Express Entry invitation rounds remain paused eight days after CRS overhaul
IRCC to unveil temporary immigration pathway to help provinces tackle labour shortages
Ottawa offers provinces optional 100,000-slot top-up to transition in-Canada workers
Latest News
Federal Court decision opens new avenue for stalled Start-Up Visa applicants
In Naghavi v Canada, the Federal Court ordered IRCC to decide a long-pending Start-Up Visa file within 90 days, holding that ministerial instructions cannot justify endless processing delays. The precedent empowers thousands of backlogged SUV applicants to seek similar court orders, pressuring IRCC to clean up its queue or face litigation. Businesses awaiting foreign founders could see faster decisions, but the ruling also underscores the need for Ottawa’s forthcoming ‘high-impact’ replacement programme.
Ontario First Nations launch community-led border control pilot to curb drug smuggling
Five remote First Nations in northern Ontario have started mandatory traveller searches under a new community-run border-control pilot led by the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service. Chiefs say the program is essential to stem lethal drug trafficking that has surged since 2025. The pilot shows how Indigenous communities are filling enforcement gaps and signals to employers and service providers that extra screening time must now be built into travel logistics.
Canada to transition up to 100,000 temporary workers and families to permanent residence in 2027
On 12 November international media highlighted Canada’s plan to convert up to 100,000 in-country temporary workers—and 45,000 accompanying family members—to permanent residents starting in 2027. The move prioritises backlog clearance and regional labour needs while offering businesses greater talent stability.
Express Entry draws remain paused nine days after CRS overhaul
No Express Entry invitations have been issued since October 28—nine days and counting after IRCC implemented a major Comprehensive Ranking System reset on November 3. The pause allows the department to rescore every profile but leaves would-be immigrants and employers guessing when selections will resume and at what cut-off. Candidates should log in now to check their recalculated CRS and correct any data before the next draw.
Ottawa boosts Northwest Territories nomination quota to record 350 for 2026
Canada has raised the Northwest Territories’ 2026 PNP quota to 350, the highest on record, and scheduled an extra EOI draw for 18 November. Employers and candidates have just days to act, making the increase both an opportunity and a logistical challenge in one of Canada’s tightest labour markets.
Immigration Minister to unveil labour-market measure at Dieppe press conference
IRCC has scheduled a 12 November press conference in Dieppe where Minister Lena Metlege Diab will provide granular details on the new pathway to permanent residence for temporary workers. Businesses and immigration advisers are watching closely for allocation numbers and eligibility rules.
Alberta publishes round-up of 525 recent AAIP invitations across six draws
Alberta’s new statistics show 525 AAIP invitations issued in six draws between October 22 and November 2. Rural Renewal topped the list, followed by Alberta Opportunity and health-care pathways. With only 495 nomination spots left this year and 32,000 EOIs in the pool, employers and applicants face intensifying competition for provincial nominations.
Prince Edward Island issues 192 invitations in surprise Provincial Nominee draw
PEI conducted a surprise PNP draw on 9 November, inviting 192 skilled workers and graduates. Announced on 11 November, the round prioritised local post-secondary alumni and key labour-shortage sectors, giving employers and candidates a faster route to permanent residence amid the federal Express Entry pause.
Northwest Territories secures record 350 nominee spaces and schedules extra draw
IRCC has granted the Northwest Territories an additional 50 nomination spots, raising its 2026 PNP quota to a record 350. To allocate the new spaces, GNWT will run an Employer-Driven Stream draw on November 18 with an application profile deadline of November 17. The expansion bolsters labour retention in Canada’s North but puts pressure on local housing and settlement resources.