UK Added to CPTPP: New Canadian Work Permit Options for Professionals
Canada has introduced new work permit options for eligible professionals from the United Kingdom. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership now applies between Canada and the UK. The change took effect on September 1, 2026. Canada announced its ratification on July 3, 2026. However, the immigration provisions became available on the September effective […]
Can You Travel to Canada With a Criminal Record? Rules You Need to Know
Yes, some people can travel to Canada with a criminal record. However, they may need special permission before their trip. Canada can find a foreign national criminally inadmissible for both minor and serious offences. The outcome depends on several factors. These factors include the offence, sentence, Canadian equivalent and time passed. Here are eight important […]
Can a Sponsored Spouse Get an Open Work Permit While Waiting for PR?
A spouse or partner being sponsored for Canadian permanent residence may be able to apply for an open work permit while their application is being processed. This can allow the applicant to work for most employers in Canada, earn an income and gain Canadian work experience while waiting for a decision. However, the work permit […]
Canadian Citizenship by Descent: New IRCC Forms and 2026 Rules
Canada has significantly changed its citizenship-by-descent rules. Bill C-3 came into force on December 15, 2025, expanding citizenship to many people born outside Canada who were previously excluded by the first-generation limit. IRCC subsequently updated its proof-of-citizenship forms and instructions in August 2026. These updates explain how applicants should document their ancestry and, where required, […]
Hiring a Chilean Worker in Canada: Updated Free Trade Agreement Guidance
Canadian employers considering a candidate from Chile may have several work permit options. Some require a Labour Market Impact Assessment, while others may qualify for an LMIA exemption. IRCC’s free trade agreement guidance, updated on July 17, 2026, now provides a country-based overview of the agreements that may apply to business people seeking to work […]
IRCC’s Latest CEC and French Draw Updates: What to Expect in September 2026
IRCC held two major Express Entry draws in August 2026, offering different outcomes for Canadian Experience Class candidates and applicants with strong French-language skills. On August 18, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada invited 1,000 CEC candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 523. The following day, IRCC issued 5,000 invitations through a French-language […]
IRCC Corrects Guidance for C20 Reciprocal Employment Work Permits
On July 29, 2026, IRCC published updated guidance for officers processing work permits under the Reciprocal Employment category, R205(b) – C20, an LMIA-exempt category most often used by multinational companies, academic institutions, and non-profits. That update included a new restriction limiting eligibility to foreign nationals already employed by the company abroad. That restriction turned […]
Long-Term F-1 Status Could Weaken Your Canada Study Permit Case
A Canada study permit application isn’t just about proving you can pay for school and that you’ve been accepted. Under section 216(1)(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, an officer has to be satisfied you’ll actually leave Canada once your studies are done. That means demonstrating strong, current ties to your home country. And […]
IRCC Updates Guidance for C20 Reciprocal Employment Work Permits
On July 29, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its instructions for officers processing work permits under the Reciprocal Employment category, R205(b) – C20. This LMIA-exempt category allows a foreign national to work in Canada when doing so creates or maintains reciprocal employment opportunities abroad for Canadians or Canadian permanent residents. Key […]
IRCC Pauses New Parents and Grandparents Program Applications: What Families Should Do Now
As of July 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has stopped accepting new interest-to-sponsor forms under the Parents and Grandparents Program. For Canadian citizens and permanent residents hoping to bring a parent or grandparent to Canada permanently, this closes off the only entry point into the program for the time being, though it does […]