Ottawa unveils sweeping asylum-system regulations aimed at faster, fairer decisions
IRCC data show immigration backlog falls below one million for first time since 2025
IRCC grants last-minute permit allowing Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi to play World Cup match in Toronto
Latest News
Alberta launches online ‘Eligibility Explorer’ to demystify its provincial immigration streams
A new free web tool lets foreign nationals—and their employers—quickly see which Alberta Advantage Immigration Program streams they may qualify for. By reducing mis-directed applications, Alberta hopes to better manage its reduced 2026 nomination allocation and speed up processing for genuine candidates.
Ottawa orders dozens to surrender new citizenship-by-descent certificates, sparking uncertainty for ‘Lost Canadians’
IRCC has asked several dozen new citizens—approved under Canada’s 2025 citizenship-by-descent reforms—to return their certificates for reassessment, citing documentation gaps. The abrupt move has disrupted imminent relocations and raised questions about the stability of recently amended nationality rules, signalling compliance and reputational risks for employers moving talent via lineage-based citizenship.
IRCC backlog falls to 922,700 applications – lowest level since mid-2025
New IRCC figures show the department’s backlog has dropped to 922,700 applications—the lowest since July 2025—with Express Entry backlogs now at just nine per cent. Faster permanent-residence and study-permit decisions will help employers and foreign students, but work-permit queues are lengthening. Mobility managers should adjust hiring timelines and lean on fast-track streams where possible.
IRCC backlog shrinks to lowest level since mid-2025, cutting decision times for permits and PR
IRCC’s June 18 statistics show the total application backlog down to 922,700, the best figure in nearly a year. Express Entry delays have almost disappeared, study-permit queues are easing and only work-permit files remain stubborn. Faster processing boosts Canada’s appeal for companies and institutions that rely on predictable relocation timelines.
Air Canada opens Halifax–Brussels seasonal route, putting Atlantic Canada one hop from NATO’s capital
Air Canada has started nonstop Halifax–Brussels flights, operating three times a week until 5 September 2026. The service boosts Halifax’s international connectivity, offers businesses direct access to EU and NATO institutions, and supports regional tourism and exports. If bookings remain strong, Air Canada may consider extending or expanding the route.
Ontario shuts existing OINP streams as provinces receive bigger 2026 nomination quotas
A Maple Intelligence brief dated 18 June reveals that Ontario revoked all nine OINP streams on 30 May ahead of launching four redesigned pathways, while provincial nomination allocations for 2026 have risen by an average 31 %. Employers must adjust talent plans as provinces overhaul criteria to match Ottawa’s occupation-based Express Entry strategy.
Citizenship-by-descent fiasco: Ottawa demands surrender of certificates, sowing uncertainty for new Canadians
IRCC has asked dozens of new citizens by descent to surrender their certificates over documentation concerns, creating travel and employment uncertainty. Employers should audit impacted staff and delay travel plans until IRCC clarifies next steps.
IRCC backlog falls to 922,700 cases—lowest since July 2025—easing wait times for workers and students
IRCC’s published figures show the application backlog has fallen below one million cases for the first time since mid-2025. Faster Express Entry and study-permit processing will help employers and universities, although work-permit queues remain stubborn.
PNP landscape shifts: Ontario shutters all streams while BC focuses on trades and care workers
A Maple Intelligence update dated 18 June shows stark contrasts across Canada’s PNPs. Ontario has closed all existing nomination streams with no launch date for replacements, while British Columbia is actively inviting construction and healthcare candidates. Companies relying on provincial pathways must adjust strategies province-by-province to keep assignments on track.
Alberta invites 1,550 candidates in seven AAIP draws—largest opportunity-stream round issues 993 ITAs
A News Alert analysis dated 18 June shows Alberta conducted seven AAIP draws between 20 May and 2 June, issuing 1,550 ITAs—993 of them through a single Opportunity Stream round. Targeted draws for health care, construction, agriculture, tech and manufacturing highlight Alberta’s aggressive use of its 2026 nomination quota, offering employers multiple fast-track routes to permanent residence.
IRCC disclosed 32,660 temporary resident permits for otherwise inadmissible foreigners since 2021
Parliamentary data reveal that 32,660 Temporary Resident Permits were issued from 2021–2026 to foreign nationals found inadmissible for reasons such as criminality or security. The figures highlight Canada’s discretionary flexibility but raise political questions; mobility teams should anticipate closer scrutiny and prepare robust justification when a TRP is needed.
Refugee advocates file Federal Court case alleging Canada breaches duty under Safe Third Country regime
A Federal Court application lodged on 18 June claims Canada violated refugee-protection obligations by turning back a Honduran family under the Safe Third Country Agreement. The challenge could reshape procedures at land borders, potentially lengthening inspections and affecting cross-border business travel if the court mandates extra safeguards.
Express Entry mid-year outlook: category-based draws to expand after record-breaking spring
A 18 June Y-Axis update says IRCC will lean even harder on occupation-specific Express Entry draws after a spring season that saw CRS cut-offs fall well below general draws. Employers should clean up NOC codes, encourage French testing and consider provincial nominations to secure lower-score permanent residence for key staff.
Alberta invites 1,550 candidates in seven AAIP draws, keeps pace for 6,400 nominations in 2026
Alberta’s AAIP issued 1,550 invitations across seven late-May/early-June draws, keeping it on course to hit its 2026 nomination quota. Healthcare, tech and construction workers benefited most, while a new C$135 EOI fee and low Opportunity Stream scores reshape employer strategies.
Manitoba issues 124 invitations in Expression-of-Interest Draw #273, emphasising regional recruitment
Manitoba’s 18 June EOI draw invited 124 skilled workers, with nearly 20 percent linked to Express Entry. The province continues to use strategic recruitment to channel newcomers into critical occupations and smaller communities, offering employers a potent route to permanent residence for targeted hires.
Parliamentary disclosure shows 32,660 inadmissible foreign nationals received Temporary Resident Permits since 2021
Documents released 18 June 2026 show Canada granted 32,660 Temporary Resident Permits to otherwise inadmissible foreign nationals since 2021, including over 7,600 with criminality grounds. The revelation may prompt tighter scrutiny, so employers should ensure early admissibility checks and prepare TRP files well in advance.
Air France–KLM keeps 100-flight Canadian schedule intact despite fuel-supply turmoil
Air France–KLM announced it will keep its full 100-flight weekly schedule from Canada and honour existing fares despite rising fuel costs. The move protects summer capacity and pricing on key Europe-bound routes used by Canadian corporates and offers one free date change on most fare classes.
New ‘Immigration Absorption Index’ suggests Canada can sustainably welcome only 244 k PRs in 2026
A private-sector index released 18 June calculates Canada’s current capacity to integrate newcomers at roughly 244,000—36 percent below the 2026 permanent-resident target. The data highlight regional disparities and could influence future immigration-levels planning, with implications for employers counting on a steady inflow of talent.
YYC Calgary prepares for 6.1 million summer travellers, issues corporate travel guidance
Calgary airport projects 6.1 million passengers this summer and is urging travellers to arrive early and pre-book parking. The boom will test security lanes but also boosts cargo capacity and regional connectivity important to Alberta’s energy and tech sectors.
Free workshop in Sint Maarten demystifies Canadian study-permit process for Caribbean applicants
Sint Maarten’s education ministry will host a 18 June workshop guiding students through Canada’s revised study-permit requirements. The session aims to cut high refusal rates in the Caribbean and supports Canada’s strategy of attracting balanced, well-prepared international students.
Money Abroad Guide publishes 2026 newcomer banking review—critical first step for arriving immigrants
A detailed guide released 18 June ranks newcomer banking packages from Canada’s major banks and digital challengers, emphasising pre-arrival account opening and credit-building strategies. Payroll, benefit enrolment and credit history depend on swift banking set-up, making the resource valuable for corporate relocation programmes.