IRCC Express Entry draw invites 576 provincial nominees to apply for Canadian permanent residence
Express Entry: IRCC invites 576 provincial nominees as CRS floor jumps to 734
CBSA removes 111 foreign nationals linked to organised extortion networks
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CBSA removes over 100 foreign nationals linked to nationwide extortion rings
CBSA says it has removed 111 foreign nationals linked to organised extortion schemes and has issued 188 removal orders in total. The operation, funded by Canada’s Border Plan, signals tougher screening at ports of entry and greater scrutiny of employers that hire foreign talent. Businesses should prepare for more compliance checks and potential delays at the border.
Refugee family-reunification exemption quietly lapses amid ‘integrity concerns’
IRCC let a refugee family-reunification exemption expire on Sept 10, confirming the decision publicly on Sept 14. The department cites integrity issues but has offered no data. The lapse could keep refugee families apart for a decade and complicates workforce-planning for employers of protected persons.
Canada and Tunisia triple weekly flight rights under expanded air-transport accord
Ottawa has expanded its bilateral air treaty with Tunisia, raising weekly passenger frequencies to seven and granting unlimited cargo rights. The liberalised framework will lower airfare costs, improve routing options and support Canadian companies operating in North Africa.
Ottawa lets refugee family-sponsorship exemption lapse, citing ‘integrity concerns’
A special exemption that allowed resettled refugees to sponsor undeclared family members ended on 10 September 2026. IRCC cites unspecified integrity issues; advocates warn the change could split families for a decade under slower humanitarian pathways.
Remote-Area Border Crossing (RABC) permit ends; travellers must now report by phone
The long-running RABC permit programme ended on Sept 14. Anyone entering remote areas of northern Ontario or the Northwest Angle must now report via CBSA’s Telephone Reporting Sites or at a staffed port. Businesses using small boats or aircraft need to update travel protocols immediately.
Newfoundland & Labrador secures 1 000 extra provincial nominations, lifting 2026 quota by 54 percent
Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2026 PNP allocation rises to 2 379, giving the province 1 000 additional nomination certificates to address acute skill gaps in health care and other essential services. The larger quota shortens pathways to permanent residence for foreign workers and their employers.
Carney opens Canada Investment Summit with new fast-track tax ruling for $1-billion projects
Opening the Canada Investment Summit on Sept 14, Prime Minister Carney announced that investments of C$1 billion or more will now receive front-of-the-line Advance Income Tax Rulings. The measure is designed to give global investors certainty and could speed immigration and relocation planning for the large project workforces that accompany mega-deals.
Canada updates Italy travel advisory after Mount Etna eruption disrupts flights
After Mount Etna’s eruption caused airport closures in Sicily, Canada’s travel advisory for Italy now highlights possible flight disruptions and urges Canadians to verify itineraries. The notice underscores the importance of contingency planning for business travellers.
YVR to run full-scale emergency drill on Sept 15; minor terminal disruptions expected
Vancouver International Airport will conduct a full-scale emergency exercise on Sept 15, with the notice issued on Sept 14. Flights will operate but travellers may encounter brief delays and visible simulation activity. Companies should add extra buffer time for departing employees and monitor flight alerts.
Star Alliance to open dedicated lounge at Seoul-Incheon ahead of Asiana’s exit, safeguarding access for Air Canada flyers
A new Star Alliance lounge at Seoul-Incheon will replace Asiana’s facility before the carrier leaves the alliance, preserving premium services for Air Canada and other member-airline passengers. The deal averts a looming service gap on a vital trans-Pacific corridor.
Canada Issues 507 Invitations in First Express Entry Draw of August 2026
IRCC issued 507 Invitations to Apply in a Provincial Nominee Program Express Entry draw on 4 August 2026, with a CRS cut-off of 768. The draw keeps PNP rounds on a bi-weekly rhythm and brings total 2026 ITAs to over 105,000. For employers and applicants, securing a provincial nomination remains a powerful advantage, offering a 600-point CRS boost and quicker access to permanent residence.
IRCC issues 507 Invitations in first August 2026 Express Entry draw, all for Provincial Nominees
On 4 August 2026 IRCC invited 507 candidates in a PNP-specific Express Entry draw with a minimum CRS of 768. The draw highlights the strategic importance of provincial nominations, which add 600 CRS points, giving employers and foreign workers a powerful route to permanent residence amid intense competition in the federal pool.