Canada waives biometrics for FIFA-invited travelers ahead of 2026 World Cup
WestJet to exit Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, cutting last remaining air links for southern Alberta
UK begins strict enforcement of Electronic Travel Authorisation—Canadians now need pre-travel permit
Latest News
Canada moves to strip citizenship of alleged Mumbai attack plotter Tahawwur Rana
IRCC has begun legal steps to revoke the Canadian citizenship of Pakistan-born Tahawwur Rana, accused of helping to plot the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The rare move underscores Ottawa’s willingness to use citizenship revocation powers in national-security cases and serves as a cautionary tale for employers and travellers about full disclosure requirements.
Economists warn Alberta referendum on immigration could backfire
Experts interviewed by Global News say Alberta’s planned October referendum on stricter immigration rules could hurt economic growth by discouraging needed talent. Businesses are advised to monitor the political debate and prepare contingency plans for recruiting and retaining foreign workers.
Study permits issued to Indian students plunge nearly 50 % as Canada caps intake
Data released this week indicate Canadian study-permit approvals for Indian students dropped nearly 50 % in 2025, following Ottawa’s new student-intake cap and tighter fraud controls. Colleges and employers may face a smaller pool of Indian talent in coming years and are urged to broaden recruitment horizons.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announces Indo-Pacific tour to deepen talent and trade ties
Prime Minister Carney will visit India, Australia and Japan from 26 Feb. to 7 Mar., with talent mobility set to feature alongside trade and security. Expected outcomes include faster tech-worker permits with India and expanded youth-mobility quotas with Australia, offering new assignment options for Canadian employers.
Study-permit window for prerequisite programs cut to 90 days, IRCC clarifies
IRCC now limits study-permit validity for students taking prerequisite or pathway courses to the course length plus 90 days, replacing the previous one-year grace period. Students will have to apply more quickly for a new permit once they progress to their main academic programme, requiring tighter planning by institutions and advisors.
New military-linked Express Entry pathway ignites security and integration debate
Ottawa plans to offer permanent residence to foreign recruits who fill hard-to-staff roles in the Canadian Armed Forces, using a dedicated Express Entry category. Supporters say the move addresses defence labour gaps, while critics raise concerns about security screening and cultural integration.
Alberta invites 441 candidates in six provincial immigration draws
Alberta issued 441 provincial nominations across six AAIP draws earlier this month, with invitations spanning tech, rural and law-enforcement pathways. The aggressive early-year intake gives selected candidates a fast track to permanent residence and signals Alberta’s push to secure skilled talent under 2026 nomination quotas.