IRCC updates guidance on continued work authorization for permit renewals

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its policy regarding continued work authorization under section R186(u) for applicants awaiting a decision on their work permit renewals. The revised instructions clarify that the interim proof of work letter provided to applicants is now valid for 365 days. Importantly, if an application remains in progress beyond the date specified in the letter, workers may continue their employment until a final decision is reached, provided they still meet all regulatory requirements. Clients are no longer required to request a secondary letter from IRCC to maintain their legal work status during extended processing times.

Statistics Canada collaborates with CBSA to improve migration data accuracy

Statistics Canada is integrating Entry/Exit data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to enhance the accuracy of its demographic estimates. Case studies using this data suggest that some non-permanent residents remain in Canada while awaiting permit extensions, helping refine current tracking models. The analysis also indicates that some international students and seasonal workers leave the country before their permits officially expire. By linking border-crossing data with immigration records, the agency aims to better distinguish between temporary travellers and longer-term residents, thereby improving population estimates used for provincial funding and policy planning.

The Canadian Government invited 4,000 Francophone candidates through Express Entry

On April 29, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the fifth Express Entry draw for French language proficiency candidates of the year. In round #414, IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to francophone candidates. The cut-off score of this draw was 400 points – 19 points fewer than the last draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was April 07, 2026, at 20:13:59 UTC. As of April 26, 2026, 234,452 profiles were registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 71,627 ITAs through 26 Express Entry draws.

Saskatchewan issued over 1,200 immigration nominations in the first quarter of 2026

The Government of Saskatchewan has utilized approximately 26% of its 2026 Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) allocation, issuing 1,223 of its 4,761 total available spots. Data reveals that priority sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and technology, have seen the highest activity, accounting for 689 nominations so far. To maintain labor market balance, the province continues to manage capped sectors through specific intake windows, with the next scheduled for May 4, 2026. While priority and non-capped sectors remain open for continuous employer submissions, those in capped industries must wait for designated periods.

Nova Scotia announced priority sectors for the nominee program in 2026

Nova Scotia has refined its immigration priorities to address critical labour shortages, with a primary focus on healthcare and skilled trades. Effective April 27, 2026, candidates in these sectors at TEER levels 0–4 are prioritized, including both international applicants and temporary residents already working in the province. Additionally, the province may consider candidates already working in Nova Scotia in selected sectors, including natural sciences, education, natural resources, and manufacturing, provided they meet TEER 0–4 requirements. For occupations outside these priority groups, consideration is limited to temporary residents in TEER 0–2 roles. TEER 5 occupations are not being prioritized in any category at this time.

British Columbia updated the BC PNP to target healthcare, construction, and innovation

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has overhauled its selection criteria to align with the province’s Look West strategy, focusing on three pillars: Care, Build, and Innovate. Effective immediately, the program will prioritize 36 healthcare and education roles, 9 skilled trades for infrastructure projects, and high-impact talent across all sectors. The Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) stream has officially closed, and no new international student streams will be launched. To encourage regional development, the province aims for 35% of all nominations to go to candidates working outside Metro Vancouver. These changes also include a one-time initiative starting in June 2026 to retain 250 cleaning and security workers currently employed by health authorities in rural or remote areas.

Ontario invited Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate stream candidates

On April 22, 2026, the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) issued 674 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a general draw for the Masters Graduate stream. The minimum score of this round was 61 points, 31 points more than it was in the previous draw. In addition, Ontario has invited 244 candidates under the PhD Graduate Stream. The minimum score for this draw was 56 points (+7). The profiles of selected candidates were created between April 22, 2025, and April 20, 2026. In total, this year, the province invited 10,428 candidates through the OINP.

IRCC reported a significant decline in student and temporary worker arrivals

Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals a sharp downward trend in temporary resident arrivals, with a 72% decrease in new student and worker permits issued in early 2026 compared to the same period in 2024. This decline follows several federal measures, including an annual cap on international student study permits and a 10% limit on low-wage temporary foreign worker hiring. While the total number of permit holders currently in Canada remains high due to existing application inventories, the number of new arrivals has plummeted, with only 2,135 study permits and 10,375 work permits issued in February 2026.