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June 23, 2026
June 23, 2026

Canada issues 955 invitations in first Express Entry Draw of June 2026

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

After a quiet stretch with no draws since late May, Canada’s Express Entry system came back to life on June 22, 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first Express Entry draw of the month and it was specifically targeted at Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.

See below details of latest Express Entry draw:

  • Program: Provincial Nominee Program
  • Date of Draw: June 22, 2026
  • Number of invitations: 955
  • CRS Score: 730
  • Tie-breaking Rule : March 9, 2026

This marks the 31st Express Entry draw of 2026 overall.

One thing worth noting is the pattern IRCC has been following this year. The draws have largely focused on people already connected to Canada in some way whether through a provincial nomination or Canadian work experience. If you’ve been watching the draws closely, that trend has been pretty consistent throughout 2026.

See below a full breakdown of every Express Entry draw held so far this year:

Date Draw Type CRS Cut-off Score ITAs Issued
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

Looking at the numbers by draw type, this is how 2026 has shaped up so far:

Draw Type Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program 12
Canadian Experience Class 9
French-Language Proficiency 6
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 1
Healthcare and Social Services 1
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 1
Trades 1

And in terms of total ITAs issued per category, this is where things stand:

Draw Type ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class 37,250
French-Language Proficiency 30,500
Provincial Nominee Program 5,405
Healthcare and Social Services 4,000
Trades 3,000
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 391
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 250

Across all 31 draws, IRCC has issued a total of 80,796 invitations in 2026. The Canadian Experience Class leads the way, followed closely by the French-language category. Provincial nominees have had the highest number of dedicated draws, 12 in total, which tells you something about where Canada’s immigration priorities are sitting right now.

What does all of this mean for you? If you hold a provincial nomination, your chances through Express Entry remain strong. The CRS score for PNP draws can vary quite a bit as this latest one sat at 730, while some earlier ones went as high as 805. Getting your profile in the best shape possible matters.

Your Canadian Dream Doesn’t Have to Wait

Whether you’re aiming for Express Entry, a provincial nomination, or exploring other routes like work permits, spousal sponsorship, or a super visa for a family member, the right guidance can make all the difference. Our team works with clients across a range of immigration needs – from school admissions and postgraduate work permits to citizenship applications and visiting visas. Book a consultation today and let’s figure out the best route for your situation.

June 23, 2026
June 23, 2026

PEI issues 182 invitations in June 2026: Its largest draw of the year

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

Prince Edward Island is making a bold statement about its immigration goals. On June 18, 2026, PEI quietly broke its own record for the year, sending out 182 invitations in a single draw to candidates hoping to secure a provincial nomination.

The invitations went out through two pathways:

  • The Labour Impact category and
  • The PEI Express Entry stream

Both focus on people already living and working in the province, particularly in occupations and sectors that PEI’s economy needs most. International graduates from three specific post-secondary institutions were also given priority consideration:

  1. The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
  2. Holland College
  3. Collège de l’Île

See below how this draw compares to all the ones that have taken place in 2026 so far:

Draw Date Invitations Issued Categories Targeted
January 15, 2026 26 Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry
February 19, 2026 109 Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry
March 20, 2026 101 Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry
April 16, 2026 127 Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry
May 21, 2026 113 Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry
June 18, 2026 182 Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry

The upward trend is hard to miss. From just 26 invitations in January to 182 in June, the province has clearly been ramping things up. As of the June 18 draw, PEI has now issued a total of 658 invitations to apply since the start of this year.

What does the Labour Impact category actually cover?

The Labour Impact category has three streams under it:

  1. The Skilled Worker Stream
  2. The Critical Worker Stream
  3. the International Graduate Stream

Each targets a slightly different type of candidate, but they all tie back to the same goal which is filling gaps in PEI’s labour market with people who are already contributing to the local economy.

When is the next draw happening?

PEI has already published its anticipated draw schedule for the rest of the year. Six more draws are planned, roughly one each month:

  • July 16
  • August 20
  • September 17
  • October 15
  • November 19
  • December 17

It’s worth noting that these dates are tentative as the province can hold draws earlier, later, or even schedule additional ones outside of this timetable. That said, PEI has been fairly consistent with sticking to its schedule. In 2025, eight out of eleven draws fell on the announced dates, and this year, five of the six draws so far have followed the plan.

How can you get considered for an invitation?

To be in the running, you first need to create a profile on PEI’s official immigration website and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). From there, the province’s Office of Immigration reviews each profile and ranks candidates based on a points system that looks at several things:

  • Your English or French language skills
  • Your educational background and field of study
  • Your work experience: especially if it ties into industries or roles PEI is prioritizing
  • How well your profile aligns with the province’s current labour market goals
  • Whether you hold a valid job offer in PEI or have prior work experience in Canada

Candidates with stronger profiles and clearer ties to PEI’s economic needs tend to have a better shot at receiving an invitation. And if you do get selected, you’ll have 30 calendar days to submit your full application which is down from the previous 60-day window, so having your documents ready in advance is important.

Once nominated by PEI, you can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.

Your Path to Canada Could Be Closer Than You Think: Let’s Figure It Out Together

Whether you’re eyeing Prince Edward Island’s Provincial Nominee Program or exploring other routes like Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, or school admissions – the right guidance can make all the difference. Our team is here to help you understand your options, assess your eligibility, and take the next step with confidence. Book your consultation today

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June 22, 2026
June 22, 2026

Manitoba issues 124 invitations in latest Provincial Nomination Draw

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

Manitoba has been quietly but consistently making moves in 2026, and the latest one is worth your attention.

On June 18, 2026, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) wrapped up its 12th immigration draw of the year, sending out 124 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to skilled workers both inside the province and overseas. Every single draw Manitoba has held this year has gone through the Skilled Worker Stream and this latest one is no exception.

So who exactly got invited? Candidates who had been directly contacted by Manitoba through a strategic recruitment initiative, or those who held Manitoba-supported work permits. In other words, this wasn’t a general open draw. Manitoba was deliberately picking people it had already been in contact with.

See below the breakdown of invitations by recruitment category:

Strategic Recruitment Initiative LAAs Issued
Employer Services 49
Temporary Public Policy (TPP) 32
Regional Communities 19
Francophone Community 15
Ethnocultural Communities 9

Employer Services took the largest share by nearly 40% of all invitations, showing that having an actual employer connection in Manitoba continues to be a serious advantage. Out of the 124 LAAs issued, 22 went to candidates who also had a valid Express Entry profile, meaning those individuals could potentially benefit from both the provincial and federal immigration systems working in their favour.

One thing to note: the Temporary Public Policy (TPP) that used to help certain candidates secure Manitoba-supported work permits has now expired. However, Manitoba announced back in May that it would still run targeted draws for people who received Support Letters under the TPP while it was active, specifically those whose letters were approved between April 22 and June 30, 2025. This June draw was part of that commitment.

It’s also worth knowing that some candidates who met the criteria may still not have received an invitation. The MPNP flagged two common reasons this happens: either a language test ID was missing, expired, or invalid in the Expression of Interest profile, or the invitation number from a recruitment initiative wasn’t entered correctly. These are fixable issues but only if you catch them before the next draw.

As of June 18, Manitoba has now extended a total of 1,833 invitations to apply this year. For context, the federal government granted the province a 2026 nomination allocation of 6,239, and 2,165 nominations have already been approved as of May.

There are also two recent changes worth flagging. The Career Employment Pathway (CEP) under the International Education Stream was permanently closed on June 11, 2026. Anyone who was pursuing that route and has at least six months of Manitoba work experience is being encouraged to transition to the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway instead. Additionally, since April 14, Manitoba introduced temporary measures allowing rural employers (outside the Winnipeg area) to hire a higher percentage of low-wage temporary foreign workers by up to 15% instead of the usual 10%. These measures run until March 31, 2027.

Manitoba isn’t slowing down, and the door hasn’t closed. But the program is clearly becoming more targeted, which means your preparation and profile accuracy matter more than ever.

Your Canadian Dream Doesn’t Have to Wait – Let’s Build Your Path Together

Whether you’re eyeing a provincial nomination through Manitoba or another province, exploring Express Entry, applying for a work permit, postgraduate work permit, spousal sponsorship, visitor or super visa, citizenship, or even school admissions – we’re here to walk you through every step. Book a consultation today and let’s figure out exactly where you stand and what your best options are.

June 22, 2026
June 22, 2026

British Columbia invites high earners and high scorers in its latest PNP draw

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

British Columbia is still making moves. On June 18, 2026, the province’s Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) wrapped up its 13th selection round of the year, and this one was specifically targeted at what the province calls “high economic impact” candidates. A total of 279 people received invitations to apply for provincial nomination through the Skills Immigration (SI) category, making it the seventh SI draw British Columbia has conducted so far in 2026.

So who exactly got invited, and what does this draw mean for you?

Two types of candidates qualified for invitations in this round. The first group had a job offer in a TEER 0 to 3 occupation with an offered wage of at least $62 per hour (roughly $125,000 per year). The second group was selected based on their registration score, with a minimum score of 136 required to receive an invitation.

See below breakdown of draw details:

Selection Criteria Invitations Issued Minimum Score
Wage/salary + job offer TEER 0–3 job offer with an offered wage of at least $62/hour (≈ $125,000/year) N/A
Registration score Minimum point total 136

The majority of invitations which was about 53.4%, went to candidates selected by registration score rather than wage. Both categories fall under British Columbia’s “Innovate” initiative, which is the province’s way of targeting top talent across all sectors to fuel long-term economic growth. Interestingly, BC did not disclose the specific occupations or sectors of those invited in this particular draw.

One thing worth noting: this was actually the smallest SI draw the province has run all year. For context, the largest draw of 2026 took place back on April 22, when 484 candidates were invited under the same selection criteria. As of June 18, British Columbia had issued a total of 2,764 SI invitations in 2026.

It’s also good to know that high economic impact invitations aren’t always tied only to wage or registration score. Future draws could factor in things like your education level and field of study, professional designations in the province, work experience, language ability, your specific occupation, where in BC you plan to live, or broader strategic priorities tied to the province’s labour market needs.

Now let’s talk about the registration pool, because this is where it gets really useful if you’re planning ahead. As of June 2, 2026 (the most recently available data), there were 9,902 active registrations in the BCPNP Skills Immigration pool. Here’s how scores were distributed:

Score Range Number of Registrations
0 – 59 221
60 – 69 427
70 – 79 858
80 – 89 1,388
90 – 99 1,829
100 – 109 2,039
110 – 119 1,532
120 – 129 1,128
130 – 139 430
140 – 149 44
150+ 6

The biggest cluster of candidates sits in the 100–109 score range, accounting for about 20.6% of the entire pool. If your score is currently in that range, you can see just how competitive things are and why working to push your score higher could make a real difference in when you get noticed.

Beyond Skills Immigration, British Columbia has also been active on the entrepreneurship side, running six Entrepreneur Immigration selection rounds this year and inviting at least 54 entrepreneurs so far.

 

Your Path to British Columbia Starts With the Right Guidance

Whether your score is sitting comfortably above 136 or you’re still working toward that threshold, understanding exactly where you stand and what can be done to improve your chances, is the kind of clarity that changes everything. We help clients navigate provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, school admissions, and more.

Book a consultation today with your preferred link below and let’s talk about what British Columbia or any other province could look like for you.

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June 19, 2026
June 19, 2026

Alberta just made it easier to find out if you qualify for Provincial Nomination

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada, Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

One of the most common questions people have when considering immigration to Alberta is simple: do I even qualify? Finding the answer used to mean hours of research, comparing stream requirements, and second-guessing yourself at every turn. Alberta has now stepped in to change that.

On June 17, 2026, the Government of Alberta rolled out a brand new tool called the Eligibility Explorer, designed specifically to help foreign nationals figure out which streams under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) they may be eligible for and it takes just a few minutes to use.

This is how it works: you answer a short questionnaire about your situation, and the tool generates a list of permanent residence pathways that could be a match for you. Once your potential streams are identified, you can review the requirements for each one and, if ready, proceed to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

The questions you’ll be asked depend entirely on what your immigration goal is. The tool starts by asking whether you’re planning to live and work in Alberta (or are already doing so), or whether your goal is to start or purchase a business in the province. From there, the questions branch out accordingly.

For those coming as workers, you can expect questions about whether you have a job offer, your current residency status in Alberta, the type of work permit you hold (if applicable), and your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. For entrepreneurs, the tool will ask about your educational background, how much you’re able to invest, and whether you’re open to setting up your business in a rural Alberta community.

It’s worth noting upfront: Alberta is clear that this tool is for guidance purposes only. Getting a list of potential streams does not confirm your eligibility, and it certainly doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive an invitation after submitting your EOI.

What streams could you be considered under?

The AAIP currently has streams for both workers and entrepreneurs. see breakdown below:

Worker Streams:

Stream Who It’s For
Alberta Opportunity Stream Foreign nationals already living and working in Alberta with a job offer from an Alberta employer
Alberta Express Entry Stream Express Entry pool candidates with a CRS score of at least 300 and a job in a provincial priority occupation (includes four pathways: Dedicated Health Care, Accelerated Tech, Law Enforcement, and Priority Sectors)
Rural Renewal Stream Temporary workers with a job offer from an employer in a designated Alberta community, plus an endorsement letter from that community
Tourism and Hospitality Stream Candidates living and working in Alberta with a full-time job offer in the province’s tourism and hospitality sector

Entrepreneur Streams:

Stream Who It’s For
Rural Entrepreneur Stream Entrepreneurs looking to start or buy a business in a rural Alberta community
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream International graduates of approved Alberta post-secondary institutions wanting to start or acquire a business
Farm Stream Experienced farmers planning to purchase or establish a farm in Alberta
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Graduates of post-secondary institutions outside Canada who want to launch a start-up or innovative business in Alberta

As for fees: submitting a worker EOI currently costs $135, while an entrepreneur EOI runs $200. The Farm Stream operates differently as it goes straight to application with a $3,500 fee.

 

Ready to Make Alberta Your New Home? Let’s Discuss.

Whether you’re eyeing a provincial nomination pathway, navigating Express Entry, applying for a work permit or postgraduate work permit, pursuing spousal sponsorship, planning a visit through a visitor or super visa, working toward citizenship, or exploring school admissions – getting the right guidance from the start makes all the difference. Book a consultation today and let’s map out the best route for your situation:

30-Minute Quick and Focused Session

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June 18, 2026
June 18, 2026

Canada just made it easier for PNP applicants to get a Work Permit even without an AOR

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

There’s a quiet but important change in Canadian immigration that a lot of PNP nominees haven’t heard about yet, and it could make a real difference if your work permit situation has been in limbo.

As of June 9, 2026, IRCC introduced a temporary measure that allows certain Provincial Nominee Program applicants inside Canada to apply for a work permit without needing their Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). That might not sound like a big deal at first, but for thousands of people stuck waiting, it’s a genuine lifeline.

This is the backstory. When you submit a permanent residence application, IRCC runs what’s called an R10 completeness check which is basically confirming your paperwork and fees are all in order before formally entering your file into the system. Only after that check is done do they send you your AOR. The problem? That check has been taking an unusually long time. Some PNP nominees who submitted base PNP PR applications in late November 2024 reported waiting nearly 11 months before receiving their AOR. That’s not a minor delay, that’s almost a year where they couldn’t apply for a bridging open work permit or employer-specific work permit, even though their PR application was already sitting in the system.

In the meantime, existing work permits expired. People lost the ability to trigger maintained status. Some lost their temporary resident status entirely. Provinces had to reissue nominations. It was a rolling problem caused by a bottleneck at the very start of the process.

These new measures are IRCC’s direct response to that.

Which work permits does this cover?

The temporary measures apply to three specific work permit categories for in-Canada applicants only:

Work Permit Category Code Who Qualifies
PNP Bridging Open Work Permit A75 PNP applicants with a pending PR application who need work authorization while awaiting a PR decision
PNP Employer-Specific Work Permit T13 PNP nominees applying under the PNP category, including cases where the nomination has expired but the PR application remains pending and the officer can verify the file
Eligible Spousal Open Work Permit N/A Spouses and common-law partners of PNP principal applicants who meet the above criteria

This is not a blanket rule change. It does not apply to all PNP applicants or all work permit types, and it does not cover anyone applying from outside Canada.

What can you submit instead of an AOR?

If you haven’t received your AOR yet, you can include two alternative documents with your work permit application:

Alternative Document Purpose
Email confirmation from IRCC confirming your PR application was submitted through the online portal Proves the application was submitted electronically
Proof of fee payment for the PR application Confirms the required processing fees were paid at the time of submission

IRCC officers can also verify your file directly through internal systems, so you won’t be left entirely dependent on what you can provide on paper.

One important note: if you’ve already received your AOR, you must submit it. The alternative documents are only for people still waiting on theirs.

Why does this matter for maintained status?

There’s a protection under Canadian immigration law that allows you to keep working under the conditions of an expired work permit, as long as you filed a new work permit application before the old one expired. This is called maintained status. The problem was that without an AOR, many PNP nominees couldn’t file a valid work permit application in the first place which meant they couldn’t trigger that protection at all. These new measures fix that gap. Once you can file the application (using alternative proof), maintained status kicks in if your current permit hasn’t expired yet.

What about spouses?

Spouses and common-law partners of qualifying PNP applicants are also covered. What matters for spousal open work permit eligibility is simply that the principal applicant’s PR application is in IRCC’s system, the AOR doesn’t need to have been issued yet. That’s meaningful, especially given how restrictive spousal open work permit rules became after IRCC’s changes in January 2025.

Is Quebec included?

Quebec workers are covered under a separate but parallel policy, published on June 5, 2026. It targets temporary foreign workers who’ve been invited to apply for permanent residence in Quebec and have submitted a DSP (Demande de sélection permanente) under the PSTQ program. Their spouses and common-law partners are also eligible for open work permits under this policy.

Quebec Policy Detail Information
Authority Section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Signed by The Hon. Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Replaces Previous temporary public policy signed on March 12, 2026
Expiry December 31, 2026 (may be revoked earlier without notice)

How long do the measures last?

Milestone Date
Operational Bulletin 699 published June 9, 2026
Temporary measures take effect June 9, 2026
Scheduled expiry of temporary measures December 31, 2026

These measures are temporary, they run until December 31, 2026, and could be withdrawn before then if conditions change. Do not treat this as permanent policy.

What should you do right now?

First, check whether you actually fall under one of the three covered work permit categories. If you do, locate your IRCC submission confirmation email and your proof of fee payment as those are your two alternative documents. Then, if your current work permit is still valid, file your new application before it expires so you can benefit from maintained status. Once your AOR arrives, you’ll need to submit it.

The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan set PNP admission targets at 91,500 for 2026 which is a 66% increase over 2025. Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia have been running active nomination cycles all year. The demand on the system is real, and so is the pressure. These temporary measures are a patch, not a permanent fix, but they matter a lot to the people caught in that waiting period.

 

Your Work Permit Situation Deserves a Clear Answer – Let’s Talk

Navigating work permits, PNP applications, and IRCC’s ever-changing rules is genuinely complicated especially when the policies themselves are in flux. Whether you’re dealing with a bridging open work permit, a spousal open work permit, an employer-specific permit, or you’re somewhere earlier in the process weighing provincial nomination or Express Entry, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team helps clients across the full range of Canadian immigration pathways, including provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, and school admissions. Book a consultation and get clarity on where you stand and what your next step should be.

June 17, 2026
June 17, 2026

Could your job title give you extra points in Express Entry?

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada, Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Canada keeps updating its immigration rules, and the latest buzz is about a change that could work in your favour especially if you work in a high-paying field. IRCC just finished asking the public what they think about a possible update to Express Entry, and one idea has people talking: giving extra CRS points based on what your occupation typically pays.

In plain terms, 37 jobs could soon come with a built-in CRS boost which will be separate from your language score, education, or how long you’ve worked. If your job is on that list, your chances of getting an invitation for Canadian permanent residence could go up significantly.

Now, nothing is set in stone yet. This is still a proposal being worked through, not a rule you need to follow today. But knowing what’s coming before it arrives? That’s always a good place to be.

So, how would this work?

IRCC is considering a new CRS factor that rewards candidates who have Canadian work experience or a valid job offer – in what they’re calling “high-wage occupations.” The key benchmark is Canada’s national median hourly wage, which Statistics Canada pegs at $30.77.

Under the proposal, occupations would fall into one of three tiers based on how far their median wage sits above that national figure:

  • Tier 1 (2.0x): Occupations with a median wage of at least $61.54/hour – the highest bonus
  • Tier 2 (1.5x): Occupations reaching at least $46.16/hour – a mid-level advantage
  • Tier 3 (1.3x): Occupations at or above $40.00/hour – a smaller but still meaningful boost

One important detail: this isn’t about what you personally earn. It’s about what the typical worker in your occupation makes nationally. That means two people in the same role, whether they’re in Toronto or a smaller city, would receive the same CRS treatment regardless of their individual pay.

IRCC says it designed the system this way deliberately to prevent salary inflation or manipulation on applications.

The 6 Top-Tier Occupations (2.0x the National Median)

Six occupations sit at the highest tier, and four of them are in medicine. Surgical specialists top the list at $201.52/hour – more than six times the national median which tells you a lot about how heavily IRCC is prioritizing healthcare talent.

Occupation NOC Category Median Hourly Wage Most Recent Category CRS Cut-off
Specialists in surgery 31101 Healthcare $201.52 467 / 169
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine 31100 Healthcare $149.66 467 / 169
General practitioners and family physicians 31102 Healthcare $111.64 467 / 169
Senior managers, financial, communications and other business services 00012 Senior Management $96.15 429
Architecture and science managers 20011 STEM $62.56 N/A
Nurse practitioners 31302 Healthcare $61.54 467

It’s worth noting that physicians already benefit from some of the lowest CRS cut-offs in Express Entry history. Back in February 2026, a draw for physicians with Canadian work experience accepted candidates with scores as low as 169 which is the lowest cut-off the program has ever recorded. Adding a wage-based bonus on top of that would make these roles even more competitive.

The 15 Mid-Tier Occupations (1.5x the National Median)

This group is the most diverse of the three tiers, covering healthcare, engineering, skilled trades, aviation, military, and research roles.

Occupation NOC Category Median Hourly Wage Most Recent Category CRS Cut-off
Veterinarians 31103 Healthcare $60.00 467
University professors and lecturers 41200 Researchers $58.89 N/A
Pharmacists 31120 Healthcare $55.49 467
Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces 40042 Military $55.03 N/A
Dentists 31110 Healthcare $52.88 467
Psychologists 31200 Healthcare $52.88 467
Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors 72600 Transport $52.00 N/A
Electrical and electronics engineers 21310 STEM $50.67 N/A
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services 82021 Trades $50.00 477
Geological engineers 21331 STEM $49.81 N/A
Cybersecurity specialists 21220 STEM $49.52 N/A
Construction managers 70010 Trades $48.72 477
Civil engineers 21300 STEM $48.56 N/A
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals 31303 Healthcare $46.81 467
Nursing coordinators and supervisors 31300 Healthcare $46.43 467

For candidates already qualifying under category-based draws in healthcare or trades, where CRS cut-offs typically range from 467 to 477 – a wage-based bonus stacked on top could make a real difference in general draws too.

The 16 Entry-Tier Occupations (1.3x the National Median)

The third tier covers 16 occupations, again led by healthcare, but also including teachers, engineers, and transport technicians.

Occupation NOC Category Median Hourly Wage Most Recent Category CRS Cut-off
Physiotherapists 31202 Healthcare $46.15 467
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists 31112 Healthcare $46.15 467
Senior managers, construction, transportation, production and utilities 00015 Senior Management $46.04 429
Occupational therapists 31203 Healthcare $46.00 467
Mechanical engineers 21301 STEM $45.67 N/A
Secondary school teachers 41220 Education $45.67 462
Dental hygienists and dental therapists 32111 Healthcare $45.00 467
Industrial and manufacturing engineers 21321 STEM $44.23 N/A
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers 41221 Education $43.27 462
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses 31301 Healthcare $43.27 467
Industrial electricians 72201 Trades $42.00 477
Medical sonographers 32122 Healthcare $42.00 467
Senior managers, trade, broadcasting and other services 00014 Senior Management $42.38 429
Dietitians and nutritionists 31121 Healthcare $41.63 467
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists 32103 Healthcare $41.00 467
Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors 22313 Transport $40.47 N/A

Registered nurses stand out in this tier – not just because of the numbers, but because they represent one of the largest single occupation groups in the entire Express Entry pool. Any shift in how their CRS score is calculated would have a widespread impact on healthcare draws.

What about everyone else?

There are 89 total occupations eligible for category-based selection draws in Canada. That means 52 of them including nurse aides, home support workers, certain construction trades, and various social service roles – wouldn’t qualify for the wage bonus under this proposal.

These occupations would still benefit from category-based draws at lower CRS cut-offs. But IRCC’s proposal effectively creates a two-speed system within those draws, where some candidates would carry a hidden CRS advantage that others in the exact same draw would not.

A specialist physician and a nurse aide could both receive an invitation through a healthcare draw at CRS 467 but in general Canadian Experience Class (CEC) rounds, the physician would have additional points working in their favour. That’s a gap worth paying attention to.

The Bigger Picture: What IRCC is really after

This wage factor isn’t being introduced in isolation. It’s part of a broader overhaul of how the CRS calculates a candidate’s overall competitiveness. Through its 2026 consultation, IRCC identified strong English proficiency or English-French bilingualism – as the single strongest predictor of long-term economic success for newcomers.

High earnings as a temporary resident came second.

Meanwhile, factors like university-level education, younger age, spousal points, and having a sibling in Canada were classified as weaker predictors of economic outcomes.

That signals a shift. If these reforms are implemented as proposed, the CRS could start putting significantly more weight on language ability and occupation-based scoring, and less on some of the factors many candidates have historically relied on. For someone in one of these 37 high-wage occupations who also holds a strong language score, the combined advantage could be substantial.

The proposal also brings back job offer points

One more piece of this puzzle: IRCC is also floating the idea of restoring job offer points to the CRS, something that was removed back in March 2025. Under the current proposal, those points would only apply to job offers in high-wage occupations. The reasoning is that verifying qualifications in these roles is more straightforward, reducing the risk of fraudulent offers inflating CRS scores.

What you should do right now

To put it simply: don’t make any major immigration decisions based on these proposals just yet. The public consultation period closed in May 2026, but IRCC hasn’t announced how many CRS points each tier would actually be worth. The regulatory process, including publication in the Canada Gazette  could still take many months, and the final rules may look different from what was outlined in the consultation.

What you can do is keep your application as strong as possible under the current system. That means improving language scores, getting your educational credentials properly assessed, and documenting your work experience thoroughly. And if you’re in one of these 37 occupations, it’s worth watching closely because the direction of travel is clear: Canada wants workers in these roles, and is building a system to actively reward them.

 

Your Occupation Could Be Your Biggest Immigration Asset – Let’s Make Sure You’re Using It

Whether you’re a nurse, an engineer, a teacher, a physician, or a skilled tradesperson, understanding how your job fits into Canada’s immigration system can change everything about your strategy. Our team helps clients navigate Express Entry, provincial nomination programs, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, school admissions, and more. Book a 30-minute or 60-minute consultation today and let’s discuss the clearest path to your Canadian permanent residence.

June 16, 2026
June 16, 2026

Why some new Canadian citizens are being asked to return their certificates

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

Something unexpected has been happening to a group of people who thought their Canadian citizenship journey was already over. They had their applications approved, received their citizenship certificates, and in some cases even got a Social Insurance Number and a Canadian passport. Then, on June 13, 2026, emails started landing in inboxes and the news wasn’t good.

Canada’s citizenship department reached out to a number of people, mostly based in the United States, who had recently obtained citizenship certificates under the country’s expanded citizenship-by-descent laws. The message? Their approved citizenship claims were now “under review,” and they were being asked to return their certificates while the government took a second look.

Understandably, this has caused a lot of anxiety. So let’s break down exactly what is going on, why it’s happening, and what people in this situation can do about it.

What does the letter actually say?

The letters reference subsection 26(1) of the Citizenship Regulations, which gives the Registrar of Canadian Citizenship the authority to request that a person hand back their citizenship certificate when there is reason to believe they may not be entitled to it. This is important to note – it is not a revocation of citizenship. It is a review. The government is essentially hitting pause to re-examine the file, and if everything checks out, the certificate gets returned.

Recipients are also given the opportunity to submit additional documents to support their case. So while it’s an uncomfortable situation, it’s not necessarily the end of the road.

Why were these applications flagged?

The government cited two main reasons in these letters.

The first is that the supporting documents submitted did not come from what they call a “source authority” – meaning the original office that created and holds the record, such as a vital statistics office, a civil registry, or a recognized provincial archive. A printout from a genealogy website like Ancestry or FamilySearch, even if it shows the exact same information, does not meet this standard.

The second reason is that where an original document was unavailable, applicants did not include a written explanation or any evidence that they had actually tried to obtain it.

Put simply, many of the people who received these letters are likely Canadian by descent but they just haven’t proven it in the specific way the government requires.

What should you do if you’ve already received one of these letters?

First, don’t panic. The letter will usually spell out exactly what raised concern in your file, and that gives you something concrete to work with.

If your issue is about document sources, focus on getting certified copies directly from the issuing authority and not scans or downloads from genealogy platforms. For each person in your family line, you ideally want at least one official record proving the link to the next generation. Birth certificates are the strongest option; marriage certificates help bridge gaps where surnames change.

If the problem is a missing document, the solution isn’t to ignore the gap, it’s to document it properly. When a records office has no record to provide, they can issue what’s called a “letter of no record,” which is a formal statement confirming the document doesn’t exist in their files. IRCC has a similar process and can issue its own version of this letter. Pairing that with alternative evidence and a written explanation is far more likely to satisfy a reviewing officer than leaving the gap unexplained.

If your physical certificate was already printed, the letter will ask you to return it during the review period. If it was issued electronically, you may not need to send anything back. Either way, keep copies of absolutely everything as the review process tends to take several months.

How to protect yourself from the start

If you haven’t yet submitted a citizenship-by-descent application, this situation is a good reminder of what to get right from the beginning.

Always request documents directly from the original source. A vital statistics office, civil registry, or recognized provincial archive is the right place to go not a genealogy subscription service. Ask for certified copies that are stamped or sealed by the issuing authority.

Make sure your chain of documentation is complete. Every generation in your line of descent needs to be connected by an authoritative record. If there’s a gap – say, a birth from the 1850s where no record exists, don’t leave it undocumented. Write a formal explanation, try to get a letter of no record from the relevant authority, and include any alternative evidence you have.

An unexplained gap is the problem. A properly documented one, with proof that you tried, is far less likely to cause issues.

Your Citizenship Questions Deserve Real Answers – Let’s Talk

Whether you’ve received a surrender letter, are in the middle of a citizenship-by-descent application, or are just starting to explore your options, this is exactly the kind of situation where having the right guidance makes all the difference. Navigating citizenship applications, Express Entry, provincial nomination, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, and school admissions – all of it comes with fine print that’s easy to miss on your own. Book a consultation with us today and let’s make sure your file is as strong as it can be from the very first step.

 

June 15, 2026
June 15, 2026

Newfoundland and Labrador opens more doors: 108 candidates just got their chance

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

Newfoundland and Labrador kept its immigration doors open this June, sending out a fresh batch of invitations to people hoping to call the province home. On June 10, 2026, the province conducted its seventh immigration draw of the year and its first one in June, extending a combined total of 108 invitations across two programs: the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

See below how the invitations were split between the two programs:

Program Invitations Issued
NLPNP 89
AIP 19

The NLPNP took up the larger share, accounting for roughly 82% of all invitations in this round. This follows a pattern seen throughout 2026, where the NLPNP has consistently outpaced the AIP in terms of invitation volumes.

What makes this draw particularly interesting is the slight uptick in numbers. Earlier in the year, invitation totals had been trending downward draw after draw. This round reversed that, climbing just above the previous draw’s figures. This is how all seven draws in 2026 have stacked up:

Draw Date Total Invitations Breakdown
March 6, 2026 445 NLPNP: 362 / AIP: 83
March 30, 2026 245 NLPNP: 209 / AIP: 36
April 13, 2026 210 NLPNP: 177 / AIP: 33
May 1, 2026 190 NLPNP: 157 / AIP: 33
May 11, 2026 186 NLPNP: 168 / AIP: 18
May 28, 2026 103 NLPNP: 84 / AIP: 19
June 10, 2026 108 NLPNP: 89 / AIP: 19

Since the start of 2026, the province has sent out a total of 1,487 invitations, with about 84% of those going to NLPNP candidates.

 

So, how do you actually get considered?

To be in the running for either the NLPNP or the AIP, you first need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Newfoundland and Labrador. Before you do that, you’ll generally need a valid job offer from an NL-based employer – the only exception being those applying through the NLPNP’s entrepreneur streams.

Your EOI captures details about your work background, education, language ability, and your commitment to settling in the province. Once it’s in, the provincial office reviews profiles and selects candidates during draws like this one.

If you’re selected, you have 60 days to respond either by submitting a nomination application (NLPNP) or an endorsement application (AIP). For the AIP, the employer actually submits the application on your behalf. Your EOI stays active for 12 months, and if it expires before you’re invited, you’ll need to resubmit.

The province also gives priority to certain candidates particularly those working in healthcare, those employed outside of major urban areas, people with strong long-term settlement prospects, and graduates of Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institutions.

Once you receive your nomination or endorsement, the next step is applying to the federal government for permanent residence. Current processing times sit at 6 months through the enhanced PNP stream, 13 months through the base PNP, and 26 months through the AIP.

 

Ready to make Canada your home? Let’s guide you through

Whether you’re eyeing provincial nomination, exploring Express Entry, or looking into work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visiting visas, super visas, citizenship applications, or school admissions – having the right guidance makes all the difference. Canadian immigration can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Book a consultation today and let’s find the pathway that works best for your situation.

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Permanent-residence- application
June 15, 2026
June 15, 2026

Canada has paused over 36,000 permanent residence applications

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

Canada has just put over 36,000 permanent residence applications on hold, and for many people waiting anxiously on their immigration journey, this news landed like a punch to the gut.

The pause is tied to an Ebola outbreak spreading across three African countries, and it affects applicants and document holders from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. Whether you have an application in progress or already hold a PR visa, this is everything you need to know about what happened and what it means for you.

As of May 27, 2026, Canada placed a temporary hold on the processing of approximately 36,060 permanent residence (PR) applications. The reason? An Ebola disease outbreak spreading across three African countries, classified by Canadian authorities as posing a “high or very high risk.” Alongside the processing freeze, around 1,700 PR visa holders from these regions are also unable to travel to Canada while the measures remain in place.

The suspension is set to lift on August 28, 2026, but for thousands of people mid-journey through the immigration process, that’s a long wait.

Who is affected?

The restrictions apply to foreign nationals currently residing in:

  • The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
  • Uganda
  • The Republic of South Sudan

Both permanent and temporary residence applicants are caught in this freeze. That includes people waiting on PR applications, those already holding temporary resident visas (TRVs), electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), study permits, and work permits.

Here’s a breakdown of the suspended PR applications by category, for individuals who had not yet arrived in Canada as of May 24, 2026:

PR Immigration Category DR Congo Uganda South Sudan Total
Economic 511 123 7 641
Family Class 1,165 2,194 50 3,409
Humanitarian & Compassionate / Public Policy 574 338 9 921
Permit Holders Class 6 0 0 6
Protected Persons 1,778 28,274 613 30,665
Unspecified 3 395 20 418
Total 4,037 31,324 699 36,060

The largest group affected is Protected Persons – most of whom are from Uganda, making up over 28,000 of the suspended applications alone.

Beyond PR applications, below is a snapshot of foreign nationals from these three countries who held valid immigration documents (but had not yet arrived in Canada) as of May 26, 2026, totalling 24,548 individuals:

Document Type DR Congo South Sudan Uganda
Permanent Resident — Total 160 146 1,426
Study Permit 413 4 102
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) 11,529 251 9,764
eTA 446 71 150
Temporary Resident Permit 0 0 44
Work Permit 27 0 15
Temporary Resident — Total 12,415 326 10,075
Grand Total 12,575 472 11,501

Additionally, at the time the freeze took effect, IRCC still had about 7,751 temporary resident applications sitting in its processing queue for people from these three regions, including eTAs, TRVs, study and work permits, and temporary resident permits.

Why did Canada do this?

The Canadian government moved under a law called the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to Ebola Disease in Canada Order (Immigration Applications and Documents). This gave the Governor in Council the authority to hit pause on immigration processing for countries considered high-risk for Ebola.

Interestingly, this is the very first time Canada has exercised powers introduced through Bill C-12 – a sweeping immigration reform that came into effect on March 26, 2026. The bill grants the federal cabinet broad authority to suspend, cancel, or amend immigration documents en masse when it’s in the public interest. This Ebola situation became the inaugural test of those powers.

The government also rolled out mandatory quarantine measures for anyone who has recently travelled through these countries, effective May 30. Those quarantine measures run until August 29, 2026 – one day after the immigration suspension ends.

It’s worth noting: Canada has confirmed there are currently no Ebola cases within Canada or anywhere in North America. The government has framed these measures as purely precautionary, especially given the increased international travel expected around the FIFA World Cup 2026, which Canada is co-hosting.

Is there any exemption?

Yes, but it’s narrow. The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has the authority to grant an exemption on a case-by-case basis, specifically for individuals who are in urgent need of protection or where there are compelling humanitarian and compassionate grounds. If your situation falls into this category, this is not something to navigate alone.

All figures referenced here come from the Canada Gazette and were accurate as of June 12, 2026.

Your immigration plans don’t have to stay on hold

If you’re one of the thousands caught up in this suspension – or you’re from a different country entirely and wondering how this might ripple into your own application timelines, uncertainty is the last thing you need. The Canadian immigration system is constantly evolving, and right now, more than ever, having someone in your corner who understands the landscape makes a real difference.

We’re here to help you find a way forward. Whether you’re exploring Express Entry, a Provincial Nomination, a Work or Study Permit, Spousal Sponsorship, a Visitor or Super Visa, or even citizenship – our team knows how to navigate complexity and advocate for your case.

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Don’t let a suspension, a policy change, or confusing paperwork derail your Canadian dream. Let’s talk.

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