Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced the extension of a temporary public policy introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy allows foreign workers on closed work permits to apply to change employers and/or occupations before their new work permit is approved. The newly revised policy will take effect on May 27, 2025, revoking and replacing the original policy first signed in May 2020. The most significant change is the removal of the previous exemption for submitting biometrics for new work permit applications. This measure aims to continue providing flexibility for foreign workers in Canada while ensuring the integrity of the immigration system.

For Canadian permanent residents (PRs), an often-underestimated benefit of their status is the opportunity for more convenient international travel. Without the need for cumbersome visa applications, PR status holders can, with their Canadian permanent resident card and a valid passport, easily visit numerous countries and regions for short-term tourism or stays. This article highlights eight visa-free destinations accessible via short flights from major Canadian cities, detailing their visa-free stay durations, flight times, respective tourist attractions, and any potential special entry requirements, offering a practical guide for your next trip.

Several Canadian provinces and territories have recently announced results from their latest immigration draws. Alberta issued 158 invitations through its tourism/hospitality and opportunity streams; Prince Edward Island invited 168 skilled workers, focusing on high-demand sectors like healthcare, trades, and manufacturing; and Yukon has commenced issuing invitations for its 2025 nominee intake, prioritizing candidates with temporary support letters. Despite widespread cuts to provincial nomination allocations, these jurisdictions are actively adapting strategies to meet specific local labour market needs.

Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, recently issued a landmark mandate letter to his cabinet members, listing the reform of the immigration system as one of the government's top seven priorities for future work. The directive clearly outlines two core immigration goals: first, to return overall immigration numbers to sustainable levels; and second, to attract the world's best top talent to help build Canada's economy. This signals that Canadian immigration policy will seek a new balance between controlling overall numbers and optimizing its structure.

For many Canadian immigration applicants, knowing if Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has promptly received their application after submission is crucial. This article, based on official IRCC information, details the confirmation methods for different submission routes. This includes instant feedback and subsequent 'Acknowledgement of Receipt' (AOR) for online applications, tracking services for submissions via Visa Application Centres (VACs), and proof of delivery and online account linking for paper applications, helping applicants effectively track their progress and reduce anxiety.

Manitoba conducted its latest Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) draw for the Skilled Workers Overseas stream last week, on May 15. This draw was highly focused on candidates who have established a strong connection to the province through a Strategic Recruitment Initiative. A total of 62 candidates received Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA) for provincial nomination, with the lowest-ranked candidate scoring 626 points. This move further underscores Manitoba's strategic approach to attracting specific skilled talent to address local labour market demands.

Canada's Federal Court announced special measures on May 14, 2025, extending the period for immigration applicants to perfect their application for leave for judicial review. Under the new rules, after filing an initial request for leave, applicants will now have an additional 45 days, totaling 75 days, to prepare and submit their complete applicant record. This initiative is a response to the significant backlog of applications for leave and judicial review that accumulated during 2024 and 2025.

Newfoundland and Labrador issued 328 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) on May 8, 2025, in its second round of draws through the new Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This system, implemented on February 19, 2025, manages candidates for both the Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Despite facing an initial halving of its federal nomination allocation, the province successfully secured additional spaces, enhancing opportunities for prospective immigrants.

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted several rounds of invitations between April 29 and May 8. These draws, spanning six distinct immigration pathways, prioritized candidates in key sectors, healthcare, and those addressing rural workforce shortages, issuing a total of 295 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Notably, the province's 2025 nomination allocation has been halved compared to the previous year.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) announced on May 15, 2025, an update to its list of designated employers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This revision includes the addition of 20 new businesses and the removal of 14 previously recognized employers, bringing the total number of designated employers in the province to 364. Notably, due to reduced federal immigration allocations for 2025 and a high volume of applications, PEI is currently prioritizing applications from workers in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.