Gordie Howe International Bridge to open on July 27, promising smoother Canada–U.S. trade
Ottawa Raises LMIA Wage Thresholds, Affecting High- and Low-Wage Streams
Targeted Express Entry draw invites senior managers with CRS as low as 392
Latest News
Canada reopens low-wage LMIA processing in eight regions as labour markets tighten
ESDC has resumed processing low-wage LMIAs in eight Canadian metropolitan areas after unemployment in those regions dropped below 6 %. The change, effective July 10, expands hiring options for employers in Halifax, Winnipeg, Regina and five other cities, while 26 CMAs remain under suspension until at least October 9. ([cicnews.com](https://www.cicnews.com/2026/07/low-wage-lmia-processing-restrictions-lifted-for-eight-regions-including-halifax-winnipeg-and-regina-0777900.html?utm_source=openai))
Express Entry Issues 500 ITAs with Record-Low CRS for Senior Managers
IRCC’s 10 July 2026 Express Entry draw invited 500 senior-management candidates with a CRS score of just 392, the lowest category-specific cut-off this year. The drop, part of a week of multiple targeted draws, gives employers a prime opportunity to secure permanent residence for key foreign executives and signals continued heavy use of category-based selection to meet Canada’s economic-immigration targets.
CBSA probe ends in conviction for immigration misrepresentation scheme in Saskatchewan
A CBSA investigation has resulted in a two-year conditional sentence and CA $10,000 fine for a Saskatoon man who counselled at least 74 foreign nationals to submit false job information on immigration applications. The case highlights Ottawa’s escalating crackdown on consultant fraud and serves as a warning to employers that non-compliance can attract hefty penalties and program bans. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2026/07/cbsa-investigation-leads-to-a-sentence-for-counselling-immigration-misrepresentation.html?utm_source=openai))
Ottawa doubles fines and black-listings for employers abusing Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Employment and Social Development Canada says monetary penalties against employers who broke TFW Program rules jumped to CA$10.2 million in 2025-26 and 30 companies were barred from hiring foreign workers. New rules require longer domestic recruiting, youth-targeted advertising and data analytics to spot high-risk LMIAs. The crackdown means higher compliance costs and reputational exposure for firms that rely on foreign talent.
IRCC issues 5,000 invitations in French-language Express Entry draw, lowest CRS of 2026
On 9 July 2026 IRCC invited 5,000 French-speaking Express Entry candidates with a CRS cut-off of 420, the lowest francophone threshold this year. The draw supports Ottawa’s target of increasing francophone immigration outside Quebec and offers employers another route to retain bilingual talent.
IRCC data show processing times for many temporary visas edging upward
The 7 July processing-time update shows work-permit waits rising to 127 days inside Canada and up to 11 weeks for some overseas offices, with modest improvements only for the Philippines. Companies should allow extra buffer in project timelines and consider LMIA-exempt pathways.
Manitoba to grant 2,700 provincial-nominee workers an automatic work-permit extension to 2027
About 2,700 foreign workers nominated by Manitoba will receive open work-permit extensions to the end of 2027, ensuring they can keep working while their permanent-residence files are finalised. The move prevents talent gaps and sets a precedent other provinces may follow.
Canadian city pairs dominate Amex GBT ranking of fastest-growing business-travel routes
New Amex GBT data put Charlotte–Toronto and London–Montreal among the globe’s fastest-growing corporate air routes, with two domestic Canadian pairs also in the top ten. Demand is being fuelled by the FIFA World Cup and rising premium-cabin sales, pushing up travel costs.
WestJet flight attendants launch strike vote, raising risk of August disruption
WestJet flight attendants have begun a strike vote that could authorise a walkout as early as 2 August if talks fail after conciliation ends on 11 July. Business travellers should prepare contingency plans for possible disruptions during Canada’s busiest summer weeks.