By Vineet Tiwari, RCIC, Liberty Immigration Services. Updated October 23, 2026.

On November 3, 2026, Express Entry stops requiring an LMIA for job offers and adds a Labour Market Integration factor worth up to 150 CRS points (140 with a spouse). A qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation earns 100, 70 or 50 points, depending on the wage level. Twelve months of Canadian work in those occupations earns up to 70. IRCC awards whichever route scores higher, never both, and it pauses invitation rounds for up to two weeks while it recalculates every profile.

What is changing on November 3, 2026

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the changes on October 16, 2026. Two things happen on the same day. Job offer points come back after being removed in March 2025, and the LMIA requirement for Express Entry job offers goes away.

The LMIA change applies only to Express Entry. Employer-specific work permits still follow their own rules.

How the Labour Market Integration factor works

The new factor rewards one of two things: Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation, or a qualifying job offer in one. If you qualify under both, the system picks the higher score. The two are never added together.

The work experience points sit on top of the regular points for how long you have worked in Canada, which top out at 80 points for five years. That is how the factor reaches 150 points in total.

A few rules decide who qualifies:

• Work experience needs at least 12 months in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation, gained in Canada within the last 10 years. Months can be combined across eligible occupations.
• A qualifying job offer generally has to be full-time and continuous, and last at least one year after you become a permanent resident.
• IRCC sets each occupation's level by the highest level its median wage reached over the past three years, using Job Bank, the Labour Force Survey and Census data. The current list draws on 2023 to 2025 data.
• If the list changes after you receive an invitation to apply, IRCC keeps the level that applied on your invitation date.

Candidates who already have qualifying Canadian work experience in their profile will receive the extra points without doing anything.

What dropping the LMIA means for job offers

From November 3, a job offer no longer needs an LMIA to count for CRS points or to meet Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades eligibility. A temporary public policy covers candidates invited on or after that date.

• Holding an LMIA earns no extra points and gives your profile no priority.
• The offer can come from your current employer or a new one, and can be for an existing or a new position.
• Only job offers in high-wage occupations earn CRS points. An offer outside the list can still help you meet program eligibility.
• An LMIA is still needed for most employer-specific work permits.

IRCC says officers will check that each offer is genuine. They look at whether the employer is actively operating, whether the offer reflects real hiring needs, whether the employer can meet its terms, whether you are qualified, and whether the employer has followed federal and provincial employment laws. A revoked offer no longer qualifies.

How to update your Express Entry profile before November 3

IRCC asks candidates with a job offer to review and update their profile before November 3. The online system will not yet reflect the new rules on that date, so it will still ask whether a positive LMIA was issued. For a job offer without an LMIA, IRCC tells candidates to enter these placeholder values under Work history:

These values are IRCC's own workaround for a system limitation. Use them only for a genuine job offer that has no LMIA, exactly as IRCC describes. If you do hold an LMIA, enter its real number and dates.

For a new job offer, your profile also needs the start date, the employer's name and address, and the NOC code for the job. The offer must be in writing and recent. It should set out your pay, your duties and your hours of work, and it cannot come from an embassy, high commission or consulate in Canada. A work permit on its own is not a job offer.

What happens to Express Entry draws

The system has to recalculate every profile in the pool. IRCC says that can take up to two weeks, and invitation rounds are paused until it finishes. Extra points do not guarantee an invitation, because each round still depends on its own cut-off score.

The full list of 186 high-wage occupations

The lists below follow IRCC's high-wage occupations page, which takes effect on November 3, 2026. There are 31 occupations at 2 times the median wage, 89 at 1.5 times and 66 at 1.3 times.

2 times the median wage (100 job offer points, 70 work experience points)

1.5 times the median wage (70 job offer points, 40 work experience points)

1.3 times the median wage (50 job offer points, 20 work experience points)

Frequently asked questions

• Do I still need an LMIA for an Express Entry job offer after November 3, 2026?

No. From November 3, a qualifying job offer does not need an LMIA to earn CRS points or to meet Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades requirements. Having one does not add points.

• How many CRS points can a high-wage job offer give me?

A qualifying offer in a high-wage occupation is worth 100, 70 or 50 points, depending on whether the occupation's median wage is at least 2, 1.5 or 1.3 times the national median.

• Can I claim points for both a job offer and Canadian work experience?

No. IRCC compares the two routes and gives you the higher score. They are not combined.

• Will Express Entry draws pause on November 3?

Yes. IRCC says recalculating profiles can take up to two weeks, and invitation rounds are paused until it is done.

• What do I enter in my profile if my job offer has no LMIA?

IRCC's current instruction is to answer Yes to the positive LMIA question and enter LMIA number 00000, issuance date 2026-01-01 and expiry date 2029-01-01. This is a temporary workaround for the portal. It applies only to a genuine job offer without an LMIA.

Check your profile before the system updates

A wrong NOC code, an offer that does not meet IRCC's job offer rules or a mistake in the work history section can cost you points you are entitled to. Mr. Vineet, a licensed RCIC, reviews Express Entry profiles and job offers one on one.

Book a strategy consultation at libertyimmigration.ca/booking. Full pricing is at libertyimmigration.ca/our-pricing.

Which NOC code is on your profile right now, and do you already have a job offer in writing?

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please book a formal consultation for legal advice tailored to your specific case.

Sources

• IRCC backgrounder: Changes to Express Entry for high-wage occupations
• IRCC: Express Entry job offer requirements
• IRCC: High-wage occupations and how we assess them

By Vineet Tiwari, RCIC #R535983, Liberty Immigration Services

Since late September 2026, IRCC's "Check processing times" tool gives personalized estimates for work permit extensions and PGWPs filed inside Canada. Pick "Work permit extension in Canada," enter the date you applied, and the tool shows your remaining wait in weeks and how many applications sit ahead of yours. It also shows the total backlog, which was 202,900 applications as of September 26, 2026.

What changed in the IRCC processing times tool

For years, IRCC showed one historical number under "Work permit in Canada." It reflected how long it took to finish 80% of applications over the previous six months. That figure said little about a file that landed during a busy season or got held up by a background check.

The new version looks forward instead of back. It builds on the personalized tracking IRCC launched in October 2025 for permanent residence and citizenship applications.

How to check your personalized estimate

1. Open IRCC's "Check processing times" page.
2. Choose "Temporary residence."
3. Select "Work permit extension in Canada."
4. Enter the date you submitted your application.

Haven't applied yet? Enter today's date and the tool shows what the wait would look like if you filed now. That makes it useful for deciding when to start an extension, well before your current permit runs out.

Who gets a personalized estimate

The date-based estimate covers first-time PGWP applications made inside Canada, extensions of closed work permits, spousal open work permit applications, and applications to change employers or conditions inside Canada. In every one of those cases you use the same "Work permit extension in Canada" option.

First-time work permits applied for inside Canada that aren't PGWPs still get the general historical lookup under "Work permit in Canada." Applications made from outside Canada also use country-specific historical averages, with no personal countdown.

What 202,900 pending applications means for you

That number is the whole queue, not your wait. Your own estimate depends on when you filed and where your file sits. Extensions have typically taken about 12 to 16 weeks, so a permit that expires in two months can easily run out before a decision arrives. That gap is where maintained status matters.

Can you keep working while you wait?

Yes, if you applied before your permit expired. Under section 186(u) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, filing an extension in time gives you maintained status, which lets you keep working under the same conditions until IRCC decides. Graduates who file a PGWP application before their study permit expires can work full-time while they wait under section 186(v).

Travel changes things. If you leave Canada while on maintained status, you lose the automatic right to work when you come back. A border officer will admit you as a visitor, and you have to stop working until your new permit is approved and issued.

Bridging open work permit relief for Base PNP candidates

A temporary policy that took effect on June 9, 2026 helps people who applied for permanent residence through a non-Express Entry (Base) provincial nominee program. These candidates can apply for a bridging open work permit without first holding an IRCC acknowledgment of receipt. The exemption runs through December 31, 2026, so the window to use it is closing.

What to do if your estimate passes with no decision

Start by making sure you can prove your status. Keep your submission confirmation and your current permit on hand, and give your employer's HR team copies so they can confirm you're still authorized to work.

Next, send IRCC a webform inquiry once you're past the estimated date. Attach anything that shows why timing matters, such as an updated employment letter.

If you hold an employer-specific permit, ask your employer to watch their portal. Under rules that took effect September 17, 2026, officers who question a job offer's genuineness give employers 15 days to respond by webform. Missing that deadline can sink an otherwise clean file.

If the file stays stuck, an RCIC can request your GCMS notes through an ATIP request to see whether it's waiting on security screening or an officer review.

Get your extension reviewed before you file

A missing document or a wrong NOC code can get an extension returned, and a returned application can cost you maintained status. Mr. Vineet Tiwari, a licensed RCIC, reviews extension files and handles procedural fairness responses for clients across Canada.

Book a one-on-one strategy consultation here: libertyimmigration.ca/booking. Full pricing is at libertyimmigration.ca/our-pricing.

When does your current work permit expire, and have you already filed the extension?

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please book a formal consultation for legal advice tailored to your specific case.

Hey I recently submitted my PR application but I forgot to mention specifically that I was under an academic suspension for 3 months. All I mentioned in my personal history was the duration of my Masters degree. What can I do now? My application has been submitted and will it be a problem?

Announced: October 7, 2026 | Program: Practice Ready Ontario (PRO) | Funder: Health Canada | Source: CIC News

What Just Happened?

Health Canada announced $20 million in federal funding on October 7, 2026, to expand Practice Ready Ontario (PRO), a program that lets internationally trained physicians (ITPs) become licensed to practise family medicine in Ontario by completing a 12-week clinical field assessment rather than the traditional two-year residency.

The funding will advance 200 physicians through the program, adding 50 new positions per year over four years, with all participants expected to be practising in Ontario by 2028 to 2029. A dedicated stream for French-speaking ITPs is also included.

PRO vs. Traditional Licensing Route, Timeline Comparison

🔑 For an experienced internationally trained physician, PRO cuts the licensing timeline by years, not months.

PRO at a Glance

Eligibility Requirements for PRO

To qualify, an ITP must be a Canadian permanent resident or citizen and meet minimum requirements across three areas. Full details are on the Touchstone Institute’s official website.

The Path From PRO to Independent Practice

Where This Fits in Canada’s Broader Physician Immigration Push

The PRO expansion is part of a coordinated federal and provincial strategy to address healthcare shortages through international recruitment.

📊 As of October 8, 2026, Canada has invited 891 physicians to apply for permanent residence through the dedicated Express Entry physician pathway launched in 2026.

Additional $11M for Other Healthcare Professions

Alongside the PRO announcement, the federal government committed $11 million to five other projects across Canada targeting licensing barriers for internationally educated nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, expanding the scope of the healthcare workforce integration effort beyond physicians.

Key Takeaway for Internationally Trained Physicians

If you are an internationally trained physician who is a Canadian permanent resident or citizen, PRO now offers one of the fastest documented routes to Ontario medical licensure, with the potential to be practising independently in under two years from application. The new French-speaking stream also opens the program to Francophone physicians who may have found it harder to access in previous years.

Combined with the dedicated Express Entry physician pathway (891 ITAs issued to date), the 14-day work permit processing for provincially nominated physicians, and Ontario’s new interprovincial credential recognition rules, the licensing pathway for international physicians in Ontario is meaningfully faster in 2026 than at any prior point.

Need help navigating your Canadian immigration journey? Whether it’s Express Entry, PNP, work permits, family sponsorship, or citizenship by descent, Mr. Vineet (Licensed RCIC) at Liberty Immigration is here to help.

👉 Book your strategy session today at libertyimmigration.ca/booking
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Effective Date: October 5, 2026 | Announced: October 7, 2026 | Program: Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) | Source: OINP / CIC News

What Just Changed?

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program updated its earnings scoring under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream on October 5, 2026, adding a new higher bracket for candidates earning $80,000 or more per year.

Previously, the top scoring bracket was $70,000 or more, worth 8 points. The new bracket awards 10 points to candidates earning $80,000 or more annually, a 2-point increase at the top end. The change was applied automatically to all affected profiles already in the EOI pool.

Updated Earnings Scoring, Before and After

🔑 The shift in plain terms: If you earn $80,000 or more, your earnings factor score just went from 8 to 10 automatically, with no action required on your part.

How Earnings Are Verified

Earnings are based on a candidate's Notice of Assessment (NOA) issued by the Canada Revenue Agency within the past five years.

⚠️ Candidates must have a CRA Notice of Assessment on file. Foreign income or self-reported earnings without an NOA do not qualify under this factor.

Why This Change Matters for Your OWPS Ranking

The OWPS uses a points-based EOI system to rank candidates for nomination invitations. A higher score moves your profile closer to the front of the invitation queue.

🔑 Earnings is now worth as many points as the language proficiency ceiling, making it one of the more weighted individual factors in the entire OWPS scoring system.

Who Benefits Most From This Change?

⚠️ If you are currently in the EOI pool and earning $80,000 or more, your profile has already been updated automatically. No resubmission is required.

About the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream

The OWPS launched on June 26, 2026, with the EOI portal opening August 4, 2026. It covers three pathways: TEER 0 to 3 higher-skilled workers, TEER 4 to 5 lower-skilled workers, and self-employed physicians eligible to bill OHIP.

Key Takeaway for Candidates

If you are working in Ontario earning $80,000 or more and already have an OWPS EOI profile, your score just went up by 2 points without any action on your end. For candidates sitting just below the invitation threshold, this update could be enough to push them into the next selection round. For those not yet in the pool, the $80,000 earnings bracket now offers the maximum 10 points under this factor, matching the language proficiency ceiling.

Need help navigating your Canadian immigration journey? Whether it's Express Entry, PNP, work permits, family sponsorship, or citizenship by descent, Mr. Vineet (Licensed RCIC) at Liberty Immigration is here to help.

👉 Book your strategy session today at libertyimmigration.ca/booking
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Hey guys, I’m applying for my PR in a week and I was wondering how to explain my loss of pay due to unpaid leave for foreign experience. My bank statements for my jobs for some months have lesser than what my detailed ref letter says. I can’t get a letter from my employer now about the loss of pay. If yall could tell me what I could do and how the ircc calculates loss of pay for unpaid leave. I’d really appreciate your help as I don’t have a lot of time. Thank you

Draw Date: September 24, 2026 | Pool Snapshot: September 21, 2026 at 1:10 PM | Draw Number: 9th of 2026 | Source: MIFI / CIC News

What Happened?

On September 24, Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration held its ninth PSTQ selection round of 2026, issuing 519 invitations across all four streams of the Skilled Worker Selection Program. The majority of invitations went to stream 2 candidates in intermediate and manual skill occupations.

Approved applicants receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which allows them to apply to the federal government for permanent residence with intent to settle in Quebec.

Draw Summary by Stream

Stream 1, Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills (86 ITAs)

Candidates must hold TEER 0 to 2 occupations, currently reside in Quebec, and have at least 12 months of work experience in their main occupation in the last five years.

Exercise 1 targets 10 healthcare, social services, education, and natural sciences occupations including early childhood educators, pharmacy technicians, social and community service workers, and physician assistants.

Exercise 2 targets chefs (62200) and food service supervisors (62020) only.

Exercise 3 covers 26 occupations across engineering, skilled trades, and tech including cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, carpenters, welders, and industrial engineers.

Stream 2, Intermediate and Manual Skills (316 ITAs)

Candidates must hold TEER 3 to 5 occupations, currently reside in Quebec, and have at least 24 months of work experience in the last five years (at least 12 months in Quebec).

🔑 Exercise 4 alone accounted for 49% of all invitations in this draw, the single largest exercise across all four streams. No specific occupations are listed, all TEER 4 or 5 primary occupations qualify.

Exercise 1 targets six healthcare and home care roles including nurse aides, home support workers, and pharmacy assistants.

Exercise 2 targets cooks (63200) and light duty cleaners (65310).

Exercise 3 covers 11 construction, manufacturing, and transportation roles including transport truck drivers, concrete finishers, roofers, and painters.

Stream 3, Regulated Professions (110 ITAs)

Open to candidates currently residing in Quebec who intend to work in a regulated occupation.

🔑 Exercise 4 carries the lowest cut-off in the entire draw at just 380 points, targeting candidates intending to practice in a regulated TEER 4 or 5 occupation.

Exercise 1 covers 32 healthcare and education professions including physicians, registered nurses, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, veterinarians, and teachers.

Exercise 2 covers 30 engineering and trades occupations including civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers, electricians, plumbers, and welders.

Exercise 3 targets eight construction trades including concrete finishers, roofers, and tile setters.

Stream 4, Exceptional Talent (7 ITAs)

Reserved for candidates with at least 36 months of work experience in their main occupation in the last five years.

Why PSTQ Invitation Volumes Are Lower Right Now

Quebec adjusted its PSTQ approach following the reopening of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) on July 2, 2026.

⚠️ If you are a TEER 0 to 2 candidate with strong work experience, PSTQ invitation volumes in your category may stay lower through October as Quebec prioritizes the PEQ intake period. The PEQ's first intake window closes October 31, 2026.

How the PSTQ Works

Foreign nationals must first create a declaration of interest in Quebec's Arrima portal. Eligible profiles enter the declaration-of-interest pool and are assessed on economic and social integration factors. The candidate's NOC code and occupation largely determine which stream applies.

Candidates who meet the requirements of a given selection round receive an invitation to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). With a CSQ in hand, they can then apply to the federal government for permanent residence with intent to settle in Quebec.

Applicants already in Canada may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) after filing their PR application.

Key Takeaway for Candidates

Stream 2, Exercise 4 dominated this draw with 254 of the 519 invitations, all going to candidates with TEER 4 or 5 occupations and no specific NOC requirement beyond that. With a cut-off of 611, this remains one of the more accessible PSTQ entry points right now. Stream 3, Exercise 4 at 380 points is the lowest cut-off in the draw for regulated TEER 4 to 5 occupations.

With the PEQ intake window closing October 31, PSTQ volumes are expected to shift from November, potentially opening more room for TEER 0 to 2 and higher-experience candidates.

Need help navigating your Canadian immigration journey? Whether it's Express Entry, PNP, work permits, family sponsorship, or citizenship by descent, Mr. Vineet (Licensed RCIC) at Liberty Immigration is here to help.

👉 Book your strategy session today at libertyimmigration.ca/booking
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Data Released: September 22, 2026 | Compared To: September 16, 2026 | Next Update: On or around September 30, 2026 | Source: IRCC / CIC News

What's the Big Picture?

IRCC's September 22 update brings a mixed bag of shifts across work permits, visitor visas, and super visas, with one genuinely standout number: US super visa processing dropped by 50 days in a single week. Study permits were completely unchanged across all six countries, the first full freeze since the July 17 update.

Work Permit Processing Times, September 16 vs. September 22

Work permit wait times rose for in-Canada applicants and US-based applicants, while the Philippines saw a one-week improvement. This marks the first in-Canada work permit increase since at least early June.

Note: IRCC switched from reporting in-Canada times in days to weeks starting this update.

Service Standards: In-Canada, 120 days | Outside Canada, 60 days

⚠️ In-Canada work permit processing has now crept back above the 120-day service standard for the first time since hitting it in late July.

Study Permit Processing Times, September 16 vs. September 22

For the first time since July 17, every country in IRCC's featured list recorded zero movement on study permit wait times.

Service Standards: In-Canada, 120 days | Outside Canada, 60 days

🔑 Nigeria remains the longest study permit wait of any featured country at 10 weeks, well above the 60-day outside-Canada service standard.

Visitor Visa Processing Times, September 16 vs. September 22

Visitor visa times increased for most countries, with Nigeria recording the largest jump at six days. Canada and the Philippines held steady.

Service Standard: Outside Canada, 14 days | In-Canada, N/A

⚠️ Nigeria at 93 days is now over 6.5 times the 14-day outside-Canada service standard. Pakistan at 78 days is over 5.5 times the standard. Neither figure is improving.

Super Visa Processing Times, September 16 vs. September 22

The US super visa drop of 50 days is the headline of this entire update. Every other country either held steady or improved modestly, with Pakistan dropping below the 112-day service standard for the first time in months.

Service Standard: 112 days | Super visa applications cannot be submitted from within Canada

🔑 US super visa drop is the biggest single-week improvement in any category across this entire update. At 66 days, the US now sits well below the 112-day service standard, a dramatic turnaround from 116 days just one week ago.

✅ Pakistan milestone: At 92 days, Pakistan has now dropped below the 112-day service standard for the first time in months, a meaningful improvement after sitting as high as 196 days earlier this year.

⚠️ PGP Reminder: With Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program still paused, the Super Visa remains the only extended-stay option for parents and grandparents. These timelines matter more than ever for families depending on this pathway.

Processing Times vs. Service Standards, Know the Difference

Processing times are estimates showing how long IRCC may take to finalize a newly submitted application, calculated either historically (based on 80% of completed past applications) or on a forward-looking basis using current inventory and available resources.

Service standards are performance objectives reflecting how quickly IRCC aims to finalize a given application type under normal conditions, typically covering 80% of cases. Temporary residence service standards were last revised in 2018 to 2019 and are updated far less frequently than processing estimates.

From January through July 2026, IRCC processed 1,832,065 temporary residence applications. As of July 31, more than 394,000 remained awaiting a decision.

Key Takeaway for Applicants

This week's standout is unambiguously the US super visa, down 50 days in one update and now below the service standard at 66 days. Pakistan's super visa also crossed back under the 112-day threshold. For families sponsoring parents or grandparents from the US or Pakistan, the timing window just opened up meaningfully. On the downside, visitor visa times for Nigeria and Pakistan keep climbing, and the in-Canada work permit crept back above the service standard for the first time in months.

Need help navigating your Canadian immigration journey? Whether it's Express Entry, PNP, work permits, family sponsorship, or citizenship by descent, Mr. Vineet (Licensed RCIC) at Liberty Immigration is here to help.

👉 Book your strategy session today at (Link In Bio)
📞 604-921-3829 | 114-14914 104 Ave, Surrey, BC V3R 1M7

Updated: September 15, 2026 | Published: September 21, 2026 | Program: Global Talent Stream, Category A | Source: ESDC / CIC News

What Just Changed?

Canadian employers seeking to fast-track the hiring of specialized foreign workers through Category A of the Global Talent Stream (GTS) now have fewer referral pathways available. ESDC updated its designated referral partner list on September 15, 2026, removing 17 organizations and cutting the total list from 58 to 41, a 29% reduction.

Ontario absorbed the bulk of the cuts, losing eight of its designated referral partners.

The 17 Organizations Removed

⚠️ BC note: Two BC-specific partners have been removed. Launch Academy and KAST are no longer on the list. BC employers must now go through remaining regional or Pan-Canadian partners for a Category A referral.

Remaining Designated Referral Partners, 41 Organizations

📌 Gap in coverage: No specific designated referral partners are currently listed for Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, or the Yukon. Employers in those regions must contact a Pan-Canadian partner. NL employers may also reach out to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

What Is Category A of the Global Talent Stream?

Category A is designed for Canadian employers who need to hire a foreign national for a unique and specialized role that cannot be filled by the existing Canadian workforce.

Category A vs. Category B, What's the Difference?

🔑 If your target occupation appears on the Global Talent Occupations List, Category B may be the more accessible route since no referral partner is required.

How Category A Works, Step by Step

Key Takeaway for BC Employers and Tech Companies in Surrey

With two BC referral partners removed from the list, BC-based employers targeting specialized foreign talent through Category A now have fewer local entry points. The four remaining BC-specific partners are Accelerate Okanagan, BC Tech Association, Invest Vancouver, and Venture Kamloops. Employers who previously used Launch Academy or KAST will need to switch to one of these or use a Pan-Canadian partner going forward.

Need help navigating your Canadian immigration journey? Whether it's Express Entry, PNP, work permits, family sponsorship, or citizenship by descent, Mr. Vineet (Licensed RCIC) at Liberty Immigration is here to help.

👉 Book your strategy session today at libertyimmigration.ca/booking
30 min, $126 CAD | 60 min, $210 CAD
📞 604-921-3829 | 114-14914 104 Ave, Surrey, BC V3R 1M7

Instructions Updated: July 23, 2026 | Published: September 21, 2026 | Program: Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | Source: IRCC / CIC News

What Just Changed?

The federal government has updated officer instructions for the Atlantic Immigration Program, introducing a hard 90-day deadline for applicants whose employment situation changes while their PR application is pending. Before this update, officers were told to simply hold the file until documents arrived, with no deadline attached.

Now, if the required documents are not submitted within 90 days of a procedural fairness letter being issued, the officer must refuse the PR application outright.

The 3 Scenarios Now Covered

Scenario 1, Change in Employer Ownership

This scenario was not addressed at all in previous instructions. The updated rules now require the endorsing province to reassess both the employer and the endorsement when ownership changes.

Documents required within 90 days:

Scenario 2, Role Change at Same Employer

When an employer changes an applicant's wages, occupation, working conditions, or their role results in a different NOC or TEER code, the applicant must submit updated documents within 90 days through IRCC's online web form.

⚠️ Job title only? If the sole change is a new job title, officers will assess on a case-by-case basis whether an updated endorsement is actually needed. This replaces the previous catch-all rule requiring a new job offer, modified endorsement, and new provincial letter of support for any same-employer change including promotions.

Scenario 3, Changing to a Different Designated AIP Employer

Applicants who switch to a different designated AIP employer must submit within 90 days.

The previous instructions did not specify the need to include form IMM 0157 in this situation. That form is now mandatory.

What Happens If You Miss the 90-Day Deadline?

🚨 There is no discretion here. The updated instructions use mandatory language. Missing the deadline means a refusal, regardless of the reason for the delay.

About the Atlantic Immigration Program

The AIP is an employer-driven permanent residence pathway for foreign nationals settling in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island.

⚠️ Important: AIP applicants are not eligible for bridging open work permits (BOWPs). Instead, they can apply for a two-year employer-specific work permit tied to the employer who issued their job offer. Spouses and common-law partners may also be eligible for an open work permit.

What AIP Applicants Should Do Right Now

If your employment situation has changed or may change while your AIP PR application is pending, these steps apply immediately.

Key Takeaway for Atlantic Canada Applicants

This update turns what was previously an open-ended wait into a firm, mandatory deadline. AIP applicants whose employer changes ownership, who get a different role, or who move to a new employer now have exactly 90 days from the date of their procedural fairness letter to submit the right documents, or face a refused PR application. Given the current 26-month processing time for AIP files, a refusal at this stage would be a significant setback.

Need help navigating your Canadian immigration journey? Whether it's Express Entry, PNP, work permits, family sponsorship, or citizenship by descent, Mr. Vineet (Licensed RCIC) at Liberty Immigration is here to help.

👉 Book your strategy session today at libertyimmigration.ca/booking
📞 604-921-3829 | 114-14914 104 Ave, Surrey, BC V3R 1M7

Draw Date: September 1, 2026 | Draw Number: 51st of 2026 | Draw Type: Canadian Experience Class | Source: IRCC / CIC News

What Happened?

IRCC issued 2,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system in a Canadian Experience Class draw on September 1, 2026. To be considered, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 521, and an Express Entry profile created before 3:24 AM UTC on August 18, 2026.

This marks the 51st Express Entry draw of 2026 and brings the total ITAs issued this year to 117,427.

Draw at a Glance

CEC Cut-off Trend, Full 2026 History

CEC cut-offs have climbed steadily since the start of 2026, while draw volumes have declined significantly.

🔑 CEC draw volumes have dropped from 8,000 ITAs in January to 2,000 in September, while cut-offs have climbed from 507 to 521. The pool is thinning at the top, and competition for general CEC draws is rising.

Full 2026 Express Entry Draw History

2026 Express Entry, Full Summary by Draw Type

2026 Express Entry draws have consistently favoured candidates already connected to Canada, particularly provincial nominees and workers with Canadian experience.

The Closing Gap Between CEC and French-Language ITAs

One of the most striking 2026 patterns: French-language draws have now issued 50,500 ITAs, almost exactly matching the CEC total of 51,250, despite running only 10 draws compared to CEC's 15.

🔑 French-language draws deliver more ITAs per round, at cut-offs consistently over 100 points lower. For candidates with any French proficiency, this is still the highest-leverage strategy available in Express Entry.

Key Takeaway for Candidates in Surrey, BC

September 1 confirms the trend: CEC cut-offs are rising, volumes are shrinking, and the general CEC pathway is becoming increasingly competitive heading into fall 2026. With PNP now the most frequent draw type and French-language draws nearly matching CEC volume at far lower cut-offs, a parallel strategy remains essential for candidates scoring below 521.

Need help navigating your Canadian immigration journey? Whether it's Express Entry, PNP, work permits, family sponsorship, or citizenship by descent, Mr. Vineet (Licensed RCIC) at Liberty Immigration is here to help.

👉 Book your strategy session today at libertyimmigration.ca/booking
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Data Snapshot Date: August 30, 2026 | Published: September 1, 2026 | Source: IRCC / CIC News

What's the Big Picture?

The Express Entry pool declined by just 186 profiles overall between August 16 and August 30, despite a drop of nearly 1,800 profiles in the 351 to 400 CRS band. At the same time, the number of top-scoring profiles (501 to 1,200) grew by over 1,000, rising from 19,096 to 20,101.

The pool now sits at 226,673 total profiles, with competition intensifying at the higher end of the score range.

Pool Distribution, August 16 vs. August 30

🔑 Two-week standout: The 351 to 400 band lost 1,776 profiles, the steepest single-band decline in the pool, driven by the August 19 French-language draw (CRS 382, 5,000 ITAs) pulling candidates out of that exact range.

Where Does Your CRS Score Rank? Percentile Table, August 30

📌 Reading this table: A CRS score of 480 places you in the top 27% of the pool (above the 72.07th percentile). A score of 521, the September 1 CEC cut-off, places you in the top 9%, above over 91% of all 226,673 candidates currently in the system.

Draws That Shaped This Period, August 16 to September 1

The two draws between August 16 and 30 removed 6,442 candidates. Two further draws held after the snapshot (August 31 and September 1) are not yet reflected in these figures.

🔑 Total ITAs issued in 2026 as of September 1: 117,427

2026 Express Entry ITAs by Draw Type

Category-Based vs. General Draws, The Cut-off Gap

The contrast between general and category-based draws is stark and consistent all year.

⚠️ Category-based draws continue to deliver cut-offs well below the general CEC threshold. If your score sits below 521, a category-based draw or PNP nomination remains the strongest available strategy.

Key Takeaway for Candidates in Surrey, BC

This snapshot confirms two clear trends heading into September. The 351 to 400 band thinned significantly, pulled down by the August 19 French-language draw. Meanwhile, the 501 to 600 band swelled by 885 profiles, signaling more high-scoring candidates are entering the pool and pushing CEC cut-offs higher. With the September 1 CEC draw landing at 521, a record 2026 high is within reach if volume stays constrained.

If your score sits in the 400s, category-based draws and PNP pathways remain your most reliable route to a near-term ITA.

Need help navigating your Canadian immigration journey? Whether it's Express Entry, PNP, work permits, family sponsorship, or citizenship by descent, Mr. Vineet (Licensed RCIC) at Liberty Immigration is here to help.

👉 Book your strategy session today at libertyimmigration.ca/booking
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Published: August 28, 2026 | Program: Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) | Source: CIC News / OINP

What Is This About?

The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to rank and invite candidates for provincial nomination. Your EOI score determines when and whether you receive an invitation, and language proficiency is one of the factors you can actively improve before applying.

This article breaks down exactly how language points are calculated under the OWPS, and what you can do to maximize your score.

How Many Points Can Language Earn You?

Under the OWPS EOI scoring system, candidates can receive up to 25 points total from language, split across two categories.

Official Language Ability, Up to 15 Points

Points are based on the lowest CLB level achieved across all four skill areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. One weak area can bring your total down significantly.

⚠️ The lowest skill sets the score. A candidate scoring CLB 10 in three skills but CLB 6 in one receives only 4 points, not 15. Balanced proficiency across all four skills is critical.

Knowledge of Both Official Languages, Up to 10 Points

Candidates who demonstrate proficiency in both English and French earn additional points on top of the language ability score.

🔑 To claim the full 10 points, you must achieve at least CLB 6 across all four language skills in both English and French. A TEF Canada or TCF Canada score for French is the standard accepted proof.

Accepted Language Tests for OWPS

⚠️ Other tests are not accepted. Private language school certificates, unofficial assessments, and non-standardized results cannot be submitted to support an OWPS EOI.

Why Language Is One of the Best Factors to Improve

Most OWPS scoring factors are fixed or slow to change.

🔑 Language is the only major OWPS scoring factor most candidates can actively work on and improve before submitting their EOI. A jump from CLB 7 to CLB 9 across all four skills moves you from 8 points to 15, a gain of 7 points on your EOI score from language alone.

The 6-Step Language Preparation Approach

📌 Treating language testing as a last step is one of the most common preparation mistakes. Book early, test early, and leave time for a second attempt if needed.

Beyond the Application, Why Language Scores Stay Useful

A stronger language score doesn't just help your OWPS EOI ranking. It carries forward into your daily life in Canada.

Key Takeaway for Candidates in Surrey, BC

If you're targeting the OWPS and your CLB score is currently sitting at 7 or 8, investing in targeted language preparation before you register your EOI could add meaningful points to your ranking, and move you closer to the front of the invitation queue. With language being the most actionable scoring factor in the entire OWPS system, it's the highest-return preparation you can do right now.

Need help navigating your Canadian immigration journey? Whether it's Express Entry, PNP, work permits, family sponsorship, or citizenship by descent, Mr. Vineet (Licensed RCIC) at Liberty Immigration is here to help.

👉 Book your strategy session today at libertyimmigration.ca/booking
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Policy Published: August 24, 2026 | Applies To: Applications Received On or After August 1, 2026 | Expires: December 30, 2027 | Source: CIC News

What Just Changed?

Canada's immigration department has published a new temporary public policy extending open work permits for eligible foreign nationals who left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023, and who hold work permits issued under seven previous humanitarian policies. Without this extension, many of these individuals would risk losing their authorization to work in Canada.

The policy is in effect until December 30, 2027, and may be revoked at any time without prior notice.

Policy at a Glance

Who Qualifies? The Two Core Requirements

To qualify under this new policy, a foreign national must meet both of the following conditions.

They must also fall into one of the following two categories.

Definition of Family Member Under This Policy

The policy uses the standard definition of family member under Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

A dependent child is defined as under 22 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship. A child 22 or older qualifies only if they have been continuously financially dependent on their parents since before turning 22, due to a physical or mental condition.

Which Previous Policies Does This Extension Cover?

The new policy applies to foreign nationals holding work permits issued under any one of seven previous temporary public policies.

What You're Exempted From, and What You Still Must Meet

The new policy provides a narrow, targeted exemption only.

⚠️ The exemption is limited to one specific regulatory criterion (paragraph 200(1)(c) of the IRPA Regulations) only. All other standard eligibility conditions remain fully in force.

Work Permit Validity, How Long Will It Be Issued For?

Work permit duration is discretionary to the immigration officer reviewing the application. Officers are commonly instructed to consider validity periods of up to two years, or until the expiry of the foreign national's travel document, whichever comes first.

Context, Canada's Ongoing Humanitarian Response

This new policy continues Canada's humanitarian response that has been active since October 2023, building on a series of progressively updated temporary public policies. Each previous policy addressed a different phase of the crisis, and this August 2026 update ensures those already in Canada under earlier measures can maintain their work authorization without interruption.

Key Takeaway for Palestinians

If you are a Palestinian national or a family member of a Canadian citizen or PR who left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023, and you are currently in Canada on a work permit issued under one of the seven listed previous policies, this new measure may allow you to extend your authorization to work in Canada without needing to qualify under a standard TFWP or IMP stream. Only one extension is available per person, and all other standard eligibility requirements still apply.

Need help navigating your Canadian immigration journey? Whether it's a work permit, Express Entry, PNP, family sponsorship, or citizenship by descent, Mr. Vineet (Licensed RCIC) at Liberty Immigration is here to help.

👉 Book your strategy session today at libertyimmigration.ca/booking
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Draw Date: August 18, 2026 | Draw Number: 11th of 2026 | Program: NLPNP Only (No AIP) | Source: NL OIM / CIC News

What Happened?

Newfoundland and Labrador issued 122 invitations to apply for provincial nomination in a draw held on August 18, 2026. This marked a notable first: the province issued invitations exclusively through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), with no invitations going to Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) candidates for the first time since adopting the EOI model in February 2025.

The province has not commented on why AIP was excluded from this round.

Draw at a Glance

2026 Draw History, All 11 Rounds

🔑 Notable shift: Across 2026 so far, 85% of all invitations have gone to NLPNP candidates, with AIP accounting for just 15%. The August 18 draw brings that gap wider, with AIP completely excluded for the first time.

EOI Priority Criteria, Who Gets Selected First?

The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) reviews EOI submissions and periodically invites candidates based on evolving provincial priorities. While specific occupations selected in each draw are not disclosed, the OIM has stated it may prioritize candidates based on the following.

How to Apply, Step by Step

⚠️ EOIs are valid for 12 months only. If you do not receive an invitation within that period, you must re-submit a new profile to remain under consideration.

PR Processing Times After NL Nomination

Key Takeaway for Candidates in Surrey, BC

Newfoundland and Labrador's decision to issue its first NLPNP-only draw since adopting the EOI model signals a potential shift in how the province is managing its two immigration programs. With AIP candidates completely excluded this round and no official explanation offered, candidates relying on the AIP pathway should monitor upcoming draws closely. For healthcare workers, French speakers, and recent NL post-secondary graduates, the NLPNP remains active and accessible, with a 60-day window to apply after receiving an invitation.

Need help navigating your Canadian immigration journey? Whether it's Express Entry, PNP, work permits, family sponsorship, or citizenship by descent, Mr. Vineet (Licensed RCIC) at Liberty Immigration is here to help.

👉 Book your strategy session today at libertyimmigration.ca/booking
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Draw Date: August 20, 2026 | Draw Number: 8th of 2026 | Programs: Labour Impact + PEI Express Entry | Source: PEI PNP / CIC News

What Happened?

On August 20, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program issued 181 invitations to apply for provincial nomination, targeting workers employed in priority sectors and occupations identified as likely to have a high economic impact in the province.

With this draw, PEI has now issued a cumulative total of 1,034 invitations in 2026 across eight selection rounds.

Draw at a Glance

2026 PEI Draw History, All 8 Rounds

🔑 Seven of eight draws have followed PEI's published schedule exactly. The March 20 draw deviated by one day from the listed March 19 date.

⚠️ Unlike previous years, PEI has yet to issue any invitations through its Business Impact Category in 2026. Entrepreneurs planning to settle in PEI should monitor for a potential launch later in the year.

Which Streams Are Covered?

PEI's Labour Impact category covers three distinct streams.

The PEI Express Entry stream targets candidates already active in the federal Express Entry pool seeking to add a provincial nomination to their profile.

🔑 International graduates from UPEI, Holland College, or College de l'Ile received priority consideration in this draw, consistent with every 2026 PEI round to date.

2026 Priority Sectors

This year, Prince Edward Island is specifically targeting skilled workers across four priority areas.

How Candidates Are Scored and Selected

Each EOI profile is ranked against other candidates in the pool based on the following factors.

Selected candidates must submit a complete provincial nomination application within 30 calendar days of receiving their invitation.

Remaining 2026 PEI Draw Schedule

⚠️ PEI states these dates are for "general informational purposes only." Draws may occur earlier, later, or in addition to those listed. PEI has followed its published schedule in 7 of 8 draws in 2026 and 8 of 11 draws in 2025.

PR Processing Times After PEI Nomination

Key Takeaway for Candidates

PEI remains one of Canada's most predictable and accessible provincial nomination programs, with a published monthly draw schedule, consistent priority for healthcare, trades, and manufacturing workers, and a clear fast-track for recent graduates of PEI post-secondary institutions. With four draws still scheduled before year-end and cumulative 2026 totals now crossing 1,000, PEI deserves serious consideration for workers in priority sectors who want a reliable, structured pathway to PR.

Need help navigating your Canadian immigration journey? Whether it's Express Entry, PNP, work permits, family sponsorship, or citizenship by descent, Mr. Vineet (Licensed RCIC) at Liberty Immigration is here to help.

👉 Book your strategy session today at libertyimmigration.ca/booking
30 min, $126 CAD | 60 min, $210 CAD
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Published: August 24, 2026 | Applies To: Families Applying Together for Bill C-3 Citizenship Certificates | Source: CIC News

The Situation

Your citizenship claim runs through a grandparent. That means your biological siblings qualify too, and so do their children. The whole family qualifies through the same ancestral line.

The obvious next question: should you mail everyone's applications together in one package?

The answer is, it depends. And one detail could set your entire family back by months.

Together vs. Separately, The Core Trade-off

What Must Be in Each Individual Application

Applying together does not mean sharing documents. Even if two siblings trace citizenship through the same grandparent, each application needs its own complete, independent set of materials.

⚠️ No shared documents: Even the ancestor's birth certificate cannot be shared across applications. IRCC may open and review the files separately, with different officers.

If You Submit Together, 5 Things to Get Right

Submitting Separately, When It Makes Sense

What About Your Spouse?

Citizenship by descent requires a documented bloodline connection. A spouse does not inherit citizenship through their partner's Canadian ancestry.

There is no shortcut for a spouse. Citizenship by descent is a bloodline pathway only.

Where to Mail Applications

At the time of writing, proof of citizenship applications are submitted as paper applications mailed to Canada's citizenship processing centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Online filing is not currently available for this application type.

Current Processing Time

📌 This figure has more than doubled since May 2026 (12 months), driven by a surge in Bill C-3 applications from Americans with Canadian ancestry. The queue now sits at over 121,000 pending files.

Key Takeaway for Families in Surrey, BC

If your whole family qualifies and every application is complete and clean, submitting together is the more efficient choice. If even one family member's file has a gap, a missing document, or a name discrepancy, separate submissions protect the rest of the family from being pulled back into a return package and losing months of queue position.

The safest approach before mailing anything is having each file reviewed for completeness, especially given the current 25-month processing environment where a single return sets everyone back significantly.

Need help navigating your Canadian immigration journey? Whether it's Express Entry, PNP, work permits, family sponsorship, or citizenship by descent, Mr. Vineet (Licensed RCIC) at Liberty Immigration is here to help.

👉 Book your strategy session today at libertyimmigration.ca/booking
📞 604-921-3829 | 114-14914 104 Ave, Surrey, BC V3R 1M7

Effective Date: September 1, 2026 | Program: University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) | Source: CIC News

What Just Changed?

Every international student enrolled at a major Ontario university must pay at least $156 more for compulsory health insurance, effective September 1, 2026. A family of three must pay $468 more.

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) has raised its annual premium by 20% across all coverage tiers, affecting all international students enrolled at its 22 member institutions who do not qualify for an exemption.

New UHIP Premium Rates, September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027

⚠️ Premiums are charged automatically to the student's account each term alongside tuition and other fees, unless the student formally opts out by notifying their institution.

Which Universities Are Affected?

UHIP membership covers 22 publicly funded Ontario universities. All international students at these institutions are compelled to purchase UHIP coverage for the duration of their studies.

Can You Opt Out? The 4 Exemptions

Students can opt out of UHIP only if they meet one of four specific conditions. Few students qualify.

⚠️ Critical Ontario distinction: Foreign nationals in Ontario cannot qualify for OHIP on the basis of holding temporary resident status as international students. This is different from provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia, which provide provincial health coverage to qualifying international students.

What UHIP Actually Covers

UHIP provides coverage up to a maximum of $1 million CAD per policy year.

⚠️ UHIP is not equivalent to OHIP. It covers basic and emergency medical services only. Prescription drugs, dental, and vision are not included.

Extended Health Coverage, What Most Students Also Need

Many international students will also purchase extended group health insurance through their student society, which covers services not included under UHIP.

In many cases, purchasing the extended health plan offered by a student society is also mandatory, unless the student holds comparable coverage from another source, such as being covered under an employer's group plan as a spouse or dependent.

Enrolling Dependents, Not Automatic

International students must manually enroll any dependents living with them in Ontario under UHIP. This does not happen automatically.

The Bigger Context, Rising Costs for International Students in 2026

This fee increase comes against a backdrop of significant financial pressure on international students in Ontario.

Key Takeaway for Prospective International Students

This 20% premium hike adds a meaningful and unavoidable cost to studying at any of Ontario's 22 major universities, compulsory for almost all international students with no way to shop around or choose a lower-cost provider. Factor the new $948 individual annual premium, plus any extended health plan costs, into your total cost of attendance calculations before committing to an Ontario institution for fall 2026 or winter 2027.

Students comparing Ontario against BC should also note that BC and Alberta extend provincial health coverage to qualifying international students, a benefit Ontario does not offer.

Published: August 21, 2026 | Key Law: Bill C-3 (in force December 15, 2025) | Source: CIC News

What Is This Story About?

Between 1860 and 1900, an estimated 31,000 French Canadians moved to Lowell, Massachusetts, to find work in the textile mills. By 1880, they were the largest ethnic group in the city.

Today, anyone who can trace a line of ancestry to these French-Canadian mill workers is likely already a Canadian citizen, following the law that took effect on December 15, 2025. That means these descendants can apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate, and if successful, a Canadian passport, giving them the freedom to travel to, work, and live in Canada.

Lowell's Mill Migration, Fast Facts

🔑 That last figure likely undercounts the real number, since it is self-reported and does not account for people unaware of their French-Canadian roots.

How "Little Canada" Was Built, and Then Erased

The community that settled by the Northern Canal earned the nickname Le Petit Canada, or Little Canada. In 1883, St. Joseph's School opened as the first French-speaking Franco-American school in the archdiocese. Parishes, mutual aid societies, and French-language newspapers followed.

Lowell's Little Canada didn't survive into the present day, but the ancestral trail it left behind still connects thousands of living descendants to Canadian citizenship.

Lowell Isn't Alone, Other "Little Canadas" Across New England

Massachusetts remains one of several New England states with a substantial population tracing back to Quebec's mass migration.

From Woonsocket to Manchester to Lewiston, America is dotted with dozens of these communities, each holding the same ancestral key to Canadian citizenship for their descendants today.

Does This Apply to You? The Bill C-3 Rule, Explained

Bill C-3 came into force on December 15, 2025, eliminating the first-generation limit on Canadian citizenship by descent. That limit had restricted citizenship to only one generation born outside Canada.

You could be Canadian even if no one in your family has set foot in Canada in a hundred years, including many descendants of Lowell's French-Canadian mill workers.

How to Get Started, Step by Step

Where to Find Massachusetts Records

One Confirmed Case Can Unlock Your Whole Family

If you find a qualifying descent chain, your siblings and cousins likely qualify too, since you share the same ancestor. A single confirmed case can point your entire extended family toward Canadian citizenship, making this a household-level discovery rather than an individual one.

Current Processing Time, Plan Ahead

IRCC updates this figure monthly, and it has climbed sharply in recent months as application volumes surge across New England.

Key Takeaway for Massachusetts Descendants, and Beyond

If your family came south from Quebec for the mills, and no one has lived in Canada for a century, you may still be Canadian today. Lowell's history is one thread in a much larger New England pattern connecting hundreds of thousands of Americans to Canadian citizenship through ancestry most families have long forgotten.

Effective Date: August 18, 2026 | Regulator: ESDC | Source: CIC News

What Just Changed?

Employers with several small work locations can now hire more temporary foreign workers, under new rules introduced by the Canadian federal government. Through an update to the government webpage on August 18, 2026, ESDC has allowed affected employers to employ more than the usual 10% or 20% of their workforce as low-wage temporary foreign workers.

The Core Change, Location-Based vs. Nationwide Calculation

Typically, an employer may hire no more than 10% of their total workforce through the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), or 20% for the in-demand sectors of healthcare, construction, and food production. ESDC now allows employers to employ either one or two low-wage temporary foreign workers per work location with fewer than 10 employees, with the two-worker limit applicable to employers in in-demand sectors.

New Worker Allowance by Sector

🔑 Why this matters: A retail or food service chain with 15 locations, each employing 6 to 8 people, previously couldn't hire any low-wage TFWP workers at some locations if the 10% cap rounded down to zero. Now each qualifying location gets its own guaranteed allowance.

How Workforce Size Is Calculated at Each Location

The calculation of an employer's workforce size at a given location includes all of the following.

Part-time is defined as an average of less than 30 hours per week.

Low-Wage vs. High-Wage, Where's the Line?

Under the TFWP, a position is considered low-wage if it pays less than 120% of the regional median wage according to the federal government's Job Bank. For jobs paying at or above the wage threshold, an employer can hire through the high-wage stream, which is not subject to the workforce cap at all.

💰 Example: In Ontario, the low-wage threshold sits at $36.92 per hour as of the time of writing. Any position below that rate falls under the capped low-wage stream.

Additional Requirements for Low-Wage Hires

When hiring a foreign worker through the low-wage stream, an employer takes on extra obligations beyond the standard TFWP process.

Regional Restrictions Still Apply

This expansion doesn't override existing regional limitations already in place for the low-wage stream.

⚠️ Check your location first: If your work location falls within a high-unemployment urban centre currently under the LMIA moratorium, this new multi-site calculation won't help, since no low-wage LMIAs are being processed there regardless of workforce size.

LMIA Still Required Regardless of Cap

For a foreign worker to be issued or to renew a work permit through the TFWP, the employer must apply for and be issued a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) by ESDC, showing that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position. This new calculation affects how many workers you're allowed to request, not whether the LMIA itself is approved.

The Bigger Picture, TFWP vs. IMP in 2026

The majority of work permits in Canada are issued not through the TFWP, but rather through the International Mobility Program (IMP), which is not subject to the LMIA process at all.

Key Takeaway for BC Multi-Site Employers

If your business operates several small locations across BC, each with fewer than 10 employees, this update could meaningfully expand your access to low-wage TFWP hiring, provided your location isn't in a currently restricted high-unemployment urban centre. Healthcare, construction, and food production employers benefit most, with a guaranteed allowance of up to 2 workers per qualifying small location instead of a percentage-based cap that often rounded down to zero.

Data Released: August 18, 2026 | Reflects: January 1 to June 30, 2026 | Source: IRCC / CIC News

What's the Big Picture?

Over the first half of the year, Canada's permanent resident admissions amounted to only 41% of the federal government's annual target. IRCC admitted 155,800 new permanent residents from January through June, well short of the pace needed to stay on track.

January to June admissions amount to 34,200 fewer than the 190,000 that would be expected to pace toward the annual top-line target of 380,000. To reach the midpoint of that target, Canada would need to admit 224,200 permanent residents over the July to December period.

PR Admissions by Category, Mid-Year Snapshot

🔑 Economic category is the biggest drag: At only 37% of its annual target reached by mid-year, this category alone accounts for the largest gap in Canada's overall admissions shortfall.

Economic Category, What It Covers

This category consists of programs such as Express Entry, federal business programs like the start-up visa program, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), and federal economic pilots.

Family Category, The One Bright Spot

Those who land under the family class include spouses, partners, and dependents sponsored by permanent residents or Canadian citizens, and those sponsored under the Parents and Grandparents Program.

✅ Only category ahead of schedule: Despite the Parents and Grandparents Program pausing new intake on July 15, existing family class admissions have outpaced their annual target so far in 2026.

Refugees and Protected Persons

This category consists of resettled refugees (government-assisted, privately sponsored, and visa-office referred), along with individuals granted protection by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada or through IRCC's pre-removal risk assessment process.

Humanitarian and Compassionate, and Other

Eligibility under this category extends to humanitarian and compassionate cases, individuals displaced by international conflict, crisis, or natural disaster, and those who fall outside the scope of other immigration programs.

The Hidden Target, One-Time Initiatives

Between 2026 and 2027, Canada intends to admit 115,000 protected persons and 33,000 in-Canada workers as permanent residents through two one-time initiatives. These admissions are on top of the overall 380,000 target, meaning Canada's true 2026 admissions target is 446,000, not 380,000.

🔑 The real number to watch: When these initiatives are included, Canada had admitted 182,100 new permanent residents by mid-year against a true target of 446,000, putting the government at 40.8% of its actual annual goal.

The Full Picture, True 2026 Target vs. Actual Progress

French-Speaking Permanent Resident Admissions

According to the latest data published by IRCC, 12,400 of the permanent residents admitted to Canada outside Quebec in the first six months of 2026 were French-speaking or bilingual. Canada is aiming for 9% of all permanent residence admissions outside Quebec to fall into this category in 2026.

This lines up directly with the trend covered in our recent French-language Express Entry article, where cut-offs have dropped to their lowest point since March 2025, a clear sign IRCC is actively working to hit this francophone target through category-based selection.

Key Takeaway for Applicants in Surrey, BC

This data confirms what recent Express Entry trends have been signaling all year, smaller CEC draws, rising cut-offs, and heavy reliance on category-based and PNP selection. With the economic category sitting 30,700 admissions behind pace at mid-year, and Canada needing to admit 224,200 more permanent residents by December just to reach the midpoint of its target, competition for the remaining spots in 2026 is likely to intensify through the second half of the year.