World Cup headache: Only 41 % of Canadian visas approved for 2026 football fans
IRCC tightens language-test verification to curb immigration fraud
New federal regulations strengthen oversight of immigration consultants but leave overseas fraud largely unchecked
Latest News
Canada issues 4,000 Invitations in fresh Healthcare-focused Express Entry draw
IRCC invited 4,000 health-care and social-services professionals to apply for permanent residence on June 25, 2026, with a CRS cut-off of 475. The reactivation of health-sector draws promises relief for employers facing labour shortages and gives foreign medical staff a clear pathway to stay in Canada permanently.
Only 41 % of World-Cup Fans Win Canadian Visas, IRCC Data Show
IRCC statistics leaked to AS USA show that only 41 % of visa or eTA applications linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup were approved, with huge variations by country. The figures raise concerns for sponsors and tour operators counting on international fan traffic to Canadian host cities.
Ontario overhauls OINP, launches ‘Workforce Priority’ stream for rural employers
Ontario closed its OINP Expression-of-Interest system on 25 June to rebuild it around a new Ontario Workforce Priority stream aimed at rural and northern employers. The move temporarily halts new provincial nominations but is designed to make it easier for small businesses to recruit and retain foreign talent in critical trades and health roles.
IRCC invites 4,000 healthcare workers in surprise Express Entry draw
IRCC held a category-based Express Entry draw on 25 June, inviting 4,000 candidates with recent health and social-services experience at a CRS cut-off of 475. The large draw revives a key talent stream after a four-month pause and provides employers with a faster permanent-residence pathway for internationally trained health professionals.
World Cup visa crunch: only 41 % of fan applications approved for Canada matches
Newly released IRCC figures reveal that only 41 percent of visa and eTA requests tied to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Canada have been approved so far, raising concerns about tourism revenues and advising corporate groups to apply early.
IRCC Holds Targeted Express Entry Draw for Healthcare & Social-services Workers
IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply on 25 June in a category-based Express Entry draw targeting health-care and social-services workers, with a CRS cut-off of 475. The draw helps employers convert temporary staff to permanent hires and underscores Ottawa’s strategy of steering immigration toward sectors facing acute labour shortages.
CBSA launches Free-Flow transit program to speed international connections at major Canadian airports
A new CBSA “Free Flow” process lets eligible international-transit passengers connect in Vancouver, Toronto or Montréal without clearing Canadian customs, reducing layover times and enhancing Canada’s hub appeal for business travel.
WestJet Cuts Reward-Flight Fuel Surcharge as Jet-Fuel Prices Ease
WestJet has cut its companion-voucher fuel surcharge to $40 as jet-fuel prices retreat, mirroring Porter Airlines and signalling possible fare relief for business and leisure travellers during the busy summer season.
Air Canada Prepares for 1 Million Passengers in Canada-Day Week, Issues Summer Travel Playbook
Flag carrier Air Canada says it will move over one million passengers during Canada-Day week and has issued detailed travel-readiness guidance, along with app and lounge upgrades aimed at smoothing peak-season flows for business and leisure flyers alike.
Hundreds of flights delayed or cancelled across Canada on 25 June 2026
Severe same-day disruption hit Canada’s seven busiest airports on 25 June, with 35 flights cancelled and 343 delayed. Toronto-Pearson alone logged 163 affected departures. Air Canada and Jazz were the hardest-hit carriers, but multiple airlines felt the impact. Travellers may be entitled to APPR compensation only if the cause is within an airline’s control, highlighting the need for contingency planning by business-travel coordinators.
IRCC invites 271 physicians in targeted Express Entry draw, lowest CRS 223
On June 24 IRCC issued 271 Invitations to Apply to doctors with Canadian work experience, setting a record-low CRS cut-off of 223 for 2026. The physician-only draw supports Canada’s health-workforce strategy and gives hospitals a faster path to retain foreign-trained talent.
Jazz Aviation Flight Dispatchers Deliver 96 % Strike Mandate, Putting Regional Network at Risk
Jazz Aviation’s 59 flight dispatchers have authorised a strike with 96.4 % support, setting up a potential walkout as early as 1 August 2026. Any job action would ground hundreds of regional flights operated for Air Canada Express, posing major headaches for domestic business travellers and international connectors.
Quebec to Re-Open the Quebec Experience Program on July 2 After Seven-Month Hiatus
Quebec will re-open its fast-track Quebec Experience Program on July 2 for a two-year trial. The July–October 2026 intake is limited to graduates and workers who already met PEQ criteria before the program was frozen last year, and no numeric cap will apply. Employers gain a quick route to permanence for existing talent, but must act before October 31, after which Quebec may curb or pause admissions again.
Quebec Experience Program to reopen 2 July, easing PR pathway for graduates and workers
Quebec will reopen its fast-track Quebec Experience Program on 2 July 2026 for a two-year period, allowing certain graduates and skilled workers to secure a CSQ without a points assessment. The move restores a critical retention tool for employers in the province’s tight labour market.
Jazz Aviation flight dispatchers deliver 96% strike mandate, putting Canada’s regional air network on notice
Flight dispatchers at Jazz Aviation—backbone of Air Canada’s regional network—have voted 96.4 per cent in favour of strike action. If no deal is reached before August 1, up to 400 daily feeder flights could be disrupted, affecting business travellers and supply-chain shippers nationwide.