Canadian High Commission in Pakistan Issues Fraud Alert on World Cup Visa Scams
Dubai Airports Partially Re-Open; Canadians Face Prolonged Re-Routing Maze
IRB Schedules Evening Outage for ‘My Case’ Portal on March 2
Latest News
Canada clarifies open work-permit rules for Temporary-Resident-to-Permanent-Resident (TR-to-PR) pathway applicants
IRCC has updated its public-policy instructions for open work-permit applications under the TR-to-PR pathway. Officers must now give detailed reasons if they refuse a case, and family members outside Canada are exempt from the previous requirement to hold temporary resident status at the time of filing. The application window is open until 31 December 2026, allowing permits that cover the entire permanent-residence wait. The changes boost transparency and reduce the risk of status gaps for foreign workers and their families.
Ottawa lets special Iranian work-permit program lapse, ending priority processing
The one-year public policy that granted open work permits and priority processing to Iranian nationals in Canada expired on 1 March 2026. No new applications are being accepted; current permit holders must switch to standard immigration streams before their documents lapse. Employers are advised to review workforce plans immediately.
Federal Court endorses IRCC’s power to freeze Start-Up Visa files tied to suspended incubators
The Federal Court has ruled that IRCC is not obliged to process Start-Up Visa applications linked to a suspended incubator, confirming the department’s authority to impose nine-month freezes under the 2025 regulatory amendments. The decision leaves thousands of entrepreneur applicants in limbo and warns designated entities to maintain strict compliance.
Alberta issues nearly 900 invitations in first sector-focused AAIP draws of 2026
Alberta invited 899 foreign workers in two late-February AAIP draws, its first sector-focused rounds of 2026. Priority-sector candidates needed just 56 points, while tourism and hospitality applicants required 73. With more than 5,700 provincial nominations still available, employers have significant immigration runway—but service-sector quotas could disappear fast.