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  • Canada Announces New Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028

    Canada Announces New Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028

    Canada’s federal government has officially revealed the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, confirming a consistent intake of 380,000 new permanent residents (PRs) annually for the next three years.
    This plan highlights a shift toward stability and sustainability, while at the same time opening new pathways for temporary residents — including foreign workers, international graduates, and protected persons — to transition to permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

    According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the plan is designed to balance economic growth with population management and address national challenges such as housing shortages, infrastructure pressure, and service demand.

    A Balanced Immigration Approach for Long-Term Growth

    The 2026–2028 plan focuses on selecting immigrants already living and working in Canada, ensuring a smoother integration into the economy and communities.
    Canada aims to maintain strong immigration outcomes while reducing temporary resident (TR) admissions — a major policy shift from the previous years.

    Canada’s Immigration Targets 2025–2028

    YearPermanent Residents (PR)Temporary Residents (TR)Key Highlights
    2025485,000673,650Record TR admissions
    2026380,000385,000Launch of new PR pathways
    2027380,000370,000TR-to-PR transition phase
    2028380,000370,000Immigration levels stabilize

    This adjustment aims to bring the temporary resident population down to below 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.

    New Measures: Pathways from Temporary to Permanent Residence

    One of the key features of the new plan is the launch of special PR transition programs for temporary residents. The government will introduce a one-time or limited-duration initiative to grant permanent residency to up to 33,000 work permit holders between 2026 and 2027.

    Additionally, IRCC announced a two-year measure to recognize and grant PR to eligible Protected Persons currently residing in Canada.

    These changes reflect the government’s focus on an “in-Canada selection model”, where preference is given to candidates who already contribute to the economy, speak English or French, and have local experience.

    Overview of New PR Transition Programs (2026–2028)

    CategoryDurationExpected BeneficiariesDescription
    Work Permit Holders2026–2027Up to 33,000Temporary foreign workers with Canadian experience may qualify for PR through a one-time pathway
    Protected Persons2026–2028ThousandsHumanitarian initiative granting PR to eligible residents already in Canada
    International GraduatesOngoingContinuousExpanded PR options through Express Entry and PNP systems

    Economic Immigration Remains Canada’s Priority

    Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, economic immigration will account for up to 64% of total admissions — an increase from the previous 59%.
    Programs like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) will continue to be the main channels for skilled workers to settle in Canada permanently.

    Provinces and territories will also gain greater flexibility to align their immigration nominations with regional labour market needs, especially in healthcare, construction, and technology sectors.

    What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond

    • Mid-2026: Expected launch of TR-to-PR transition stream.
    • Ongoing: Focus on permanent over temporary pathways.
    • 2027–2028: Gradual stabilization of immigration growth.
    • After 2028: More emphasis on integration, housing, and community development.

    Conclusion

    The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan reflects Canada’s continued commitment to inclusive, sustainable immigration.
    By maintaining steady PR targets while introducing new Temporary to Permanent Residence (TR to PR) pathways, the government is ensuring that people already contributing to the country’s success can make Canada their permanent home.

    For foreign workers, graduates, and temporary residents, 2026 marks the beginning of a new era of opportunity.

  • Canada PR Invitations October 2025: Over 21,000 Candidates Invited to Apply

    Canada PR Invitations October 2025: Over 21,000 Candidates Invited to Apply

    Canada’s immigration momentum remains strong as the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a total of 21,281 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency in October 2025.
    This figure highlights one of the most active months of the year for Canada’s immigration programs, showcasing the country’s continued focus on attracting skilled workers and transitioning temporary residents to permanent status.

    These invitations were distributed through a mix of Express Entry draws, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and category-based selection rounds for in-demand occupations and language skills.

    Breakdown of Permanent Residency Invitations – October 2025

    DateDraw TypeNumber of InvitationsCRS Cut-offRemarks / Category
    Oct 29, 2025French Language Proficiency6,000416Category-based draw for French speakers
    Oct 28, 2025Canadian Experience Class (CEC)1,000533Targeted toward temporary residents in Canada
    Oct 27, 2025Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)302761For candidates nominated by provinces
    Oct 15, 2025Healthcare & Social Services2,500472Category-based draw for healthcare occupations
    Oct 14, 2025Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)345778PNP stream supporting regional labor needs
    Oct 8, 2025Trade Occupations650441Skilled trade professionals
    Oct 3, 2025General Express Entry10,484495Open draw for all categories

    Total Invitations (October 2025): 21,281

    This data shows that October was not only diverse in draw types but also balanced between targeted and general rounds — an indication of Canada’s ongoing efforts to fill both national and provincial labor shortages.

    Express Entry Draw Highlights – October 2025

    Stream / CategoryKey FocusApproximate Share of Total ITAsTrend
    French Language ProficiencyBoosting bilingual workforce~28%Increasing focus
    Healthcare & Social ServicesAddressing health sector shortages~12%Consistent priority
    Canadian Experience Class (CEC)Transitioning temporary workers~5%Stable
    Skilled Trades & PNPsFilling regional gaps~15%Steady demand
    General DrawsOpen to all eligible candidates~40%Strong ongoing intake

    This diversified strategy allows IRCC to balance targeted economic immigration with general skilled migration, ensuring Canada remains responsive to both immediate and long-term labor demands.

    IRCC’s 2025–2027 Immigration Plan

    Under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to welcome approximately 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025.
    More than 40% of these admissions are expected to come from temporary residents already in Canada, such as foreign workers and international students.

    The IRCC also announced plans to modernize the Express Entry system with smarter, data-driven selection methods and to enhance collaboration with provinces and territories for regional PNP quotas.

    What To Expect in Late 2025 and 2026

    PeriodExpected Focus AreasPotential Policy Direction
    Late 2025Continuation of category-based draws (French, healthcare, tech)Sustained high ITA volumes
    Early 2026More pathways for in-Canada temporary workersSimplified transition from study/work to PR
    Mid–Late 2026Increased PNP allocations to smaller provincesStronger regionalization of immigration
    2026 overallPotential adjustment of CRS thresholdsBroader inclusion of skilled trades and STEM roles

    Experts predict that Canada will maintain — or even increase — monthly ITA volumes through 2026 as the country continues addressing labor shortages and population growth goals.

    Key Takeaways for Applicants

    • Keep your Express Entry profile active and up to date.
    • Improve your language scores — French proficiency is becoming a major advantage.
    • Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that align with your profession.
    • If you’re already in Canada, ensure you qualify under CEC or in-Canada transition programs.

    While receiving an ITA is a strong step forward, remember it is not automatic approval — successful applicants must still meet all medical, security, and documentation requirements.

    Conclusion

    With over 21,000 invitations issued in October 2025, Canada’s immigration landscape continues to show strength and stability.
    For international applicants and temporary residents alike, now is an excellent time to position yourself for permanent residency in Canada as the country heads toward another high-intake year in 2026.

  • Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 – What to Expect

    Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 – What to Expect

    Canada’s next Immigration Levels Plan (ILP) 2026–2028 will soon be unveiled, shaping the country’s immigration priorities for the next three years. Following the 2025–2027 plan, which already began moderating record-high immigration levels, this new plan is expected to reflect a balanced approach — ensuring economic growth while addressing public concerns about housing, infrastructure, and integration capacity.

    According to the Government of Canada, the ILP outlines the number of new permanent residents the country aims to welcome each year, broken down into three main categories: economic, family, and refugee/humanitarian streams.

    1. Expected Immigration Targets for 2026–2028

    The previous ILP (2025–2027) targeted 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027.
    Experts project that the 2026–2028 plan will maintain a similar or slightly adjusted range, possibly between 360,000 and 400,000 annually. This indicates a stabilization trend after several years of rapid growth.

    A report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) suggests that reduced immigration may slightly slow overall GDP growth but could improve GDP per capita and ease housing demand — two key concerns influencing upcoming targets.

    2. Economic-Class Immigration: Still a Priority

    The economic class will continue to dominate admissions, accounting for about 60–62% of total permanent residents.
    This includes skilled workers, health professionals, and tradespeople — especially through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

    Analysts from Moving2Canada and Amir Ismail & Associates predict that the government will continue emphasizing talent-driven immigration to address labour shortages in construction, healthcare, and technology sectors.

    3. Family Reunification and Humanitarian Commitments

    While the focus remains on economic growth, Canada’s ILP will still prioritize family reunification and refugee resettlement.
    The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) has called for increased family sponsorship allocations and faster processing for humanitarian cases.
    It’s likely that the family class will remain around 22% of total targets, while refugee and humanitarian streams make up around 15%.

    4. Temporary Residents Now Part of the Conversation

    For the first time, Canada’s ILP framework includes temporary residents — such as international students and foreign workers — recognizing their major role in population growth.
    Under current policy, the federal government aims to reduce non-permanent residents to 5% of the total population by the end of 2026.

    This shift means future immigration planning will coordinate better between temporary-to-permanent pathways, ensuring sustainability in both labour and housing markets.

    5. Economic and Social Context

    Public attitudes toward immigration have evolved. A survey found that while most Canadians value immigration, many believe current levels are “too high” due to housing and cost-of-living pressures.
    In response, the government appears to be pursuing a “smart moderation” strategy — maintaining Canada’s global competitiveness while addressing domestic capacity limits.

    The Bank of Nova Scotia’s July 2025 Special Report confirms that slowing immigration growth will help stabilize real estate prices and allow local economies to absorb new arrivals more effectively.

    6. Consultation and Flexibility

    The federal government has emphasized broad consultations with provinces, territories, and stakeholders before finalizing the ILP 2026–2028.
    The final plan, expected in fall 2025, will likely include target ranges instead of fixed numbers to maintain flexibility amid changing economic and demographic conditions.

    Conclusion

    In summary, Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 is expected to strike a careful balance between economic needs and social capacity.
    While the pace of immigration may moderate, Canada remains committed to welcoming newcomers who contribute to its growth, innovation, and cultural diversity.

    Stay tuned for the official release later this year, which will confirm exact figures and category breakdowns.

  • IEC 2025 Full Guide – Eligibility, Countries, and Application Process

    IEC 2025 Full Guide – Eligibility, Countries, and Application Process

    Canada has long been one of the world’s most desirable destinations for young travelers and professionals seeking international experience. Through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, young citizens from partner countries can live, work, and travel in Canada temporarily — gaining valuable professional and cultural experience.

    Managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the IEC 2025 season welcomes thousands of youth to Canada every year under three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship).

    1. What Is the International Experience Canada Program?

    The International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative is a youth mobility agreement between Canada and 36 countries and territories.
    It aims to help young people:

    • Gain international work experience in Canada
    • Explore Canadian culture and improve English or French language skills
    • Build connections that can support future immigration goals

    IEC participants receive temporary work permits, typically valid for 12 to 24 months, depending on their country’s agreement.

    2. Who Can Apply for IEC 2025?

    To apply for IEC 2025, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

    Basic Requirements

    • Be a citizen of one of the countries that have a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada.
    • Be between 18 and 35 years old (some countries limit eligibility to 30).
    • Hold a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay.
    • Have health insurance that covers your stay in Canada.
    • Show proof of sufficient funds (minimum CAD $2,500).
    • Be admissible to Canada (no criminal or medical ineligibility).
    • Have a return ticket or enough funds to buy one.
    • Not be accompanied by dependents (IEC does not include family sponsorship).

    Who Cannot Apply

    • Refugee travel document holders, even if issued by an IEC partner country.
    • Citizens of countries without a Youth Mobility Agreement (unless applying through a Recognized Organization).

    3. Full List of Eligible Countries (as of 2025)

    According to IRCC, citizens of the following 36 countries and territories can apply under at least one IEC category:

    Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

    Each bilateral agreement specifies:

    • Eligible age range
    • Duration of stay (typically 12–24 months)
    • Number of participations allowed (one or two)
    • Available categories (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or Co-op)

    4. IEC Categories Explained

    1️⃣ Working Holiday

    • Best for travelers who don’t have a job offer.
    • Receive an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer across Canada.
    • Perfect for exploring Canada while working short-term or seasonal jobs.

    2️⃣ Young Professionals

    • For those with a valid job offer in Canada related to their career path.
    • Provides an employer-specific work permit.
    • Helps participants gain career-building experience in their professional field.

    3️⃣ International Co-op (Internship)

    • Designed for students who need a work placement or internship as part of their academic program.
    • Work permit is tied to a single employer.
    • Ideal for university or college students looking for global industry experience.

    5. How to Apply for IEC 2025

    Step 1: Check Eligibility

    Use the IRCC eligibility tool to confirm if your country participates and which category applies.

    https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/iec.html

    Step 2: Create an IEC Profile

    Create an account on IRCC’s website and submit your IEC profile to the appropriate “pool.”

    Step 3: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

    IRCC conducts regular rounds of invitations. If selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through your IRCC account.

    Step 4: Submit Application for Work Permit

    Once invited, you have 10 days to accept the invitation and 20 days to submit your completed application with:

    • Biometric data
    • Passport copy
    • Police certificates
    • Proof of funds and insurance

    Step 5: Receive Work Permit

    If approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, which you present when you arrive in Canada to obtain your work permit.

    6. Why Apply for IEC?

    Participating in IEC offers numerous benefits:

    • Gain international work experience to enhance your resume.
    • Improve language and intercultural skills.
    • Experience Canadian lifestyle and diversity.
    • Build networks that may help with future immigration pathways such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.

    7. Conclusion

    The International Experience Canada (IEC) 2025 program remains a remarkable opportunity for young people worldwide to work, travel, and grow in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.

    If you’re from a participating country, this is your chance to embark on a unique adventure that combines career growth, cultural exploration, and global networking — all while experiencing life in Canada.

  • Henley Passport Index 2025: Canada Stays in Top 10, U.S. Falls to 12th Place

    Henley Passport Index 2025: Canada Stays in Top 10, U.S. Falls to 12th Place

    According to the Henley Passport Index (October 2025), Canada continues to hold one of the world’s most powerful passports, granting its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 destinations.
    This puts Canada in 9th place globally, ahead of the United States, which fell out of the top 10 for the first time in two decades.

    Although Canada slipped slightly from 7th earlier this year, experts note that this still reflects strong international partnerships and widespread visa agreements that support Canada’s global mobility.

    The Henley Index—based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)—ranks 199 passports by the number of countries their holders can visit without a prior visa.

    U.S. Passport Drops to Its Lowest Ranking in 20 Years

    The United States now ranks 12th with visa-free access to 180 destinations, sharing its position with Malaysia.
    This marks the lowest point for the U.S. in the 20-year history of the Henley Passport Index.

    The decline has been linked to:

    • Countries such as Brazil reinstating visa requirements for U.S. travelers.
    • The U.S. offering visa-free access to only 46 nations, affecting its “openness” score.
    • Rising passport strength in European and Asian countries, reflecting evolving global diplomacy.

    Analysts say the U.S. drop highlights a broader shift in soft power and international influence, as global travel freedom becomes more evenly distributed.

    Top 10 Most Powerful Passports in the World (October 2025)

    RankCountryVisa-Free / Visa-on-Arrival Destinations
    1Singapore193
    2South Korea190
    3Japan189
    4Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland188
    5Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands187
    6Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden186
    7Australia, Czech Republic, Malta, Poland185
    8Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom184
    9Canada183
    10Latvia, Liechtenstein182

    Why These Rankings Matter

    For Canadians, the strong ranking confirms that Canadian citizenship remains one of the most globally mobile.
    For Americans, it’s a reminder that maintaining reciprocal visa agreements and international diplomacy plays a crucial role in global movement.

    Post-pandemic policy shifts and strengthening alliances among European and Asian countries have created a more competitive passport landscape—where smaller, highly connected nations now lead.

    Conclusion

    While Canada maintains its reputation as a global mobility leader, the U.S. experiences its sharpest drop in two decades.
    These results from the Henley Passport Index 2025 underscore how international cooperation, diplomacy, and visa reciprocity directly shape global travel freedom.

  • Alberta Holds Three Immigration Draws in October 2025, Inviting Over 1,300 Candidates Through AAIP

    Alberta Holds Three Immigration Draws in October 2025, Inviting Over 1,300 Candidates Through AAIP

    The province of Alberta continues to strengthen its position as one of Canada’s most active destinations for skilled immigrants. In early October 2025, Alberta held three provincial immigration draws under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), inviting a total of 1,324 candidates across multiple streams.

    These draws reflect Alberta’s focused strategy to meet labour market needs in key sectors such as construction, technology, and general occupations.

    Breakdown of October 2025 Draws

     Alberta held three separate draws between October 1 and 7, 2025:

    DateStream / PathwayMinimum CRS ScoreInvitations
    October 1, 2025Alberta Opportunity Stream611,003
    October 3, 2025Accelerated Tech Pathway52230
    October 7, 2025Priority Sectors – Construction6091

    The Opportunity Stream remained the largest pathway, offering over 75% of total invitations. This stream primarily targets foreign workers already employed in Alberta on valid work permits, enabling them to transition to permanent residency.

    Meanwhile, the Accelerated Tech Pathway and Construction sector draws highlight Alberta’s ongoing demand for talent in critical infrastructure and digital innovation sectors.

    Alberta’s September 2025 Draws Set the Stage

    Before the October rounds, Alberta had already issued 1,433 invitations across three draws between September 12 and 19, 2025.
    Those draws included:

    • Alberta Opportunity Stream – 1,113 invitations (CRS 63)
    • Accelerated Tech Pathway – 320 invitations (CRS 55)
    • Law Enforcement Pathway – under 10 invitations (CRS 56)

    By late September, the province had used 3,983 of its 4,875 federal nomination allocations for 2025 — a sign of its aggressive pace in addressing workforce gaps.

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Alberta Opportunity Stream remains dominant, serving as the main route for temporary foreign workers to gain permanent residence.
    2. Low CRS cut-offs (52–63) make Alberta’s programs more accessible compared to other provinces.
    3. Targeted draws reflect Alberta’s economic priorities — especially in tech, law enforcement, and construction.
    4. Rapid use of quotas indicates the province’s proactive approach to retaining talent.
    5. Flexible draw scheduling shows Alberta’s responsiveness to shifting labour needs.

    What This Means for Applicants

    Aspiring immigrants with Alberta job offers or experience in high-demand occupations — especially in tech, construction, or essential trades — should monitor the AAIP closely.
    Maintaining an updated Express Entry profile, strong job offer, and relevant Canadian work experience will significantly enhance the chances of receiving an invitation.

    Conclusion

    Alberta’s three recent immigration draws reaffirm the province’s commitment to welcoming skilled workers who can support its growing economy.
    With low CRS thresholds, sector-specific targeting, and steady invitation numbers, Alberta remains a top choice for candidates aiming to settle permanently in Canada.

  • Manitoba PNP Invites Over 800 Skilled Workers in Latest Provincial Nomination Draw – October 2025

    Manitoba PNP Invites Over 800 Skilled Workers in Latest Provincial Nomination Draw – October 2025

    The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has conducted its latest draw, issuing 862 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to eligible candidates under the Skilled Worker categories. This move continues Manitoba’s strong efforts to attract and retain talent to support the province’s economic growth and labor market needs.

    Key Highlights of MPNP Draw #255 (October 9, 2025)

    • Total invitations: 862 LAAs
    • Skilled Worker in Manitoba: 583 invitations, primarily for candidates employed in healthcare and caregiving roles.
    • Skilled Worker Overseas: 279 invitations issued through Manitoba’s Strategic Recruitment Initiatives.
    • Express Entry candidates: 203 invitations to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles and job seeker validation codes.

    Additional invitations were distributed as follows:

    • Employer Services: 45
    • Francophone Community: 43
    • Regional Communities: 8
    • Ethnocultural Communities: 3
    • Temporary Public Policy (TPP): 180

    Focus on Healthcare and Caregiving Sectors

    This draw emphasized Manitoba’s ongoing labor market priorities — especially in healthcare and caregiving occupations, such as Home Support Workers (NOC 44101) and other essential service roles. The province continues to support employers by ensuring these critical occupations are filled with qualified, long-term residents.

    Strategic Recruitment and Employer-Led Pathways

    The MPNP remains focused on employer-driven and community-based recruitment, targeting international talent for high-demand occupations that cannot be met locally. Manitoba also continues to leverage Temporary Public Policy (TPP) measures that allow select candidates to obtain open work permits, ensuring flexibility and faster integration.

    Increased Nomination Capacity for 2025

    Recently, Manitoba secured an additional 1,489 nomination spaces, bringing its total allocation to 6,239 nominations for 2025. This increase allows the province to invite more candidates in key industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education.

    What Applicants Should Know

    • Application Deadline: Invited candidates must submit complete applications through the MPNP portal before the stated deadline.
    • Documentation: Proof of employment, education, and settlement intent in Manitoba must be clearly provided.
    • Regulated Occupations: Applicants in licensed professions must show valid Manitoba authorization to practice.
    • Express Entry Advantage: Candidates nominated through Express Entry receive 600 additional CRS points and faster federal processing.

    Conclusion

    This latest MPNP draw demonstrates Manitoba’s proactive immigration strategy — focusing on attracting skilled workers who can contribute immediately to the province’s economic and community development. With increased nomination capacity and strong employer partnerships, Manitoba continues to be one of Canada’s top destinations for skilled immigrants.

  • Canada Expands Low-Wage LMIA Processing Freeze – Six More Regions Affected from October 10, 2025

    Canada Expands Low-Wage LMIA Processing Freeze – Six More Regions Affected from October 10, 2025

    Starting October 10, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) announced an expansion of its Low-Wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing freeze.
    The measure aims to protect job opportunities for Canadians and permanent residents in regions experiencing unemployment rates of 6% or higher.

    This update adds six new regions to the list of Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) where low-wage LMIA applications will not be processed, while one region has been removed due to improved labour market conditions.

    Summary of Regional Changes

    CategoryRegion (CMA)ProvinceChange Effective October 10, 2025
    AddedHalifaxNova ScotiaAdded to freeze list
    AddedBarrieOntarioAdded to freeze list
    AddedKingstonOntarioAdded to freeze list
    AddedPeterboroughOntarioAdded to freeze list
    AddedWindsorOntarioAdded to freeze list
    AddedKelownaBritish ColumbiaAdded to freeze list
    RemovedMonctonNew BrunswickRemoved due to lower unemployment

    Purpose of the Freeze

    The Low-Wage LMIA Processing Freeze prevents employers from submitting LMIA applications for low-wage positions in high-unemployment regions.

    It is part of the government’s labour market stabilization strategy, ensuring employers hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents first before turning to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

    The freeze list is updated every quarter, based on regional unemployment data.

    Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers

    • Employers in frozen regions cannot apply for new low-wage LMIAs.
    • They may continue to apply for high-wage, agriculture, or global talent stream positions.
    • Foreign workers awaiting job offers in affected areas may face delays or cancellations.
    • Employers are encouraged to explore alternative pathways, such as:
      • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
      • Express Entry
      • In-Canada recruitment and training incentives.

    Next Review

    The freeze will remain in effect until the next quarterly review, expected in January 2026, when ESDC reassesses unemployment trends and adjusts the eligible CMAs accordingly.

    Conclusion

    This latest update underscores the federal government’s data-driven approach to labour policy. Employers operating in the newly frozen CMAs should review their staffing plans and consult authorized immigration experts for guidance on alternative visa or work permit options.

  • Canada Targets Tech Talent as U.S. Raises H-1B Visa Fees

    Canada Targets Tech Talent as U.S. Raises H-1B Visa Fees

    The U.S. government has announced a sharp increase in costs for foreign workers under the H-1B visa program, including a new $100,000 fee for first-time applications. This move is expected to make it significantly harder for international tech professionals to pursue opportunities in the United States.

    In response, Canada is positioning itself as the new global destination for technology talent.

    Canada’s Advantage for Skilled Tech Workers

    Prime Minister Mark Carney recently confirmed that Canada will expand programs to attract STEM professionals and skilled foreign workers. These initiatives are designed to make it easier for tech talent to obtain Canadian work permits and transition to permanent residency.

    Current Canadian pathways for tech workers include:

    • Global Talent Stream – fast-tracked work permits in as little as two weeks.
    • Innovation Stream Work Permits – LMIA-exempt options for employers in high-growth industries.
    • H-1B Open Work Permit Pathway – introduced for U.S. H-1B holders looking to relocate to Canada.
    • Express Entry Category-Based Draws – prioritizing candidates with STEM and IT experience.

    These programs not only provide job mobility and career security but also lead to Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) and eventually citizenship.

    Why This Matters for Global Tech Talent

    The new U.S. H-1B fee will impact startups, mid-size tech firms, and global professionals seeking career opportunities in Silicon Valley and beyond. Many experts predict that Canada’s immigration system will become the top choice for international talent due to its streamlined processing, affordability, and clear PR pathways.

    For skilled workers in IT, software engineering, AI, fintech, and emerging technologies, Canada offers both stability and growth opportunities.

    How GTR Immigration Can Help

    At GTR Immigration, we specialize in guiding tech professionals and skilled workers through the Canadian immigration process. Whether you are:

    • Currently on an H-1B visa in the U.S.,
    • A tech worker abroad looking for faster Canadian work permits, or
    • Interested in direct PR pathways like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP),

    …our team of regulated consultants can help you choose the right program, connect with Canadian employers, and secure your future in Canada.

    Final Thoughts

    The U.S. visa changes may close doors, but Canada is opening new ones for global tech talent. With dedicated pathways, government support, and growing demand for skilled workers, Canada is quickly becoming the world’s most attractive destination for technology professionals.

    📩 Book a consultation with GTR Immigration today and explore your Canadian opportunity.

  • AAIP September 2025 Draws – Alberta Issues 1,376 Invitations to Skilled Workers

    AAIP September 2025 Draws – Alberta Issues 1,376 Invitations to Skilled Workers

    The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted a series of 7 targeted provincial immigration draws this month, issuing a total of 1,376 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates in high-demand occupations.

    Multiple Targeted Draws in Key Sectors

    Between September 2 and September 10, 2025, Alberta held draws under the Express Entry stream to address labor shortages in critical industries. Invitations were extended to candidates with work experience in:

    • Healthcare
    • Construction
    • Agriculture
    • Aviation

    For example, a draw on September 10, 2025 invited 30 Express Entry candidates with aviation experience, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 50. Healthcare professionals were a major focus throughout the month, with multiple rounds of invitations where minimum CRS cut-offs ranged from 44 to 64 points, reflecting Alberta’s urgent need for talent in this sector.

    Alberta AAIP Draw Results – September 2025

    Draw dateStreamNumber of invitations issuedCut-off score
    September 10, 2025Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Aviation)3050
    September 9, 2025Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Health Care)7064
    September 8, 2025Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Construction)12161
    September 5, 2025Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Agriculture)7148
    September 4, 2025Alberta Opportunity Stream89156
    September 3, 2025Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry)6744
    September 2, 2025Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry)12649

    CRS Scores and Eligibility

    The AAIP continues to prioritize candidates with Alberta job offers, work experience in in-demand occupations, and strong ties to the province. Many of the targeted draws maintained relatively low CRS cut-offs compared to federal Express Entry draws, giving more opportunities to qualified foreign workers and graduates.

    2025 Nomination Quota Status

    According to official figures from the Government of Alberta, the province has issued 3,749 nominations so far in 2025, out of its annual allocation of 4,875 nominations from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This leaves 1,126 spaces remaining for the rest of the year.

    Why Alberta Is a Top Destination for Newcomers

    Alberta’s booming economy and demand for skilled workers make it one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants. With ongoing recruitment in healthcare, construction, and agriculture, the province continues to align immigration with workforce needs, ensuring that newcomers can integrate quickly and fill labor shortages.

    In September 2025, over 1,300 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residency through Alberta’s provincial immigration draws. As the year progresses, prospective applicants with relevant work experience and ties to Alberta are encouraged to create an Express Entry profile and monitor upcoming AAIP draws closely.