Latest news
New passport but your Canadian visa is in the old one? What IRCC says about travel, eTAs and permits
IRCC says you may still use a valid visa in an old passport if you carry both passports. It recommends a new visa. An eTA is different: a new passport means a new eTA.
Side income on a closed work permit: freelancing, YouTube and personal projects, and what IRCC says
An employer-specific work permit lets you work only for the employer, occupation and location on it. Freelance gigs count as work. For YouTube and passive income, IRCC has not published a position.
Got an IRCC passport request? How to send your passport by mail or courier within 30 days
Do not send your passport until IRCC sends a passport request. Then you have 30 days. Here is how to submit it at a visa application centre or by mail inside Canada.
Travelling outside Canada while your PR application is in process: what happens to your status, work and landing
You can usually leave Canada while IRCC processes your PR application, but the trip can end your temporary status. Inland spousal applicants face the biggest risk. Here is what IRCC says.
Gave IRCC a wrong answer in the past? How to correct it before PR, and why misrepresentation matters
You are responsible for everything in your application. Send corrections through the IRCC web form, not by mail. Misrepresentation can lead to refusal and a 5-year period in which you cannot apply for PR.
Changed your name after marriage? How to update IRCC, your PR card and your citizenship application
You must report a name change on an open application through the IRCC web form, not by mail. A PR card does not update itself: you apply for a new one with proof. Here are the steps.
Express Entry work experience: how IRCC counts hours, gaps and reference letters
One year of work means 1,560 hours: 30 hours a week for 12 months. Hours above 30 a week do not count. Here is how it works for CEC, FSW and CRS points, and what to do if you have no reference letter.
Translating documents for Express Entry and PR: who can translate and what to upload
Upload the translation plus the original. Use a certified translator, or a translator’s affidavit if that is not possible. You, your family, representatives and consultants cannot translate.
Low-wage LMIA list updated: 30 cities at 6% or higher until January 7, 2027
For LMIA applications submitted from October 9, 2026 to January 7, 2027, low-wage positions in 30 cities will not be processed. Six cities were added and two were removed.
Newfoundland and Labrador PNP round October 9, 2026: 131 invitations
NL’s October 9, 2026 round issued 131 invitations: 130 for NLPNP and 1 for the Atlantic Immigration Program. It is the largest round since August 10.
Work permit holders can study courses of 6 months or less without a study permit
Since September 4, 2026, workers with a valid work permit can take a program of 6 months or less without a study permit. Full-time study does not count toward CEC or CRS work experience.
PNP draws October 7–8, 2026: Manitoba 340 invitations, B.C. and Alberta rounds
Manitoba draw #281 issued 340 invitations on October 8. B.C. invited workers in four categories on October 8, and Alberta invited 22 aviation candidates on October 7.
New international student arrivals down 80%: what it means for master’s and PhD applicants
IRCC says 28,200 new students arrived from January to July 2026, 80% fewer than in the same months of 2024. Master’s and PhD students are a larger share of new permits.
PEI PNP draw October 7, 2026: 90 Labour and Express Entry invitations
PEI invited 90 candidates in its October 7, 2026 Expression of Interest draw. No Business Work Permit Entrepreneur invitations were issued.
OINP Workforce Priority: $80,000 earnings now worth 10 EOI points
Ontario now gives 10 points to Workforce Priority registrants who earned $80,000 or more in one year in the past 5 years.
Work permit extension: what the IRCC proof-of-work letter lets you do
If you apply online to extend your work permit before it expires, IRCC puts a letter in your account. Here is what it says and what it does not say.
IRCC processing times: personalized estimates for work permit extensions
IRCC’s “Check processing times” tool has a separate option for work permit extensions in Canada. If you already applied, it can show your estimated weeks left.
Express Entry draw #447: 3,500 trades invitations at CRS 476
IRCC invited 3,500 candidates in a Trades Occupations draw. The lowest score was 476.
Work permit job offers: IRCC’s procedural fairness letter steps
IRCC updated its instructions for officers who doubt a job offer on an employer-specific work permit.
Express Entry draw #446: 2,000 CEC invitations at CRS 518
IRCC invited 2,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates. The lowest score was 518.
Express Entry draw #445: 733 PNP invitations at CRS 725
IRCC invited 733 provincial nominees. The lowest score was 725.
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