IRCC issues 5,000 invitations in record-high French-language Express Entry draw
IRCC issues 5,000 invitations in record-high French-language Express Entry draw
Prime Minister Carney’s Saudi visit eyes investment – and smoother business travel between Canada and the Gulf
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IRCC invites 2,000 candidates in latest Canadian Experience Class Express Entry draw
On 7 July 2026 IRCC issued 2,000 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class candidates with a minimum CRS score of 517, signalling a return to its regular CEC schedule after a PNP draw the previous day. The draw keeps the 2026 CEC score range tight and brings the year’s total CEC invitations past 43,000, offering employers a consistent pathway to retain skilled foreign talent already working in Canada.
Wait for proof of Canadian citizenship stretches to 19 months as queue nears 100,000
IRCC’s online tracker shows proof-of-citizenship processing times have jumped to 19 months, with nearly 100,000 applications in the queue—up 17,500 in a single month. The mounting backlog complicates mobility planning for Canadian families and companies with employees born or posted abroad, prompting calls for additional resources and digital solutions.
Ottawa funds new Francophone immigration initiative in Northwest Territories
IRCC has earmarked CA $860,000 to launch a pilot that helps French-speaking and bilingual immigrants settle permanently in the Northwest Territories. The project will deliver mobile outreach, employer coaching and credential-recognition support, strengthening labour supply in remote communities and advancing Canada’s Francophone-immigration targets.
IRCC weekly update shows mixed picture for temporary residence processing times
IRCC’s 7 July processing-time update shows small improvements for in-Canada and Philippines work-permit applicants but lengthening waits for Pakistan and Nigeria. Study-permit times hold steady, while Nigeria sees visitor-visa delays and Pakistan’s super-visa timeline soars to 179 days. The mixed data complicate start-date planning for international hires and family travel.
IRCC’s July data show processing times improving for PR streams but citizenship certificates hit 19 months
IRCC’s 8 July release shows economic and family PR streams accelerating—CEC is back to six months—while citizenship certificate wait times balloon to 19 months because of a post-Bill C-3 surge. Faster permits help employers hire sooner, but longer proof-of-citizenship queues could delay passport renewals for dual nationals.
Express Entry: Canada invites 2,000 Canadian-Experience Class candidates in first July round
Published 8 July, Canada’s latest Express Entry results show 2,000 Canadian-Experience Class candidates invited on a CRS cut-off of 517. The draw keeps 2026 CEC invitations above 43,000 and signals IRCC’s continued focus on candidates already working in Canada.
Manitoba MPs pledge open-work-permit extensions for provincial nominee candidates
Federal MPs say Ottawa will offer work-permit extensions through 2027 for roughly 2,700 Manitoba PNP candidates who risk losing status before their nominations or permanent residence applications are finalised. The move safeguards employers from talent gaps and gives foreign workers a clear bridge to permanent residence.
Canada clarifies port-of-entry rules for Gaza family-support visa holders
IRCC’s 7 July update instructs border officers to attach a three-year visitor record marked “MOME2023” and waive departure-and-funds requirements for Palestinians arriving under the Gaza family-support pathway. The clarification ensures consistent access to health coverage, study and work permits, and settlement funds through March 2028.
Cross-border travel hit as U.S. disruption triggers 52 flight cancellations and 382 delays—Toronto Pearson among worst affected
Data published 8 July show 52 flights cancelled and 382 delayed on U.S. routes, with Toronto Pearson featuring prominently among the affected airports. The disruptions, driven by weather and crew duty-time limits, are causing headaches for Canadian business travellers and cross-border supply chains.
Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot extended to August 2027
Canada has extended the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot by 12 months, allowing French-speaking international students outside Quebec to apply for permanent residence until at least August 2027. The move bolsters Ottawa’s push to grow francophone immigration beyond Quebec and offers employers a larger pipeline of bilingual graduates.