Canada to Raise Permanent-Residence Fees on April 30 2026
Ontario Issues 759 Invitations in First Mining-Focused Provincial Nominee Draw
Severe Flight Delays and Cancellations Disrupt Major Canadian Hubs
Latest News
IRCC launches first Express Entry draw for Trades Occupations, issuing 3,000 ITAs
On 2 April 2026, IRCC invited 3,000 candidates in the first Express Entry draw dedicated to Trades Occupations under the revised category-based selection system. Candidates required a minimum CRS score of 477. The move gives employers quicker access to permanent workers in high-demand trades and indicates Ottawa’s ongoing preference for occupation-specific invitations.
Canada rolls out rural Temporary Foreign Worker Program flexibilities for low-wage jobs
Effective 1 April 2026, rural employers can keep or raise the proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers to 15 percent of their workforce under new TFWP rules, easing chronic labour shortages in agriculture, hospitality and resource sectors. Québec and Nova Scotia have already signed on, with other provinces expected to follow.
‘30 days or free’: Canada’s new passport-processing guarantee takes effect
From 1 April 2026, Canadians will have their routine passport applications processed within 30 business days or receive an automatic fee refund. The guarantee coincides with higher passport fees and aims to rebuild trust after recent backlogs—key information for HR teams planning international assignments.
Canada extends open-work-permit pathway for Ukrainian nationals until March 2027
A new IRCC public policy lets Ukrainian CUAET visa holders extend their open work permits for another year, effective 1 April 2026. The move prevents disruptive status losses for some 190,000 temporary residents and offers employers continued access to skilled and semi-skilled Ukrainian workers.
Eight federal and provincial immigration changes kick in as new fiscal year begins
A package of eight policy tweaks—ranging from higher citizenship fees and a passport money-back guarantee to easier super-visa income rules and new provincial powers over nominee assessments—came into force on 31 March and 1 April 2026. The broad set of changes touches temporary residents, permanent residents and Canadian citizens alike.
IRCC closes Q1 with Canadian Experience Class draw: 2,250 ITAs at CRS 509
IRCC issued 2,250 ITAs to CEC candidates on 31 March 2026 with a CRS cut-off of 509. The sixth CEC-specific draw this year signals Ottawa’s focus on converting temporary workers into permanent residents, an important planning factor for employers managing international talent.