Record-size French-language Express Entry draw invites 5,500 candidates, CRS plummets to 397
Canada extends special work-permit measures for Iranian nationals until March 2027
Canada secures limited commercial-flight seats from Beirut as Iran war disrupts regional airspace
Latest News
Ottawa publishes February 2026 processing-time update: citizenship, CEC wait-times climb
IRCC’s monthly processing-time update reveals longer waits for citizenship, Canadian Experience Class, and many temporary-resident extensions, while some PNP streams improved. Employers should extend onboarding timelines and track weekly changes.
Passport and travel-document fees to rise 31 March; 30-day service-time ‘money-back’ guarantee confirmed
Passport fees will increase slightly on 31 Mar 2026 and will henceforth be indexed to inflation each year. Service Canada now pledges to refund fees automatically if a complete passport application isn’t processed within 30 business days, shifting risk away from travellers but demanding error-free submissions.
Ottawa launches $100 million scholarship package and 13 new MOUs to woo Indian students
Canada has earmarked $100 million in new scholarships and signed 13 university MOUs to attract Indian students, reinforcing the study-to-permanent-residence talent pipeline and expanding bilateral research in AI and clean energy.
IRCC issues 4,000 invitations in Canadian-Experience-Class Express Entry draw, CRS holds at 508
On 3 March 2026 IRCC held Express Entry draw #400 for the Canadian Experience Class, issuing 4,000 ITAs with a minimum CRS of 508. The draw continues IRCC’s 2026 strategy of prioritising candidates already working in Canada and brings total CEC invitations this year to 24,000. Employers and temporary residents are advised to prepare documentation promptly, as similar large in-Canada draws are expected later this month.
Canada and India launch bilateral Talent & Innovation Strategy to turbo-charge academic mobility
Universities Canada and CICan formally launched the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy on 3 March 2026, laying out joint targets for faster study-permit processing, hybrid campuses and sector-specific Centres of Excellence. The plan seeks to reboot two-way academic mobility after a turbulent period in bilateral relations and aligns with new Express Entry priorities in AI and clean technology, offering Canadian employers improved access to future STEM talent.
Saskatchewan extends domestic-tuition relief for Ukrainian students under CUAET until 2030
Saskatchewan confirmed on 3 March 2026 that its tuition-relief programme for Ukrainian students arriving under the CUAET scheme will run until 2030, allowing beneficiaries to pay domestic fees and saving each student thousands of dollars per year. The move secures a pipeline of skilled graduates for Saskatchewan’s tight labour market and positions the province as a leader in humanitarian student support.
IRCC confirms 30-day ‘money-back’ guarantee for passport processing, effective April 1
IRCC’s March 3 news release confirmed that, starting 1 April 2026, routine Canadian passport applications not processed within 30 business days will be refunded in full. The policy, coupled with small fee increases, introduces clear performance accountability and should give travellers and employers greater predictability when planning international trips.