Latest Immigration News

Ontario does not require Canadian citizenship or permanent residence to enter its lawyer licensing process, but the route is not fully remote because licensing examinations take place in person. This guide covers the NCA assessment, Certificate of Qualification, LSO application, experiential training, overseas practice, LAWPRO insurance and immigration representation from abroad.

Canada's October 16 announcement awards extra CRS points for eligible Canadian experience or a qualifying job offer in 186 high-wage occupations, with up to 150 Labour Market Integration points. Candidates should review their NOC, experience records and offers before November 3, when LMIA is no longer required for qualifying Express Entry job offers.

In Said v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2026 FC 1226, the Federal Court set aside an IRCC misrepresentation finding because the applicant was not told the real basis of the concern. The decision is a reminder to verify and declare any representative, describe assistance honestly, keep payment records, and read any Procedural Fairness Letter carefully.

IRCC's processing-times tool now lets applicants check estimated remaining times for in-Canada work permit extensions, changes to work permit conditions and first post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applications. The estimate is not a guaranteed decision date or permission to work. Eligible extension applicants may keep working under maintained status, while PGWP applicants must meet separate working rules.

A positive LMIA, an IMP employer-submitted offer, or a signed employment contract does not automatically mean a work permit will be approved. IRCC assesses employer-specific offers under subsection 200(5) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, examining whether the employer is actively engaged in business, whether the position reflects a reasonable need, whether the employer can fulfill the offer's terms, and whether employment and recruitment laws are respected.

Canada continues to need qualified tradespeople in construction, transportation, manufacturing, industrial work, natural resources and related sectors. The Federal Skilled Trades Program can provide a route to permanent residence through Express Entry, while trade certification, including a Red Seal endorsement, may strengthen a worker's ability to practise the trade. These are connected but separate pathways requiring individualized assessment of NOC classification, work experience, language results, and certification options.

Ontario is developing stronger and more consistent training and licensing requirements for commercial truck drivers, responding to weaknesses identified in the Auditor General's 2026 performance audit. Changes include a new standardized Class A curriculum, a mandatory six-month waiting period before Class A road tests starting January 1, 2027, mandatory verification of work authorization for commercial drivers, and stronger oversight of training schools and DriveTest Centres.

The CPTPP facilitates temporary entry for business persons from member countries, allowing eligible business visitors to carry out specified international business activities in Canada without a work permit under paragraph 186(a) of the IRPR. Coverage extends to citizens of Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Vietnam, plus permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand.

On June 26, 2026, Ontario replaced all eight OINP streams with the single Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream. Within it sits a dedicated self-employed physician pathway requiring only CPSO registration in an eligible class and OHIP billing eligibility. Combined with streamlined CPSO licensing routes (CFPC certification, Practice Ready Ontario, and the Practice Eligibility Route) and the low-CRS federal Express Entry physician category, 2026 offers the strongest window yet for internationally trained doctors.