Ontario proposes a major overhaul of the immigration nominee program to meet labor market demands better

Ontario is moving forward with significant changes to its immigration framework, proposing to streamline the OINP from eight pathways down to four more focused streams. The restructuring, set to roll out in two phases, aims to simplify the application process while better addressing the province's specific workforce needs. The first phase introduces a redesigned Employer Job Offer Stream with separate tracks for higher-skilled positions (TEER 0-3) and those facing acute labor shortages (TEER 4-5). Officials say the changes will make it easier for employers to connect with qualified foreign workers while ensuring newcomers have clear pathways to permanent residency aligned with real economic needs. Looking ahead to the second phase, the province plans to launch three specialized streams targeting healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent in fields like science and technology. The healthcare stream would allow registered professionals to apply without a job offer in hand, directly tackling staffing challenges across Ontario's medical sector. Meanwhile, the entrepreneur stream seeks to attract business-minded newcomers who will invest and create jobs, while the exceptional talent pathway targets individuals with outstanding achievements in their fields. The Ministry is currently gathering public feedback on these proposals, with particular interest in improving the new Employer Portal launched earlier this year.

Conservatives proposed an amendment to restrict the mass extension of temporary resident visas

Conservative Shadow Minister for Immigration Michelle Rempel Garner has introduced an amendment to Bill C-12 to prevent the Federal Government from using extraordinary powers to mass-extend temporary work visas. The move comes after officials were unable to provide concrete examples of how they intended to use the sweeping powers outlined in Part 7 of the legislation. Conservatives successfully amended the bill to require government reporting to Parliament and clarified that these powers cannot be used to convert temporary residents in masse into permanent residents. The push for stricter oversight follows revelations that Statistics Canada missed 38 per cent of temporary residents in its last census, and reports that over 1.2 million temporary residents face visa expirations in 2025. Rempel Garner emphasized that Canadians and provinces whose hospitals and classrooms have faced pressure from immigration levels deserve confidence that temporary residents will leave when required. The Conservatives

IRCC launches a new Express Entry category for international doctors to address healthcare shortages

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced measures to strengthen the country's healthcare workforce by facilitating permanent residence pathways for international physicians. The initiative establishes a dedicated Express Entry category for doctors who have worked in Canada for at least one year within the past three years. Healthcare professionals currently serving patients across the country on temporary status will be eligible to receive invitations to apply beginning in early 2026. This program addresses critical shortages in medical staffing while offering long-term stability to physicians who have already contributed to Canada's healthcare system. In addition to the new Express Entry category, the Federal Government has allocated 5,000 spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed physicians with confirmed job offers. These spaces are separate from existing  Provincial Nominee Program allocations. Nominated physicians will receive expedited work permit processing within 14 days, enabling them to continue patient care while their permanent residence applications are processed. These measures support Canada's International Talent Attraction Strategy, which aims to create a responsive immigration system that addresses economic requirements and strengthens communities across the country.

Canada prepares to host FIFA World Cup 2026: Immigration officials urge early visa applications

Canada is preparing to welcome international visitors as a co-host of the FIFA World Cup 2026, alongside the United States and Mexico. IRCC has announced that Toronto and Vancouver  will host 13 matches between June 11 and July 19, 2026. Officials are working with FIFA and federal partners to ensure smooth immigration processing for athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and fans. With thousands expected to attend, visitors are strongly advised to start their visa or electronic travel authorization applications now to avoid last-minute complications and fully enjoy this historic sporting celebration. Fans travelling from countries including Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Panama, Croatia, Senegal, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Belgium, Qatar, and Switzerland should note that most will require proper immigration documentation to enter Canada. Canada's experience hosting major international events, including the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2010 Winter Olympics, positions the country well for this tournament. However, authorities emphasize that holding World Cup tickets does not guarantee approval for entry. All travelers must meet standard immigration requirements, and border officers retain final authority on admission decisions upon arrival.

The Government of Canada invests $1.7 billion to attract top global researchers

The Canadian Government has unveiled the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, committing $1.7 billion over 12 years to recruit more than 1,000 top international researchers. Ministers Mélanie Joly and Marjorie Michel announced this ambitious program, describing it as one of the world's largest research recruitment efforts. The initiative focuses on bringing leading scientists and scholars to Canada across eight strategic priority areas, including artificial intelligence, health biotechnology, clean technology, climate resilience, and advanced manufacturing. Officials emphasized that this investment will position Canada at the cutting edge of global scientific innovation while delivering tangible economic and societal benefits. The initiative comprises four distinct funding streams designed to support researchers at various career stages. The flagship Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program allocates $1 billion to help universities attract established leaders, while $120 million supports early-career researchers through the Emerging Leaders program. An additional $400 million will fund state-of-the-art research infrastructure through the Canada Foundation for Innovation, ensuring recruited scientists have access to world-class facilities. Finally, $133.6 million in Research Training Awards will enable international doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows to relocate to Canada. Together, these programs reflect Canada's determination to compete for top talent during a pivotal moment for global research and innovation.

Canada's international student cap triggers widespread economic impact on higher education

Canada's postsecondary sector faces mounting challenges as international student arrivals plunged 60% between January and September 2025 compared to the previous year, following  government-imposed caps designed to ease housing pressures. The dramatic decline has triggered financial losses exceeding $140 million across just six Ontario institutions, while British Columbia anticipates annual losses surpassing $300 million. Ontario colleges have suspended 600 programs and eliminated up to 10,000 positions. Saskatchewan Polytechnic reports a 40% decline in enrollment and significant revenue shortfalls. Experts warn that the crisis extends beyond finances, with reduced capacity for domestic student programs, research activities, and essential student services, including mental health support and work-integrated learning opportunities.