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August 5, 2026
August 5, 2026

Ontario OINP 2026: What the New Scoring System Really Rewards

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

Ontario just gave skilled workers a new way to permanent residence, and the rules look nothing like before.

On August 4, 2026, the province opened its brand new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, replacing all eight of its old OINP streams with one employer-driven system. The old EOI portal had been closed since late June, so this is the first real chance to get back in the game since then.

Here’s the shift in a nutshell: instead of multiple streams for different occupations, Ontario now runs everything through three pathways, and your NOC TEER level decides which one applies to you.

Requirement TEER 0-3 Pathway TEER 4-5 Pathway Self-Employed Physicians
Job Offer Required (full-time, permanent) Required (full-time, permanent) Not required
Language (CLB) CLB 6 (CLB 5 for skilled trades) CLB 4 Not required
Education Post-secondary degree/diploma (1+ year) or high school for skilled trades Canadian high school diploma or equivalent Not required
Work Experience 6 months consecutive, 3 months for recent Ontario grads, or 2 years cumulative 9 months cumulative in last 2 years Not required
Express Entry Option Yes No Yes

Physicians skip the job offer requirement entirely, but they need an active OHIP billing number and registration with Ontario’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. Everyone else needs a real job offer, and the employer has to move first: registering their business, then submitting the offer before a candidate can register an EOI. Once that happens, candidates get 30 days to register, and there’s no fee to do it. An EOI sits in the pool for 12 months, though getting in doesn’t promise an invitation.

Language testing is straightforward but strict. TEER 0-3 candidates need CLB 6 (or CLB 5 for skilled trades), TEER 4-5 candidates need CLB 4, and recent Ontario grads applying within three years of graduating skip the test altogether. Only these tests count:

English Tests Accepted French Tests Accepted
IELTS General Training TEF Canada
CELPIP General TCF Canada
PTE Core —

Academic versions of IELTS and PTE don’t qualify, and results need to be under two years old.

Every EOI gets scored on factors like wage, work experience, education, and location, and the highest scorers get invited first:

Scoring Category Maximum Points
NOC TEER Category (0-1 highest) 9 points
NOC Broad Occupational Category 10 points (Category 3)
Hourly Wage ($40+/hr highest) 15 points
Ontario Work Experience (24+ months in position) 18 points
Canadian Earnings History ($70K+) 8 points
Legal Status in Canada (work permit) 10 points
Highest Education Level (Doctorate) 10 points
Number of Canadian Credentials (2+) 10 points
Official Language Ability (CLB 9+) 15 points
Knowledge of Two Official Languages 10 points
Regional Immigration (Northern Ontario) 15 points

A job in Northern Ontario earns the most regional points, while one in Toronto proper earns none, so location genuinely affects your odds.

Once invited, timelines get tight: employers have 14 days to complete their portion, and candidates have 17 days to submit and pay after that.

Job Offer Location Application Fee
Outside the Greater Toronto Area $1,500
Inside the Greater Toronto Area $2,000

One of the biggest perks here is the Express Entry link. TEER 0-3 candidates and physicians can choose an Express Entry nomination, which adds 600 CRS points, essentially guaranteeing an invitation, and cuts processing to around six to seven months instead of thirteen.

On the employer side, businesses need at least three years of active operation in Ontario, a real physical location, a clean labour record, and proof they tried to hire locally before looking abroad. Ontario Public Service employers can’t take part.

Timing matters too. Ontario has 14,119 nomination spots for 2026, up 31% from last year, but roughly 13,000 invitations already went out before the June shutdown. That leaves a narrower window than the headline number suggests, and a second phase covering healthcare workers and entrepreneurs may still be coming later this year.

Thinking About Applying? Let’s Make Sure You Do It Right

Ontario’s new stream rewards strong profiles and punishes small mistakes, an expired test, the wrong NOC code, a missed 30-day deadline can set you back months. If you want help figuring out which pathway fits you, building a competitive EOI, or connecting it to Express Entry for that 600-point boost, we can guide you through it. We support clients with provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, and school admissions. Book a consultation at https://euiacademy.selar.com/60minutes and let’s get your application moving.

July 31, 2026
July 31, 2026

Hundreds of Alberta graduates left stranded after PGWP refusals: What went wrong

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

Imagine spending years and thousands of dollars on your Canadian education, finishing your program exactly as required, and then opening a refusal letter that puts your entire future on hold. That’s the reality for hundreds of international graduates in Alberta right now, and it’s a story every international student in Canada needs to understand.

What’s actually happening

Graduates who completed continuing-education programs through Portage College, delivered at partner sites in Calgary and Edmonton, applied for their Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) after finishing their diplomas. Instead of approvals, many received refusal letters this summer, all citing the same reason: their program was classified as “non-credit.”

Some of these graduates had already started working while their applications were pending. Once a refusal arrives, work authorization typically ends immediately, leaving people without income, without status security, and without much time to figure out their next move.

Where the disagreement comes from

IRCC updated its PGWP eligibility page on June 24, 2026, clearly stating that non-credit programs don’t qualify for a work permit. The department insists this wasn’t a new rule, just a clarification of something that was already true.

Graduates see it differently. Many enrolled back in 2024, long before this wording appeared anywhere, and say they were told they’d be eligible for a PGWP once they finished. Reports suggest around 480 graduates from programs at CIOT in Calgary gathered publicly to raise the issue, with more accounts coming out of Edmonton.

The timeline that matters

Here’s how things unfolded, based on official updates and reporting so far:

Date What Happened
Jan–May 2024 Students enrolled in the affected Portage-linked programs at CIOT (Calgary) and Campbell College (Edmonton)
May 15, 2024 IRCC’s cutoff date for a specific partnership-program exception; those who started on or before this date may still qualify for that piece, those after do not
Early May 2024 Portage stopped admitting new students into these partnership programs
Nov 1, 2024 New field-of-study and language requirements began applying to many PGWP applicants
Late 2025–early 2026 Students completed their programs and submitted PGWP applications
June 24, 2026 IRCC updated its PGWP eligibility page to clearly state non-credit programs don’t qualify
Late June–July 2026 Graduates began receiving near-identical refusal letters citing the non-credit issue
July 14, 2026 Portage College published an update page acknowledging the refusals
July 15, 2026 Portage stopped issuing support letters after receiving legal advice
July 16, 2026 The federal list of PGWP-eligible institutions was updated
July 17–21, 2026 Around 480 Calgary graduates gathered publicly; Portage met with affected students
July 24, 2026 Portage confirmed its Calgary and Edmonton partner campuses were closing as planned, separate from the refusal issue

Why this isn’t a simple Yes-or-No situation

There’s a narrow exception in IRCC’s guidance: if a student started a same-province partnership program on or before May 15, 2024, they might still qualify for that specific issue. Some graduates say they started just days before that cutoff. But here’s the catch — that exception only covers the partnership problem. It doesn’t automatically cancel out the separate non-credit rule. So even a student who qualifies under the partnership exception could still be refused if their program is classified as non-credit.

Whether these specific programs deserve that label is exactly what needs a closer, individual look.

Both sides have a point

To be fair, IRCC’s position isn’t baseless. A study permit or attending a designated learning institution has never guaranteed PGWP eligibility. That’s always been a separate decision under separate rules. Non-credit programs may genuinely have never qualified, and updating a webpage to say so plainly isn’t automatically the same as changing the law.

At the same time, students who say roughly 50 similar graduates were already approved raise a fair question: if the programs are so similar, why the different outcomes? That inconsistency deserves review, even if it doesn’t automatically prove anyone acted wrongly.

What happens now

Portage College says it can’t reverse IRCC’s decisions and that a college letter never confirmed eligibility in the first place. It’s encouraged affected graduates to seek independent advice and hold on to all their records — which is genuinely good advice for anyone in this situation.

Calls are also growing for Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab and IRCC to pause these refusals, set up a centralized review team, and offer transitional protection for students who enrolled in good faith before the rule was made explicit. Whether that happens is still uncertain.

Why this matters even if you weren’t affected

If you’re an international student anywhere in Canada, this story is a reminder that PGWP eligibility depends on far more than just finishing your program. The specific institution, delivery site, program type, and even your enrollment date can all affect your outcome. What looks like a safe, credit-bearing pathway on paper can turn into a nightmare if the details weren’t fully verified from the start.

This is exactly why getting professional guidance before you enroll, and definitely before you apply for a PGWP, can save you from finding yourself in a situation like this one.

Facing a Work Permit Refusal or Unsure About Your Eligibility? Let’s Fix That Together

Immigration rules can shift, get reinterpreted, or apply in ways you never expected, and when they do, the cost falls on you. If you’re dealing with a PGWP refusal, unsure whether your program qualifies, or simply want to make the right decision before you commit to a study path, don’t leave it to chance. Our team at Ese Umoh Immigration helps clients navigate provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, and school admissions. Book a consultation today at https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes and let’s map out the clearest, safest path forward for you.

 

July 7, 2026
July 7, 2026

Is French fluency your fastest route to Canadian Permanent Residence?

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

Studying in Canada usually means a long road to permanent residence: a study permit, then a post-graduation work permit, then months (sometimes years) of building Canadian work experience before you can even apply for PR. For many students, that’s a stressful, uncertain path.

But for French-speaking students planning to settle outside Quebec, there’s a shortcut, and it’s about to stay open a lot longer than expected.

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Lena Metlege Diab, announced on July 6 in Winnipeg that the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) will now remain open until August 2027, extended from its original closing date of August 25, 2026. This pilot lets eligible students go from study permit straight to permanent residence, without needing a job offer first.

Why this pilot is a big deal

The FMCSP skips several steps that most international students have to go through. Instead of study permit → work permit → Canadian Experience Class, French-speaking students on this pathway can apply for PR right after graduating, as long as they meet the criteria.

It’s also more accessible on the language side. While Express Entry’s French category draws typically require NCLC level 7, the FMCSP only asks for NCLC level 5, a real advantage for students who are comfortable in French but not yet at an advanced level.

This move ties into a bigger national target: Canada wants French speakers outside Quebec to make up 12% of the population by 2029, and programs like the FMCSP are central to getting there.

Who can apply

To qualify for an FMCSP study permit, applicants must be citizens of one of the eligible countries and meet these conditions:

  • Be living outside Canada when they apply
  • Hold a letter of acceptance from a participating designated learning institution (DLI), for a program outside Quebec that’s full-time, at least two years long, more than 50% taught in French, and leads to a diploma or degree. The letter must specifically state the application is through the FMCSP.
  • Meet NCLC 5 in all four French language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening)
  • Show proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs, for themselves and any accompanying family, with the required amount depending on the size of the community where the campus is located

Some applicants may also need a police certificate and a medical exam.

Eligible countries include: Bénin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haïti, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Niger, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, São Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Togo, and Tunisia.

Applications go through an IRCC Secure Account, and applicants need to select the option confirming they’re exempt from submitting a provincial or territorial attestation letter. Once approved, applicants receive a port of entry letter of introduction, plus an eTA or visitor visa depending on their situation. The actual study permit is issued when they arrive in Canada, and it stays valid for the length of the study program.

Where students can study

There are currently 17 participating institutions across Canada, and more could be added down the line.

Designated Learning Institution Participating Campuses Province
Collège Boréal Sudbury, Toronto, Windsor, Ottawa, Nipissing, Timmins, Hearst, Kapuskasing Ontario
Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick Acadian Peninsula, Bathurst, Campbellton, Edmundston, Dieppe New Brunswick
Collège de l’Île Wellington, Deblois, Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
Collège Éducacentre Surrey British Columbia
Collège La Cité Ottawa Ontario
Collège Mathieu Gravelbourg Saskatchewan
Université de Hearst Hearst, Kapuskasing, Timmins Ontario
Université de l’Ontario Toronto Ontario
Université de Moncton Edmundston, Moncton, Shippagan New Brunswick
Université de Saint-Boniface Winnipeg Manitoba
Université Laurentienne Sudbury Ontario
Université Saint Paul Ottawa Ontario
Université Saint-Anne Church Point Nova Scotia
University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta
University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario
University of Regina Regina Saskatchewan
York University Glendon (Toronto) Ontario

Turning a Diploma into Permanent Residence

Once students complete their program, they can apply for PR under the FMCSP if, at the time of applying, they:

  • Are living in Canada, outside Quebec
  • Hold valid temporary resident status
  • Earned their diploma or degree in Canada under an FMCSP study permit

Even better, graduates who’ve applied for PR don’t have to sit idle while waiting for a decision. They can apply for an FMCSP-specific work permit and start working outside Quebec right away.

Since the program launched in August 2024, demand has grown steadily. IRCC started with a cap of 2,300 applications in year one and raised it to 2,970 for year two. What the cap will look like for the newly extended period hasn’t been announced yet, so if this pathway appeals to you, earlier is better than later.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Whether you’re a prospective student weighing the FMCSP against other study routes, or you’re already in Canada and wondering if you qualify to apply for PR, timing and eligibility details matter here. A program like this rewards people who plan ahead, not people who wait until the cap fills up.

At @eseumohimmigration, we help clients navigate every route into Canada, from provincial nomination and Express Entry to work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, and school admissions. If you’re considering the FMCSP or any other pathway, let’s map out the right plan for your situation. Book a 60-minute consultation here and let’s get your Canadian future moving.

New Brunswick - International Students
July 7, 2026
July 7, 2026

New Brunswick just gave International Students more time to stay and build a future in Canada

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada, Study Visa

Dear future neighbour,

Good news is landing for international students in New Brunswick this week. The province has decided to keep a valuable permanent residence pathway open for longer, giving graduates of two private colleges extra breathing room to turn their studies into a life in Canada.

New Brunswick has pushed back the closing date of its Private Career College Graduate Pilot. Graduates from select healthcare and child education programs at Oulton College and Eastern College now have until December 31, 2027, to make use of this pathway, instead of the original deadline of December 31, 2026. This is actually the second time the province has extended the program. It was first stretched back in February 2026, and now it’s been given even more runway.

Why this extension matters so much

This is the issue this pilot was built to solve. Graduates of Oulton College and Eastern College don’t qualify for the federal Post-Graduation Work Permit, the popular open work permit that lets most international graduates work in Canada for up to three years while sorting out their next steps. Without that permit, many of these graduates would be at real risk of falling out of status right after finishing school.

That’s where the Private Career College Graduate Pilot steps in. It gives eligible graduates a genuine route to permanent residence, along with work authorization while their application is being processed. According to the province, this latest extension exists specifically to support students who are currently enrolled and wouldn’t have graduated before the pilot’s original closing date. In other words, nobody currently studying should be left stranded by the calendar.

Who actually qualifies

To be nominated under this pilot, a graduate needs a full-time, non-seasonal job offer tied directly to their field of study. The eligible programs and matching occupations are laid out below.

Eastern College

Programs of Study Eligible Occupations
Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker Social and community service workers (42201)
Early Childhood Education Early childhood educators and assistants (42202)
Medical Administrative Specialist Medical administrative assistants (13112)
Personal Support Worker Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (33102); Home support workers, housekeepers, and related occupations (44101)

Oulton College

Programs of Study Eligible Occupations
Early Childhood Education / Educational Assistant Early childhood educators and assistants (42202); Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (43100)
Child and Youth Care / Human Services Counsellor Social and community service workers (42201)
Medical Office Administration Medical administrative assistants (13112)
Medical Laboratory Assistant Medical laboratory technician and pathologist assistants (33101)
Medical Laboratory Technology Medical laboratory technologists (32120)
Practical Nurse Licensed practical nurses (32101)
Primary Care Paramedic Paramedic and related occupations (32102)

Beyond having the right program and job offer, candidates also need to be at least 19 years old, reach a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 across all four language abilities, and show a genuine intention to settle permanently in New Brunswick.

Timing matters too. Graduates have just 90 days from their program completion date to line up a qualifying job, apply for and receive a provincial nomination certificate, and apply for a T13 work permit. That work permit is what keeps them legally working in Canada while IRCC processes their permanent residence application, so there’s no dangerous gap in status.

If your program falls outside this list, or you’ll be finishing your studies after the pilot eventually closes, it’s still worth exploring what other New Brunswick immigration options might be open to you.

Let’s Discuss Your Path to Permanent Residence

Timelines like this move fast, and missing a 90-day window or misunderstanding an eligibility requirement can cost you the chance at permanent residence altogether. Whether you’re a current student trying to confirm you qualify, a recent graduate racing against the clock, or someone exploring an entirely different route into Canada, having the right guidance early makes all the difference. At @eseumohimmigration, we help clients navigate provincial nomination programs, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, and school admissions. Book a consultation with us today at https://euiacademy.selar.com/60minutes and let’s find the clearest, fastest path forward for you.

July 3, 2026
July 3, 2026

IRCC processing times improve for Temporary Residence applicants

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

If you’ve been checking IRCC’s website every week hoping for good news about your work permit application, this update is for you.

On July 2, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released its latest processing time figures, and there’s real reason to feel encouraged if you’re applying for a work permit from inside Canada. Processing times dropped by another 15 days, bringing wait times to their shortest point so far this year. Applicants in Nigeria also got a welcome break, with an improvement of about one week.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing across the board, though. While some categories improved, others slowed down. This is a full breakdown of what changed between June 24 and July 2, 2026.

Work Permits: Faster processing for In-Canada and Nigerian applicants

If you applied for your work permit from within Canada, you’re now looking at roughly 129 days, down from 144 days just a week earlier. That’s a solid improvement for anyone anxiously refreshing their application status.

Applying from Current (July 2) Previous (June 24)
Canada 129 days 144 days
India 9 weeks 9 weeks
Pakistan 5 weeks 5 weeks
Nigeria 8 weeks 9 weeks
United States 4 weeks 4 weeks
Philippines 8 weeks 8 weeks

IRCC’s official service standards are 120 days for in-Canada submissions (both initial applications and extensions) and 60 days for applications submitted from outside Canada.

Study Permits: A slight step backward

Unlike work permits, study permit wait times moved in the wrong direction this week. Both in-Canada and India-based applicants saw processing times stretch by a week. No categories saw improvement in this round.

Applying from Current (July 2) Previous (June 24)
Canada 7 weeks 6 weeks
India 5 weeks 4 weeks
Pakistan 6 weeks 6 weeks
Nigeria 5 weeks 5 weeks
United States 5 weeks 5 weeks
Philippines 4 weeks 4 weeks

The service standard here mirrors the work permit category: 120 days for in-Canada submissions and 60 days for those filed abroad.

Visitor Visas: Mixed results depending on where you’re applying from

Visitor visa applicants from Canada, India, and Pakistan enjoyed shorter waits this round, while those applying from Nigeria and the United States saw a small uptick.

Applying from Current (July 2) Previous (June 24)
Canada 38 days 42 days
India 21 days 22 days
Pakistan 38 days 43 days
Nigeria 56 days 54 days
United States 32 days 31 days
Philippines 17 days 17 days

For context, IRCC’s service standard for visitor visas submitted from outside Canada is 14 days, though there’s no set standard for those applying from within the country.

Super Visas: A big win for Indian applicants, a setback for Americans

This is where the numbers shifted the most. Applicants from India saw their wait times drop by more than two weeks, landing at 50 days. On the flip side, applicants in the United States now face an almost three-week increase, pushing their processing time to 123 days, well above the standard.

Applying from Current (July 2) Previous (June 24)
India 50 days 66 days
Pakistan 102 days 95 days
Nigeria 32 days 34 days
United States 123 days 104 days
Philippines 52 days 42 days

The service standard for super visas is 112 days. Worth noting: super visa applications can’t be submitted from within Canada, so this table only reflects overseas applicants.

Why these numbers matter (and why they can change)

It helps to understand what these figures actually represent. IRCC publishes two types of processing estimates: historical estimates, which reflect how long it has typically taken to finalize 80% of past applications, and forward-looking estimates, based on current application volumes and how much capacity the department has right now.

These numbers are meant to guide your expectations, not guarantee an outcome. Your application could be processed faster or slower depending on factors like backlogs, missing documents, or other case-specific issues.

It’s also useful to know the difference between processing times and service standards. Service standards are IRCC’s internal targets, essentially the timeline they aim to hit for 80% of applications under normal conditions. Processing times, on the other hand, reflect what’s actually happening right now. Temporary residence processing times are refreshed weekly, so keeping an eye on updates like this one can help you plan ahead with more confidence.

Let’s Take the Guesswork Out of Your Application

Immigration timelines can shift from one week to the next, and knowing exactly where you stand, or how to strengthen your application before you submit, makes all the difference. Whether you’re applying for a work permit, a postgraduate work permit, a study permit, a visitor visa, a super visa, or you’re navigating Express Entry, provincial nomination, spousal sponsorship, citizenship, or school admissions, we are here to guide you through it with clarity and confidence. Book a consultation today at https://euiacademy.selar.com/60minutes and let’s map out the fastest, most reliable path to Canada for you.

July 1, 2026
July 1, 2026

Saskatchewan has already used over half its 2026 immigration quota: What does this mean for you?

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada, Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

Saskatchewan has been moving fast this year. As of June 30, the province had issued 2,628 provincial nominations, about 55% of its total 2026 allocation of 4,761 spaces, the same number it worked with in 2025.

If you’re hoping to land a Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) nomination this year, here’s where things stand and what’s coming up next.

Saskatchewan splits its nominations across three categories: priority sectors, capped sectors, and everything else.

Sector Number of allotted spots Nominations issued Percentage of provincial allocation used to date
Priority sectors 2,380 1,466 62%
Capped sectors 1,190 718 60%
Other sectors 1,191 444 37%

That leaves roughly 2,133 spaces still up for grabs before the year ends. Priority and capped sectors are moving quicker than “other sectors,” which still has plenty of breathing room.

Saskatchewan named seven priority sectors for 2026:

  • Healthcare
  • Agriculture
  • Skilled trades
  • Mining
  • Manufacturing
  • Energy, and
  • Technology

Out of that allocation, 750 spots are reserved specifically for graduates of Saskatchewan-based schools now working in priority occupations, so it’s a solid opportunity if you studied in the province and stayed on to work in one of these fields.

One thing worth knowing: the 50% target for priority sectors isn’t fixed. If demand stays strong, that share could grow, leaving less room for other categories. The province plans a mid-year review to decide if targets need adjusting.

Capped sectors work differently

Capped sectors, accommodations, food services, retail trade and other services, and trucking, only accept applications during set intake windows, and spots fill on a first-come, first-served basis. The next round opens July 6 and 7, and for the first time, accommodations and food services are being split into two separate categories instead of one.

Category Date of intake opening Number of available spots
Trucking July 6 25
Retail trade July 6 50
Accommodations July 6 50
Food services July 7 50

Saskatchewan is also holding a webinar on July 2 covering these intakes, worth attending if your employer falls into one of these categories. Two more capped-sector windows are already scheduled after that: September 14 and November 2.

One key detail: employers in capped sectors can only apply during these specific windows, and only for workers with six months or less left on their work permit. Priority and other sector employers don’t face that restriction and can apply any time.

If you’re working in Saskatchewan or hoping to, this is really about timing. Capped-sector spots disappear fast once a window opens, sometimes within minutes. Waiting until the last minute rarely works in your favour, so the sooner you know which category applies to you, the better your chances of being ready the moment a window opens.

Let’s Get You Ready Before the Next Intake Opens

Provincial nomination can move fast, and Saskatchewan’s current pace is proof of that. Whether you’re eyeing a spot through a priority sector, trying to catch the next capped-sector intake, or just trying to figure out where you fit into all of this, having the right guidance early on makes a real difference.

At Ese Umoh Immigration, we help clients navigate every stage of the Canadian immigration journey, including provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, and school admissions. If Saskatchewan’s SINP program looks like your path forward, don’t leave it to chance. Book a consultation with us today and let’s map out the best route for your situation before the next intake window closes.

July 1, 2026
July 1, 2026

IRCC finally explains the citizenship certificate reviews and the numbers are smaller than you think

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

If you’ve been worried about the recent news on Canada asking some citizenship by descent applicants to return their certificates, this is some relief: IRCC has finally explained what happened, and it’s a smaller issue than it seemed.

On June 30, 2026, IRCC confirmed that only about 1% of applicants processed under Bill C-3 have been affected. Out of roughly 6,500 applications reviewed under Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules, a routine check in early June flagged 100 certificates that lacked strong enough supporting documentation of which some relied on open-source records instead of certified proof.

Those 100 certificates were temporarily suspended while IRCC took a closer look. The update: 33 have already been reinstated automatically, since the documentation on file turned out to be sufficient. The remaining 67 are being resolved within days, either reinstated or followed up with a request for more information.

IRCC also admitted the mix-up partly came down to unclear internal guidance, not applicant error. That guidance has now been tightened, with clearer instructions on what documentation is actually required.

What this means going forward: if you’re applying for citizenship by descent, you’ll need certified documents proving your Canadian lineage not informal sources. If something isn’t available, you’ll need to explain the steps you took to try to find it. With the review now complete, final processing of citizenship certificates may resume soon, though IRCC hasn’t set an official restart date.

Documentation standards are tightening, and getting it right from the start matters more than ever.

Let’s Get Your Citizenship Application Right, the First Time

Applying for citizenship by descent (or any other immigration pathway) shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. At Ese Umoh Immigration, we help clients navigate citizenship applications, Express Entry, provincial nomination, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, and school admissions with accuracy and confidence. Book a 30-minute or 60-minute consultation today at and let’s set your application up for success.

June 29, 2026
June 29, 2026

Ontario’s immigration rules just changed completely: Does your profile still qualify?

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

Ontario has made the most sweeping change to its immigration program in its history. As of June 26, 2026, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) looks completely different and if you were planning to use it to get your permanent residence, you need to know what changed.

All eight of the old OINP streams are gone. Every single one. In their place, Ontario has launched one unified program called the Ontario Workforce Priority stream, built around three distinct pathways. Whether you’re a skilled professional, an essential worker, or a self-employed physician, there’s now one front door but different rooms once you get inside.

This what each pathway looks like.

1. The TEER 0–3 Pathway (Skilled Workers)

This one is for people working in skilled occupations; management roles, engineers, IT professionals, healthcare workers, and similar fields at TEER levels 0 through 3.

To qualify, you need a full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer, plus one of the following work experience options:

Requirement Details
Work Experience (Option A) 6 months consecutive in the last 12 months in the same role with your job offer employer
Work Experience (Option B) 3 months consecutive in the last 12 months, available to recent Ontario graduates
Work Experience (Option C) 2 years cumulative in the last 5 years in the same NOC occupation
Licensed Applicants Exempt from the work experience requirement
Language CLB 6 minimum (CLB 5 for certain occupations)
Education Post-secondary degree or diploma

One thing worth noting: if you recently graduated from an Ontario institution and your employer is the one offering you the job, you only need 3 months of experience instead of 6. That’s a real advantage for newer graduates already working in their field.

2. The TEER 4–5 Pathway (Essential Workers)

This pathway covers workers in entry-level and essential occupations which includes manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, caregiving, and similar roles. It replaces the old In-Demand Skills stream that many people were using before.

Requirement Details
Work Experience 9 months cumulative in the last 2 years in the same role with your job offer employer
Language CLB 4 minimum
Education Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent

One important change here: workers who previously had no language requirement under the old In-Demand Skills stream will now need to meet at least CLB 4 across all four language skills. If that’s you, now is the time to book or renew your language test.

3. The Self-Employed Physicians Pathway

This is the only track in the new program that does not require a job offer at all. To qualify, a physician must simultaneously meet all three of the following conditions:

  • Be a member in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
  • Hold a valid certificate of registration (independent, academic, or provisional class)
  • Be eligible to bill through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

Rural Ontario employers get an extra advantage

If you’re working for, or running a business in a rural Ontario community (defined as a census division with a population under 150,000), you may benefit from reduced gross annual revenue thresholds. This was introduced to help smaller regional employers compete with larger urban companies in Toronto and other cities.

All eight former OINP streams are now closed

This is the part that catches a lot of people off guard. These are the streams that no longer exist:

Former OINP Stream Status
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Closed
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Closed
Employer Job Offer: International Student Closed
Master’s Graduate Closed
PhD Graduate Closed
Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Closed
Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Closed
Express Entry Skilled Trades Closed

The Expression of Interest (EOI) system is also currently closed to new registrations. Ontario has said it plans to reopen the new EOI platform later this summer, but no exact date has been confirmed yet.

Already in the old system? This is what happens to your file

If you had an active EOI that didn’t result in an invitation to apply, it will be automatically withdrawn over the coming weeks. You’ll receive a direct notice from the OINP about your specific situation.

The good news for those who already submitted a full application under a former stream; those will continue to be processed under the rules that were in place when you submitted. The closure doesn’t affect applications already in the queue.

Employers registered on the OINP Employer Portal don’t need to create a new registration, but they will need to submit a new job offer and new employment position approval when the portal reopens.

Why does this matter for your PR journey?

Ontario received 14,119 nomination spots for 2026; a 31% increase compared to 2025. That’s a bigger pool of nominations. And if you receive an Ontario nomination, you also get a 600-point boost in Express Entry, which practically guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence at the federal level.

The opportunity is real. But the transition period right now requires careful navigation especially if you’re deciding whether to wait for the new EOI system, explore another province’s PNP, or pursue a federal pathway like Express Entry in the meantime.

Your Next Step Toward Canadian Permanent Residence Starts Here

Ontario’s immigration overhaul is significant, and figuring out where you fit in the new system or whether a different pathway might serve you better right now, isn’t something you have to work out alone. We help people at exactly this kind of crossroads: when the rules have changed, the options feel overwhelming, and the stakes are too high to guess. Whether you’re looking at provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, or school admissions, we’re here to map out the clearest path forward for your specific situation. Book a consultation with us today at and let’s figure out your next move together.

June 25, 2026
June 25, 2026

Canada issues 271 invitations to Physicians in latest Express Entry Draw

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada, Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Canada took another step toward welcoming more doctors into the country on June 24, 2026, when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sent out 271 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. This round was specifically targeted at physicians who already have Canadian work experience.

See below details of the draw:

  • Draw Date: June 24, 2026
  • No. of invitations issued: 271
  • CRS Score: 223
  • Tie-breaking Rule: May 31, 2026

This is only the second time Canada has run a draw exclusively for physicians under this category. The first took place on February 19, 2026, when 391 invitations went out at a much lower CRS cut-off of 169. The jump to 223 in this latest round shows that more competition is building in the pool as awareness grows.

With this draw, Canada has now held a total of 33 Express Entry rounds in 2026, issuing 85,067 invitations altogether. See below breakdown of how those draws have been distributed by type:

Draw Type Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program 12
Canadian Experience Class 10
French-Language Proficiency 6
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 2
Healthcare and Social Services 1
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 1
Trades 1

And here’s how the total ITAs issued so far in 2026 break down across those categories:

Draw Type ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class 41,250
French-Language Proficiency 30,500
Provincial Nominee Program 5,405
Healthcare and Social Services 4,000
Trades 3,000
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 662
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 250

The pattern is clear, Canada is strongly favouring people who are already on the ground. Whether through provincial nominations or Canadian work experience, those already living and working in the country are getting the most invitations. Below is the full record of every Express Entry draw held in 2026 so far:

Date Draw Type CRS Cut-Off Score ITAs Issued
June 24 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 223 271
June 23 Canadian Experience Class 516 4,000
June 22 Provincial Nominee Program 730 955
May 28 French-Language Proficiency 409 4,500
May 27 Canadian Experience Class 518 3,000
May 25 Provincial Nominee Program 805 334
May 11 Provincial Nominee Program 798 380
April 29 French-Language Proficiency 400 4,000
April 28 Canadian Experience Class 514 2,000
April 27 Provincial Nominee Program 795 473
April 15 French-Language Proficiency 419 4,000
April 14 Canadian Experience Class 515 2,000
April 13 Provincial Nominee Program 786 324
April 2 Trades 477 3,000
March 31 Canadian Experience Class 509 2,250
March 30 Provincial Nominee Program 802 356
March 18 French-Language Proficiency 393 4,000
March 17 Canadian Experience Class 507 4,000
March 16 Provincial Nominee Program 742 362
March 5 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 429 250
March 4 French-Language Proficiency 397 5,500
March 3 Canadian Experience Class 508 4,000
March 2 Provincial Nominee Program 710 264
February 20 Healthcare and Social Services 467 4,000
February 19 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 169 391
February 17 Canadian Experience Class 508 6,000
February 16 Provincial Nominee Program 789 279
February 6 French-Language Proficiency 400 8,500
February 3 Provincial Nominee Program 749 423
January 21 Canadian Experience Class 509 6,000
January 20 Provincial Nominee Program 746 681
January 7 Canadian Experience Class 511 8,000
January 5 Provincial Nominee Program 711 574

Your Path to Canada Permanent Residence Starts Here

Whether you’re a physician, a skilled worker, a French speaker, or a provincial nominee candidate, Canada’s Express Entry system is actively moving and the window won’t stay open forever. We help clients navigate every step of the process, from Express Entry and provincial nomination to work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, and school admissions.

Book a consultation with us today and let’s figure out exactly where you stand and what your next move should be.

 

June 25, 2026
June 25, 2026

Canada’s citizenship by descent pause is affecting thousands: Are you one of them?

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

Canada’s citizenship by descent pathway has been one of the most talked-about immigration developments in recent months. But this week, things took an unexpected turn and if you have been following this route to Canadian citizenship, you will want to pay close attention to what has just been announced.

On June 24, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Diab publicly confirmed that Canada has placed a hold on all new citizenship by descent approvals. At the same time, the government is actively going back through the files of people who have already had their citizenship granted under the updated law.

Yes, even those who already received their certificates.

The minister did try to offer some reassurance: people whose files are reviewed and found to be in order are being notified that their status is fine. Those who already hold Canadian citizenship under the new rules are also still allowed to work while their files are being looked at. But the uncertainty this has created for thousands of applicants is very real.

What’s still unclear is what exactly triggered this review in the first place. When pressed by journalists at the press conference, whether it was an AI or analytics error, or a mistake made by an individual officer; Minister Diab did not give a direct answer. She said only that she gave instructions to investigate as soon as she became aware that something had gone wrong.

What happened leading up to this?

A bit of background helps here. On December 15, 2025, major changes to Canada’s Citizenship Act came into force. The new rules allowed people born before that date to claim Canadian citizenship without needing to meet any residency requirement as long as they could prove they descended from a Canadian citizen. It opened the door for many people who had never lived in Canada, including a significant number of Americans, to pursue Canadian citizenship.

By February and March 2026, immigration lawyers and consultants were reporting a massive surge in demand. The queue has grown to 82,000 applications as of June 24, and processing times for new applications have stretched to 15 months.

Then on June 13, things took a strange turn. Canada’s citizenship department began sending what are being called “surrender letters” to people who had already been approved and issued certificates; asking them to hand back their documents because their claim was now “under review.”

Where things stand right now

As of this week, some certificates are already being returned. People receiving revalidation letters from the government are being told that a review of their original documents is complete and there is enough evidence to support their claim. Interestingly, many of those receiving these clearance letters say they did not submit any new documents after getting the surrender letter, meaning the government reviewed what was already on file.

The citizenship department has also updated its documentation requirements. Going forward, any documents used to prove a line of descent must now come directly from the original source authority, a higher standard than what was previously accepted.

Your Citizenship Questions Deserve Real Answers

This situation is still developing, and it highlights just how complicated Canadian citizenship and immigration processes can get, even when you think everything has been approved. Whether you are in the middle of a citizenship by descent application, wondering if your approved certificate is at risk, or simply trying to understand what your options are, you do not have to figure this out alone. Our team is here to help you navigate the process clearly and confidently. We assist with citizenship applications, Express Entry, provincial nomination, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, school admissions, and more. Book a consultation today at and let’s work through your situation together.

 

 

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