Immigrant Stories

Foreign nationals who arrive in Canada may still be able to apply for (or be issued) a work permit at a port of entry (POE)—but this option is far more limited than it used to be. In recent years, the federal government has tightened POE access through several measures, including ending the practice of “flagpoling” […] The post Who can get a Canadian work permit at the border? first appeared on CIC News.... Read more

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. This Express Entry draw is the first draw of the month and the fifth draw of the year.This strategic move to invite Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to bolster its immigration framework, particularly in response to regional demands for skilled labour.Moreover, the Express Entry draws in 2026 have shown a marked focus on candidates with a connection to Canada, particularly emphasizing those with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience.Book a Free ConsultationExpress Entry Draw ResultsCanada released the latest Express Entry draw on February 03, 2026, inviting 423 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 749.Type of Draw: Provincial Nominee ProgramDraw Number: 393Date of Round: February 03, 2026Number of ITAs Issued: 423CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 749Tie-Breaking Rule: December 16, 2025, at 22:30:36 UTCIf more than... Read more

The Government of New Brunswick has implemented numerous changes to its provincial immigration programs, including restrictions on occupations eligible for consideration, a new application consideration model, and a pilot extension. These updates will affect both in-Canada and overseas candidates of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and New Brunswick’s Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Assess […] The post New Brunswick overhauls provincial immigration pathways first appeared on CIC News.... Read more

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. The immigration department issued 423 ITAs in a draw for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 749; and Created an […] The post First Express Entry draw of February sees PNP candidates invited first appeared on CIC News.... Read more

Starting your immigration journey in Canada in 2026? Your language test is a big step in making Canada your new home. To help you prepare, CELPIP is offering preparation materials designed to support effective exam preparation and help you approach the test with confidence and a clear understanding of what to expect. Get the CELPIP […] The post Exclusive Preparation Materials from CELPIP to Help You Approach Your Language Test with Confidence! first appeared on CIC News.... Read more

For many, getting drawn through an Express Entry category remains one of the most accessible paths to permanent residence (PR). Compared to other draw types, category-based selection (CBS) typically requires a lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score and work experience requirements. There are, however, drawbacks to consider that may reduce accessibility for some—such as […] The post Why category-based selection remains the most accessible pathway to PR for many first appeared on CIC News.... Read more

In 2026, Ontario announced its first provincial nominee program for skilled candidates across multiple employer-driven streams, marking the start of the new year.However, in the previous year, the Ontario PNP draw welcomed 12,528 skilled candidates through 45 draws. The program is divided into three main streams: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills. These streams issued 4860 ITAs, 6605 ITAs, and 1063 candidates through 17, 17, and 11 draws, respectively.Ontario PNP Latest Draw ResultsThe latest Ontario PNP draw was held on February 02, 2026. A total of 1,825 were issued under the Employer Job Offer streams for Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills.Date: February 02, 2026Total Invitations Issued: 1,825Streams Included: Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream, International Student and In-Demand Skills StreamScore Requirement: 33 and AboveBook a Free ConsultationOntario PNP Draw HighlightsThe Ontario government released the draw only for the Employee Job Offer Stream. This stream has three different... Read more

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The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held six draws on February 2, 2026, issuing a total of 1,825 invitations to apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination. These targeted draws were held through the province’s Employer: Job Offer streams, and focused on physicians, Regional Economic Development candidates through Immigration (REDI), and health occupations, plus early childhood educators […] The post Ontario issues more than 1,800 invitations in first draws of the year first appeared on CIC News.... Read more

The occupation listed on your Express Entry profile can help you get both a provincial nomination and an Express Entry invitation to apply (ITA). Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) across Canada have special, Express Entry-aligned (or enhanced) streams, wherein provinces can pick and nominate candidates in the pool based on their immigration and labour market needs. […] The post These are the occupations that PNPs prioritize for PR invitations through Express Entry first appeared on CIC News.... Read more

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Passport validity directly impacts the validity period of work permits issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If a prospective worker’s passport is set to expire before the end of their planned stay, the work permit will be issued with a shorter validity period. Foreign nationals wishing to work in Canada should therefore ensure […] The post This common mistake can lead to earlier work permit expiry first appeared on CIC News.... Read more

The International Experience Canada (IEC) 2026 season is now open, offering young candidates from more than 35 partner countries the opportunity to live and work in Canada.Each year, Canada issues more than 90,000 IEC work permits across its categories, making it one of the most popular youth mobility programs. IEC stands out by offering open or employer-specific Canada work permit with clearer selection odds compared to other pathways.Eligible candidates can create an online profile and enter invitation pools for 2026. This guide explains IEC categories, eligibility, quotas, and the application process. Book a Free Consultation What are the IEC Category?The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers three main categories, each designed to meet the different career and travel goals of young applicants from partner countries.Working Holiday: This category provides an open work permit, allowing participants to work for almost any employer in Canada. It is ideal for those who want... Read more

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Most newcomers choose one of Canada’s three “gateway cities” (Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver), upon initially moving to the country due to work and schooling opportunities. While these cities are often regarded as the most popular among new arrivals, the world’s second-largest country has much more to offer newcomers in terms of livability. The Globe and […] The post The eight most livable cities for newcomers to Canada—and how to move there first appeared on CIC News.... Read more