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Express Entry Draw (Feb 6, 2026): 8,500 ITAs for French-Language Proficiency (CRS 400)
On February 6, 2026 , IRCC held a category-based Express Entry draw targeting French-language proficiency . The draw issued 8,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a CRS cut-off of 400 . The reported tie-breaking timestamp was February 3, 2026 at 11:11:44 UTC .Source: Immigration News Canada (same link you provided). Why this draw matters Big volume + lower CRS : A CRS 400 is relatively accessible, but it applies to candidates who meet the French-category requirements (no
raymondscchan
3 hours ago1 min read


Canada is treating the physician shortage as a national workforce emergency and reshaping immigration policy around it. A new Express Entry category just for doctors, plus 5,000 reserved PR spaces.
On December 8, 2025 , IRCC announced a major new pathway just for physicians: a doctor-specific Express Entry category that is expected to start issuing invitations in early 2026 , subject to final approval under Budget 2025. Alongside this, Ottawa is also reserving 5,000 permanent residence (PR) spaces for provincially nominated doctors and offering 14-day work permit processing —making this one of the most aggressive physician-focused immigration initiatives Canada has ev
raymondscchan
Dec 8, 20251 min read


2026–2028 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Quotas Projections
2026–2028 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Quotas Projections — Significant Increases Across Canada IRCC has announced the projected PNP nomination allocations for 2026–2028 , and the numbers show substantial growth for almost every province and territory. This is an important update for individuals planning to pursue permanent residence through a Provincial Nominee Program. 📌 Key Highlights from the New Allocation Table 🔸 Ontario • 2025: 10,750 • 2026–2028: 17,872 – 18,087
Nickki Y
Nov 19, 20251 min read


Key Changes and Strategic Plans for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an essential pathway for international students in Canada. It allows graduates to gain critical work experience after completing their studies. However, recent changes to PGWP eligibility have raised important questions and concerns among prospective applicants. This blog post aims to clarify these changes and provide essential information for students and graduates looking to navigate the evolving landscape of work permits in Canada.
Marrti L
Oct 31, 20253 min read


Understanding Invitations to Apply ITAs for Permanent Residence Process
What is an Invitation to Apply (ITA)? An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is a formal invitation given by immigration authorities to individuals who want to become permanent residents. Typically, this invitation is granted to candidates who have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) through a points-based system. The ITA indicates that the candidate has met specific criteria and is now eligible to submit a full application for permanent residency. For example, Canada issues ITAs
Marrti L
Oct 31, 20253 min read


Exploring the Key Changes in Canada's Immigration Levels Plan for 2026-2028
Immigration shapes a nation. As Canada looks toward 2026-2028, the Upcoming Immigration Levels Plan will significantly impact its future. Understanding this plan is crucial, not just for potential immigrants but also for communities and businesses throughout the country. This post aims to break down the details of the plan, how it will affect various sectors, and the implications for those wanting to start a new life in Canada. Overview of the Immigration Levels Plan The Immi
Marrti L
Oct 31, 20254 min read


Canada Restores Provincial Nominee Program Slots for 2025
On October 16, 2025, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab, announced a significant policy shift: the federal government will restore additional nomination slots for the provincial/territorial nomination stream of immigration known as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for 2025. What Was Announced The federal allotment for PNP nominations under the 2025 immigration plan had been reduced from about 110,000 slots in 2024 to 55,000 in 2025. After consultation wit

Lloyd Hunter
Oct 19, 20252 min read


IRCC issues 2,500 ITAs in Healthcare & Social Services category-based draw (Version 2)
Date: October 15, 2025 Type: Express Entry — Category-based selection (Healthcare & Social Services) IRCC has invited 2,500 candidates to apply for permanent residence in a category-based Express Entry draw targeting Healthcare and Social Services occupations (Version 2) . The CRS cut-off was 472 for this round. This continues Canada’s 2025 trend of prioritizing critical health and social-care roles through targeted draws. Key numbers at a glance Invitations to Apply (ITA

Lloyd Hunter
Oct 15, 20252 min read


Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Applications – Delays and BacklogsAccording to recent reports, H&C applications now face wait times ranging from 12 to 600 months
According to recent reports, H&C applications now face wait times ranging from 12 to 600 months (up to 50 years) . IRCC has confirmed a backlog of ~49,900 cases . The annual admissions target for H&C in the 2025 immigration levels plan is only about 1,100 spots . For Hong Kong applicants specifically , reports indicate approximately 21,000 pending cases , but only 1,800 admissions are allocated in 2025. H&C backlogs demonstrate how discretionary programs become overwhelmed w

Lloyd Hunter
Oct 12, 20252 min read


IRCC Confirms Parents and Grandparents Program Intake for 2025
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially announced the launch of the 2025 intake for the highly anticipated...
raymondscchan
Jul 28, 20251 min read


🇨🇦 Great News! Canada’s 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is opening soon! 🇨🇦
Starting July 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin sending out 17,860 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to...
raymondscchan
Jul 17, 20251 min read


First CEC Express Entry Draw Of June Sent 3,000 PR Invitations
On June 12, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a Canadian Experience...
raymondscchan
Jun 14, 20251 min read


Ontario is set to implement significant changes to its labour and immigration systems
T he launch of a digital employer portal planned between June and August 2025. This online platform will allow employers to submit...
raymondscchan
May 31, 20251 min read


New Temporary Foreign Workers Work Permit Policy Effective May 2025
📢 Changing Jobs in Canada as a Temporary Worker? Here’s What You Need to Know If you’re in Canada on an employer-specific work permit...
raymondscchan
May 29, 20251 min read


The Canada Immigration Backlog
As of March 31, 2025, IRCC’s inventory held 1,976,700 applications across citizenship, permanent residency, and temporary residency...
raymondscchan
May 20, 20251 min read


On May 13, 2025, Lena Metlege Diab was sworn in as Canada's new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
New Minister of IRCC
raymondscchan
May 19, 20251 min read


First round of invitations targeting the new Education Category introduced this year.
On May 1, 2025, IRCC held its first Express Entry draw of the month, issuing 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. ✅ This draw marks the first round focused on candidates under the newly introduced education category . 📊 Draw Highlights: Date and Time: May 1, 2025 Number of ITAs issued: 1,000 Minimum CRS score required: 479 Required rank to receive an invitation: Top 1,000 or higher Tie-breaking rule: August 10, 2024, at 10:35:55 UTC If you're in t

Lloyd Hunter
May 4, 20251 min read


Can I stay in Canada until the expiry date on my visitor visa?
Can I stay in Canada until the expiry date on my visitor visa? The expiry date on the visitor visa is the date by which you must arrive in Canada. How long you can stay will be decided each time you enter Canada. Length of stay decided by a border services officer If you see a border services officer at the port of entry, they will tell you how long you can stay in Canada in 1 of these ways: If the officer stamps your passport and writes a date under that stamp You must lea
Marrti L
Mar 10, 20252 min read


Acknowledgment of Receipt for Immigration (AOR)
What is an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) in immigration Canada? Acknowledgment of Receipt or AOR in Canada is an official letter from IRCC. It marks the date IRCC has received your application. Why is the date on an AOR letter important in Canada? The date on the AOR letter marks the date IRCC received your application. However, it becomes imperative in certain situations. Here are some examples: The age lock-in date of children in Federal immigration is the AOR date. Th
Marrti L
Nov 2, 20244 min read
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