IRCC Processing-Time Update Cuts Indian Visitor Visa Waits, Signals Spring Surge
Ottawa to Time-Limit Settlement Services for Economic Immigrants, Advocacy Groups Sound Alarm
Canadian Passport Jumps to 7th in Henley Index After China Grants Visa-Free Entry
Latest News
1.3 Million Work Permits Expiring by 2026 Could Hit Small-Business Workforce, CFIB Warns
A CFIB release warns that over one million temporary work permits will lapse by 2026, threatening small-business continuity. The lobby group wants grandfathering and PR pathways to keep experienced TFWs in Canada.
IRCC Issues 8,676 New IEC Invitations, Youth Mobility Season Heats Up
IRCC sent nearly 8,700 IEC invitations in late February–early March, signalling an aggressive push to fill 2026 youth-mobility quotas. Open work permits give employers quick access to young talent and a pipeline to permanent residency.
Canada Updates Mexico Travel Advisory, Highlights Security Risks Ahead of FIFA World Cup
On March 11 Canada expanded its ‘avoid non-essential travel’ zones in Mexico after February cartel violence and urged World Cup visitors to take extra precautions. Corporations should revisit security plans and favour air over road transfers.
Canada pauses removal of Israeli and Lebanese nationals amid Middle-East conflict
Ottawa has suspended enforcement of removal orders against most Israeli and Lebanese nationals in Canada, citing the heightened risk posed by regional conflict. Eligible individuals may request fee-exempt open work permits, giving employers continued access to their skills while offering workers a legal means to remain employed. The pause is temporary and excludes people with serious criminal or security inadmissibility.
Canada unveils fast-track Young Professionals work permits for Portuguese and Taiwanese youth
IRCC has added two tailored Young Professionals streams to the IEC program, letting eligible youth from Portugal and Taiwan obtain employer-specific work permits without an LMIA. The government-subsidised pathways cut costs for participants and speed hiring for Canadian firms seeking internationally trained talent.
Labour-market work permit approvals slow as LMIA processing times jump
ESDC’s February figures, released March 9, reveal that LMIA processing now averages 60 business days for high-wage roles and 12 days for the Global Talent Stream, up across almost every category. The slowdown extends hiring lead times and forces employers to explore LMIA-exempt solutions or adjust project timelines.
IRCC debunks viral ‘18-month PGWP extension’ hoax targeting foreign graduates
Misleading websites are falsely advertising an 18-month PGWP renewal ending April 30, 2026. IRCC has issued no such program, and applying could leave graduates out of status. Companies and foreign workers are urged to rely on official channels and regulated representatives.