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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 26, 2026
June 26, 2026

Canada just held its biggest healthcare draw since february inviting 4,000 candidates

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

On June 25, 2026, Canada’s immigration department sent out 4,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence through a Healthcare and Social Services Express Entry draw. The minimum CRS score to qualify was 475, and only candidates who had created their Express Entry profile before May 21, 2026 were considered for selection.

See below details from the draw:

Draw Detail Value
Category Healthcare and Social Services Occupations (2026 – Version 3)
Date and Time June 25, 2026
Invitations Issued 4,000
Minimum CRS Score 475
Tie-Breaking Date May 21, 2026

This was the third healthcare draw of the year and the largest since the first one back in February which also sent out 4,000 invitations. This is how all three healthcare draws in 2026 compare:

Draw Date Version Invitations CRS Cutoff
February 20 Version 1 4,000 467
April 15 Version 2 3,000 430
June 25 Version 3 4,000 475

Why this draw matters more than you might think

The 475 CRS cutoff is significant because it reaches into one of the most crowded parts of the Express Entry pool. As of June 21, there were 75,938 candidates sitting between 451 and 500 CRS points with about 17,318 of them clustered specifically between 471 and 480.

The Canadian Experience Class draw held just two days earlier on June 23 had a cutoff of 516. That’s a 41-point gap. What that means practically: a nurse, pharmacist, or social worker with a CRS of 475 would have received an invitation through this healthcare draw but would have needed at least 516 to get in through CEC. For thousands of healthcare professionals who have been waiting in the pool, this draw offered a route that simply wasn’t available to them any other way.

Four draws in four days: a burst of activity after a long wait

The June 25 draw was actually the fourth in a row after IRCC went 25 days without holding a single draw. Between June 22 and June 25, a total of 9,226 invitations went out across four different categories:

Date Category Invitations CRS
June 22 Provincial Nominee Program 955 730
June 23 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 516
June 24 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 271 223
June 25 Healthcare and Social Services 4,000 475

IRCC has now issued a total of 89,067 Express Entry invitations since January 1, 2026.

Who qualifies for the healthcare draw?

To be eligible, candidates must have at least 12 months of full-time work experience, gained in the past three years in one of 37 eligible occupations. That 12-month requirement was updated earlier in 2026 from the previous 6-month threshold. The experience can have been gained inside or outside Canada, as long as it falls within the three-year window.

Eligible occupations span a wide range, including:

Occupation NOC Code
General practitioners and family physicians 31102
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine 31100
Specialists in surgery 31101
Dentists 31110
Optometrists 31111
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists 31112
Veterinarians 31103
Pharmacists 31120
Dietitians and nutritionists 31121
Psychologists 31200
Chiropractors 31201
Physiotherapists 31202
Occupational therapists 31203
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating 31209
Nursing coordinators and supervisors 31300
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses 31301
Nurse practitioners 31302
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals 31303
Social workers 41300
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies 41301
Social and community service workers 42201
Licensed practical nurses 32101
Paramedical occupations 32102
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists 32103
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians 32104
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment 32109
Dental hygienists and dental therapists 32111
Medical laboratory technologists 32120
Medical radiation technologists 32121
Medical sonographers 32122
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists 32123
Pharmacy technicians 32124
Other medical technologists and technicians 32129
Massage therapists 32201
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations 33101
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates 33102
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants 33103

Your Canadian Dream Doesn’t Have to Wait: Let’s Make It Happen

Whether you’re a nurse, pharmacist, social worker, or any other healthcare professional looking at permanent residence in Canada, the path forward is clearer now than it’s been in months. But navigating Express Entry, understanding your CRS score, or figuring out which category gives you the best shot can be overwhelming on your own. That’s where we come in. At Ese Umoh Immigration, we help people like you take confident, informed steps toward their Canadian goals, from Express Entry and provincial nomination to work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, and school admissions. Send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com

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.

 

 

June 25, 2026
June 25, 2026

If you’re applying to immigrate to Canada, your language test just got a lot more important

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

Canada just made it significantly harder to get away with fraudulent language test results and if you’re in the middle of an immigration application, this is something you want to pay close attention to.

As of June 23, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rolled out updated instructions to immigration officers, giving them new tools and protocols specifically designed to detect language test fraud.

Officers are now required to cross-reference applicants’ photographs against their language test results to confirm the right person sat the exam. They must also dig into case notes and scan testing provider-issued Info-Alerts for any red flags pointing to fraud. Anything suspicious gets escalated directly to the Tips and Reports Management Unit (TMRU), a dedicated fraud investigation team, for a deeper look. And this isn’t something officers do once. The instructions make clear that these checks must happen at every stage of the application process, right up until a final decision is made.

None of these steps existed under the previous guidelines.

One other notable change: the previous instructions gave applicants the option to retake a language test under visa office supervision if questions arose about their results. That option has been quietly removed. Now, if an officer concludes that fraud has occurred, the application can be refused outright on grounds of misrepresentation.

Why language proficiency matters so much

Language ability has always been a cornerstone of Canadian immigration. Economic immigration programs require applicants to demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency, measured using approved third-party tests. On a 12-point scale, scores are converted to either:

  • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English or the
  • Niveau de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French

The general minimums are:

  • a CLB 7 for management-level or university-educated workers, and
  • a CLB 5 for skilled trades or college-educated workers

Proposed reforms to Express Entry, Canada’s main pathway for selecting permanent residents, would set a unified minimum of CLB 6 across all occupations.

Higher scores don’t just help you qualify but they earn you extra points, which directly improves your chances of being selected.

Language test results are valid for two years from the test date, and they must still be valid when IRCC receives your application.

Currently, there are five government-approved language tests accepted for immigration purposes:

Test Language
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) English
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) English
Pearson Test of English — Core (PTE Core) English
Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) French
Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) French

It’s worth noting that the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) was announced as a future addition back in August 2025, but IRCC’s updated instructions confirm it still isn’t being accepted at this time.

What about Post-Graduation Work Permits?

International students applying for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) have also been navigating language test requirements since late 2024, with the required proficiency level tied to the applicant’s level of study. A PGWP is an open work permit valid for up to three years, allowing graduates of eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada after completing their studies.

One thing to be aware of though, the PGWP application portal still hasn’t been updated to include a dedicated field for language test results, due to system limitations. For now, applicants are uploading their test results under the “Client Information” section of their online account. IRCC has said it’s working on a proper fix, but no timeline has been given.

Your Language Test Is Only as Useful as the Application Behind It

Getting a strong language score is one piece of the puzzle. Knowing how to use it strategically within the right immigration pathway is another. Whether you’re exploring Express Entry, a provincial nominee program, or trying to figure out your PGWP eligibility, having expert guidance can make all the difference, especially now that the scrutiny on applications has increased.

Book a consultation with us today at https://euiacademy.selar.com/30minutes. We help clients navigate Express Entry, provincial nomination, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, school admissions, and more. Let’s make sure your application is built on a solid foundation and that nothing gets in the way of your Canadian dream.

June 24, 2026
June 24, 2026

Quebec opens 15,700 Family Sponsorship spots starting July 2, 2026

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Canada

Dear future neighbour,

Families with loved ones hoping to settle in Quebec finally have a date to look forward to. Starting July 2, 2026, Quebec will begin accepting new applications for family sponsorship undertakings and this time, there’s an important change that many families will welcome.

Adult dependent children (those 18 and older) will no longer count toward the application cap. That’s a significant shift from the previous intake period, which grouped them in with spouses and made it harder for families to reunite.

So what are the new limits?

Over the next two years, Quebec’s immigration department – the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) – will accept a combined total of 15,700 sponsorship undertaking applications, broken down as follows:

Category Application Cap
Spouses 13,300
Parents or Grandparents 2,400
Total 15,700

Dependent children, orphaned minors, and children being adopted are not subject to any cap at all. The same applies to dependents being added to an existing application where the primary family member is already covered by an undertaking.

It’s worth noting that once the cap is reached, any applications submitted beyond that limit will be returned unprocessed and fees will be refunded. So timing matters here.

For context, Quebec introduced this cap system back in June 2024. That first intake period was set to run until June 25, 2026, but it filled up far sooner than expected; spouses and adult dependent children hit the ceiling by July 9, 2025, and the parents and grandparents cap followed shortly after on July 22, 2025. This new intake is essentially the next chapter.

One thing that’s unique about Quebec is that family sponsorship there works a little differently than in the rest of Canada. A family member who plans to settle in Quebec must first receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) from the MIFI before they can move forward with a permanent residence application federally. That extra step means timing and preparation matter even more.

For sponsorship purposes, a dependent child is defined as someone under 22 who is not married or in a common-law relationship. Spouses can be legally married, common-law partners, or conjugal partners.

The MIFI has also confirmed that when the new intake opens, older pending applications will be given priority.

Take the First Step Toward Your New Life Together in Canada

Whether you’re looking to sponsor a spouse, bring your parents or grandparents to Canada, or finally get your adult children on a path to permanent residence, the window opening on July 2nd is one you don’t want to miss; and you don’t want to go in unprepared. Our team is here to guide you through every step, from spousal sponsorship and family reunification to express entry, work permits, visitor visas, super visas, provincial nominations, citizenship applications, and more. Book a consultation today and let’s put together a plan that works for your family.

1-hour Consultation Session

30-minute Consultation Session

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

1-hour Consultation Session

30-minute Consultation Session

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