Immigration News


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How remote work experience can boost your chance of permanent residency as an international student

Doing part-time remote work for a foreign employer while studying full-time in Canada can make you a more competitive Express Entry candidate and allow you to remain compliant with your study permit conditions. Not only does this strategy aid in the accumulation of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, but it can also help build eligibility […]

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Prince Edward Island holds second-largest draw of 2026

Prince Edward Island has conducted its third provincial immigration draw of the year on March 20, issuing invitations through its Labour Impact and Express Entry pathways. According to the PEI Office of Immigration, the province continues to prioritize candidates working in sectors with higher economic impact. This brings the total number of invitations issued by […]

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Manitoba invites more skilled workers under strategic recruitment initiatives

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) held a new draw under its Skilled Worker Stream on March 26, issuing invitations to both in-province and overseas candidates. Candidates were invited if they declared being directly invited by the MPNP under a strategic recruitment initiative in their Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. Assess your eligibility for enhanced […]

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Over 2,500 candidates receive invitations through the PSTQ in Quebec’s latest selection round

On March 19, Quebec issued a total of 2,522 invitations to apply for permanent selection through the province’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). Invitations were extended through all four Program streams, with the majority (roughly 44%) going to individuals being considered under stream 3 (regulated professionals). Learn more about your options for immigrating to Quebec […]

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Canada hikes permanent residence and citizenship fees

The federal government is increasing fees for all permanent residence (PR) applications, effective April 30, 2026. Fees will similarly go up for citizenship applications (via the right of citizenship fee) as of March 31, 2026. Consult with a lawyer at Cohen Immigration Law The PR fee changes affect processing fees across every PR category, including […]

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New Canadian passport fees kick in March 31

Starting March 31, 2026, Canadians will face higher passport fees for the first time since 2013, followed one day later by the launch of a new processing guarantee that promises automatic refunds when application finalization takes more than 30 business days. The back-to-back changes mark the most significant overhaul of Canada’s passport program in years […]

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Canada passes greatest immigration reforms in decades

Canada’s immigration system has been subject to major reforms, including expansive executive powers over immigration applications, immigration documents, and temporary residents, under a new bill which has just become law. Bill C-12, “An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other […]

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These eight companies can grant LMIA-exempt work permits in Canada – and some are hiring

High-skilled foreign nationals with a job offer from eight specific Canadian companies qualify for a Labour Market Impact Assessment*-exempt work permit—meaning these companies can facilitate the issuance of employer-specific work permits with greater ease than other employers in Canada. That’s because these eight companies are all participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project, making them eligible […]

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Six Canadian universities stand out in global rankings by subject

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) published its latest university rankings by subject, and two Canadian universities have ranked in the top 30 globally. The University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia ranked within the top 30 across all five subject areas. A total of six Canadian universities made it into the top 100 for various […]

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Ontario issues over 1,000 invitations to foreign workers, graduates, and in-demand professionals

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held five targeted draws on March 25, 2026, issuing a total of 1,112 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates with job offers in high-demand occupations across different regions of the province. The draws targeted candidates under the province’s Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker (FW), International Student (IS), and In-Demand […]

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One Canadian airport ranks among the global top 10 for first time in over a decade

The Vancouver International Airport has just ranked among the top 10 best airports worldwide, in Skytrax’s 2026 World Airport Survey. A wide array of factors contributed to this ranking, including immigration system efficiency, terminal comfort and staff friendliness, and check-in facilities. Out of over 500 airports across the globe, three Canadian transit locations have placed […]

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Read Our 8-Step Guide to Boost Your CELPIP Speaking Score!

Getting ready for a high-pressure exam like CELPIP can feel daunting, especially when speaking in a second language. To help you gain confidence and perform at your best, here’s our 8-step guide to strengthen your speaking skills and improve your score. Book a CELPIP Test Date 1. Practice Regularly The most effective way to improve […]

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Newcomers to gain faster access to employment and government benefits in fall of 2027

The Canadian government is set to launch SIN@Entry — a program that will let newcomers get their Social Insurance Number (SIN) online, via their immigration account, before even entering Canada—in the fall of 2027. This program will apply to all newcomers to the country, including foreign workers, international students, and new permanent residents—allowing them to […]

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Temporary residence application processing times decline across the board

The latest processing times for temporary residence applications have been released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), with no reported increases to wait times. For wait time improvements, the most notable among the changes (in order), included Super visas: Five-week improvement for submissions from the Philippines, three-week improvement for US-based submissions; Study permits: Four-week […]

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Six common work experience mistakes Express Entry candidates should avoid

Work experience is one of the most important parts of an Express Entry profile—it is often the single greatest factor contributing to your eligibility for a program, and your competitiveness as a candidate. It’s also where many applicants make costly mistakes that can see their profiles greatly diminished or even thrown out altogether. The problem? […]

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Catching a concert in Canada this summer? Why you could be denied entry for a misdemeanor, and how to avoid it

If you’re planning a visit to Canada, it’s important to know that even having a misdemeanour on your record can lead to your being denied entry. Only Canadian citizens are guaranteed entry into Canada. Foreign nationals, including US citizens, may be found inadmissible under Canadian law if they have a past criminal history. Schedule a […]

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Canada expands access to open work permits for spouses of workers at two BC companies

Foreign workers currently residing or soon-to-reside in British Columbia (BC), who work for one of two select companies, can facilitate work permits for their spouses or partners—regardless of their compensation or seniority at the company. These two companies are: Lulu Lemon Athletica; and Microsoft Vancouver. Schedule a Free Spousal Work Permit Consultation As of March […]

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Canada extends pilot granting LMIA-exempt work permits

The Innovation Stream, which grants employer-specific work permits to eligible high-skilled foreign nationals, has been extended for two more years. Under this steam, foreign nationals can obtain work permits more easily, as the permits do not require Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).  Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation Eligibility for Innovation Stream work permits Innovation […]

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Canada eases income requirement for hosting parents and grandparents on super visa

Canada is making it easier for families to qualify for the parents and grandparents super visa by changing how it calculates the minimum income requirement. Starting March 31, 2026, hosts will have more flexibility in how they can meet the financial requirement for the super visa, according to a government announcement.  Get a Free Super […]

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How international students can fast-track their journey to Canadian PR

International students wishing to settle in Canada can get permanent residence (PR) years faster simply by planning ahead. We’ll look at a fictional example of two international students, Priya and Marco: by planning ahead, Priya gets permanent residence a full three years before Marco, even though they both start in the same place. See your […]

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Canada expands licensing requirements for internationally trained lawyers

Foreign-trained lawyers must now meet additional requirements to become accredited in common-law jurisdictions* in Canada. As of March 1, 2026, Canada’s National Committee on Accreditation (NCA)** has added two additional requirements for foreign-trained lawyers to become accredited in Canadian common-law jurisdictions—these are: Mandatory language screening; and A stand-alone Indigenous Law and Peoples knowledge requirement. Foreign-trained […]

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Alberta invites rural immigration candidates and workers in health and tech sectors in latest series of draws

Over the past three weeks, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has held six provincial immigration draws between February 26 and March. Over 1,400 invitations were issued to candidates through the following streams and pathways: Alberta Opportunity Stream; Rural Renewal Stream; Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors pathway (Health Care); Alberta Express Entry Stream […]

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Why older Express Entry profiles have an advantage in getting selected

You can meet the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score for an Express Entry draw, and still not receive an invitation to apply (ITA). The date and time of your Express Entry profile submission can play a key role in determining whether your receive an ITA for permanent residence (PR). Recently, due to one specific […]

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These occupations qualify for permanent residence in Ontario FCIP regions

The three Ontario regions participating in the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) have released their priority sectors and occupations for 2026. All regions have removed certain occupations from eligibility, replacing them with newly-selected occupations that match evolving local labour demands. Consult with a lawyer at Cohen Immigration Law This article will detail the 2026 priority […]

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Canada ranks among 25 happiest countries

Canada has been ranked 25th out of 147 countries in the 2026 World Happiness Report, which evaluates global well-being by country. This year, Canada placed two spots below the US and ranked between Poland, in 24th place, and Taiwan, in 26th. Join the Angus Reid Forum and get $5 in points! The annual report was […]

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