Express Entry Draws – February 2026

This month, IRCC held the largest category-based draw in Express Entry history, issuing 8,500 ITAs for candidates with French-language proficiency. They also invited 6,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates at the lowest CRS cut-off score since 2024. February 17, 2026 – Canadian Experience Class: 6,000 invitations issued, minimum CRS score 508 February 16, 2026 – Provincial […]

Read More

Visa Delays Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is warning that visa processing times are lengthening across nearly all temporary and permanent residence streams, just months before Canada hosts 13 World Cup matches. Visitor visa backlogs have risen 27% since November 2025, while work-permit extensions now average over 200 days. The delays are linked to a 20% […]

Read More

Ontario Sets 2026 Nomination Allocation: More Opportunities for Skilled Workers

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has announced its 2026 nomination allocation, receiving 14,119 spots for the year. This marks a 31% increase from 2025’s 10,750 nominations, though it remains below the 2024 peak of 21,500. The increase reflects Canada’s broader rise in permanent residence targets and offers Ontario more flexibility to meet its labor […]

Read More

Canada Updates Express Entry for 2026: Who’s Being Prioritized

Canada is updating its Express Entry system in 2026 to focus on highly skilled workers who can fill critical labor shortages. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the changes on February 18, 2026, emphasizing the government’s goal of attracting talent with Canadian work experience in high-demand sectors. The updated Express Entry system introduces three new […]

Read More

Express Entry Draws – January 2026

In the first weeks of 2026, IRCC has continued to hold high volume Express Entry draws, with a particular emphasis on candidates with Canadian work experience. On January 7, 2026, IRCC issued 8,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) with a minimum CRS score of 511, one of the largest draws […]

Read More

Canada Pauses Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot for Skilled Refugees

Canada has unexpectedly paused new applications to the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), a federal program that allows skilled refugees and displaced individuals to immigrate based on their skills and connect with Canadian employers facing labour shortages. The pause, which took effect at the end of December 2025, was communicated to partner organizations just days […]

Read More