing, healthcare, and public services. However, policy advocates warn that without a comprehensive national strategy, this pullback threatens long-term economic prosperity and lea

Statistics Canada has released a comprehensive analysis examining the demographic characteristics and socioeconomic experiences of Chinese populations throughout the country. Published on February 13, 2026, the report finds that this community doubled in size between 1996 and 2021, reaching 1.7 million individuals, representing 4.7% of Canada's total population. The study highlights significant diversity in immigration patterns, with nearly half born in China and over one-qu

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

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