Latest Immigration News

Provincial Nominee Program Entrepreneur Streams follow a two-stage model: first obtain a work permit to establish your business in Canada, then after successfully meeting performance obligations, receive a provincial nomination for permanent residence. Success requires strong source-of-funds documentation, a credible business plan, correct province selection, and realistic economic contribution.

All nine OINP categories were officially eliminated on May 30, 2026, through amendments to Ontario Regulation 421/17. The province is shifting to a new demand-driven model with expanded authority for targeted draws, mandatory employer verification, and possible Phase One and Phase Two redesigns. Applications submitted before May 30 will be assessed under previous rules.

CBC obtained internal IRCC emails revealing third-party appointment resellers in Dhaka charging $250 CAD per slot, pressure to pay $130+ for premium services, security screening gaps, and a malware attack affecting Russian operations. VFS has been paid over $725 million since 2012. The contracts expire October 2027.

The C-11 now requires 51% ownership, dual funding (business capital plus separate personal settlement funds for 18 months), and strict temporary intent. The old C-11 to CEC permanent residence pathway has been eliminated. Permits are capped at 18 months. Ontario entrepreneurs face additional challenges with the OINP Entrepreneur Stream remaining suspended.

IRCC confirmed the full regulatory overhaul will take 12–18 months, but CRS changes like the new High Wage Occupation factor can be fast-tracked via Ministerial Instructions. The factor awards points based on Job Bank NOC wage benchmarks — not individual salaries — across three tiers. Age points will not change, foreign-only experience remains viable, and trade points will likely be tiered.

The most important change is the transfer of decision-making authority from the federal government to the provinces and territories. A provincial nomination certificate is now considered conclusive evidence that the applicant meets economic establishment criteria and intends to reside in the province.

Bill C-12 introduces reforms aimed at strengthening border integrity, improving processing efficiency, enhancing program management, and modernizing the asylum system. The law gives authorities expanded powers to suspend or cancel visas and work permits, and emphasizes stricter compliance requirements.

Due to ongoing labour shortages in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance, skilled trades have become one of the most reliable pathways to obtain permanent residency in Canada. The Federal Skilled Trades Program under Express Entry is specifically designed for individuals with hands-on trade experience.

These are the biggest changes coming to Express Entry in 2026. The updates include a new physician category, proposed Leadership/Research/Defence streams, increased PNP allocations, higher francophone targets (9% in 2026, 12% by 2029), a major NOC revision affecting 165 occupational groups, and potential TOEFL acceptance for PR applications.