Mid-summer IRCC dashboard shows processing times for PR down to 6.5 months on average
New Brunswick invites 750 candidates in July draws, widening Atlantic talent pipeline
World Cup visitors file 175 asylum claims in Canada; 25 Ghanaians among applicants
Latest News
WestJet drops change fees as cabin-crew strike looms over August long-weekend travel
Anticipating a possible 2 August cabin-crew strike, WestJet is waiving one-time change and cancellation fees for travel over the August long weekend. Business and leisure travellers are urged to adjust plans early, as a walkout could significantly disrupt Canada’s second-largest carrier during peak season.
British Columbia launches inaugural Rural/Remote Health Support immigration draw, inviting 60 essential workers
British Columbia’s PNP has run the first draw for its new Temporary Rural/Remote Health Support Initiative, inviting 60 cleaners and security guards working for provincial health authorities to seek nomination for permanent residence. With a cut-off of just 50 points and applications open until 31 August, the one-time stream aims to plug critical staffing gaps in rural health facilities and could serve as a model for other provinces.
British Columbia launches first draw for new rural-health permanent residence pathway
B.C. invited 60 hospital cleaners and security guards in the first draw of its new Temporary Rural/Remote Health Support Initiative, offering an unusually low 50-point cut-off and a fast track to permanent residence. The pilot addresses critical hospital-support shortages after federal quota cuts and may be copied by other provinces.
IRCC debuts ‘Skilled Military Recruits’ Express Entry category with record-small draw
IRCC has run the first Express Entry draw for the new ‘Skilled Military Recruits’ category, inviting only four candidates with CAF job offers—making it the smallest round in the program’s history. The pilot aims to help the Canadian Armed Forces fill chronic skill shortages and shows Ottawa’s growing preference for micro-targeted immigration draws.
Daily IRCC data refresh shows longer queues for family sponsorship, steady times for work permits
The 24 July automated scrape of IRCC’s official tool shows spousal sponsorship times inching up to 17 months, while in-Canada work-permit extensions hold at 122 days. The divergence signals tightening capacity in family streams even as economic and temporary-worker files remain stable.
Gordie Howe International Bridge Port of Entry officially unveiled as Canada’s most advanced land border facility
CBSA has published final details of the Gordie Howe International Bridge Port of Entry, set to open on 27 July 2026. The 24-lane, 24/7 facility will relieve pressure on the Windsor-Detroit trade corridor, add dedicated NEXUS / FAST lanes, and deploy cutting-edge screening technology. Businesses are advised to update logistics plans and enrol drivers in trusted-traveller programs to maximise the new crossing’s efficiency gains.
Filipino newcomers warned of rising immigration-fraud schemes in Canada
A B.C. community investigation highlights sophisticated scams deceiving Filipino nationals with fake job offers and immigration guarantees. Employers and mobility managers should step up due-diligence and direct candidates to the CICC registry to avoid compliance risks.
British Columbia launches first rural health-support draw, inviting 60 frontline workers to seek permanent residence
British Columbia has issued 60 invitations in the first draw of its new Temporary Rural / Remote Health-Support Initiative, targeting cleaners and security guards working for health authorities outside major urban centres. With a record-low cut-off score of 50, the one-time stream aims to grant up to 250 nominations before 31 August 2026, helping employers retain vital support staff while giving foreign workers a clear path to permanent residence. The pilot illustrates how provinces are reshaping nominee programs after federal quota reductions.
UK updates Canada travel advice: Ebola-related entry restrictions highlighted
The UK’s FCDO added new wording to its Canada travel advisory noting that anyone who has been in an Ebola-affected country within 21 days cannot enter Canada, aligning with Ottawa’s temporary health measures. Companies must screen employee itineraries to avoid last-minute boarding denials.
WestJet waives change fees as flight-attendant strike deadline looms for long weekend travellers
With 3,100 flight attendants poised to strike this weekend, WestJet is offering all passengers free one-time itinerary changes for travel 26–29 July. The proactive waiver aims to minimise chaos during a peak period and gives corporate travel planners time to reroute essential trips before any walkout materialises.