Ontario tweaks new Workforce Priority stream—adds 10 bonus points for $80k earners
IRCC allows work-permit holders to study short programs without a study permit
Prince Edward Island invites 90 skilled workers and Express Entry candidates in leanest PNP draw this year
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Prince Edward Island issues 90 immigration invitations in smallest PNP round of 2026
PEI’s latest Provincial Nominee Program draw on 7 October issued just 90 invitations—half the size of September’s round and the smallest of 2026. All invites went to Labour Impact and Express Entry candidates, leaving the entrepreneur stream unused for a tenth straight month. The dip may reflect quota management as the province approaches its annual federal nomination cap.
Canada lets work-permit holders study short programs without a study permit
IRCC has introduced a temporary policy that allows holders of valid Canadian work permits to study programs of six months or less without obtaining a separate study permit. Effective 4 September 2026 and running to 31 December 2027, the exemption is designed to help employers up-skill foreign workers quickly while cutting red tape. The change removes an application step but does not alter permanent-residence pathways—work performed during full-time study still does not count toward Express Entry.
Ontario gives high-earning workers extra points in revamped provincial immigration stream
Ontario has added a 10-point bonus for candidates who earned C$80,000 or more in a single year under the Workforce Priority stream of the OINP. The change, effective 5 October 2026, automatically boosts scores for high earners and could raise invitation thresholds in upcoming draws.
Canada Tightens Travel Advisory for Ethiopia Amid Worsening Security Situation
On October 8, 2026, Global Affairs Canada raised its Ethiopia advisory to “avoid non-essential travel,” expanding no-go zones and warning of armed conflict, civil unrest and fuel shortages. The move directly affects Canadian corporate travellers, assignees and project teams operating in Ethiopia, who must now review security, insurance and evacuation plans. The advisory highlights the need for robust duty-of-care measures and may prompt companies to postpone trips or reroute regional travel.
IRCC clarifies that home-based companies can hire foreign workers if the business is real
New IRCC instructions say a residential business address alone is not enough to reject an employer-specific work-permit application. Officers must instead assess four substantive factors and, if concerned, issue a procedural-fairness letter. The change aids genuine start-ups and small firms while tightening the net on shell companies.
Canada to Launch Modernized Online Asylum Portal on 3 November
IRCC has confirmed it will switch to a new online portal for refugee claims at 11:59 p.m. ET on 2 November. Submitted claims are safe, but any draft or un-linked claims will have to be re-verified and completed under a new questionnaire. The change operationalises parts of Bill C-12 and could impact filing timelines for employers and claimants alike.
Canada earmarks $31 million to fast-track internationally trained health professionals
Ottawa will invest more than $31 million in six projects designed to speed up licensing for internationally educated physicians, nurses and therapists, including 200 new family-doctor positions in Ontario. The funding is the first drawdown from the federal credential-recognition action fund and dovetails with immigration streams that target foreign health professionals. Faster licensing could relieve critical workforce shortages and make Canada a more attractive destination for skilled migrants.
Federal Court overturns two IRCC refusals over lack of procedural fairness
The Federal Court struck down two IRCC decisions after finding officers did not disclose fraud concerns to applicants, violating procedural-fairness rules. The rulings mean both files return for new assessments and signal that IRCC must give applicants a clear chance to answer credibility allegations—guidance that could affect many temporary-resident and family applications.
IRCC issues fraud alert: scammers now use AI voices and fake caller IDs to target newcomers
IRCC warns that fraudsters are using AI-generated voices, spoofed phone numbers and phishing sites to extort money from immigrants. The agency outlines how to spot a scam and urges victims to report incidents, making the alert essential reading for employers onboarding foreign talent.
Opposition presses for lower immigration targets after PM hints at future ‘controlled increase’
The Conservative Party is calling for significant immigration cuts after Prime Minister Carney signalled that Canada could eventually increase intake again. With the 2027-29 immigration plan due within weeks, the spat heightens uncertainty for employers and foreign workers awaiting clarity on future visa quotas.
Backlash after immigration minister appears unfamiliar with landmark Singh refugee ruling
Audio released October 7 shows Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab unable to recall the 1985 Singh decision, prompting criticism from refugee advocates and opposition MPs. The incident raises questions about leadership stability as IRCC prepares its next immigration-levels plan.
CBSA Reports Surge in Firearm Seizures at Windsor Border Crossings
CBSA officers seized ten firearms and arrested eight US citizens at Windsor’s three border crossings during the last week of September, the agency disclosed on 7 October. The spike in seizures highlights strict Canadian import rules and the need for travellers—especially business drivers—to verify that vehicles are weapon-free before entering Canada.
Canada updates travel advisory for Mexico, maintains ‘exercise high caution’ amid escalating crime
At 11:16 a.m. ET on October 7, Global Affairs Canada updated its Mexico advisory, keeping the overall ‘high caution’ level but expanding regional warnings following cartel violence. Employers sending staff or groups to Mexico should re-check security plans and ensure travellers register with consular services.