IRCC
Canada launches free CRS calculator to help Express Entry candidates check new high-wage points
CanadaVisa has released a free online calculator for Express Entry candidates to determine their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores following the implementation of Canada's high-wage occupation changes, effective November 3, 2026. The updated calculator factors in points for qualifying high-wage Canadian work experience or job offers, alongside other CRS factors such as age, education, language skills and employment history.
Canada tightens immigration rules, imposes fines of up to CAD 1.5 million: What it means for employers and applicants
Canada has established new penalties for unauthorized immigration and citizenship advice, which will come into effect in 2026. Individuals providing paid immigration services must have proper authorization to avoid financial penalties. The penalties will range from CAD 5,000 for unauthorized advice to CAD 1.5 million for serious violations. Employers and applicants are advised to verify representative credentials and accuracy of information submitted.
Canada changes limit on work permit applications during LMIA decision waits for foreign workers
Canada has lifted the 90-day limit on certain work permit applications while employers wait for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). This change offers eligible foreign workers increased processing flexibility, allowing them to remain in Canada while awaiting decisions. However, stringent LMIA restrictions still exist in high-unemployment regions, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the labor market.
Canada study permit wait rises to 7 weeks for Indians; work permits remain at 11 weeks
Current processing times for study permits for Indian students have surged to about seven weeks in Canada. Work permits, however, maintain a steady pace at 11 weeks. Visitor visa processing has seen a minor improvement, now taking 29 days, while super visa processing has extended to 77 days. Applicants must remain mindful of these timelines, as they can fluctuate depending on the intricacies of applications and the number of submissions.
Canada asylum rules to change from November: What unfinished IRCC Portal claims must do
Canada is set to implement changes to the asylum claim submission process starting November 3, 2026, to modernise the system. Applicants who have incomplete claims must log into the IRCC Portal to review and complete their applications. Those who do not submit by the deadline will face new questions in the revised system. Information from unfinished claims will remain saved if linked to the IRCC Portal before November 2.
Canada drops LMIA requirement for eligible Express Entry job offers
Canada is set to introduce changes to the Express Entry system on November 3, 2026. Eligible candidates can use qualifying job offers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment for immigration purposes. The new rules will facilitate the process for Indian professionals seeking permanent residence in Canada. Applicants must follow specific guidelines when updating their profiles to meet the new requirements.
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Canada plans to cut student and temporary worker arrivals, fast-tracks PR for 33,000 workers
Canada plans to decrease new temporary resident arrivals over the next three years while maintaining permanent residency targets. The targeted intake for international students will fall to 155,000 in 2026 and further decline in subsequent years. Temporary worker admissions are also set to decrease, with higher priority given to needed skills. Permanent residency admissions will remain steady, focusing on economic and family reunification categories.
Canada revives Express Entry job offer points; Indian workers in high-wage jobs could gain an edge
In a significant move, Canada is modifying its approach to ranking skilled immigrants applying for permanent residency, set to be implemented by November 2026. The revised system will favour candidates with Canadian work experience in high-paying sectors and valid job offers. This policy aims to draw in skilled workers capable of contributing positively to the economy.
Canada citizenship certificate wait rises to 34 months as application backlog falls for the first time since December 2025
Canada has raised the estimated processing time for citizenship applications to 34 months as of October 2026. This follows a steady increase from 12 months in May 2026 to the current estimate. The waitlist decreased from 136,000 applicants in September to 130,700 in October. Many individuals are now applying for citizenship due to expanded eligibility rules enacted in December 2025.
Canada updates and personalise work permit processing time, what does it mean for Indians?
The Canadian government has launched a new feature that provides exact estimates for processing times related to work permit extensions and post-graduation work permits. Indian applicants can now view their estimated wait times directly linked to their submission dates. This update enhances clarity around the number of applications awaiting review, departing from the previous system that considered only inquiry dates.
5 Indian-origin men arrested in Canada over extortion and other charges
Five Indian-origin men were arrested in Canada after a lengthy investigation into an extortion campaign. Their alleged activities included shootings, arson, and drug-related offenses against a local auto dealership. Police confirmed that the group also faced firearms trafficking and other serious charges. Evidence suggests these cases may be connected to broader extortion efforts impacting business owners in British Columbia.
Canada visa processing times: Super Visa wait rises for Indians, visitor visa improves
Canada's visa processing times for Indian applicants have seen slight adjustments. Work and study permit wait times remain unchanged for Indian citizens. Visitor visa processing has improved slightly, while Super Visa wait times have increased. These processing times are estimates and not guaranteed deadlines. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada updates these estimates weekly.
Canada invites 2,000 skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in latest Express Entry draw, CRS cut-off falls to 519
Canada invited 2,000 skilled workers to apply for permanent residency. This latest Express Entry draw had a CRS cut-off score of 519. The selection specifically targeted Canadian Experience Class candidates for immigration. This draw brings the total invitations issued by IRCC to 128,732 this year. Many candidates in the Express Entry pool now possess higher CRS scores.
Canada's Express Entry to get new digital platform with Expression of Interest system: What Indian applicats need to know
Canada is developing a new digital platform to manage its immigration system. This modernization initiative will include an Expression of Interest system for Express Entry. Indian applicants will not see changes to eligibility or the ranking system currently. The existing Express Entry rules should be followed until further announcements are made. There is no specific launch date announced for the new Expression of Interest system.
Canada turns focus to master’s, PhD students as their share of new permits jumps to 21%
Canada is prioritizing master's and doctoral students for its international program. New doctoral students will receive faster study permit processing. Master's and doctoral candidates are now exempt from provincial attestation letters. This policy change occurs as Canada reduces overall international student numbers. The nation aims to attract skilled talent for economic and public service contributions.
Canada eases study rules for foreign workers, permits short courses without study permit
Canada now allows eligible work permit holders to study short courses. This new policy removes previous restrictions on course duration. Foreign workers can enroll in programs up to six months long. The exemption applies until the worker's permit or policy expires. This change benefits many foreign nationals working in Canada.
Canada citizenship certificate processing time hits 33 months as backlog reaches 136,000 applications
Canada's citizenship certificate processing time now stands at thirty-three months. This significant increase means new applicants may wait until mid-2029 for decisions. The surge follows expanded eligibility for citizenship by descent after December 2025. Urgent processing is available for specific limited circumstances and emergencies. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has many applications awaiting review.
Canada fast-tracks citizenship certificates for students planning to study in the country
Canada is speeding up citizenship applications for students planning to study. Eligible applicants may receive certificates before their academic semester begins. This expedited route helps those claiming citizenship by descent for enrollment. Canadian citizens often qualify for lower domestic tuition rates at educational institutions. Urgent processing is also available for other specific circumstances.
Canada Express Entry: 2,000 ITAs issued in September 1 draw for Canadian Experience Class candidates
Canada's immigration department issued two thousand invitations to apply for permanent residence. This latest draw focused on Canadian Experience Class candidates with a minimum score. Earlier draws this year also prioritized candidates with Canadian experience and French language skills. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has issued over one hundred seventeen thousand invitations so far. Various categories, including healthcare and trades, received additional invitations throughout the year.
Canada's electronic travel authorization (eTA): Who needs it, fee, process and key rules
Canada's electronic travel authorization, or eTA, is now required for many air travellers. This authorization costs seven Canadian dollars and is linked to a passport. Most eTA applications are processed quickly, though some may take longer. Indian passport holders generally need a visitor visa and cannot use an eTA. US citizens and permanent residents are exempt from needing an eTA.
Canada seeks medical doctors to strengthen healthcare: 5 immigration pathways you should know
Canada provides five immigration pathways for qualified medical doctors seeking permanent residency. These routes include Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program options. The Atlantic Immigration Program and Rural Community Immigration Pilot are also available. French-speaking doctors can explore the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot. Foreign doctors need credential assessment and provincial licensing before applying.
Canada seeks skilled workers in healthcare, STEM, trades via Express Entry
Canada seeks skilled professionals through its Express Entry immigration system. The nation aims to boost its economy and address labor shortages. Key sectors include healthcare, trades, education, STEM, and transport occupations. Professionals with Canadian work experience and French proficiency are particularly sought. This initiative targets experienced individuals for permanent residency programs.
Canada updates visa processing times; Study, Super Visa waits rise for Indians
Canada updated visa processing times, increasing study permit waits for Indian applicants. Indian applicants now face a seven-week wait for study permits, a significant rise. Visitor visa processing for Indians also saw a slight increase to thirty-two days. Super visa wait times for India have now risen to sixty-one days. Work permit processing for Indian applicants remains unchanged at nine weeks.
Canada admits 1.8 lakh new PR in H1 2026; India leads source country despite declining share, China enters top 3
Canada welcomed 1.8 lakh new permanent residents in early 2026. Indian citizens formed nearly one-quarter of these new permanent residents. The Philippines and China followed India as major source countries for immigration. Canada's immigration plan targets 3.80 lakh admissions annually through 2028. India's share of permanent residents has decreased since 2023.
Canada is not just challenging the US on trade – it wants its immigrants too
Canada is fighting Donald Trump on two fronts: retaliating against US tariffs while courting skilled workers affected by his immigration crackdown. Ottawa plans targeted pathways for researchers and H-1B holders even as it cuts overall immigration, turning the US-Canada dispute into a competition for talent as well as trade.
Canada admits 182,100 new permanent residents by mid-2026, behind target
Canada welcomed 182,100 permanent residents by mid-2026, reaching 40.8% of its annual goal. Economic immigration admissions were notably behind the required pace for the year. Family-class admissions, however, exceeded the target set for the halfway point. Special initiatives for protected persons and in-Canada workers also saw admissions. Overall, Canada faces a challenge to meet its 2026 immigration targets.
Canada updates temporary resident visa processing times; what Indians need to know
Canada's work and study permit processing times for Indian applicants remain unchanged. Visitor visa wait times for Indians have increased by one day to thirty-one days. India's study permit wait is the same as the United States, while work permits take longer. Super Visa processing for Indians stays at fifty-six days, which is significantly faster than the US. These figures are estimates and actual processing times may vary.
Canada citizenship certificate wait jumps to 25 months; backlog crosses 121,000
Canadian citizenship certificate wait times have significantly increased to twenty-five months. The number of applications awaiting a decision has now surpassed one hundred thousand. This sharp rise follows a rule change allowing more people to claim citizenship by descent. A recent review of citizenship certificates also contributed to the growing processing delays. Applicants are advised to apply soon as backlogs are expected to continue growing.
Canada's self-employed immigration program 'no longer fit for purpose', IRCC evaluation finds
Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program is no longer fit for its role in the country’s economic immigration system despite continuing to provide a pathway to permanent residence for talented artists and athletes, according to an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) evaluation.
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