Canada Quietly Launches One-Time TR-to-PR Pathway for 33,000 Temporary Workers
First-Ever Express Entry Draw for Senior Managers Sets CRS Cut-Off at 429
Alberta’s Claresholm Updates 2026 RCIP Priority List—Trades and Transport Added
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New Brunswick Wraps Series of Draws—622 Invitations Issued Across PNP and AIP Streams
New Brunswick issued 622 invitations during a series of draws that culminated on March 6, spanning Skilled Worker, Strategic Initiative, Express Entry and AIP streams. Health care, construction and Francophone talent were top priorities, giving provincial employers a timely boost as spring hiring ramps up.
Newfoundland & Labrador Issues 445 Invitations in First Immigration Draws of 2026
On March 6, Newfoundland and Labrador sent out 445 invitations—362 via NLPNP and 83 via AIP—in its first immigration draws of 2026. Energy, health care and IT roles dominated, signaling provincial priorities and providing employers with fresh PR pathways for hard-to-fill positions.
China grants 30-day visa-free access to Canadian passport holders
China has waived short-stay visas for Canadians, allowing 30-day multiple-entry visits for tourism, business or family purposes until 31 December 2026. The change eliminates a costly, time-consuming application process and is expected to revive bilateral travel and trade. Companies with China interests should revise travel policies and remind employees that paid work still requires a visa.
Record 314,000 Canadian work permits due to expire in Q1 2026, triggering status crunch
More than 314,000 Canadian work permits will expire in the first quarter of 2026, dwarfing IRCC’s processing capacity and putting both workers and employers under acute pressure. Without timely renewals or permanent-residence pathways, many employees could be forced to stop work or leave Canada, undermining business continuity in key sectors.
IRCC launches first Express Entry draw targeting senior managers, CRS cut-off just 429
Canada has opened a dedicated Express Entry stream for senior managers with at least 12 months of Canadian work experience, issuing 250 invitations at a surprisingly low 429 CRS score. The category gives businesses a powerful retention tool for C-suite talent and hints at more occupation-specific draws in 2026.
Canada extends tailored work-permit renewal scheme for Iranian nationals until 2027
IRCC has prolonged its temporary measures for Iranian nationals, letting those with work permits dated 28 February 2025 or earlier apply inside Canada for a single two-year renewal until 31 March 2027. The tighter rules still give Canadian employers a pathway to keep key Iranian talent but require meticulous date checks and in-Canada processing.
Canada and Australia mark 40 years of shared consular services, pledge easier citizen mobility
Ottawa and Canberra have renewed and expanded their unique consular-sharing pact, promising a joint digital platform and more officer exchanges that will give Canadian travellers broader emergency assistance in countries where Canada lacks a mission. The leaders also signalled future easing of short-term work-permit rules for mining specialists.