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The cast of “Friends” has become more Canadian; if you’re American, you might have too

Following a change in Canada’s citizenship law, Matt LeBlanc has become as Canadian as his Friends co-star Matthew Perry, along with millions of Americans across the country. Under the new law, which removed the generational limit to inheriting Canadian citizenship, LeBlanc, who starred as Joey Tribbiani in Friends its spin-off Joey, is now recognized as […]

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Processing times drop for temporary residence applications, latest IRCC data shows

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released updated processing times for temporary residence applications on April 29, 2026—and some show significant improvements. Applicants from Pakistan and Nigeria saw the most notable improvements to wait time over the span of two weeks. Consult with a lawyer at Cohen Immigration Law Here are the biggest changes to […]

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Canada hikes permanent resident fees

As of April 30, 2026, Canada’s permanent residence (PR) processing fees have increased across all streams and programs—including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and family sponsorship. Here’s what you need to know, whether you have a PR application in progress — or plan to submit one soon. See how competitive your Express Entry profile […]

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4000 ITAs issued in third Express Entry draw of the week

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. The immigration department issued 4,000 ITAs in a draw for candidates with French-language proficiency. To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have: A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 400; and Created an Express […]

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How Newcomers to Canada Can Choose the Right Financial Advisor: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Decide

Moving to Canada often means learning how a new financial system works. Banking, credit, taxes, and investing may operate differently from what you experienced in your home country. Because of this, some newcomers choose to work with a financial advisor. An advisor may help explain financial options and support you as you build your financial […]

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Canada expands passport access for adopted persons

Canadian adopted persons can now apply for full-validity passports from abroad. They can apply from abroad using their electronic citizenship certificates (e-certificates), in accordance with updated instructions to officers published on April 24, 2026 on the immigration department’s website. Schedule a Free Canadian Citizenship Consultation Prior to this change, applicants in such situations were required […]

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Nova Scotia nominee program to prioritize workers in healthcare, trades, and select other sectors

Nova Scotia has announced new selection priorities for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) on April 27, setting out which priority occupations the province will fast-track under a three-level framework. Healthcare workers and skilled tradespeople receive the highest priority and the broadest access. Candidates in other occupation groups, and those abroad, face tighter restrictions. Workers […]

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Canada doubles length of work authorization support letters for workers on maintained status

Foreign workers in Canada who have applied for a new work permit before the expiry of their previous work authorization will now be issued WP-EXT letters that are valid for 365 days. The increased validity period for WP-EXT letters was conveyed in updated instructions to officers, published on the immigration department’s website on April 27, […]

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Canadian Experience Class candidates receive invitations to apply in last Express Entry draw week of April

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. The immigration department issued 2,000 ITAs in a draw for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have: A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 514; and Created an […]

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Nova Scotia set to introduce annual expiry of provincial nominee candidate profiles

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) has announced plans to introduce a validity period for Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles, along with details regarding the management of existing profiles. Effective May 1, 2026, NSNP candidate profiles submitted on or after that date will remain valid for 12 months from the date of submission, after which […]

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How to Choose the Best English Language Test for You

Choosing the right English language proficiency test can feel overwhelming, given the many widely accepted options available today. Whether you’re applying for immigration, higher education, or professional certification, selecting the test that best aligns with your goals is essential. Among these options, the CELPIP Test stands out as a practical and efficient choice for many […]

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Americans set a record for Irish citizenship in 2025. Demand for Canadian citizenship could be next, and far greater

American demand for second citizenships is surging, and Canada is at the center of it. Last year, U.S. citizens’ applications for Irish citizenship based on ancestry jumped 63%, a record. Even so, only a small proportion of Americans qualify under Irish law. In contrast, Canada’s change to its citizenship law in December 2025 made millions […]

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British Columbia targets skilled workers in latest provincial immigration draw

On April 22, British Columbia held its third Skills Immigration (SI) draw of 2026, inviting candidates deemed to create high economic impact in the province. The province invited more than 450 candidates, based on minimum wage and qualifying job offer, as well as minimum registration score. Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP streams This latest […]

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Manitoba holds largest immigration draw of the year so far, targeting select occupations

On April 23, 2026, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) held its latest immigration draw. The province issued a total of 308 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) across two separate selection components — the largest draw of 2026 to date. Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP streams Draw results Manitoba issued LAAs through two […]

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Provincial nominees selected in latest Express Entry invitation round

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. The immigration department issued 473 ITAs in a draw for candidates with Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have: A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 795; and […]

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Ontario issues over 2,000 invitations to foreign workers, international students, and in-demand workers in latest regional draws

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held 12 targeted draws on April 23, 2026, issuing a combined total of 2,102 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates with job offers across four regions of the province. The draws were held through the province’s Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams. To have […]

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New measures provide work permits for CSQ applicants

The Government of Canada has launched a time-limited measure making it easier for temporary foreign workers in Quebec being assessed for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) to access employer-specific (closed) work permits while they wait. The short-term public policy is only for those who have already been invited to apply for permanent residence (PR) in […]

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A third of Vermonters can get Canadian passports in wake of citizenship law changes

Around one in three Vermonters now qualifies for Canadian citizenship, following a recent change to Canada’s citizenship by descent law. On December 15, 2025, Canada eliminated its first-generation limit to citizenship by descent. Now, anyone born prior to that date who can trace their lineage back to a Canadian ancestor is legally recognized as a […]

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British Columbia and New Brunswick expand access to work permits for employers in select regions

British Columbia and New Brunswick have opted into the federal government’s temporary policy, giving rural employers more flexibility to hire low-wage temporary foreign workers. The two provinces join Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Quebec, which announced that they would be participating in the program earlier this month. Some provinces are expected to share details of their […]

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Could Canada’s new citizenship law help U.S. draft dodgers?

With the U.S. set to resume mandatory draft registration this year, Canada’s new citizenship law offers would-be dodgers the unconditional right to enter Canada. In the wake of changes to Canada’s Citizenship Act in December of 2025, which removed the generational limit to inheriting Canadian citizenship, millions of Americans with Canadian ancestry are now legally […]

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New law gives thousands of Bay Staters claim to Canadian passports

A new law has opened the door to the Canadian passport for hundreds of thousands of Bay Staters. U.S. citizens with family ties to Massachusetts are among those most likely to be able to obtain Canadian passports, now that changes to Canada’s Citizenship Act have eliminated the generational limit for inheriting Canadian citizenship for Americans […]

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British Columbia to launch limited-time pathway to permanent residence for health authority cleaners and security staff

British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has announced a new one-time initiative aimed at helping certain health authority support staff get permanent residence (PR). The program, announced April 23, offers a special, targeted settlement opportunity for workers in cleaning and security occupations that are rarely targeted for PR. Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP […]

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British Columbia axes graduate, tech, and entry-level PR pathways, focuses on healthcare and trades workers

The Government of British Columbia has announced major changes to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), including 2026 priorities, the cancelled launch of its student streams, and official immigration pathway closures. As part of its Program restructuring, British Columbia will be shifting its focus to the prioritization of healthcare and trades workers, with the […]

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Canada extends policy offering safe haven to foreign nationals stranded in Gaza

Foreign nationals who are, or were, in Gaza and who hold an approved Canadian temporary resident visa under previous special measures now have nearly two more years to make the trip Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended a temporary public policy allowing foreign nationals in Gaza to enter Canada as visitors and exempting […]

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Building Your Credit History in Canada: A Guide for Newcomers

If you are new to Canada, you may hear people talk about credit scores. But what exactly are they? A credit score is a three-digit number based on information in your credit report. It gives Canadian lenders an idea of how you have managed credit. Start Building Your Credit History with TD Businesses may also […]

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