Here Is Full List Of Facilitated LMIA Occupations In Quebec

Quebec released new list of facilitated LMIA occupations. These are high demand occupations in the Canadian province of Quebec. It’s not mandatory for employers to prove that they have advertised or made a genuine effort prior to hiring a temporary foreign worker.

Ministry has now added 47 more occupations to this list, so total number of occupations increased from 181 to 228. In short these are in-demand occupations in Quebec. This list will be applicable from 2022-23. Below is the list of 228 occupations:

Quebec Employers Can Now Hire More Temporary Foreign Workers

• 
  New Canada Benefit Payments Still Coming In August 202622 August 2026, 10:09 AM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  The final week of August 2026 is delivering one of the busiest stretches of benefit payments in the entire month for millions of Canadians from coast to coast.

  Federal pensions, provincial disability support, and income assistance programs are all scheduled to deposit between August 25 and August 31, putting a combined total of billions of dollars into Canadian bank accounts before September arrives.

  Service Canada will issue CPP, OAS, GIS, and Allowance payments on August 27, continuing the quarterly rates from the 1.2% OAS increase that took effect in July.

  This is the eighth month under the 2% annual CPP indexation that began in January, and the second month at the elevated July-to-September 2026 OAS rates.

  Provincial governments across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island are also issuing disability and income assistance payments this week.

  Earlier in August, the Canada Child Benefit and Ontario Trillium Benefit were already delivered through the CRA, while Service Canada issued the Canada Disability Benefit on August 20.

  This article focuses on the major federal and provincial benefit payments with published payment dates still scheduled before August ends, including exact dates, current maximum amounts, how those maximums are calculated, and the remaining payment dates through December 2026.

  Table of Contents

  CPP Payments

  The next Canada Pension Plan payment is confirmed for Thursday, August 27, 2026, verified against the official benefits payment calendar published by the Government of Canada.

  CPP amounts for 2026 reflect a 2% annual indexation that took effect with the January 28 deposit and applies to every monthly payment throughout the calendar year.

  This indexation was calculated by comparing the average Consumer Price Index for the 12 months ending October 2025 against the same period one year earlier.

  Unlike OAS, which adjusts quarterly, CPP adjusts only once each January.

  Maximum New CPP Benefit Amounts Beginning January 2026

  CPP Benefit Type	Maximum Monthly Amount
  Retirement pension (starting at age 65)	$1,507.65
  Disability benefit	$1,741.20
  Survivor’s pension (age 65 and older)	$904.59
  Survivor’s pension (under age 65)	$803.54
  Children’s benefit	$307.81
  Post-retirement benefit (at age 65)	$54.69
  Death benefit (one-time lump sum, up to $5,000 in limited cases)	$2,500

  These are the published maximums for new benefits beginning in January 2026, though maximum new-benefit amounts can increase during the year as the CPP enhancement phases in.

  The $1,507.65 maximum applies only to individuals who begin a new CPP retirement pension at age 65 with a full contribution history at the maximum pensionable earnings level for approximately 39 years.

  Most Canadians receive closer to the $877.01 average for new beneficiaries at age 65 because contribution gaps from school, unemployment, caregiving, or part-time work reduce the calculated amount.

  The Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings for 2026 is $74,600, and the Year’s Additional Maximum Pensionable Earnings sits at $85,000 for the CPP2 second additional contribution tier.

  Workers earning above $74,600 also contribute to CPP2, which will eventually increase future benefit amounts as the enhancement continues phasing in.

  Remaining CPP Payment Dates In 2026

  Payment Date	Notes
  September 25, 2026	Ninth month at 2% indexed rate
  October 28, 2026	Tenth month at 2% indexed rate
  November 26, 2026	Eleventh month at 2% indexed rate
  December 22, 2026	Early December deposit before holidays

  OAS, GIS, And Allowance Payments

  The next OAS deposit arrives on Thursday, August 27, 2026, on the same day as CPP, reflecting the July-to-September 2026 quarterly rates confirmed by the Government of Canada.

  OAS benefits are adjusted quarterly in January, April, July, and October to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index.

  The 1.2% July increase followed a 0.3% January adjustment and a 0.1% April adjustment, and was the largest quarterly increase at the time it was applied.

  The Government of Canada has already confirmed a 1.4% increase for the October-to-December 2026 quarter, which will push OAS and GIS rates even higher starting with the October 28 deposit.

  Maximum OAS And GIS Amounts For July To September 2026

  Benefit	Maximum Monthly Amount	Key Eligibility
  OAS pension (age 65 to 74)	$751.97	40 years Canadian residence after age 18
  OAS pension (age 75 and older)	$827.17	Includes 10% enhancement since July 2022
  GIS (single, widowed, or divorced)	$1,123.17	Annual income below $22,800 excl. OAS
  GIS (spouse receives full OAS)	$676.09	Combined income below $30,096
  Allowance (age 60 to 64)	$1,428.06	Spouse receives OAS and GIS
  Allowance for the Survivor	$1,702.34	Widowed, age 60 to 64, income below $30,696

  A single senior aged 65 to 74 with no other income could receive a combined OAS and GIS payment of approximately $1,875.14 per month ($751.97 plus $1,123.17).

  A single senior aged 75 and older with no other income could receive approximately $1,950.34 per month ($827.17 plus $1,123.17), representing the highest combined monthly amount the program has reached.

  For a single recipient, GIS generally declines as countable income rises, with the supplement reaching zero once annual income other than OAS exceeds $22,800. The exact reduction rate and income threshold vary by marital situation, and employment or self-employment earnings receive partial exemption treatment in the calculation.

  Published OAS rates do not decrease solely because the CPI falls, though an individual’s payment can still change due to income, residency, or eligibility factors.

  The OAS recovery tax begins when 2025 net world income exceeds $93,454 for the July 2026 to June 2027 repayment period.

  Remaining OAS, GIS, And Allowance Payment Dates In 2026

  Payment Date	Quarterly Rate Period
  September 25, 2026	July to September 2026 rates (1.2% increase)
  October 28, 2026	October to December 2026 rates (1.4% increase)
  November 26, 2026	October to December 2026 rates
  December 22, 2026	October to December 2026 rates

  All The Provincial Benefit Payments In August 2026

  ODSP Payments For Ontarians

  The next ODSP payment is confirmed for Monday, August 31, 2026, the last business day of the month.

  This is the second ODSP payment at the higher rates following the 1.9% inflation-based adjustment that took effect on July 1, 2026.

  The 1.9% increase pushed the single-person maximum to $1,436 per month in combined basic needs and shelter support.

  Ontario has formally exempted the federal Canada Disability Benefit from ODSP income calculations, meaning eligible recipients can collect both the maximum $204.20 CDB and full ODSP without any provincial reduction.

  A single ODSP recipient who also qualifies for the maximum CDB can receive up to $1,640.20 per month from those two programs combined.

  Ontario Works recipients will also receive their payment on August 31, covering September 2026 living expenses under the standard provincial schedule.

  A single person on Ontario Works receives up to $733 per month at maximum, and Ontario Works rates have remained frozen since 2018, with no inflation indexation applied.

  Ontario Works families with children may also receive the Ontario Child Benefit separately, which adds up to $1,759.92 per child per year through the CRA.

  ODSP and Ontario Works payment dates are published by the Ontario government on the official Ontario Disability Support Program page, while federal benefits follow separate federal payment calendars.

  Recipients should bookmark their MyBenefits account to track individual payment status and confirm deposit amounts before each scheduled date.

  British Columbia Income And Disability Assistance

  B.C.’s income and disability assistance payment for September 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

  A single person with the Persons with Disabilities designation receives up to $1,483.50 per month, combining the support allowance and shelter allowance into one deposit.

  B.C. maintains an Annual Earnings Exemption of $16,200 for single PWD recipients, and employment income up to that amount does not reduce provincial benefits.

  B.C. has confirmed that federal Canada Disability Benefit payments are fully exempt from PWD income calculations, allowing recipients to collect both without any reduction.

  A single PWD recipient also receiving the maximum $204.20 CDB can collect up to $1,687.70 per month from provincial and federal disability support combined.

  Recipients can verify their payment information through the My Self Serve portal or by calling the Ministry phone line at 1-866-866-0800.

  Alberta’s AISH, ADAP, Income Support, And ACFB

  Alberta’s next AISH, ADAP, and Income Support payment is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2026, covering the September 2026 assistance period.

  AISH payments are issued four business days before the first of each month, covering the following month’s living expenses.

  The maximum monthly AISH living allowance remains $1,940 for a single recipient.

  In July 2026, existing AISH clients transitioned to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program, commonly known as ADAP, except for specified groups that remained on AISH unless they chose ADAP.

  ADAP provides $1,740 per month as the base rate, and clients who transitioned from AISH receive a $200 monthly transition benefit that maintains their payments at the $1,940 level through December 31, 2027.

  AISH and ADAP child benefit rates are $300 for the first child, $117 for the second, $88 for the third, $59 for the fourth, and $30 for each additional child.

  Starting with the August 2026 benefit period, households where two adults both receive disability income assistance will each receive 88% of the maximum individual benefit.

  Alberta claws back CDB payments dollar-for-dollar from AISH and ADAP, meaning the federal $204.20 CDB does not result in additional net income for Alberta disability recipients.

  The Alberta Child and Family Benefit will also issue its next quarterly payment on August 27 at the newly indexed rates, administered by the CRA on behalf of Alberta.

  Recipients can verify their payment information through the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 or through their local AISH office.

  Manitoba’s Employment And Income Assistance

  Manitoba’s Employment and Income Assistance direct deposit payment is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026.

  EIA provides financial assistance for basic needs and shelter to eligible Manitoba residents who are unable to meet their essential living costs through employment or other sources.

  The program serves both general assistance recipients and persons with disabilities, with higher rates available for those assessed as having a disability.

  Manitoba has confirmed that federal Canada Disability Benefit payments are exempt from EIA income calculations for eligible recipients.

  Recipients who receive payments by cheque should allow additional processing time beyond the August 27 direct deposit date.

  Saskatchewan’s SIS And SAID

  Saskatchewan direct deposits for the Saskatchewan Income Support and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability programs are scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026.

  SAID provides higher income support for eligible residents with significant and enduring disabilities, while SIS covers eligible residents who need help with basic living costs.

  Mailed cheques are typically sent several business days before the direct deposit date to allow for postal delivery time.

  Recipients should confirm their account details through the provincial online portal or contact their local office if their payment has not arrived within two business days.

  Nova Scotia’s Income Assistance

  Nova Scotia Income Assistance payments for September 2026 are expected to arrive between August 27 and August 31, 2026.

  The exact deposit date within this window depends on whether recipients use direct deposit or receive payments by cheque.

  Nova Scotia Income Assistance supports eligible residents who need financial help to cover basic needs including food, shelter, and personal expenses.

  Recipients should contact their local Department of Community Services office if their payment has not arrived by the end of the expected window.

  Newfoundland And Labrador’s Disability Benefit

  The next Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit payment is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026, making it the earliest provincial payment in this final August stretch.

  The NLDB provides up to $400 per month, which works out to $4,800 annually, for eligible residents aged 18 to 64 who hold a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate on file with the CRA.

  The full $400 per month is paid when adjusted family net income is below $29,402. A partial benefit is available from $29,402 to $42,404 for an individual or a couple where one person qualifies for the DTC, and up to $55,404 where both members of a couple qualify.

  In families where both spouses qualify for the DTC, each partner can receive the NLDB, but the combined household benefit of $800 per month applies only when income is low enough to support the full amount for both recipients.

  The NLDB is fully funded by the provincial government but administered and paid through the CRA. No separate application is required beyond holding a valid DTC certificate and filing your income tax return.

  PEI Social Programs

  PEI Social Programs payments for September 2026 are scheduled for Monday, August 31, 2026, covering the following month’s living expenses.

  PEI’s social assistance program provides financial support for basic needs to eligible Island residents who are unable to meet their essential costs through other means.

  Recipients receiving payments by direct deposit should see funds arrive on the morning of August 31, while cheque recipients should allow standard postal delivery time.

  Summary Of Remaining August 2026 Benefit Payments

  Date	Benefit Program	Administered By
  August 25	Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit	Provincial (paid by CRA)
  August 26	Alberta AISH, ADAP & Income Support	Provincial (Alberta)
  August 26	B.C. Income Assistance & Disability Assistance	Provincial (B.C.)
  August 27	CPP Retirement, Disability, Survivor & Children’s Benefits	Federal (Service Canada)
  August 27	OAS, GIS, Allowance & Allowance for Survivor	Federal (Service Canada)
  August 27	Alberta Child and Family Benefit	Provincial (paid by CRA)
  August 27	Manitoba EIA (direct deposit)	Provincial (Manitoba)
  August 27–31	Nova Scotia Income Assistance	Provincial (Nova Scotia)
  August 28	Saskatchewan SIS & SAID (direct deposit)	Provincial (Saskatchewan)
  August 31	Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)	Provincial (Ontario)
  August 31	Ontario Works (September benefit)	Provincial (Ontario)
  August 31	PEI Social Programs (September benefit)	Provincial (PEI)

  Direct deposit recipients will typically see funds in their bank accounts on the morning of each scheduled date listed above.

  Canadians who receive payments by cheque should allow five to ten additional business days for mail delivery after each official date.

  How To Verify Your Payment Amounts Before Each Deposit

  Filing your 2025 income tax return was the single most important step for the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year.

  For income-tested tax-based benefits calculated using 2025 income, including the CCB, CDB, OTB, CGEB, ACWB, and NLDB, an unassessed return is the most common cause of paused or reduced payments.

  CRA-administered benefits including the CCB, OTB, CGEB, ACWB, and NLDB can all be reviewed through CRA My Account.

  Service Canada payments, including CPP, OAS, GIS, the CDB, and the Allowances, can be reviewed through My Service Canada Account.

  Provincial disability recipients should check their respective portals: MyBenefits for ODSP in Ontario, My Self Serve for B.C., or the Alberta Supports Contact Centre for AISH and ADAP.

  The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit do not have scheduled payments in August.

  The next CGEB quarterly deposit lands on October 5, 2026, and the next ACWB advance payment arrives on October 9, 2026, as confirmed in our ACWB payment increase guide.

  OAS rates will increase again for the October-to-December 2026 quarter, with the Government of Canada already confirming a 1.4% adjustment that represents the largest quarterly increase of the year.

  The first payment at October-to-December rates will arrive on October 28, 2026, applying to OAS, GIS, the Allowance, and the Allowance for the Survivor.

  Eligible CDB recipients will receive a one-time supplemental payment of $150 starting in September 2026, designed to help offset the cost of obtaining a Disability Tax Credit certification.

  The next Canada Child Benefit deposit is September 18, 2026, continuing the 2% indexed rates that took effect in July with maximums of $679.75 per month for children under six and $573.58 for children aged six to 17.

  Mark August 25, 26, 27, 28, and 31 on your calendar to track every remaining benefit payment this month.

  Verify your payment amounts through CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account before each deposit date to confirm your calculations match expectations.

  If a payment does not arrive on its scheduled date, allow normal processing time before contacting the administering agency.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Can I receive CPP and OAS on the same day?

  Yes, CPP and OAS are separate programs that deposit on the same monthly date, and most Canadian seniors receive both on August 27, 2026.

  CPP is based on employment contributions during your working years, while OAS is based on years of Canadian residence after age 18, as detailed in our July 2026 benefit payments guide.

  Will the October 2026 OAS increase apply to GIS as well?

  Yes, the confirmed 1.4% quarterly adjustment for October-to-December 2026 applies to all OAS benefit categories, including the basic pension, GIS, the Allowance, and the Allowance for the Survivor.

  The first payment at the higher rates will arrive on October 28, 2026.

  Does the Canada Disability Benefit reduce my provincial disability payments?

  Treatment varies by province. Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba exempt the CDB from relevant provincial income-assistance calculations, while Alberta treats the CDB as non-exempt income and deducts it dollar-for-dollar from AISH and ADAP.

  Check with your province or territory to confirm how the CDB is treated under your specific income assistance program before assuming full stacking.

  Why is there no CGEB or ACWB payment in August 2026?

  The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit follows a quarterly schedule with the next deposit on October 5, 2026, while the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit pays three times per year with the next installment on October 9, 2026.

  Both programs are administered by the CRA, and eligibility is determined automatically from your most recent income tax return.

  What should I do if my benefit payment does not arrive on the scheduled date?

  For CRA-administered benefits, the CRA advises waiting five working days for the CCB and ACFB, but ten working days for programs such as the OTB, CGEB, ACWB, and NLDB. For Service Canada payments including CPP, OAS, and CDB, allow several business days before calling.

  Check with your bank first to confirm there are no processing delays, and then log into CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account to verify your payment status and banking details.

  Fact-Checked: All payment dates, benefit amounts, indexation rates, income thresholds, and eligibility information in this article are verified against official Government of Canada sources, including the canada.ca benefits payment calendar, the OAS payment amounts page, the CPP and OAS monthly amounts page, and published provincial government payment schedules as of August 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Contact Service Canada, the CRA, or a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.

  ---

  

  Satinder Bains

  Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website

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• 
  New US Visa Early Appointments Now Available Across Canada21 August 2026, 9:19 AM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  The United States Department of State has launched a paid expedited US visa appointment option at the U.S. Embassy and all U.S. consulates in Canada.

  Starting August 18, 2026, eligible applicants for B-category visitor and business visas can now pay an additional fee to schedule a consular interview within 10 business days, subject to availability.

  The program is voluntary, optional, and separate from the standard visa application process that every applicant must still complete.

  Canada is one of six participating locations or missions currently listed in the pilot, which runs through December 31, 2026.

  This announcement arrives at a time when travel rules between Canada and the United States have been evolving rapidly throughout 2026.

  Here is a complete breakdown of what the expedited appointment costs, who qualifies, how the booking process works, and what applicants in Canada need to know before deciding whether to pay.

  Table of Contents

  What Is the U.S. Visa Expedited Appointment Pilot

  The U.S. Department of State is testing a nonimmigrant visa expedited appointment program at select U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.

  The pilot allows eligible B visa applicants to pay US$750 per appointment on top of the standard US$185 MRV application fee.

  In exchange, the applicant gains access to schedule a consular interview within the next 10 business days, subject to availability.

  The program does not change how applications are evaluated or how security screening is conducted.

  Every applicant who pays the expedited fee still undergoes the same rigorous vetting that applies to all U.S. visa applications.

  Paying the fee secures an earlier appointment only and does not guarantee that a visa will be approved.

  The pilot is set to run through December 31, 2026, and the Department of State may add more locations during that period according to the official announcement on travel.state.gov.

  Which Locations Are Participating in the Pilot

  Six participating missions or embassy locations are currently listed in the expedited appointment pilot, with launch dates confirmed by the Department of State.

  • Mission Canada, which includes the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa and all consulates, launched on August 18, 2026.
  • Embassy Bogota in Colombia also launched on August 18, 2026.
  • Embassy Guatemala City in Guatemala launched on the same date.
  • Embassy San Jose in Costa Rica launched on August 18, 2026, as well.
  • Embassy Tegucigalpa in Honduras launched alongside the other four new locations on that date.
  • Mission Mexico, which includes the embassy and all consulates, was the first location to launch the pilot on July 21, 2026, nearly a month before Canada joined the program.

  The Department of State has indicated that additional pilot locations may be announced throughout the testing period.

  How Much the Expedited Appointment Costs

  The expedited appointment fee is US$750 per applicant, charged in addition to the standard US$185 MRV nonimmigrant visa application fee.

  This means the total minimum cost for an expedited B visa appointment in Canada is US$935 before any other expenses.

  The US$750 fee is per person, so a family of four applying together would pay US$3,000 in expedited fees plus US$740 in standard MRV fees for a combined total of US$3,740.

  The system does allow group applicants to separate their booking so that only some members pay the expedited fee.

  The expedited appointment fee is not refundable under any circumstances, including visa refusal.

  If an applicant misses the expedited appointment, the fee is forfeited entirely with no option to reschedule.

  Payment must be completed within 10 minutes of selecting an expedited appointment slot, or the reservation expires.

  Who Qualifies for the Paid Expedite Option

  The expedited appointment option is currently limited to applicants applying for B visas, which cover tourist and business travel to the United States.

  Applicants must first complete the standard process of paying the US$185 MRV fee and scheduling a regular interview appointment at a participating post.

  Only applicants who already hold a future interview appointment and have an unexpired MRV fee receipt can access the Paid Expedite option.

  The option appears inside the applicant’s online scheduling account under a tab labelled “Request Expedite” followed by “Paid Expedite.”

  If the Paid Expedite option does not appear, the program may not be available at that location, expedited slots may not currently be available, or the applicant may not meet all eligibility criteria.

  Applicants who were denied a regular emergency appointment request can still access the Paid Expedite if they meet the eligibility criteria.

  Renewal applicants who qualify for the interview waiver process cannot use the Paid Expedite because they do not have a scheduled interview.

  How To Book an Expedited Appointment in Canada

  The booking process begins with the standard visa application steps that every B visa applicant must follow.

  First, the applicant completes the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form and receives a confirmation page.

  Next, the applicant pays the US$185 MRV fee and schedules a regular interview appointment at a U.S. consular post in Canada.

  After the regular appointment is confirmed, the applicant signs into their scheduling account and clicks “Continue.”

  The applicant then selects “Request Expedite” and looks for the “Paid Expedite” option on the next screen.

  If expedited appointments are available, a list of open dates and times within the next 10 business days will appear.

  The applicant selects one slot and must complete the US$750 payment within 10 minutes to lock in the appointment.

  Once confirmed, the expedited appointment date and time cannot be changed, which makes it essential to choose carefully before paying.

  Applicants who secure an expedited appointment may also select one of the premium passport delivery options at no additional cost, if available.

  What the Expedited Appointment Does Not Guarantee

  The Department of State has emphasized multiple times that the US$750 fee purchases an earlier interview slot and nothing more.

  Paying the expedited fee does not guarantee that a visa will be issued at the interview.

  Every applicant must still demonstrate eligibility to the consular officer under U.S. immigration law, regardless of what they paid.

  The same thorough screening and vetting process applies to expedited applicants as it does to everyone in the regular queue.

  If the visa is refused, the US$750 expedited fee is not refundable and cannot be transferred to another application.

  This distinction matters for applicants who may assume that paying a premium fee signals preferential treatment during the adjudication process.

  The Department of State has framed the pilot as a tool for managing appointment demand rather than a priority processing lane.

  Strict Cancellation and No-Show Rules Apply

  Expedited appointments come with significantly stricter rules than standard appointment bookings.

  Once an expedited appointment is scheduled, it cannot be rescheduled to a different date or time.

  If an applicant misses a Paid Expedite appointment and the MRV fee was paid less than one year ago, they may be able to reschedule into a regular appointment slot without paying another MRV fee.

  To schedule another Paid Expedite appointment after a missed one, another US$750 expedited fee is required.

  Cancelling a Paid Expedite appointment also forfeits the expedited fee entirely.

  In both cases, the US$750 is non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of the reason for the cancellation or absence.

  These rigid policies make it critical for applicants to confirm their travel plans, gather all required documentation, and verify their availability before committing.

  Why the Pilot Launch Matters for Applicants in Canada

  The Department of State has not publicly stated why Canada was selected for the pilot.

  However, the launch comes while regular B1/B2 appointment waits at several Canadian consular posts remain exceptionally long.

  As of the Department of State’s August 17 update on global visa wait times, the next available B1/B2 appointment was approximately 24 months away in Toronto, 16 months in Vancouver, and 13.5 months in Ottawa.

  A paid appointment potentially within 10 business days compared to a regular next-available appointment listed at 24 months in Toronto illustrates the scale of the gap this pilot addresses.

  Canadian citizens generally do not need a U.S. nonimmigrant visa for tourism or temporary business travel, although certain purposes of travel still require a visa according to the State Department’s guidance for citizens of Canada and Bermuda.

  This exemption is separate from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and applies specifically to Canadian and Bermudian nationals.

  However, permanent residents of Canada who hold passports from visa-required countries must still apply for a U.S. B visa through the standard consular process.

  International students, temporary foreign workers, and other temporary residents in Canada also frequently require U.S. visitor visas for cross-border travel.

  The demand for appointments at U.S. consular posts in Canada has been especially high throughout 2026, with multiple policy changes affecting border crossing procedures and documentation requirements.

  For eligible applicants who need to travel sooner, the US$750 option can provide access to an appointment within the next 10 business days when Paid Expedite slots are available.

  The option may be particularly useful for applicants with time-sensitive travel that does not meet the regular emergency-appointment criteria, as well as eligible applicants whose emergency appointment requests were denied.

  Applicants should weigh the US$750 cost against the urgency of their travel and the likelihood of securing a regular appointment within their needed timeline.

  Those without urgent travel needs may prefer to wait for standard appointment availability, especially given the strict no-refund and no-reschedule policies attached to the expedited option.

  How To Succeed With the Paid Expedite Application

  Preparation is essential because the 10-minute payment window and no-reschedule policy leave zero room for error during the booking process.

  Complete and submit the DS-160 form accurately before attempting to schedule any appointment, since errors on the form can delay the interview itself.

  Pay the US$185 MRV fee and schedule a regular appointment first, because the Paid Expedite option only becomes visible after this step.

  Have your payment method ready before clicking on the expedited appointment screen, since you have only 10 minutes to finalize.

  Choose a date and time you are absolutely certain you can attend, because the appointment cannot be moved once confirmed.

  Follow the document instructions provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your application.

  Additional evidence may be requested regarding the purpose of your trip, your intent to depart the United States after the visit, and your ability to cover your travel costs.

  Remember that the consular officer evaluates your case on its merits, and the expedited fee has no bearing on the outcome.

  If your visa is refused, you forfeit the US$750 with no appeal of the fee itself, though you may reapply for a visa under standard procedures.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Can Canadian citizens use the expedited appointment pilot?

  Canadian citizens generally do not need a U.S. visa for tourism or business travel under a separate exemption from the nonimmigrant visa requirement, as outlined in the State Department’s guidance for citizens of Canada and Bermuda. The Paid Expedite option applies specifically to B visa applicants, which typically means permanent residents or temporary residents in Canada who hold passports from visa-required countries.

  Is the US$750 expedited fee refunded if my visa is denied?

  No, the expedited appointment fee is non-refundable under all circumstances, including visa refusal, cancellation, or a missed appointment. The fee covers the scheduling of an earlier interview only and is completely separate from the visa adjudication decision.

  Can I reschedule my Paid Expedite appointment to a different day?

  No, paid expedited appointments can only be scheduled once and cannot be rescheduled or changed after confirmation. If you cancel or miss the appointment, you forfeit the US$750 fee and must pay again if you want another expedited slot.

  Does paying for the expedited appointment improve my chances of getting a visa?

  No, the fee only moves the interview date forward and has no effect on how the consular officer evaluates the application. All applicants undergo the same security screening and eligibility review regardless of whether they booked a standard or expedited appointment.

  How long will the expedited appointment pilot run in Canada?

  The pilot is scheduled to run through December 31, 2026, at all U.S. consular posts in Canada. The Department of State has not announced whether the program will be extended, made permanent, or expanded to additional visa categories beyond B visas after the pilot period ends.

  Fact-Checked: All information in this article has been verified against the official U.S. Department of State announcement published on travel.state.gov as of August 18, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice; consult a licensed immigration professional for guidance specific to your situation.

  ---

  

  Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

  Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.

  ---

  

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• 
  New CRA Rule For Disability Tax Credit Coming In September 202620 August 2026, 6:14 PM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced a major change to the Disability Tax Credit application process that takes effect on September 8, 2026.

  Starting on that date, versions of Form T2201 from before 2023 will no longer be accepted by the CRA for any new DTC applications.

  Canadians who submit a pre-2023 version of the form after the September 8 cutoff will have their application not accepted and will need to submit a new one.

  This rule was published in the official tax tips bulletin on June 16, 2026, alongside a second change that restricts how applicants can upload DTC documents through their online CRA account.

  Both changes are designed to speed up processing times and reduce the number of incomplete or outdated submissions clogging the system.

  These updates arrive at a critical moment because the DTC certificate is a mandatory gateway to several federal programs that millions of Canadians depend on for monthly income support.

  Table of Contents

  What Changes On September 8, 2026

  The revenue agency will stop accepting any version of Form T2201 that was published before 2023.

  This means applicants who use a pre-2023 version after the cutoff will have their form not accepted and will need to submit a new application using the current version.

  They will then need to download the latest version of Form T2201 from the official canada.ca website, have their medical practitioner complete and sign the form again, and resubmit the entire package.

  The latest version includes updated sections that meet current requirements, which is why the agency is phasing out older editions.

  Older versions lack these updated fields, which is why the CRA has set a firm cutoff date to phase them out entirely.

  CRA Restricts DTC Uploads Through Online Accounts

  A second change took effect even earlier, on July 14, 2026, and applies to the Submit Documents feature inside CRA My Account.

  Starting on that date, Canadians can no longer use the Submit Documents section to upload new DTC applications or supporting documents on their own initiative.

  The Submit Documents portal is now reserved exclusively for situations where the CRA contacts you directly and requests additional information about an existing case.

  If the agency needs more details to process your application, it will send a letter through your online account or by mail with a specific case reference number.

  That case reference number must be included when you respond through the Submit Documents section, so they can match your response to your existing file.

  This restriction means that anyone who had been uploading new DTC applications through the Submit Documents portal will need to switch to the dedicated online DTC application form or submit a paper application by mail instead.

  How To Apply Using The Online DTC Form

  The CRA strongly recommends using the online DTC application form through My Account because digital submissions are processed faster than paper applications.

  The online form automatically uses the latest version, which eliminates any risk of submitting an outdated form that could be rejected after September 8.

  It also prevents applicants from accidentally skipping required sections by guiding them through each part of the application step by step.

  Both the applicant and their medical practitioner can access the form directly online, which removes the need to print, sign, scan, and mail physical documents.

  Canadians who apply online can track the status of their application through their account and receive updates electronically instead of waiting for a letter in the mail.

  The Disability Tax Credit web page provides step-by-step instructions for using the digital form.

  Paper Applications Still Accepted With The Latest Form

  Canadians who prefer to apply by mail can still submit a paper version of Form T2201, but only if they use the 2023 version or a more recent edition.

  The latest version is available as a free download from the official canada.ca forms page.

  Once the form is fully completed and signed by both the applicant and a qualified medical practitioner, it must be mailed to the nearest tax centre for processing.

  Processing times for paper applications typically run longer than digital submissions, so applicants who need their DTC certificate quickly should consider the online option.

  Anyone who has already submitted a paper application on an older form before September 8 should not be affected, as the cutoff applies to submissions received after that date.

  Why The DTC Certificate Matters For Benefits

  A valid DTC certificate is the mandatory entry point for several federal benefit programs that provide monthly income support.

  The Canada Disability Benefit requires an approved DTC certificate before any payments can begin, and eligible recipients can currently receive up to $204.20 per month.

  A separate one-time supplemental payment of $150 has been confirmed for September 2026 to help offset the cost of obtaining a DTC certificate in the first place.

  The Child Disability Benefit, which provides up to $3,480 per year for families with a child who qualifies, also requires a valid DTC certificate on file.

  The Registered Disability Savings Plan is another program that depends on DTC approval, offering long-term savings and government matching contributions for eligible Canadians.

  In Ontario alone, a successful DTC applicant could receive a combined federal and provincial tax reduction worth hundreds of dollars per year, with the exact amount depending on your taxable income and applicable provincial rates.

  Statistics Canada’s Canadian Survey on Disability identified about eight million Canadians aged 15 and older with a disability, and approximately 84% of them did not claim the DTC or receive CPP/QPP disability benefits.

  The federal government has backed its reform commitment with $42.5 million in new funding over five years to improve the application experience.

  Key Dates To Mark On Your Calendar

  July 14, 2026, was the date when the Submit Documents section in My Account stopped accepting voluntary DTC uploads.

  September 8, 2026, is the hard deadline after which Form T2201 versions from before 2023 will no longer be accepted.

  The next CDB payment after the September 8 cutoff is scheduled for September 17, 2026, which is the third Thursday of the month.

  The Canadian benefit payments in August 2026 are already landing in bank accounts under the new 2026-27 benefit year amounts, making timely DTC approval more important than ever.

  How To Succeed With Your DTC Application

  Download the latest version of Form T2201 from the official canada.ca page or use the online application through your My Account before September 8.

  Ask your medical practitioner to complete Part B of the form as thoroughly as possible, because incomplete medical sections are one of the most common reasons for DTC application delays.

  Do not use the Submit Documents section in your account to upload a new DTC application, as the system will reject it.

  File your 2025 income tax return if you have not already done so, because your tax return data is used to calculate benefit payments for the 2026-27 year.

  Keep copies of all submitted documents and any correspondence from the CRA so you can respond quickly if the agency requests additional information.

  The service standard is 8 weeks for DTC processing, so applying early gives you the best chance of having your certificate approved before the next round of benefit payments is calculated.

  What This Means For Newcomers To Canada

  Newcomers who meet the Canada Disability Benefit’s eligibility requirements, including DTC approval and the applicable 2025 tax-filing requirements, may qualify for the benefit.

  Temporary residents, including work permit holders and international students, may qualify for the CDB if they have lived in Canada throughout the previous 18 months and meet all other requirements.

  New permanent residents may be eligible for some benefits upon arrival, but each program has its own eligibility rules, including tax filing, residency, and age requirements.

  Filing your first Canadian tax return is the most important step for newcomers because this information is used to assess eligibility for all federal and provincial benefits.

  The DTC application process is the same for newcomers as it is for all other Canadian residents, but newcomers should confirm eligibility directly with the CRA or Service Canada before applying.

  The September 8 deadline leaves limited time for Canadians still using older versions of Form T2201 to switch to the current edition.

  Applying online through online My Account is the fastest way to avoid delays and ensure your form meets the updated requirements.

  A valid DTC certificate remains the single most important document for accessing the Canada Disability Benefit and other federal disability programs.

  Canadians who act before the cutoff can protect their eligibility and avoid the added cost and time of having a medical practitioner complete the form a second time.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Can I still submit a paper DTC application after September 8, 2026?

  Yes, paper applications are still accepted after September 8 as long as you use Form T2201 version 2023 or later, which is available for free download on the official canada.ca forms page.

  What happens if I already submitted an older form before the deadline?

  Applications submitted on older forms before September 8, 2026, should be processed normally, as the rejection rule applies only to submissions received on or after that date.

  Why can I no longer upload DTC documents through the Submit Documents section?

  The CRA restricted this feature starting July 14, 2026, because it was being used to submit new DTC applications, which the section was never designed to handle and which slowed down processing for everyone.

  How long does the CRA take to process a DTC application?

  The official service standard is eight weeks, and online submissions generally move through the system faster than paper applications mailed to a tax centre.

  Do I need a DTC certificate to receive the Canada Disability Benefit?

  Yes, an approved DTC certificate is mandatory for the Canada Disability Benefit, the Child Disability Benefit, and the Registered Disability Savings Plan, making it one of the most important documents for Canadians with disabilities.

  Fact-check: All dates, eligibility rules, and procedural changes referenced in this article are verified against the official CRA tax tips bulletin published on canada.ca on June 16, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this information.

  ---

  

  Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

  Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.

  ---

  

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• 
  Canada’s Family Sponsorship Special Public Policy Ends Next Month20 August 2026, 10:35 AM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  A special public policy that has allowed eligible Canadian permanent residents to sponsor family members to Canada they never declared on their original immigration applications is set to expire on September 10, 2026.

  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will stop accepting applications under this public policy for undeclared family members once the deadline passes, and there is no guarantee that the federal government will issue another extension.

  Eligible sponsors who have not yet submitted their applications have about three weeks to act before this pathway closes.

  The stakes are high for affected families because without this policy, a lifetime ban on sponsoring those undeclared relatives snaps back into effect under federal immigration regulations.

  Table of Contents

  What Is This Public Policy

  Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, anyone applying for permanent residence must declare all family members at the time of their application, even if those family members are not travelling to Canada.

  The declared family members must also complete medical examinations and pass background and security checks before the principal applicant can receive permanent resident status.

  If a permanent resident failed to declare a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child during their original application, paragraphs 117(9)(d) and 125(1)(d) of the Regulations impose a permanent lifetime ban on ever sponsoring that person to Canada through the family class.

  Stakeholders and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration raised serious concerns about the disproportionate impact of this lifetime bar, particularly on children who had no say in their parent’s application decisions.

  In response, IRCC introduced a pilot project through a public policy on September 9, 2019, creating a temporary exemption from the lifetime sponsorship bar for eligible applicants.

  A second public policy followed in September 2021 to maintain the exemption during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  The current consecutive public policy took effect on September 10, 2023, signed by then-Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Marc Miller under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

  This consecutive policy carries the same eligibility criteria as its predecessors and was designed to allow the department to gather comprehensive data on the population using the exemption while considering potential amendments to immigration legislation.

  The policy applies to applications IRCC receives between May 31, 2019, and September 10, 2026, covering the full span of all three consecutive policies.

  Who Is Eligible To Sponsor Under This Policy

  The public policy exempts specific categories of sponsors from the lifetime bar, but it does not open the door for everyone who failed to declare a family member.

  To qualify, the undeclared family member must be applying to be sponsored as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child.

  The sponsor must have originally obtained their permanent residence through one of four specific pathways.

  The first eligible category covers sponsors who were admitted as Convention refugees or persons in similar circumstances under Canada’s resettlement programs.

  The second covers sponsors who received permanent residence after being determined to be a protected person through Canada’s asylum and refugee protection system.

  The third applies to sponsors who were themselves sponsored as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child under the family class.

  The fourth covers sponsors who came to Canada as a sponsored spouse or common-law partner under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.

  IRCC selected these categories because they represent the most vulnerable populations affected by the sponsorship bar and pose minimal risk to program integrity.

  The department’s reasoning is that undeclared family members of these sponsors would not have been subject to the excessive demand provisions on health or social services under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in most cases.

  These family members would also generally not have been subject to income requirements, meaning their existence would have had limited impact on whether the sponsor’s original permanent residence application succeeded.

  Who Cannot Be Sponsored Under This Policy

  The policy draws a firm line against cases where the undeclared family member’s existence would have made the sponsor ineligible to immigrate to Canada under the program they originally used.

  A sponsor who came to Canada as someone else’s spouse but was actually married to or in a common-law relationship with the undeclared family member at that time cannot use this policy.

  A sponsor who arrived as a dependent child on a parent’s application but was married or in a common-law relationship at the time of that application is also excluded.

  Sponsors who obtained permanent residence through a program that required them to be single with no dependents cannot sponsor previously undeclared family members under this policy either.

  These exclusions exist because declaring the family member at the time of the original application would have disqualified the sponsor entirely, and the policy is not intended to override that fundamental eligibility barrier.

  All standard admissibility requirements that are not specifically exempted by this policy continue to apply in full, including criminal inadmissibility, medical inadmissibility, and security screening.

  How To Apply Before The Deadline

  IRCC has confirmed that there is no separate or special application process for sponsoring undeclared family members under this public policy.

  Eligible sponsors must submit their applications through the normal process to sponsor a spouse, partner, or child, and IRCC officers will determine eligibility for the public policy exemption during processing.

  The critical factor is that IRCC must receive the application by September 10, 2026.

  Spouse, partner and child sponsorship applications must generally be submitted online through the Permanent Residence Portal.

  Paper applications are available only where IRCC approves an alternate-format request, including for applicants requiring accommodation. Standard family sponsorship fees apply.

  The Right of Permanent Residence Fee increased to $600 on April 30, 2026, for applicants who are required to pay it, while dependent children are exempt from the RPRF.

  Sponsors who reside in Quebec must also obtain a sponsorship undertaking from the provincial government, as that requirement is not waived by this federal public policy.

  What Happens To Applications Already In Process

  Applicants who have already submitted a sponsorship application for an undeclared family member do not need to take any additional action.

  IRCC has confirmed that all applications pending on the day the policy expires will be processed in accordance with the public policy provisions, regardless of whether a final decision is reached before September 10.

  This means that spousal sponsorship applications currently sitting in the processing queue will still receive the benefit of the exemption even if processing extends well beyond the expiry date.

  Current IRCC processing times for spousal sponsorship outside Quebec stand at 17 months for outland applications and 27 months for inland applications, meaning many applications filed now will not receive a decision until 2028.

  The fact that pending applications are grandfathered under the policy is significant because it removes the urgency of obtaining a decision before the deadline and shifts the focus entirely to getting the application filed in time.

  What Happens If Your Previous Application Was Refused

  Sponsors whose applications to sponsor undeclared family members were refused before the original policy took effect on May 31, 2019, are eligible to submit a new application under the current public policy.

  This provision gives a second chance to sponsors who were previously barred under the lifetime ban and whose family members now meet the eligibility conditions of the public policy.

  However, the new application must still be received by IRCC by September 10, 2026, or the sponsor will lose this opportunity.

  Why The September 10 Deadline Matters

  This public policy has been extended twice since its original launch in 2019, but there is no official indication from IRCC or the current immigration minister that a fourth consecutive policy will follow.

  The federal government’s current immigration priorities are focused on reducing temporary resident numbers, tightening asylum processing under Bill C-12, and meeting the 380,000 annual permanent residence target under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

  IRCC’s own policy document states that the department intended to use this consecutive policy period to gather data on the population utilizing the exemption and to consider potential amendments to immigration legislation.

  If the government concludes that a regulatory amendment to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations is warranted, the lifetime bar under paragraphs 117(9)(d) and 125(1)(d) could be permanently modified or removed.

  But if no regulatory change is made and no new public policy is issued, the lifetime ban on sponsoring undeclared family members returns in full force on September 11, 2026.

  The original policy document also carries a standard clause noting that this public policy may be cancelled at any time, which means the government retains the discretion to end it even before the scheduled expiry date.

  How To Succeed With Your Application Before The Deadline

  The single most important step is filing your complete sponsorship application by September 10, 2026.

  Confirm that you meet the sponsor eligibility requirements before submitting, because an incomplete or ineligible application will be returned and may not be resubmitted in time.

  Gather all required supporting documents, including proof of your original permanent residence pathway and evidence of your relationship with the undeclared family member.

  For this public policy, the critical factor is the receipt date, because IRCC must receive an eligible application by September 10, 2026.

  Online submission is required for these applications unless IRCC has provided an alternate application format as an accommodation.

  Sponsors in Quebec should contact the provincial immigration ministry immediately to initiate the Quebec undertaking process, as that provincial requirement runs on its own timeline independent of the federal deadline.

  Consider consulting a regulated Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer if you are unsure whether your specific circumstances qualify under the policy, especially given the new regulatory framework governing immigration professionals that took effect in 2026.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  What is the deadline to apply under the undeclared family members public policy?

  IRCC must receive your sponsorship application by September 10, 2026, for it to be processed under the public policy exemption.

  Will IRCC extend this public policy again after September 10, 2026?

  There is no official confirmation from IRCC or the immigration minister that a fourth consecutive policy will be issued, so applicants should treat September 10 as a firm deadline.

  Do I need to use a special application form to sponsor an undeclared family member?

  No, you apply through the standard spousal, partner, or child sponsorship process and IRCC determines public policy eligibility during processing.

  What happens to my application if it is still being processed after September 10?

  Applications received before the deadline will continue to be processed under the public policy provisions even if a decision is not reached until after the policy expires.

  Can sponsors who obtained permanent residence through Express Entry or the Federal Skilled Worker Program use this policy?

  No, the policy only applies to sponsors who received permanent residence as refugees, protected persons, or through family class sponsorship as a spouse, partner, or dependent child.

  Fact-Checked: All information in this article has been verified against the official IRCC public policy document published on canada.ca, the IRCC undeclared family members guidance page, and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations as of August 20, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently, so verify all requirements directly on canada.ca before applying.

  ---

  

  Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

  Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.

  ---

  

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• 
  New IRCC Processing Times As Of August 202620 August 2026, 10:06 AM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released its latest processing time data on August 19, 2026, and the headline number is impossible to ignore.

  Citizenship certificate processing has now reached 25 months, climbing by another six months in a single reporting cycle, while the queue added 22,300 applicants to reach approximately 121,800 people.

  That figure stood at just three months in March 2026, meaning this category has added roughly 22 months of processing time in barely five months.

  On the other side of the ledger, the Federal Skilled Worker Program improved to six months for the first time this year, and the CEC queue shrank by 1,800 applicants even as the processing time held steady at six months.

  The most alarming reversal in the weekly data is visitor record extensions, which spiked to 419 days, a jump of 103 days from the last week’s update and 268 days above January 28.

  IRCC calculates these timelines using actual applicant outcomes, reporting the window within which 80% of applicants received a decision.

  Monthly categories like citizenship, permanent residency, and family sponsorship were refreshed on August 10.

  Weekly categories like visitor visas, study permits, work permits, and PR cards were last updated on August 19.

  The August data arrives amid a busy month for Canadian immigration, including the opening of the Ontario Workforce Priority stream on August 4 and a new Express Entry draw cluster that began the same week.

  Applicants who submit incomplete documentation remain one of the leading refusal reasons across all the immigration categories, making thorough preparation essential during these processing windows.

  Below is a full breakdown of every processing time in the August 2026 release.

  Table of Contents

  Citizenship Processing Times (Updated monthly)

  Application Type	People Waiting (Change)	Processing Time (August 10, 2026)	Change Since Last Month
  Citizenship grant	~328,200 (+2,000)	12 months	No change
  Citizenship certificate*	~121,800 (+22,300)	25 months	+6 months
  Resumption of citizenship	Not available	Not enough data	No change
  Renunciation of citizenship	Not available	4 months	-3 months
  Search of citizenship records	Not available	17 months	No change

  IRCC is currently sending acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) notices for citizenship applications that were submitted on or around March 19, 2026.

  * Applicants residing outside Canada or the United States may face longer processing windows.

  Permanent Resident Card Processing Times (Updated weekly)

  Application Type	Processing Time (August 19, 2026)	Change since last week	Change Since January 21
  New PR card	40 days	-1 day	-22 days
  PR card renewal	41 days	-1 day	+12 days

  Family Sponsorship Processing Times (Updated monthly)

  Category	People Waiting (Change)	Processing Time (August 10, 2026)	Change Since Last Month
  Spouse/common-law outside Canada (non-Quebec)	~58,000 (+3,900)	17 months	No change
  Spouse/common-law outside Canada (Quebec)	~19,000 (+400)	33 months	No change
  Spouse/common-law inside Canada (non-Quebec)	~56,800 (-100)	27 months	No change
  Spouse/common-law inside Canada (Quebec)	~14,000 (+300)	32 months	No change
  Parents/grandparents (non-Quebec)	~39,000 (-1,400)	29 months	-1 month
  Parents/grandparents (Quebec)	~10,400 (-100)	64 months	-1 month

  Humanitarian and Compassionate And Protected Persons (Updated monthly)

  Category	People Waiting (Change)	Processing Time (August 10, 2026)	Change Since Last Month
  H&C outside Quebec	~55,800 (+1,300)	More than 10 years	No change
  H&C in Quebec	~20,100 (+400)	More than 10 years	No change
  Protected persons inside Canada (outside Quebec)	~92,200 (-6,100)	About 13 months	-1 month
  Protected persons inside Canada (in Quebec)	~41,900 (+1,000)	More than 120 months	No change
  Dependents of protected persons (outside Quebec)	~60,700 (-100)	About 40 months	+2 months
  Dependents of protected persons (in Quebec)	~22,400 (+300)	More than 10 years	No change

  Canadian Passport Processing Times

  Application Type	Current Processing Time	Change
  New passport (in person, Canada)	10 business days	No change
  New passport (mail, Canada)	20 business days	No change
  Urgent pickup	Next business day	No change
  Express pickup	2–9 business days	No change
  Passport mailed from outside Canada	20 business days	No change

  Permanent Residency Processing Times (Updated monthly)

  Category	People Waiting (Change)	Processing Time (August 10, 2026)	Change Since Last Month
  Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	~59,700 (-1,800)	6 months	No change
  Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)	~52,400 (-3,400)	6 months	-1 month
  Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)	Not available	Not enough data	No change
  PNP (Express Entry)	~11,800 (-300)	7 months	No change
  Non-Express Entry PNP	~102,400 (-1,400)	13 months	+1 month
  Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)	~21,200 (-1,000)	11 months	No change
  Quebec Business Class	~3,700 (No change)	75 months	No change
  Federal Self-Employed	~8,000 (-100)	More than 10 years	No change
  Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	~12,100 (-200)	26 months	No change
  Start Up Visa	~47,600 (+100)	More than 10 years	No change

  Temporary Visa Processing Times (Updated weekly)

  IRCC updates temporary residence processing times on a weekly basis, and the figures below reflect data as of August 19, 2026.

  We will update this section as soon as IRCC publishes new weekly data, so check back regularly for the latest numbers.

  Visitor Visas From Outside Canada

  Country	Processing Time (August 19, 2026)	Change since last week	Change Since January 28, 2026
  India	31 days	+4 days	-51 days
  United States	21 days	No change	-4 days
  Nigeria	76 days	+8 days	+36 days
  Pakistan	75 days	+27 days	+19 days
  Philippines	21 days	+5 days	+5 days

  Visitor Visa From Inside Canada

  Visitor visa applications filed from inside Canada now take 12 days, 9 days lower compared to the last week.

  Visitor Record Extension

  Visitor record extensions continue to remain high at 419 days, 103 days higher compared to the last week.

  This dramatic spike reverses months of gradual decline in this category and signals renewed processing pressure for visitors who have applied to extend their stay in Canada.

  Super Visa Processing Times

  Country	Processing Time (August 19, 2026)	Change since last week	Change Since January 28, 2026
  India	56 days	No change	-194 days
  United States	138 days	+12 days	-49 days
  Nigeria	53 days	+10 days	+15 days
  Pakistan	176 days	-9 days	+52 days
  Philippines	107 days	+7 days	-9 days

  The super visa timeline for India remains 194 days below its January 2026 level, continuing the strongest sustained improvement in any temporary category this year.

  Study Permit Processing Times

  Country	Processing Time (August 19, 2026)	Change since last week	Change Since January 28, 2026
  India	5 weeks	No change	No change
  United States	5 weeks	No change	No change
  Nigeria	9 weeks	+2 weeks	+4 weeks
  Pakistan	7 weeks	No change	+3 weeks
  Philippines	4 weeks	-1 week	-1 week

  Study Permit From Inside Canada: Inland study permit applications take 7 weeks; no change since the last week.

  Study Permit Extension: Study permit extensions now take 64 days, 6 days lower when compared to the last update and 40 days less than January 28, 2026.

  Work Permit Processing Times

  Country	Processing Time (August 19, 2026)	Change Since July 23, 2026	Change Since January 28, 2026
  India	9 weeks	No change	No change
  United States	2 weeks	-1 week	-1 week
  Nigeria	9 weeks	+2 weeks	+2 weeks
  Pakistan	7 weeks	-18 weeks	-13 weeks
  Philippines	6 weeks	No change	No change

  Work Permit From Inside Canada (Initial and Extension): Inland work permits, including extensions, have dropped to 117 days, 2 days lower than the last week, 89 days fewer than the May 20 update, 135 days below March 31, and 119 days below January 28, 2026.

  The sustained decline in this category continues to be one of the most significant positive trends in the 2026 processing data.

  Other Work Permit Categories

  The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program is now at 94 days, 23 days higher than the last week and 83 days higher than the May 20 update.

  International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits sit at 7 weeks, no change since the last week, but 4 weeks above March 31.

  Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) approvals continue to arrive within roughly 5 minutes for most travellers, with up to 72 hours required for applicants flagged for additional screening.

  The August 2026 IRCC processing times paint a system making steady gains in economic immigration while citizenship certificate processing spirals further out of control.

  Inland work permits at 117 days, FSWP improving to six months, CEC queues shrinking, and parents and grandparents sponsorship declining for the fourth straight month are all encouraging signs that IRCC is clearing backlogs in targeted categories.

  However, the 419-day visitor record extension spike and the citizenship certificate queue approaching 122,000 applicants suggest that capacity constraints are deepening in several high-volume streams, a pattern that first emerged in the May data and has accelerated since.

  August also brings a new CRA benefit payment cycle and the launch of Ontario’s redesigned immigration pathway, adding both financial and policy dimensions to the landscape for newcomers and permanent residents.

  Applicants should file early, submit complete documentation, and check their IRCC portals regularly to stay ahead of any requests that could extend their wait.

  For the latest developments on Canadian immigration news, evolving policy landscapes, and IRCC processing times, save this page and return regularly as new weekly and monthly data drops throughout 2026.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Why has citizenship certificate processing reached 25 months when it was only 3 months in March 2026?

  The explosive growth in this category is driven by the Bill C-3 citizenship by descent provisions that came into effect in December 2025. Tens of thousands of Americans and other foreign nationals with Canadian ancestry have filed applications under the expanded eligibility rules, overwhelming a processing stream that was not staffed for this volume. The queue has grown from approximately 50,900 in March to 121,800 in August, adding more than 70,000 applicants in just five months. IRCC processes these applications in the order they are received, and the current staffing allocation has not kept pace with the sustained intake surge.

  What is happening with visitor record extensions, and why did they spike to 419 days?

  Visitor record extensions jumped by 103 days in a single weekly cycle, reversing months of gradual decline in this category. This spike is likely tied to a seasonal surge in applications from visitors who arrived during the spring and summer travel season and are now seeking to extend their stays. IRCC processes visitor record extensions alongside other temporary residence applications, and competing priorities like study permit season and work permit renewals can divert processing resources away from this category. Visitors waiting for a decision on their extension maintain legal status under implied status rules as long as they applied before their current authorization expired.

  Why did Pakistan work permit processing jump from 10 weeks to 25 weeks in the last update?

  Single country processing time spikes of this magnitude typically reflect one or more of several factors, including an increased volume of applications requiring additional security screening, a batch of complex cases that required extended review, or a reallocation of processing resources between visa offices. IRCC processes work permit applications through specific visa offices, and processing capacity at the office handling Pakistan applications can fluctuate based on staffing levels and competing application volumes. It is also possible that a temporary processing pause or quality review at the responsible office contributed to the backlog.

  How does the FSWP improvement to six months affect Express Entry candidates currently in the pool?

  The Federal Skilled Worker Program processing time improvement from seven months to six months signals that IRCC is clearing its FSWP pipeline more efficiently, which is encouraging for candidates who have already received an invitation to apply. The FSWP queue also shrank by 3,400 applicants to approximately 52,400, indicating that IRCC is finalizing more applications than it is receiving in this category. For candidates still in the Express Entry pool waiting for an invitation, the processing time improvement does not directly affect their CRS score or draw eligibility. However, the faster processing pace means that once you receive an invitation and submit your permanent residence application, you can expect a decision in approximately 6 months rather than the 7-month timeline that was in place since April.

  Will IRCC update temporary visa processing times again this week?

  IRCC updates temporary residence processing times on a weekly basis, typically releasing new data on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. The figures in this article reflect the August 5 data release, and we will update the temporary visa sections as soon as IRCC publishes the next weekly refresh. Weekly updates cover visitor visas, study permits, work permits, super visas, electronic travel authorizations, PR cards, and all related sub categories like inland applications and extensions. Monthly categories like citizenship, family sponsorship, humanitarian and compassionate claims, and permanent residency through economic programs are updated once per month and will next be refreshed in September 2026. Save this page and check back regularly to see the latest weekly numbers as they become available.

  Fact-checked: All processing times, queue figures, and comparison data in this article are sourced directly from the official IRCC processing time tool updated on August 10, 2026 (monthly categories) and August 5, 2026 (weekly categories).

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a regulated immigration professional for guidance on your specific case.

  ---

  

  Satinder Bains

  Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website

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  7 New Ontario Rent Rules Coming In September 202619 August 2026, 4:56 PM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  Ontario tenants who miss a rent payment will face a dramatically shorter window to act starting September 21, 2026.

  On that date, the minimum termination period on an N4 notice for non-payment of rent drops from 14 days to 7 days for monthly and yearly tenancies.

  The change is part of a second wave of amendments under Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, which received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025.

  But the 7-day N4 is only one piece of a much larger September 21 package.

  The same proclamation brings a new statutory definition of persistent late payment, a requirement for tenants to pay 50% of arrears before raising certain issues at a non-payment hearing, and a compensation waiver for personal-use evictions with extended notice.

  Tribunals Ontario confirmed the September 21, 2026 effective date in its operational update released on June 30, 2026.

  This is the same legislation that already delivered a round of changes on July 1, 2026, including the 15-day LTB order review deadline and doubled maximum fines for landlord misconduct.

  Table of Contents

  7-Day Termination Period Replaces the 14-Day Timeline

  The headline change arriving on September 21 is the reduction of the N4 termination period from 14 days to 7 days for monthly and yearly tenancies.

  The N4 is the formal Notice to End a Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent that a landlord must serve before filing an eviction application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.

  Under the current rules, a tenant who misses a rent payment receives the N4 and has 14 days before the termination date, at which point the landlord becomes eligible to file an L1 application.

  Starting September 21, that termination period shrinks to 7 days.

  If the tenant pays the full amount of rent owed before the termination date, the N4 notice becomes void and the landlord cannot proceed.

  That core protection remains unchanged. The payment right does not disappear after the termination date.

  Under section 74 of the Residential Tenancies Act, a tenant who pays all arrears and any newly due rent before the landlord files the L1 application still voids the notice.

  Even after an L1 is filed, payment can still stop the proceeding, subject to the additional amounts required at that stage.

  The 7-day change affects the minimum time before a landlord can file, not the tenant’s ability to resolve the matter through payment.

  The practical difference is speed in reaching the filing threshold.

  Under current rules, a tenant who misses rent on the first of the month and receives an N4 on the second faces a termination date of the sixteenth, and the landlord cannot file the L1 until the seventeenth at the earliest.

  Under the new 7-day timeline, the termination date would be the ninth and the earliest L1 filing date would be the tenth.

  That is a full week shaved off the process before the hearing backlog even begins.

  Landlords who serve a 7-day N4 before September 21, 2026, risk having the notice declared void.

  Every N4 served before the effective date must still use the 14-day termination period to be legally valid.

  The change applies to all notices served on or after September 21, regardless of when the rent arrears originally accrued.

  New Persistent Late Payment Definition

  One of the most significant but under-reported changes arriving on September 21 is the new statutory definition of persistent late payment of rent.

  O. Reg. 241/26 adds section 8.1 to Ontario Regulation 516/06, establishing for the first time a prescribed definition of what constitutes persistent failure to pay rent on time.

  Under the new definition, persistent late payment includes circumstances where a tenant has failed to pay rent within 7 days of the date it becomes due on at least 3 occasions within any 6-month period.

  The regulation includes one important exception.

  A late payment does not count toward the three-strike threshold if it was solely attributable to the landlord applying a rent payment to another amount owed by the tenant, such as prior arrears.

  This definition matters because persistent late payment is a separate ground for eviction under paragraph 1 of subsection 58(1) of the Residential Tenancies Act, served through an N8 notice.

  Before this regulation, the LTB had no prescribed definition of what counted as persistent lateness.

  Adjudicators used their own discretion, and outcomes varied widely from one hearing to the next.

  Some tenants who were late 3 times in 12 months were found persistent, while others who were late 5 times were not.

  The new regulation does not eliminate that discretion entirely.

  Section 8.1(2) expressly states that persistent late payment may arise in circumstances not set out in the regulation.

  The prescribed definition sets a mandatory floor, meaning the LTB must find persistent late payment when the three-strike threshold is met, while still allowing it to make that finding in other fact patterns.

  Tenants who pay rent even a few days late on a recurring basis should treat this change as an urgent warning.

  Three late payments exceeding 7 days past due within any rolling 6-month window will now meet the statutory test for an N8 notice.

  50% Arrears Payment Required Before Raising Tenant Issues

  The September 21 package also activates the 50% arrears prepayment requirement under section 82 of the Residential Tenancies Act.

  Under the current rules, tenants facing a non-payment hearing can raise their own issues at the hearing, such as maintenance failures, harassment, or illegal entries, without any financial precondition.

  Starting September 21, 2026, a tenant who wants to raise these issues at a non-payment hearing must first pay half of the rent arrears that were claimed in the L1 application when it was filed.

  O. Reg. 241/26 further specifies that the required payment must be made no later than 7 days before the hearing date.

  The right to raise issues is not eliminated.

  Tenants can still file separate T2 or T6 applications for maintenance and other complaints independent of the non-payment hearing.

  The change adds a financial gate to raising those issues as a defence within the non-payment proceeding itself.

  Landlord groups have argued that some tenants raised section 82 issues primarily as a delay tactic rather than a legitimate defence.

  Tenant advocacy groups, including the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, have countered that the prepayment requirement makes it harder for low-income tenants to defend themselves against non-payment claims in the same proceeding where the issues are most relevant.

  Tenants who receive an L1 hearing notice after September 21 should calculate 50% of the claimed arrears immediately and arrange payment at least 7 days before the scheduled hearing to preserve their right to raise section 82 issues.

  N12 Personal-Use Eviction Compensation Waiver

  The next major change affects personal-use evictions under section 48 of the Residential Tenancies Act.

  Currently, a landlord who serves an N12 notice for their own use or a family member’s use must provide the tenant with at least 60 days of notice and pay one month’s rent as compensation before the termination date.

  Starting September 21, 2026, landlords who give at least 120 days of notice on an N12 under section 48 will no longer be required to pay the one-month compensation.

  The termination date must still fall on the last day of the tenancy period or the last day of a fixed term.

  This waiver applies only to landlord-own-use evictions under section 48.

  It does not apply to purchaser-use N12 notices under section 49, which remain subject to the one-month compensation requirement in section 49.1.

  This creates a strategic choice for landlords between speed and cost.

  A landlord renting a Toronto unit at $3,400 per month saves $3,400 by choosing the 120-day path instead of the standard 60-day path.

  A Hamilton landlord charging $1,800 per month saves $1,800 under the same calculation. The tradeoff is timing.

  Landlords who choose the 120-day no-compensation path wait an additional 60 days compared to the standard timeline before the tenant is required to vacate.

  Until September 21, 2026, the one-month compensation requirement applies to every N12 eviction regardless of notice length.

  The good-faith requirement under section 48 of the Residential Tenancies Act remains fully intact.

  A landlord cannot use the N12 process to displace a tenant simply to re-rent the unit at a higher price.

  The intended occupant must genuinely plan to live in the unit as their primary residence for at least 12 months.

  Bad-faith N12 evictions remain subject to T5 applications by displaced tenants at the LTB.

  New 60-Day Occupancy Rule

  Ontario filed O. Reg. 240/26 on July 21, 2026, introducing a strict deadline that strengthens tenant protections against bad-faith personal-use evictions.

  Effective September 21, 2026, the person identified in an N12 eviction notice must occupy the rental unit within 60 days.

  If they do not, a rebuttable presumption of bad faith is triggered under a new subsection added to section 57 of the Residential Tenancies Act.

  The regulation establishes two different starting points for the 60-day countdown depending on when the tenant actually vacates.

  If the tenant vacates on or before the termination date stated in the N12 notice, the 60-day clock starts from that termination date.

  If the tenant vacates after the termination date, the 60-day clock starts from the date the tenant actually leaves the unit.

  A landlord who triggers the bad-faith presumption carries the burden of proving that the eviction was nevertheless served honestly and in compliance with the Act.

  Under section 57, general compensation for a tenant who successfully proves bad faith is capped at the equivalent of 12 months of the former tenant’s last rent, plus other potential remedies.

  The LTB can also impose an administrative fine of up to $50,000 in bad-faith eviction cases.

  These LTB administrative fines are separate from the maximum court fines of $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations that apply upon conviction for RTA offences.

  This rule was designed to address a longstanding complaint from tenant advocacy groups that landlords were using N12 notices with no genuine intention of occupying the unit.

  The 60-day deadline gives tenants a concrete and measurable standard against which to evaluate whether their eviction was legitimate.

  Renovation Eviction Rules Add New Notification Requirements

  The September 21 changes also strengthen tenant protections in renovation and demolition evictions under the N13 notice.

  Landlords seeking to end a tenancy for repairs, renovations, or demolition will be required to provide written notifications to the tenant at multiple stages of the project.

  These notifications must cover the estimated completion date of the renovations, any changes to that estimated date, and the final date that the unit is ready for re-occupancy.

  Tenants will also receive a guaranteed 60-day period to re-occupy the unit after renovations are completed.

  If the landlord fails to provide the required notifications or does not give the tenant the full 60 days to return, the tenant can file an application at the LTB for a remedy.

  The application would be based on a failure to afford the right of first refusal, a new enforcement mechanism added under Bill 60.

  These renovation eviction protections build on earlier municipal efforts, including Toronto’s Rental Renovation Licence requirement that took effect in July 2025.

  N13 notices have their own existing compensation rules under sections 52, 54 and 55 of the Residential Tenancies Act, which vary depending on the reason for the eviction and the size of the building.

  Those N13 compensation obligations are separate from the N12 compensation waiver and remain unchanged by the September 21 amendments.

  Landlords managing active renovation projects should create a written communication log documenting every notification, timeline change, and completion update to protect against future LTB disputes.

  What Already Changed In 2026

  The September 21 changes are the second wave of a two-part rollout that began on July 1, 2026.

  Several significant amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act already took effect on that date.

  The window to request a review of an LTB order dropped from 30 days to 15 days on July 1, meaning landlords and tenants now have half the previous time to challenge a board decision.

  The document service window for above-guideline increase applications was reduced from 14 days to 7 days, with a certificate of service now due within 5 days after service.

  The LTB introduced a mandatory Payment Agreement Form for all repayment plans filed with the board.

  Tenants gained the legal right to install a window or portable air conditioning unit with written notice to their landlord, courtesy of Bill 97, the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act.

  Maximum fines for RTA offences doubled to $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations.

  Ontario previously doubled the RTA offence maximums in 2020, from $25,000 and $100,000 to $50,000 and $250,000.

  The July 2026 increase doubled them again to the current levels.

  The full breakdown of Ontario law changes that took effect in July 2026 covers every provision that landlords and tenants are now operating under.

  What Has Not Changed

  Despite the scope of these reforms, several core tenant protections under the Residential Tenancies Act remain fully intact.

  A landlord still cannot evict a tenant without a valid legal reason and a formal order from the Landlord and Tenant Board.

  An eviction notice alone does not end a tenancy in Ontario.

  The tenant always has the right to a hearing before any eviction order can be enforced.

  Security of tenure, the legal principle that allows tenants to remain in their homes as long as they follow their lease terms and the Act, remains the foundation of Ontario rental law.

  When a fixed-term lease expires, it continues to convert automatically to a month-to-month tenancy under the existing framework.

  The 2026 rent increase guideline of 2.1% remains the maximum a landlord can raise rent in a 12-month period without LTB approval for rent-controlled units.

  Units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018, remain exempt from rent control, meaning landlords of post-2018 units can raise rent by any amount with 90 days’ written notice.

  The right to a safe and well-maintained unit, essential services like heat and water, and the requirement for 24-hour written notice before landlord entry are all unchanged.

  What Ontario Tenants Should Do Before September 21

  Tenants who are currently behind on rent or at risk of falling behind should prioritize clearing arrears before the September 21 deadline.

  Under the new 7-day termination rule, a missed rent payment followed by an N4 notice leaves very little time before a landlord becomes eligible to file at the LTB.

  Setting up automatic rent payments through your bank or financial institution eliminates the risk of accidental late payment.

  Automatic payments are especially important under the new persistent-late-payment definition, where being more than 7 days late on 3 occasions within 6 months now meets the statutory test for an N8 notice.

  Tenants who receive an N4 notice after September 20 should pay the full arrears as quickly as possible to void the notice, ideally before the termination date and certainly before the landlord files the L1.

  Any tenant who receives an N12 personal-use eviction notice should immediately verify whether the landlord has paid the required one-month compensation or provided at least 120 days of notice to qualify for the new waiver under section 48.

  The new 60-day occupancy rule provides tenants with a concrete timeline to monitor whether the person named in the N12 actually occupies the unit.

  Tenants facing renovation evictions under an N13 notice should request written confirmation of the estimated completion date and document every communication with their landlord from this point forward.

  Anyone receiving Ontario Works or ODSP payments should speak with their caseworker immediately if they receive any eviction notice, as housing disruption can trigger changes to benefit eligibility.

  Ontario tenants receiving ODSP or Ontario Works benefits should be especially vigilant, as losing housing can disrupt support services.

  ODSP recipients now receive up to $1,436 per month for a single person after the 1.9% inflation adjustment that took effect on July 1, 2026.

  What Ontario Landlords Should Do Before September 21

  Landlords should update every internal procedure and template related to N4 notices to reflect the 7-day termination period for any notice served on or after September 21.

  Serving a 7-day N4 before the effective date will void the notice and force the landlord to start over.

  Landlords should also review their rent collection records for the past 6 months to identify tenants who may already meet the new persistent-late-payment threshold.

  Three instances of rent arriving more than 7 days past due within a rolling 6-month window now satisfy the statutory definition for an N8 notice.

  Landlords planning personal-use evictions should evaluate whether the 60-day standard path with compensation or the new 120-day no-compensation path is more advantageous for their specific situation.

  The financial savings must be weighed against the additional 60 days of waiting before the tenant is required to vacate.

  Under the new 60-day occupancy rule, landlords must ensure the intended occupant identified in the N12 occupies the unit within the prescribed period.

  Failure to meet this requirement creates a rebuttable presumption of bad faith that the landlord must actively overcome at the LTB.

  Landlords pursuing renovation evictions should establish a written communication log tracking every notification, timeline estimate, and completion date sent to the tenant.

  Every landlord should confirm that their property management software, notice templates, and filing calendars are updated before September 21 to avoid procedural errors.

  Bill 60 and Bill 97 Drive the 2026 Overhaul

  The September 21 changes are driven by two separate pieces of Ontario legislation working together.

  Bill 60, formally known as the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, was introduced in the fall of 2025, passed third reading on November 24, 2025, and received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025.

  Schedule 12 of Bill 60 contains the Residential Tenancies Act amendments, which have been proclaimed in waves through Orders in Council.

  Bill 97, the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023, provides the tenant-protective provisions that complement the procedural speedups in Bill 60.

  The tenant air conditioning installation right and the doubled maximum fines both come from Bill 97.

  The political framing from the Ontario government emphasizes shorter delays, tighter procedures, and clearer rules for both parties.

  Tenant advocacy groups argue that the balance tilts toward faster evictions and narrower defences.

  Landlord organizations have welcomed the shorter notice periods and more predictable outcomes.

  The full statutory text of Bill 60’s RTA amendments is published at Schedule 12 on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario site.

  Residents can also check 2026 statutory holidays to confirm whether any holidays fall within their 7-day N4 window, since business days may affect processing and payment timelines.

  Disabled tenants covered by Ontario’s disability support programs should verify that any rent increase applied to their unit complies with the 2.1% guideline or confirm whether their unit is exempt.

  Summary of New Ontario Rent Changes

  Change	Details
  N4 Termination Period	Drops from 14 days to 7 days for monthly and yearly tenancies
  Persistent Late Payment	More than 7 days late at least 3 times within any 6-month period meets statutory threshold (N8 notice)
  50% Arrears Prepayment	Tenants must pay half of L1 arrears at least 7 days before hearing to raise section 82 issues
  N12 Compensation Waiver (s. 48)	One-month compensation waived when landlord gives 120+ days notice; does not apply to purchaser-use (s. 49)
  60-Day Occupancy Rule	Intended N12 occupant must occupy within 60 days or rebuttable bad-faith presumption applies
  N13 Renovation Notifications	Written notification required at every stage including completion date and re-occupancy
  Right of First Refusal	Tenants can file LTB application if landlord fails renovation notification requirements

  Key Dates for Ontario Landlords and Tenants in 2026

  Date	What Changed or Changes
  November 27, 2025	Bill 60 received Royal Assent
  July 1, 2026	Wave 1: 15-day LTB reviews, doubled fines, tenant AC rights, mandatory payment form
  September 21, 2026	Wave 2: 7-day N4, persistent late payment threshold, 50% arrears rule, N12 compensation waiver (s. 48), 60-day occupancy rule, N13 notification requirements

  September 21, 2026 marks the single largest day of changes to Ontario eviction and rental law procedures in years.

  The combination of the 7-day N4, the three-strike persistent late payment threshold, the 50% arrears prepayment requirement, the N12 compensation waiver, and the 60-day occupancy rule fundamentally reshapes the timeline and the stakes for both landlords and tenants.

  The rules are set, the dates are confirmed, and the clock is already running toward September 21.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Does the 7-day N4 mean a tenant has only 7 days to avoid eviction?

  The 7 days are the minimum termination period before a landlord can file an L1 application, not an absolute eviction deadline. A tenant who pays all arrears and any newly due rent before the landlord files the L1 still voids the notice, and payment can still resolve the matter even after filing under section 74 of the Act.

  What triggers the new persistent late payment threshold?

  Under O. Reg. 241/26, failing to pay rent within 7 days of the due date on at least 3 occasions within any 6-month period meets the statutory definition of persistent late payment, which is a separate ground for an N8 eviction notice.

  What happens if the person named in an N12 does not occupy the unit within 60 days?

  Under O. Reg. 240/26, a rebuttable presumption of bad faith is triggered, meaning the landlord must prove the eviction was genuine or face compensation of up to 12 months of the former tenant’s last rent plus a potential LTB administrative fine of up to $50,000.

  Does the 120-day N12 compensation waiver apply to all types of N12 notices?

  The waiver applies only to landlord-own-use evictions under section 48 of the Act, and purchaser-use N12 notices under section 49 remain subject to the one-month compensation requirement in section 49.1.

  Do tenants still need to pay 50% of arrears to raise maintenance issues at a hearing?

  Starting September 21, tenants must pay half of the L1 arrears at least 7 days before the hearing to raise section 82 issues at a non-payment proceeding, but they can still file separate T2 or T6 applications for maintenance complaints outside the non-payment hearing.

  Fact Check: All information in this article has been verified against the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006; Bill 60 (Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025); Bill 97 (Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023); O. Reg. 240/26; O. Reg. 241/26; and the Tribunals Ontario operational updates.

  Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice; consult a licensed paralegal or lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.

  ---

  

  Satinder Bains

  Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website

  ---

  

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• 
  Latest Express Entry Draw On August 19 Sent 5,000 PR Invitations19 August 2026, 2:37 PM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 5,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence through the latest Express Entry draw on August 19, 2026 for French category.

  The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 382 points, a 9-point drop from the 391 recorded on August 6 and the lowest French-language cutoff of 2026.

  This draw closes the second August draw cluster that began with the Provincial Nominee Program draw on August 17 and continued with the Canadian Experience Class draw on August 18.

  The CRS cutoff of 382 marks the first time a French-language draw has broken below 391 in 2026, expanding the qualifying window for candidates with moderate French-language test results and lower base CRS profiles.

  Below is a full breakdown of the draw results, the complete 2026 French-language draw tracker, how this CRS drop affects candidate strategy, and what comes next for Express Entry.

  Table of Contents

  August 19 French-Language Proficiency Draw Results

  The table below summarizes every official detail of the August 19 French-language proficiency Express Entry draw as published by the IRCC.

  Draw Detail	Value
  Category	French-Language Proficiency 2026-V2
  Date and Time	August 19, 2026 at 12:35:37 UTC
  Number of Invitations Issued	5,000
  CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate	382
  Rank Needed	5,000 or above
  Tie-Breaking Rule	March 1, 2026 at 18:34:05 UTC

  Candidates who scored exactly 382 only received invitations if they submitted their Express Entry profiles before March 1, 2026, at 18:34:05 UTC.

  Anyone with a CRS score above 382 who qualified under the French-language proficiency category received an invitation regardless of when their profile was submitted.

  The tie-breaking date of March 1, 2026, is approximately five and a half months before the draw, which indicates a deep pool of candidates holding exactly 382 CRS points.

  Invited candidates now have exactly 60 calendar days to submit a complete permanent residence application to IRCC.

  Why the CRS Cutoff Dropped to a New 2026 Low of 382

  French-language proficiency draw cutoffs had ranged between 391 and 420 across the first nine rounds of 2026 before this draw broke through the floor to a new yearly low.

  The nine-point drop from 391 on August 6 to 382 on August 19 is the third-largest single-round CRS decline recorded in a French-language draw this year, after the 21-point drop on July 22 and the 19-point drop on April 29.

  This decline occurred despite IRCC maintaining the same 5,000-invitation volume used in the August 6 French draw, which means the drop is driven entirely by changes in pool composition rather than draw size.

  The most likely explanation is that the August 6 draw removed 5,000 French-qualified candidates near the top of the pool, and the replacement candidates who entered the pool over the following two weeks had lower base CRS scores.

  The contrast with the CEC cutoff of 523 recorded just one day earlier highlights the structural advantage French-language draws offer, with a gap of 141 points between the two pathways.

  A candidate with a total CRS score of 382 who holds qualifying French-language test results received an invitation in this round, while the same profile would need 141 additional points to qualify through a CEC draw at current volumes.

  Every French-Language Draw in 2026: The Full Invitation Tracker

  The table below tracks every French-language proficiency draw conducted in 2026 and shows how CRS cutoffs have shifted as IRCC adjusted invitation volumes across the year.

  Date	ITAs	CRS Cutoff	Change
  August 19, 2026	5,000	382	-9
  August 6, 2026	5,000	391	—
  July 22, 2026	5,000	399	-21
  July 9, 2026	5,000	420	+11
  May 28, 2026	4,500	409	+9
  April 29, 2026	4,000	400	-19
  April 15, 2026	4,000	419	+26
  March 18, 2026	4,000	393	—
  March 4, 2026	5,500	397	-3
  February 6, 2026	8,500	400	—

  French-language invitations now total 50,500 across 10 draws in 2026, making French-language proficiency the largest Express Entry draw category so far this year, narrowly ahead of the Canadian Experience Class.

  The CRS cutoff trend shows two distinct phases in 2026: an upward climb from 393 on March 18 to a peak of 420 on July 9, followed by a sustained decline to the current low of 382 from the record 8,500-invitation draw in February that set the early benchmark at CRS 400.

  The downward phase suggests that the most competitive French-language candidates were captured during the high-volume period from April through July, leaving a less competitive applicant pool for recent August draws.

  Second August Draw Cluster Now Complete

  The August 19 French-language draw completes the second draw cluster of August 2026, following the same PNP, CEC, and French-language sequence that IRCC has used in every cluster since March.

  The three draws in this cluster issued a combined 6,442 invitations: 442 through the PNP draw on August 17 at CRS 760, 1,000 through the CEC draw on August 18 at CRS 523, and 5,000 through the French draw on August 19 at CRS 382.

  French-language proficiency invitations accounted for 77.6% of all invitations issued in this cluster, reinforcing the category’s role as the highest-volume draw type within each cluster window.

  The total number of Express Entry invitations issued in 2026 now stands at approximately 119,865 across 49 draws, well past the 113,998 invitations issued across all of 2025.

  CEC and French-language draws together continue to account for over 82% of all invitations in 2026, confirming these two categories as the dominant Express Entry pathways under the current system.

  Who Qualifies for French-Language Proficiency Draws

  Candidates must demonstrate French-language ability at NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, using an approved test such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada.

  Test results must be less than two years old at the time an immigration officer receives the complete permanent residence application, so candidates should verify their test expiry dates before relying on existing scores.

  Candidates must also hold an active Express Entry profile and be eligible under at least one of the three federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.

  Processing Times for Express Entry Applications

  The latest IRCC processing time data from August 10, 2026, shows Express Entry permanent residence applications processing at approximately six months for decisions.

  Candidates who receive invitations in the August 19 draw can expect their permanent residency approvals to arrive in early to mid-2027 based on the current processing window.

  Applicants who submit incomplete documentation remain one of the leading causes of processing delays and refusals across all economic immigration categories.

  IRCC’s 9% francophone immigration target outside Quebec under the 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan is a policy commitment that is expected to sustain French-language draws regardless of how the broader Express Entry system is restructured.

  The August 19 French-language draw sets a new 2026 CRS low of 382, nine points below the previous floor, confirming that French-language proficiency remains the most accessible high-volume Express Entry pathway.

  The second August draw cluster is now complete, and candidates should prepare for the next cluster expected in the first week of September.

  Follow Immigration News Canada for verified draw results, CRS score analysis, and Canadian immigration news as they are released by IRCC.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  What was the CRS cutoff for the August 19, 2026, Express Entry draw?

  The CRS cutoff was 382 points for the French-language proficiency draw on August 19, 2026, with 5,000 invitations to apply issued to candidates who demonstrated NCLC 7 or higher in French across all four language skills.

  Why did the French-language CRS cutoff drop to 382?

  The 9-point decline from 391 on August 6 reflects a less competitive pool of French-language candidates following the removal of 5,000 top-ranked profiles in the previous round, while replacement candidates who entered the pool over the subsequent two weeks had lower base CRS scores.

  What French-language tests qualify for these draws?

  TEF Canada and TCF Canada are the two approved French-language tests accepted by IRCC for Express Entry French-language proficiency draws, and candidates must achieve NCLC 7 or higher in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

  How many French-language invitations has IRCC issued in 2026?

  IRCC has issued 50,500 French-language proficiency invitations across 10 draws in 2026, making French-language proficiency the largest Express Entry draw type by invitation volume so far this year, narrowly ahead of the Canadian Experience Class.

  When is the next Express Entry draw expected?

  The second August cluster is now complete, and the next round of Express Entry draws is expected in the first week of September if IRCC maintains the biweekly cluster pattern used throughout 2026.

  Fact-Checked: All data in this article was verified against the official Express Entry rounds of invitations page published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on August 19, 2026, and cross-referenced with pool snapshot data released on August 16, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice.

  ---

  

  Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

  Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.

  ---

  

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• 
  5 Major Canada Immigration Shifts In 2026 Revealed In New IRCC Data19 August 2026, 9:55 AM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has released new data across 4 separate open-data portals on August 18, 2026, and the combined picture reveals a Canadian immigration system undergoing its most significant recalibration in a decade.

  The datasets cover permanent residence admissions, Express Entry landings, study permit holders and International Mobility Program work permits, and all four now align on the same January-through-June 2026 reporting window.

  Five distinct shifts emerge when the data is read together, and they tell a story that no single dataset could capture on its own.

  Some of these trends follow the direction Ottawa signalled in the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which set annual permanent residence targets at 380,000 and pledged to reduce temporary residents below 5% of the population by late 2027.

  Others are arriving with a force and speed that no policy document anticipated.

  Here is what the data shows across every major immigration stream, what is driving each trend, and what it means for applicants, employers and policymakers in Canada.

  Table of Contents

  Permanent Resident Admissions Are Down 12.3% In The First Half

  Canada admitted 182,185 permanent residents from January through June 2026, compared with 207,850 during the same six months of 2025.

  That is a decline of 25,665 admissions and represents a 12.3% year-over-year drop in new permanent residents.

  The monthly trajectory reveals a system that started the year at its lowest point and has been steadily regaining momentum.

  January recorded just 24,220 landings, down 28.9% from January 2025.

  By April, admissions reached 29,885, surpassing the April 2025 figure of 28,055 for the first month of positive year-over-year growth in 2026.

  May climbed to 34,410, and June reached 34,750, meaning the last two months of the first half are both running close to the pace required to meet the annual target.

  At the current trajectory, Canada needs to admit approximately 197,815 permanent residents across July through December to reach the 380,000 target in the Immigration Levels Plan, which works out to roughly 33,000 per month.

  June’s figure of 34,750 shows that pace is achievable, but sustaining it through the second half without interruption would require consistent processing velocity across all categories.

  Month	H1 2025	H1 2026	Change	% Change
  January	34,055	24,220	-9,835	-28.9%
  February	35,275	29,290	-5,985	-17.0%
  March	34,990	29,630	-5,360	-15.3%
  April	28,055	29,885	+1,830	+6.5%
  May	36,430	34,410	-2,020	-5.5%
  June	39,045	34,750	-4,295	-11.0%
  H1 Total	207,850	182,185	-25,665	-12.3%

  Ontario absorbed the largest absolute decline, dropping from 91,390 to 78,110, a 14.5% reduction that accounts for more than half of the national shortfall.

  Quebec posted the steepest provincial percentage decline at 23.5%, falling from 28,530 to 21,820.

  British Columbia fell 17.6% from 27,670 to 22,795, while Alberta dipped more modestly at 5.6% from 26,250 to 24,770.

  Manitoba and Saskatchewan were notable exceptions, rising 3.8% and 4.0%, respectively, making them the only major provinces to admit more permanent residents in the first half of 2026 than in the same period of 2025.

  Economic Immigration Is Down 22.8%

  The decline in permanent resident admissions is not evenly distributed across immigration categories, and economic immigration is bearing a disproportionate share of the reduction.

  Canada admitted 100,930 economic-class permanent residents from January through June 2026, down from 130,770 during the same period in 2025.

  That 22.8% decline reflects reduced volumes across every major economic stream, with the Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Worker program absorbing the steepest cuts.

  Economic Stream	H1 2025	H1 2026	Change	% Change
  Canadian Experience	32,730	23,670	-9,060	-27.7%
  Skilled Worker	35,865	26,820	-9,045	-25.2%
  Provincial Nominees	50,585	41,820	-8,765	-17.3%
  Economic Total	130,770	100,930	-29,840	-22.8%

  The 27.7% decline in Canadian Experience Class admissions reflects how IRCC has managed Express Entry draws throughout 2026, with smaller draw sizes and higher CRS cutoffs limiting how many in-Canada workers convert invitations into permanent residence.

  The Provincial Nominee Program decline of 17.3% is notable given that the Levels Plan increased PNP allocations to 91,500 for 2026, a substantial rebound from the 55,000 target in 2025.

  The gap between the higher allocation and the lower actual landing volume suggests that processing timelines and provincial nomination throughput have not yet caught up to the restored targets.

  Ontario’s economic admissions dropped from 52,910 to 36,135, a decline of 31.7% that accounts for more than half of the national economic-class reduction on its own.

  The composition of Canada’s immigration intake is shifting as a result.

  Economic immigration’s share of total admissions fell from 62.9% in H1 2025 to 55.4% in H1 2026.

  Meanwhile, refugee and protected person admissions surged 35.1% from 24,355 to 32,915, increasing their share of total admissions from 11.7% to 18.1%.

  Sponsored family admissions dipped only 4.1% from 46,950 to 45,020, holding relatively steady while economic streams contracted sharply.

  Asylum claims moved in the opposite direction from refugee admissions, declining 48.9% in H1 2026 from 57,440 to 29,365.

  Express Entry PR Admissions Plunged 32.7% In The First Half

  The dedicated Express Entry admissions dataset confirms an even sharper contraction than the broader economic category numbers suggest.

  IRCC recorded 47,430 Express Entry permanent resident admissions in the first half of 2026, compared with 70,445 during the first half of 2025.

  That is a decline of 32.7%, and it represents the sharpest first-half contraction in Express Entry admissions since the system launched in 2015.

  The monthly data shows the drop was steepest in the early months and has begun to stabilize, though at a permanently lower level.

  February and March 2026 each recorded fewer than 7,700 Express Entry landings, compared with more than 12,500 in each of those months during 2025.

  By June the monthly figure had recovered to 8,420, but that is still 26% below June 2025.

  Ontario’s Express Entry admissions fell from 42,710 in H1 2025 to 27,170 in H1 2026, a decline of 36.4% that removes over 15,500 skilled workers from the province’s permanent resident intake.

  British Columbia dropped 39.0% from 12,355 to 7,535, Alberta declined 22.8% from 7,270 to 5,615, and Manitoba fell 32.0% from 2,640 to 1,795.

  For candidates in the Express Entry pool, these numbers explain the elevated CRS cutoffs that have defined every CEC draw in 2026.

  Fewer admissions means IRCC is converting a smaller share of invitations into landings, which keeps the pool saturated with applicants competing for a diminished number of spots.

  The proposed Express Entry overhaul that IRCC consulted on through May 2026 would restructure the system entirely, but those changes will not take effect until at last 2027, leaving the current dynamics in place for the rest of this year.

  Study Permit Numbers Suddenly Rebounded In Q2 2026

  While permanent resident and Express Entry volumes contracted, new study permit activity moved sharply in the opposite direction during the second quarter.

  IRCC recorded 80,485 study permit holders whose permits became effective in Q2 2026, compared with 55,215 in Q2 2025.

  That is a 45.8% increase, reversing a trend that had defined the international student space since Ottawa imposed study permit caps for 2026 and restricted new allocations.

  June alone surged to 32,700 from 18,170, an 80.0% year-over-year increase and the single largest monthly study permit figure in the 2026 dataset.

  The broader picture is more mixed, with Q1 2026 down 24.5% at 70,860 versus 93,880 in Q1 2025, before Q2 rebounded 45.8% to 80,485 from 55,215.

  Country	Q2 2025	Q2 2026	Change	% Change
  India	17,545	16,555	-990	-5.6%
  China	5,640	12,605	+6,965	+123.5%
  Ukraine	640	5,890	+5,250	+820.3%
  Nigeria	3,950	5,145	+1,195	+30.3%
  Philippines	3,980	3,885	-95	-2.4%
  South Korea	930	2,370	+1,440	+154.8%
  France	650	1,510	+860	+132.3%
  All Countries	55,215	80,485	+25,270	+45.8%

  China’s 123.5% Q2 surge is the headline number among major source countries, while India actually declined 5.6% despite remaining the largest single source of international students in Canada.

  Ukraine’s 820.3% increase from a low base of 640 to 5,890 stands out as the most dramatic percentage shift in the entire dataset, likely reflecting humanitarian policy accommodations and demand from displaced students.

  South Korea, France and Vietnam all posted Q2 increases exceeding 80%, indicating that the rebound is broad-based and not driven by a single source country.

  The divergence between India and virtually every other major source nation is significant, because any sustained decline from India while other countries surge would fundamentally reshape the demographic composition of Canada’s international student population.

  International Mobility Program Work Permits More Than Doubled

  The most dramatic finding in the entire data release comes from the International Mobility Program work permit dataset.

  IRCC recorded 258,765 IMP work permit holders in Q2 2026, compared with 126,415 in Q2 2025.

  That is an increase of 104.7%, meaning IMP volumes more than doubled in a single year.

  The 170,000 IMP target in the Levels Plan is not directly comparable with these permit-holder figures because the target covers new arrivals and excludes Post-Graduation Work Permits and in-Canada work permit applications.

  Ontario’s Q2 IMP volume jumped from 47,900 to 110,555, an increase of 130.8%.

  Quebec rose 103.1% from 14,655 to 29,765, Alberta climbed 118.3% from 12,925 to 28,220, and British Columbia increased 108.6% from 20,975 to 43,755.

  Even smaller provinces saw their IMP volumes roughly double, with New Brunswick up 145.1% and Saskatchewan up 134.3%.

  Post-Graduation Work Permits Are The Engine Behind The Surge

  The single largest driver of the IMP explosion is post-graduation employment.

  IRCC data shows 116,935 post-graduation work permit holders recorded in Q2 2026, compared with 27,645 in Q2 2025.

  That is a 323.0% increase in a single quarter.

  June 2026 alone recorded 42,470 PGWP holders, compared with 9,780 in June 2025, an increase of 334.3%.

  Month	PGWP 2025	PGWP 2026	Change	% Change
  January	19,665	47,135	+27,470	+139.7%
  February	14,055	47,980	+33,925	+241.3%
  March	13,150	36,015	+22,865	+173.8%
  April	9,705	34,140	+24,435	+251.7%
  May	8,150	40,390	+32,240	+395.6%
  June	9,780	42,470	+32,690	+334.3%

  The PGWP share of total IMP activity tells its own story.

  In Q2 2025, post-graduation employment accounted for 21.9% of IMP work permit activity. In Q2 2026, that share surged to 45.2%, meaning nearly half of all IMP activity during the quarter was driven by post-graduation employment.

  In H1 2026, that share surged to 49.2%, meaning nearly half of all International Mobility Program activity in Canada is now driven by international graduates entering the labour market on post-graduation permits.

  Ontario absorbed the largest share of this PGWP surge, jumping from 16,620 in Q2 2025 to 64,695 in Q2 2026.

  British Columbia went from 4,115 to 20,700, Quebec from 2,425 to 12,235 and Alberta from 1,685 to 8,385.

  What Is Driving The PGWP Explosion

  The 323% Q2 surge in post-graduation work permits is a delayed consequence of Canada’s earlier international student boom.

  In 2022 and 2023, Canada issued record volumes of study permits as post-pandemic enrollment surged across colleges and universities.

  Those students who enrolled in two-year and three-year programs are now graduating in large numbers and applying for PGWPs upon completion.

  The timing aligns with the typical graduation cycle, because a student who began a two-year diploma in September 2023 would complete studies by spring 2025 and receive a PGWP that became effective in late 2025 or early 2026.

  This creates a paradox at the centre of Canadian immigration policy.

  Ottawa has simultaneously tightened study permit caps, restricted PGWP-eligible fields of study and imposed new language requirements for post-graduation work permits.

  But the pipeline of students admitted under the previous, more permissive rules is still producing graduates at peak volumes, and those graduates are entering the labour market in unprecedented numbers.

  The policy tightening will eventually reduce PGWP volumes as the smaller post-2024 student cohorts begin to graduate, but that effect is still at least two to three years away.

  In the meantime, the 116,935 PGWP holders recorded in Q2 2026 represent a massive cohort of workers competing for permanent residence through Express Entry, provincial nominee programs and other pathways.

  With Express Entry admissions down 32.7% and CRS cutoffs remaining elevated, many of these PGWP holders face uncertain prospects and tightening timelines.

  IRCC data has shown that over 300,000 work permits were set to expire in Q1 2026 alone, and the continued flow of new PGWP holders into the system means the total volume of temporary workers seeking permanence is growing even as the number of available PR spots contracts.

  A separate IRCC dataset tracking permanent resident admissions of former study permit holders shows that 11,730 former international students received permanent residence in H1 2026, compared with 11,195 in H1 2025.

  That 4.8% increase means former students now represent 6.4% of all PR admissions, up from 5.4% a year earlier.

  The contrast between the 248,055 PGWP holders entering the labour market and the 11,730 former students actually converting to permanent residence in the same period illustrates the scale of the bottleneck facing international graduates in 2026.

  What The Combined Data Tells Us About Canadian Immigration In 2026

  These five shifts form a coherent pattern that reveals the structural tension at the core of Canadian immigration policy.

  Ottawa is deliberately reducing permanent resident volumes, cutting Express Entry conversions and slowing economic immigration to meet the lower targets in the 2026–2028 Levels Plan.

  At the same time, the temporary resident population is being reshaped by forces set in motion years ago, and the PGWP surge demonstrates that policy changes on the input side take years to filter through to the output side.

  The study permit rebound in Q2 adds another layer of complexity, because it suggests that the caps and restrictions Ottawa introduced have not eliminated demand but may have redirected it across source countries and timing patterns.

  IRCC’s latest backlog data shows more than 1.5 million immigration files still awaiting decisions, and the new transparency dashboard reveals that a significant share of permanent residence applications are not being processed but are simply waiting for space under the annual levels cap.

  For applicants, the takeaway is that 2026 is a year of tighter competition for permanent residence, elevated CRS thresholds in Express Entry, and record-high volumes of PGWP holders competing for a shrinking pool of PR spots.

  For employers, the labour market now contains a historically large pool of PGWP holders who are already in Canada, authorized to work and actively seeking positions that could support a future permanent residence application.

  For policymakers, the data raises a fundamental question about whether the current approach of cutting PR admissions while inheriting a massive temporary-to-permanent pipeline can be sustained without creating a growing population of workers in legal status with no realistic path forward.

  The In-Canada Workers Initiative targeting up to 33,000 workers is already operational, while the proposed Express Entry overhaul has not yet been implemented.

  The record emigration figures and declining non-permanent resident population provide the other side of the ledger, as Canada is simultaneously losing temporary residents at historically high rates while the PGWP pipeline continues adding new ones.

  If the second half of 2026 sustains June’s pace of roughly 34,750 PR landings per month, Canada would finish the year near the 380,000 target.

  However, the immigration mix reaching that number will look fundamentally different from what the Levels Plan envisioned, with a smaller economic share, a larger humanitarian share, and a quarter-million PGWP holders sitting outside the permanent residence pipeline altogether.

  Follow Immigration News Canada for complete coverage of every IRCC data release, Express Entry draw result, provincial program update and processing time change affecting immigration to Canada in 2026.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  How many permanent residents has Canada admitted in 2026 so far?

  IRCC data shows 182,185 permanent residents were admitted from January through June 2026, down 12.3% from 207,850 during January through June 2025. Canada needs approximately 33,000 landings per month from July through December to reach the 380,000 annual target.

  Why are Express Entry admissions declining when IRCC is still running draws?

  IRCC has been issuing invitations at a steady pace in 2026, but the lag between receiving an invitation and landing as a permanent resident means that reduced draw sizes and higher CRS cutoffs from late 2025 through early 2026 are now showing up in the admissions data with a delay of several months.

  What is causing the post-graduation work permit surge in 2026?

  The record number of study permits issued in 2022 and 2023 created a large pipeline of international students who are now completing their programs and transitioning to PGWPs. The current surge reflects the graduation timing of those earlier cohorts, and the policy restrictions Ottawa introduced in 2024 and 2025 will not meaningfully reduce PGWP output until 2027 or 2028.

  Will study permit numbers continue to rise in the second half of 2026?

  The Q2 rebound brought the first-half total to only 1.8% above 2025 levels, and IRCC has confirmed that the 2026 national study permit cap of approximately 408,000 remains in effect, so the second-half trajectory will depend on how many allocations remain under provincial quotas.

  What does the PGWP surge mean for permanent residence competition?

  The 248,055 PGWP holders recorded in H1 2026 represent a historically large pool of workers who will seek permanent residence through Express Entry, provincial nominee programs and other pathways. Only 11,730 former international students actually received permanent residence in the same period, illustrating the scale of the bottleneck and the intense competition PGWP holders face for limited PR spots.

  Fact-Checked: All permanent resident admissions figures are sourced from the IRCC Open Data Portal datasets current as of June 30, 2026, updated by the department on August 18, 2026. Immigration level targets are sourced from the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan published by IRCC in November 2025 and the IRCC Departmental Plan 2026 published March 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Readers should consult a licensed immigration professional for guidance on their individual circumstances.

  ---

  

  Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

  Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.

  ---

  

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  New Ontario Car Insurance Rate Cuts Coming In September 202618 August 2026, 5:39 PM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  Ontario drivers insured with some of the province’s largest carriers are about to see approved rate reductions flow through to their renewal premiums this fall.

  The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario has approved average rate decreases for at least eight insurer filings covering renewals that begin as early as September 1, 2026.

  These cuts arrive barely two months after Ontario overhauled its auto insurance accident benefits structure on July 1, giving drivers a second reason to open their renewal paperwork carefully this season.

  The approved reductions range from a modest 0.23% average decrease at one insurer to a 5.30% average cut at another, with effective dates staggered across September and November.

  One additional insurer secured a 4.62% reduction that already took effect on August 15, offering immediate relief to policyholders renewing through that carrier.

  Not every filing moved in the same direction, however, and one insurer under a major corporate umbrella received approval for a rate increase starting on the same September 1 date.

  The full breakdown of every approved change, which insurers are cutting rates, what the approved averages mean for individual drivers, and what the one exception means follows below.

  Table of Contents

  Every Approved Rate Cut by Insurer and Effective Date

  FSRA publishes every approved rate change in its public rate approval database, giving Ontario consumers advance notice before adjusted premiums appear on their renewal documents.

  The following table lists every insurer with an approved average rate decrease that takes effect between August and November 2026.

  Insurer / Group	Approved Avg. Change	Renewal Effective
  Heartland Farm Mutual	-4.62%	Aug. 15, 2026
  Aviva General	-1.64%	Sept. 1, 2026
  Definity	-1.31%	Sept. 1, 2026
  Wawanesa	-0.23%	Sept. 1, 2026
  Allstate	-1.64%	Sept. 15, 2026
  Pembridge (Allstate)	-1.45%	Sept. 15, 2026
  Certas Direct (Desjardins)	-2.00%	Nov. 28, 2026
  Certas Home & Auto (Desjardins)	-2.00%	Nov. 28, 2026
  The Personal (Desjardins)	-5.30%	Nov. 28, 2026

  Heartland Farm Mutual secured the earliest effective date with a 4.62% average reduction that applied to renewals starting August 15.

  Aviva General followed with a 1.64% average decrease for renewals beginning September 1.

  Definity and Wawanesa round out the September 1 cohort with approved average decreases of 1.31% and 0.23%, respectively, which will be incorporated into renewal pricing from that date.

  Allstate and its subsidiary Pembridge both secured rate reductions effective September 15, coming in at 1.64% and 1.45%.

  The deepest cuts belong to the Desjardins group, which filed three separate reductions under its Certas Direct, Certas Home & Auto, and The Personal brands.

  Certas Direct and Certas Home & Auto each received approval for a 2.00% average decrease, while The Personal landed the largest single reduction at 5.30%.

  All three Desjardins filings carry a November 28 effective date, which means policyholders with those carriers will wait until late fall before the adjusted rates appear on their renewals.

  What These Approved Percentages Actually Mean for Your Premium

  FSRA specifically states that each approved percentage represents the expected average premium change across that insurer’s entire Ontario customer base upon renewal, as explained on the regulator’s auto insurance consumer hub.

  That distinction matters because individual premiums are calculated using a combination of factors unique to each policyholder.

  Your vehicle type, where you park it overnight, your personal driving record, your claims history, and the specific coverages you carry all feed into the rate calculation, as FSRA outlines on its rating factors page.

  A driver living in Brampton with a recent at-fault claim could see a different outcome than a driver in Ottawa with a clean record, even if both are insured with the same carrier, something the regulator’s average premium page reinforces.

  The approved average decrease is a portfolio-wide figure that reflects the net effect of all the rating-factor adjustments within a single filing.

  Some policyholders within a carrier’s book of business may still see a premium increase at renewal even when the overall approved change is negative.

  Other policyholders may receive a reduction that exceeds the published average because their specific risk profile improved relative to the rest of the insurer’s pool.

  Drivers with recent traffic convictions or impaired-driving offences should also expect their driving record to affect their individual renewal premium despite any portfolio-wide rate decrease.

  One Insurer Approved for a Rate Increase

  Not every filing that FSRA processed during this cycle moved rates downward.

  S&Y Insurance, which operates under the Aviva corporate umbrella, received approval for a 1.19% average rate increase effective September 1, 2026.

  Insurer / Group	Approved Avg. Change	Renewal Effective
  S&Y Insurance (Aviva)	+1.19%	Sept. 1, 2026

  This means that two entities under the same parent company are moving in opposite directions on the same date, a pattern that reflects how Ontario’s insurance regulatory framework treats each licensed insurer as a separate filing entity with its own claims experience and rate justification.

  Drivers insured through S&Y should review their renewal documents carefully when they arrive, because the 1.19% average increase will flow through to premiums calculated under the new filing.

  How These Rate Changes Connect to the July 1 Auto Insurance Reform

  Ontario’s auto insurance system underwent a fundamental restructuring on July 1, 2026, shifting from a standardized accident benefits package to an optional model where drivers choose which protections to keep.

  Only medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits remain mandatory under the new framework.

  Income replacement, caregiver benefits, non-earner benefits, housekeeping expenses, death benefits, and funeral benefits all became optional coverages, a change that was flagged months in advance in the May 2026 Ontario laws roundup and the June 2026 preparation guidance.

  Existing policyholders generally retain their previous accident-benefit selections at renewal unless they agree in writing to change or decline the newly optional benefits.

  The rate reductions approved by FSRA for September and November are separate filings that reflect each insurer’s updated claims projections and operating costs, as detailed in the regulator’s reform Q&A for insurers.

  Some of the approved decreases may partially reflect insurers adjusting their pricing models to account for lower expected claims costs under the new optional benefits structure.

  However, FSRA has not publicly attributed any specific rate filing to the reform, and each insurer’s actuarial justification is assessed independently.

  Drivers who opted out of previously mandatory coverages at their July renewal should compare the resulting premium with what these September or November rate changes would deliver, because the two pricing effects are distinct.

  How to Check Whether Your Renewal Is Affected

  The simplest way to confirm whether a rate change applies to your policy is to look at the renewal date printed on your current insurance documents.

  If your policy renews on or after the effective date listed for your insurer in the table above, the approved rate change should be reflected in your new premium.

  Drivers whose policies renewed before the effective date will not see the adjustment until their next annual renewal cycle, which could be up to 10-12 months away.

  Ontario residents managing multiple financial deadlines this fall should add their auto insurance renewal date to the calendar alongside those deposit dates.

  Ontario law generally requires at least 30 days’ written notice to the named insured when an insurer proposes not to renew a policy or to renew it on varied terms, giving drivers time to review their options.

  If the renewal shows a premium increase despite your insurer appearing on the rate-cut list, the explanation almost certainly lies in a change to your individual risk profile, and you can contact your broker or insurer for a detailed breakdown of which rating factors drove the change.

  How to Succeed When Shopping Your Renewal

  An approved rate decrease at your current insurer does not automatically mean you are getting the best available price in the market.

  Ontario law requires insurers to follow the Take-All-Comers rule, which means any insurer whose acceptability criteria you meet must offer you coverage at the lowest rate available for your risk profile.

  Collecting quotes from at least three insurers before accepting a renewal gives you a baseline comparison that your current carrier’s rate decrease may or may not beat.

  Drivers who recently moved within Ontario should pay particular attention because location is one of the most heavily weighted rating factors and a move from a higher-risk postal code to a lower-risk one can produce savings that dwarf any portfolio-wide rate cut.

  Bundling auto insurance with home or tenant insurance through the same carrier often unlocks a multi-policy discount that stacks on top of any approved rate decrease, a savings strategy worth exploring.

  Reviewing your coverage limits and deductibles during the renewal window is equally important, especially now that the July 2026 accident benefits reform made several previously mandatory protections optional and changed the baseline coverage that every policy includes.

  Drivers insured through the Desjardins group should note that their rate cuts do not take effect until November 28, which means shopping for competitive quotes now could secure a lower rate months before the approved decrease would apply.

  Maintaining a clean driving record remains one of the most important ways to control long-term insurance costs, particularly because driving convictions and at-fault claims are factors insurers use directly when calculating individual premiums.

  FSRA continues to process rate filings on a rolling basis throughout the year, and additional approvals for reductions or increases could appear in the rate approval database at any time.

  The interaction between the July 1 accident benefits reform and insurer pricing models will take several quarters to fully materialize, and Ontario drivers should monitor their renewal documents closely through the remainder of 2026 as the market adjusts to the new regulatory landscape.

  Meanwhile, Ontario households are navigating a dense fall calendar of financial changes, from provincial benefit rule changes tied to immigration status to rising consumer costs to deadline-driven claims processes like the CRA data breach settlement, making it more important than ever to review every renewal and payment notice that arrives.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Will my auto insurance premium automatically decrease on the effective date listed for my insurer?

  The approved rate change applies to renewals that fall on or after the effective date, not to policies already in force. If your policy renewal lands before September 1 or September 15, the decrease will not appear until your next annual renewal cycle, which could be up to 12 months later.

  Can my premium still increase even if my insurer received an approved rate decrease?

  Yes, the approved percentage is an average across the insurer’s entire Ontario customer base. Changes to your individual risk profile, such as adding a new vehicle, moving to a higher-risk postal code, filing a claim, or receiving a traffic conviction, can push your personal premium higher even when the overall rate filing is a decrease.

  Are the September rate cuts related to the July 1 auto insurance accident benefits reform?

  FSRA has not publicly attributed any specific rate filing to the accident benefits reform. Each insurer files its rate change based on its own actuarial analysis of claims costs, operating expenses, and projected loss experience. Some filings may reflect expectations of lower claims costs under the new optional benefits framework, but the regulator assesses each filing independently.

  Do I automatically lose my current accident benefits when my policy renews after July 1?

  No, existing policyholders generally retain the accident-benefit coverages they had before July 1 at renewal unless they and their insurer agree in writing to change or decline specific optional benefits. Drivers purchasing a brand new policy after July 1 receive only the mandatory minimums by default and must actively select any additional optional coverages.

  Does Ontario regulate how much an insurer can raise or lower auto insurance rates in a single filing?

  Ontario does not set a fixed cap on rate increases or decreases. FSRA reviews every filing to ensure the proposed rates are actuarially justified, not excessive for consumers, and sufficient for the insurer to meet its future claims obligations. If FSRA determines that a proposed change is unreasonable, it can require the insurer to revise the filing before granting approval.

  Fact-Checked: All rate change data in this article is sourced from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario’s public rate approval database, accessed on August 18, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance, legal, or financial advice. Readers should contact a licensed insurance broker in Ontario for guidance specific to their policy and coverage needs.

  ---

  

  Satinder Bains

  Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website

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  New Express Entry Draw On August 18 Sent 1,000 PR Invitations18 August 2026, 1:02 PM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 1,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence through a new Express Entry draw on August 18, 2026, for the Canadian Experience Class.

  The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 523 points, a sharp 7-point increase from the 516 recorded in the previous CEC draw on August 5.

  This is the smallest Canadian Experience Class draw of 2026 and the highest CEC cutoff recorded at any point this year, breaking above the 514 to 518 band that had held steady since April.

  The draw arrived one day after the Provincial Nominee Program draw on August 17 that opened the second draw cluster of the month with 442 invitations at a CRS of 760.

  Below is a complete breakdown of the draw results, what the CRS spike signals about pool dynamics, how this round compares to every CEC draw in 2026, and what candidates should expect next.

  Table of Contents

  August 18 Canadian Experience Class Draw Results

  The table below summarizes every official detail of the August 18 Canadian Experience Class Express Entry draw as published by IRCC.

  Draw Detail	Value
  Program	Canadian Experience Class
  Date and Time	August 18, 2026, at 10:13:44 UTC
  Number of Invitations Issued	1,000
  CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate	523
  Rank Needed	1,000 or above
  Tie-Breaking Rule	August 17, 2026, at 22:09:00 UTC

  Candidates who scored exactly 523 only received invitations if they submitted their Express Entry profiles before August 17, 2026, at 22:09:00 UTC.

  Anyone with a CRS score above 523 received an invitation regardless of when their profile was submitted.

  The tie-breaking date of August 17 is less than 12 hours before the draw itself, which indicates an extremely thin pool of candidates at the 523 CRS level.

  Invited candidates now have exactly 60 calendar days to submit a complete permanent residence application to IRCC.

  Why the CRS Cutoff Jumped to 523

  The CRS cutoff had remained in a narrow 514 to 518 band for every Canadian Experience Class draw since April 2026, regardless of whether IRCC issued 2,000, 3,000, or 4,000 invitations per round.

  The August 18 draw broke that pattern entirely by cutting the invitation volume to 1,000 while the pool of competitive candidates continued to grow.

  When IRCC reduces the number of invitations by 67% in a single round, only the highest-ranked candidates in the Express Entry pool receive selections, which pushes the minimum qualifying score sharply upward.

  The August 5 CEC draw issued 3,000 invitations at a cutoff of 516, meaning that 2,000 additional candidates who would have qualified under the same volume were excluded from the August 18 round.

  The seven-point CRS increase is entirely a function of the reduced draw size and does not reflect a fundamental change in the quality or composition of candidates inside the pool.

  Candidates who scored between 516 and 522 were competitive enough for an invitation under the previous CEC volume but did not qualify in this round and must wait for future draws.

  Every CEC Draw in 2026: The Full Invitation Tracker

  The table below tracks every Canadian Experience Class draw conducted in 2026 and illustrates how CRS cutoffs have shifted with changing invitation volumes across the year.

  Date	ITAs	CRS Cutoff	Change
  August 18, 2026	1,000	523	+7
  August 5, 2026	3,000	516	—
  July 21, 2026	2,000	516	-1
  July 7, 2026	2,000	517	+1
  June 23, 2026	4,000	516	-2
  May 27, 2026	3,000	518	+4
  April 28, 2026	2,000	514	-1
  April 14, 2026	2,000	515	+6
  March 31, 2026	2,250	509	+2
  March 17, 2026	4,000	507	-1
  March 3, 2026	4,000	508	–
  February 17, 2026	6,000	508	-1
  January 21, 2026	6,000	509	-2
  January 7, 2026	8,000	511	—

  CEC-specific invitations now total approximately 49,250 across 14 draws in 2026, representing roughly 43% of all Express Entry invitations issued this year.

  The tracker reveals a clear trajectory of volume reduction throughout 2026, with IRCC dropping from 8,000 invitations per CEC round in January to just 1,000 in the latest draw.

  CRS cutoffs have tracked these volume changes predictably, rising from the 508 to 511 range during the large early-year draws to a peak of 523 in the smallest CEC round of the year.

  Current Express Entry Pool Composition

  The most recent Express Entry pool snapshot published by IRCC on August 16, 2026, showed 226,859 candidates in the system before the August 17 PNP draw removed 442 profiles.

  The 501 to 600 CRS band held 18,657 candidates on August 16, up by approximately 1,572 profiles from the July 19 snapshot that recorded 17,085 in the same range.

  This growth in the CEC-competitive band is one of the factors that allowed IRCC to reduce invitation volumes while still maintaining a high CRS cutoff.

  The 451 to 500 range contained 73,554 candidates, representing the most densely populated segment of the entire pool and the group most affected by the CRS cutoff climbing to 523.

  Candidates in this range would need either a provincial nomination, a category-based draw with a substantially lower CRS threshold, or significant score improvements through language retesting to receive an invitation under current conditions.

  2026 Express Entry Invitation Pace Continues to Decelerate

  The August 18 CEC draw brings the total number of Express Entry invitations issued in 2026 to approximately 114,865 across 47 draws, just above the 113,988 invitations issued across all of 2025.

  The reduction from 3,000 CEC invitations on August 5 to 1,000 on August 18 continues the deceleration pattern that began after IRCC frontloaded invitations into the first quarter of the year.

  Invitation volumes slowed considerably after the first quarter, with monthly totals generally falling below the unusually high pace recorded from January through March.

  The proposed Express Entry overhaul expected in the fall of 2026 or early 2027 may require a temporary pause in draws, giving IRCC a structural reason to further reduce volumes in the coming months.

  What Draws Are Expected to Follow This Week

  Based on the cluster pattern IRCC has followed throughout 2026, a French-language proficiency draw or another category-based draw is expected within the next one to two days to close the second August cluster.

  French-language draws have issued CRS cutoffs between 391 and 420 across nine rounds in 2026, offering a pathway roughly 100 points below the CEC cutoff for candidates with TEF or TCF results at NCLC 7 or higher.

  IRCC does not publish draw schedules in advance and can change timing, category, or volumes at any time, so candidates should monitor the official IRCC rounds of invitations page daily during active draw weeks.

  What Candidates Should Do After the CRS Spike

  Candidates with CRS scores between 516 and 522 who missed this round should not assume the cutoff will remain at 523 in future draws, because a return to 2,000 or 3,000 invitations would bring the cutoff back down toward the 514 to 518 band.

  Provincial nominee programs across Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba remain active pathways for candidates whose CRS scores fall below the CEC cutoff, with the Ontario Workforce Priority stream now accepting new registrations as of August 4.

  Candidates who do not meet CEC eligibility but have strong French-language skills should consider the French-language proficiency category, which has offered CRS cutoffs as low as 391 in recent 2026 draws.

  Retaking IELTS or CELPIP to improve individual band scores remains the fastest way to gain CRS points without changing any other profile factor.

  Processing Times for CEC Permanent Residence Applications

  The latest IRCC processing time data from August 10, 2026, shows the Canadian Experience Class processing at approximately six months for permanent residence decisions.

  Candidates who receive invitations in the August 18 draw can expect their permanent residency approvals to arrive in early to mid-2027 based on the current processing window.

  The CEC queue contracted by 1,800 applicants in the latest reporting cycle even as the processing timeline held steady, indicating that IRCC is clearing CEC applications at a pace that matches or slightly exceeds the rate of new submissions.

  Applicants who submit incomplete documentation remain one of the leading causes of processing delays and refusals across all economic immigration categories.

  The August 18 CEC draw marks a significant shift in Express Entry invitation volumes, with the smallest CEC round of 2026 pushing the CRS cutoff to a new yearly high of 523.

  Whether this reduced volume becomes the new baseline or represents a one-round adjustment will become clear when the next CEC draw is conducted.

  Follow Immigration News Canada for verified draw results, CRS score analysis, and Canadian immigration news as they are released by IRCC.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  What was the CRS cutoff for the August 18, 2026, Express Entry draw?

  The CRS cutoff was 523 points for the Canadian Experience Class draw on August 18, 2026, with 1,000 invitations to apply issued to candidates with skilled work experience in Canada.

  Why did the CRS cutoff jump from 516 to 523?

  The seven-point increase was caused by IRCC reducing the invitation volume from 3,000 in the August 5 CEC draw to just 1,000 on August 18, which means only the highest-ranked candidates in the pool received invitations in this round.

  Will the CRS cutoff stay at 523 in future CEC draws?

  Not necessarily, because the cutoff is directly tied to the number of invitations IRCC issues in each round, and a return to 2,000 or 3,000 invitations would likely bring the cutoff back toward the 514 to 518 range that held from April through early August.

  Is a job offer required for the Canadian Experience Class?

  No, a valid job offer is not required for CEC eligibility, but candidates must have at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada within the three years before submitting their permanent residence application.

  When is the next Express Entry draw expected after August 18?

  A French-language proficiency draw or another category-based draw is expected within one to two days to complete the second August cluster, based on the draw pattern IRCC has maintained throughout 2026.

  Fact-Checked: All data in this article was verified against the official Express Entry rounds of invitations page published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on August 18, 2026, and cross-referenced with pool snapshot data released on August 16, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice.

  ---

  

  Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

  Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.

  ---

  

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• What Digital Sectors Do Immigrants Prefer in Canada?18 August 2026, 12:42 PM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  Canada’s immigration system has long favoured applicants with technology backgrounds, and the pattern has only intensified in recent years. Express Entry and several Provincial Nominee Program streams continue to reward candidates in software, data, and digital infrastructure roles, reflecting a labour market that treats these skills as strategic assets rather than optional extras.

  For newcomers weighing which sectors offer the clearest path to permanent residence, the data points consistently toward digital and STEM-adjacent work. Understanding these patterns helps applicants align their credentials with the categories IRCC and the provinces are actively prioritizing.

  Table of Contents

  Tech And IT Roles Dominate Express Entry Selections

  Software engineers, developers, and information systems specialists have repeatedly ranked among the most invited occupations under Express Entry. IRCC’s own reporting confirms that IT-sector occupations made up a significant share of candidates invited to apply in 2024, with software developers and information systems specialists featuring prominently on invitation lists.

  This concentration isn’t accidental. Category-based selection, introduced in 2023, treats STEM work experience as one of six priority categories, placing digital professionals in a favourable position relative to many other occupational groups. According to the Express Entry year-end report, Canada issued tens of thousands of invitations tied to category-based selection in 2024 alone, with a meaningful portion routed through provincial nomination rounds.

  E-Commerce And Digital Services Attract Skilled Newcomers

  Beyond core software roles, immigrants with backgrounds in digital services and e-commerce operations increasingly find footholds in Canada’s job market. Data analysts, database administrators, and digital infrastructure specialists support the online retail and service platforms that have expanded steadily across the country. These roles often overlap with STEM occupation lists, giving candidates multiple entry points through federal and provincial streams.

  Employers in logistics-adjacent and digital service sectors have shown sustained demand for workers who can manage data pipelines and customer-facing platforms. This demand has kept e-commerce-linked occupations relevant even as immigration policy has periodically shifted its emphasis toward healthcare and trades categories.

  Digital Entertainment And Online Platforms Gain Traction

  Canada’s online entertainment and digital platform sector has grown into a meaningful employer of tech-trained newcomers, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, systems management, and platform infrastructure. Streaming services rely on backend engineers to manage content delivery at scale.

  E-commerce platforms depend on cybersecurity specialists to keep transactions secure. Online gaming platforms require the same talent — consumers comparing top casino sites in Canada with clearly listed operator details and transparent platform standards are browsing products built by exactly the kind of tech-sector immigrants Canada’s immigration policy is designed to attract. 

  Policy shifts throughout 2025 show how selective these pathways have become. IRCC did not hold a single general Express Entry draw that year, relying instead on category-based, CEC, and PNP rounds, according to CIC News’s 2025 Express Entry year in review. STEM-focused draws were notably absent, pushing many digital-sector applicants toward provincial nomination as their primary route. 

  How Provincial Nominee Programs Target Digital Talent

  Provinces have stepped in with dedicated streams designed specifically for tech workers. Ontario’s OINP Tech Draw issued 1,200 nominations in 2025 alone, targeting software developers, computer engineers, and related IT professionals directly. British Columbia has pursued comparable strategies, reinforcing both provinces’ reputations as hubs for immigrant tech talent.

  Because a provincial nomination adds 600 points to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System score, digital-sector applicants who secure one effectively move to the front of the line for permanent residence. IRCC has also noted that immigrants contribute disproportionately to Canada’s supply of highly skilled STEM workers, a point reflected in its own immigrant outcomes data. As policy priorities continue to shift between healthcare, trades, and technology, digital skills remain a consistent thread running through Canada’s immigration strategy. 

  ---

  

  Sidak Singh Dhanoa

  I am a born Canadian citizen and growing daily with my content on INC – Immigration News Canada, developing into an empathetic person and knowing the other side of the story. Born in Toronto, exploring Canada from coast to coast, embracing the nomadic lifestyle.

  ---

  

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• 
  New Health Insurance Increase For International Students At Ontario Universities18 August 2026, 9:50 AM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  International students enrolled at over 20 UHIP-participating Ontario universities will pay significantly more for mandatory health insurance starting this fall.

  The University Health Insurance Plan has officially announced a premium increase of nearly 20% for the 2026-27 policy year, raising the monthly rate from $66 to $79 per person effective September 1, 2026.

  That brings the full 12-month cost from $792 to $948, an increase of $156 that will affect tens of thousands of students across 22 participating Ontario universities.

  The increase arrives during a period of broader changes to Canada’s international student framework, including reduced study permit allocations and tighter eligibility rules for post-graduation pathways.

  Students with dependents face even steeper total costs, with a family of three or more now paying $2,844 for full-year coverage under the updated rate structure.

  Table of Contents

  What Changed In The UHIP Premium For 2026-27

  UHIP confirmed the premium adjustment in an official update published on its website, citing rising healthcare costs and claims as the primary drivers behind the decision.

  The monthly per-person rate climbs from $66 under the 2025-26 plan to $79 under the 2026-27 plan, representing a 19.7% increase.

  Multiple universities have independently published the updated figures on their official fee pages, including the University of Toronto, York University, Queen’s University, and Ontario Tech University.

  Queen’s University specifically confirmed that the premium rate has increased to $79 per month per person effective September 1, 2026.

  Ontario Tech University’s official page provides the clearest side-by-side comparison, explicitly listing $66 per month for 2025-26 alongside $79 per month for 2026-27.

  The new rates apply to the full policy year running from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027, and all published amounts include 8% tax.

  New UHIP Rates For 2026-27

  The following table shows the complete rate structure for the 2026-27 UHIP policy year compared to the outgoing 2025-26 rates.

  Coverage Type	2025-26 Rate	2026-27 Rate	Increase	Change
  Per Person / Month	$66	$79	+$13	+19.7%
  Full 12 Months	$792	$948	+$156	+19.7%
  Student + 1 dependent	$1,584	$1,896	+$312	+19.7%
  Student + 2+ dependents	$2,376	$2,844	+$468	+19.7%

  Students who begin their studies in January 2027 will pay $632 for eight months of coverage, while those starting in May 2027 will pay $316 for four months.

  These prorated amounts also apply proportionally to dependants, with a student plus one dependant paying $1,264 for January starts and $632 for May starts.

  UHIP Costs By Start Date For 2026-27

  Start Date	Student Only	Student + 1	Student + 2+
  September 2026 (12 months)	$948	$1,896	$2,844
  January 2027 (8 months)	$632	$1,264	$1,896
  May 2027 (4 months)	$316	$632	$948

  Why UHIP Premiums Increased For 2026-27

  UHIP attributed the premium adjustment to rising healthcare costs and claims, consistent with the plan’s annual review cycle.

  The plan operates on an annual review cycle where premiums may change each September 1 based on actual claims experience and projected increases in overall healthcare delivery costs.

  Ontario’s healthcare system has faced sustained cost pressures throughout 2026, with the province expanding access to pharmacist consultations, lowering cancer screening ages, and broadening OHIP-covered services in multiple rounds of regulatory changes this year.

  The federal government also raised the excessive demand cost threshold for health services in 2026, reflecting the broader upward trajectory of publicly funded healthcare expenditures across Canada.

  UHIP is insured by Manulife and administered by Cowan Insurance Group, which makes it distinct from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan that covers Canadian citizens and permanent residents but generally excludes international students.

  All 22 Participating Ontario Universities

  UHIP’s official FAQ identifies 22 Ontario universities that participate in the plan, meaning the new $948 annual premium applies system-wide rather than on an institution-by-institution basis.

  Because this is a centrally administered rate change, a participating university does not need to separately publish the updated fee before the UHIP rate takes effect for its students.

  University	University	University
  Algoma University	Lakehead University	Trent University
  Brock University	Laurentian University	Université de l’Ontario français
  Carleton University	McMaster University	University of Guelph
  Nipissing University	OCAD University	University of Ottawa
  Ontario Tech University	Queen’s University	University of Toronto
  Royal Military College	Saint Paul University	University of Waterloo
  Toronto Metropolitan University	Wilfrid Laurier University	Western University
  York University

  The participating institutions range from large research universities such as the University of Toronto and McMaster University to smaller regional institutions like Algoma University and Nipissing University.

  International students planning to study at any of these universities should factor the updated UHIP cost into their overall budget alongside tuition, housing, and other mandatory ancillary fees.

  Universities That Have Already Published The New Rate

  At least 16 of the 22 participating universities have already published the updated $948 annual rate or $79 monthly rate on their official fee and insurance pages.

  The University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies and the Institute of Medical Science both list $948 for 2026-27 on their international student pages.

  York University, Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, the University of Waterloo, and Western University all confirm the $948 figure on their respective international student portals.

  Wilfrid Laurier University, Trent University, Brock University, Algoma University, Lakehead University, Nipissing University, and Laurentian University have similarly updated their published rates.

  The Université de l’Ontario français lists the $948 rate and the $79 monthly breakdown on its tuition and ancillary fees page.

  Universities that have not yet surfaced the dollar amount on their searchable web pages, such as McMaster University, still participate in the UHIP system and will apply the centrally determined rate to eligible students and their dependents.

  How The Increase Affects Students With Dependents

  The premium increase is not limited to individual students because UHIP coverage extends to eligible dependents on a mandatory basis at participating institutions.

  A student enrolling in September 2026 with one dependent will pay $1,896 for the year, up from $1,584 under the previous rate, an increase of $312.

  A student with two or more dependents faces a total of $2,844, which represents an increase of $468 over the 2025-26 cost of $2,376.

  At institutions like the University of Ottawa, eligible international students and their dependants are required to have UHIP, although students must initially enroll their dependants; their coverage is then automatically renewed each year.

  The dependent cost structure adds considerable financial pressure for students who are also navigating tighter spousal work permit eligibility rules that took effect in January 2025 and continue to shape family budgets in 2026.

  Who Must Enroll In UHIP

  UHIP is mandatory for eligible international students, their dependants, and certain employees at the 22 participating Ontario universities.

  Enrollment is tied to registration at a participating institution, and students are typically auto-enrolled when they begin or continue their studies.

  UHIP provides medical coverage that mirrors elements of the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, since international students are generally not eligible for OHIP during their studies.

  The plan covers eligible hospital care, physician services, diagnostic and laboratory services, emergency care, and certain other medically necessary services within Ontario and across Canada.

  Limited exemptions are available for students with qualifying provincial health coverage, diplomatic status, or certain UHIP-approved or government-sponsored plans, and the exemption process varies by institution.

  Ontario college students are not automatically covered under UHIP because the plan is specifically tied to participating universities and their affiliated institutions, not the broader post-secondary system.

  What Students Should Know Before September

  Students returning to or arriving at any of the 22 participating universities in September 2026 should update their personal budgets to reflect the new $948 annual cost.

  Those with dependents need to account for the multiplied premium, particularly if their spouse or partner is also adjusting to changes in open work permit eligibility that have limited family income options.

  Students who believe they qualify for a UHIP exemption based on provincial health coverage, diplomatic status, or an approved government-sponsored plan should contact their university’s international student office well before the enrollment deadline.

  Premium payments are typically charged as part of a student’s ancillary fees, meaning the cost appears on tuition invoices rather than as a separate transaction.

  New students planning their arrival should also familiarize themselves with the fastest pathway to Canadian citizenship and common permanent residency mistakes to build a long-term strategy that accounts for all costs and timelines.

  A 20% increase in mandatory health insurance is a material cost change for any student budgeting their year in Ontario.

  The $156 annual increase per person may seem modest in isolation, but it compounds quickly for students with families and becomes one more line item in an already expensive academic year.

  Students should verify the specific UHIP payment schedule at their university, confirm whether exemptions are available in their circumstances, and build the updated cost into their financial plans before September 1.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  How much does UHIP cost for international students starting in September 2026?

  The annual premium for a single student starting in September 2026 is $948, which breaks down to $79 per month, including 8% tax, covering the full policy year through August 31, 2027.

  Can international students opt out of UHIP at Ontario universities?

  UHIP enrollment is mandatory by default at all 22 participating institutions, and ordinary private insurance is not sufficient for an exemption, but limited exemptions exist for students with qualifying provincial health coverage, diplomatic status, or certain UHIP-approved or government-sponsored plans.

  Does UHIP cover dependants of international students?

  Yes, UHIP coverage extends to eligible dependants, though students must actively enroll their dependants initially rather than relying on automatic enrollment, with the premium charged at $1,896 for one dependant and $2,844 for two or more dependants for a full September start.

  Are Ontario college students also affected by this UHIP increase?

  No, UHIP is specifically tied to participating Ontario universities and their affiliated institutions, so college students covered through separate private insurance arrangements are not directly affected by this rate change.

  Why did UHIP premiums increase by nearly 20% for 2026-27?

  UHIP cited rising healthcare costs and claims as the reasons for the premium adjustment, with the plan operating on an annual review cycle where premiums may change each September based on claims experience and projected healthcare cost increases.

  Fact-Checked: All rates, dates, and participating university data in this article have been verified against the official UHIP announcement published at uhip.ca, the UHIP FAQ listing 22 participating universities, the UHIP coverage details page confirming Manulife as insurer and Cowan Insurance Group as administrator, Queen’s University International Centre’s confirmation of the $79 monthly rate effective September 1, 2026, Ontario Tech University’s explicit $66-to-$79 comparison, and the University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies’ published $948 figure for 2026-27, all as of August 18, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or immigration advice; readers should consult with a licensed professional for advice specific to their situation.

  ---

  

  Satinder Bains

  Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website

  ---

  

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• 
  New Uber Minimum Fares Increase In B.C. Effective August 1817 August 2026, 6:35 PM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  British Columbia is raising the floor on what ride-hailing companies can charge passengers across the province with the new minimum fare increase effective August 18, 2026.

  The Passenger Transportation Board announced the updated transportation network services minimum rates on February 18, 2026, giving companies like Uber and Lyft a six-month runway to reprogram their platforms.

  This is the first time B.C. has adjusted ride-hailing minimum fares since the province introduced regulated ride-hailing in 2019.

  Every one of the five passenger transportation regions will see a higher minimum rate, and one region is getting a standardized region-wide minimum fare for the first time.

  Victoria and the surrounding Capital Regional District will absorb the steepest jump, with the minimum fare climbing 77.4% from $3.40 to $6.03.

  Table of Contents

  What the Passenger Transportation Board Changed

  The Passenger Transportation Board is an independent administrative tribunal established under British Columbia’s Passenger Transportation Act.

  It sets minimum rates that ride-hailing companies must follow whenever a passenger books a trip through an app in B.C.

  Under the updated rules, no ride can be priced below the new minimum for the region where it originates.

  Promotional codes, coupons, or discounts offered by platform companies also cannot push the actual fare below these floors.

  That rule is explicitly stated in Rates Rule 16, which governs standard TNS pricing across the province.

  Licensees were not required to wait until August 18 to adopt the new minimums.

  They have been free to update their platforms at any point since the Board published the rates in February 2026.

  New Region-by-Region Minimum Fare Breakdown

  The following table shows the current and new minimum ride-hailing fares for each of B.C.’s five passenger transportation regions.

  Region	Major Areas	Current Rate	New Rate (Aug 18)	Change
  Region 1	Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Squamish-Lillooet	$3.35	$4.43	+32.2%
  Region 2	Capital Regional District (Victoria)	$3.40	$6.03	+77.4%
  Region 3	Nanaimo, Comox Valley, Cowichan Valley, Alberni-Clayoquot	$3.40	$3.94	+15.9%
  Region 4	Okanagan, Kootenays, Kamloops, Cariboo	$3.50	$3.95	+12.9%
  Region 5	Prince George, Northern B.C., Sunshine Coast	N/A	$3.80	New

  Why Victoria Faces the Largest Increase

  The Capital Regional District stands out as the region absorbing the most significant fare adjustment in this round of changes.

  Victoria’s minimum ride-hailing fare jumps from $3.40 to $6.03, an increase of $2.63 per trip at the floor level.

  The Board uses two inputs to calculate minimum rates in each region.

  One is regional public transit fare data, which ensures ride-hailing prices remain above average transit costs to protect public transit ridership.

  The other is a percentile analysis of actual TNS trip fares submitted by licensed companies from the prior calendar year.

  The Board sets the minimum at whichever of these two values is higher in each region.

  Victoria’s transit fare structure and the distribution of actual ride-hailing prices in the Capital Regional District produced the highest calculated floor across all five regions.

  What Metro Vancouver Riders Should Expect

  Region 1 covers Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District.

  The minimum fare in this region rises from $3.35 to $4.43, which represents a 32.2% increase.

  This is the most heavily used ride-hailing market in the province, with the largest concentration of Uber and Lyft drivers.

  Riders who typically book short trips during off-peak hours may notice that their app-quoted fares no longer dip as low as before.

  Surge pricing during peak demand will continue to apply above the new minimums, as British Columbia has never imposed a cap on maximum ride-hailing fares.

  Smaller Increases in Island, Interior, and Northern Regions

  Region 3 includes mid and northern Vancouver Island communities like Nanaimo, Comox Valley, and Alberni-Clayoquot.

  The fare floor in this region moves from $3.40 to $3.94, a 15.9% increase.

  Region 4 spans the Interior, covering the Okanagan, Kootenays, Kamloops area, and Cariboo.

  Riders in this region see the smallest percentage increase at 12.9%, with the fare floor going from $3.50 to $3.95.

  Region 5 covers Northern B.C. including Prince George, the Sunshine Coast, the North Coast, and the Northern Rockies.

  Region 5 previously did not have a standardized region-wide minimum fare, with minimum rates instead determined on a case-by-case basis.

  Effective August 18, the Board is establishing a uniform $3.80 minimum across the region.

  The decision to add Region 5 means every part of British Columbia where ride-hailing operates will now have a regulated price floor.

  Why These Rates Had Not Changed Since 2019

  British Columbia first authorized ride-hailing companies to operate in the province in late 2019 and early 2020.

  The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the passenger transportation industry so severely that the Board lacked sufficient trip data to analyze and revise rates for several years.

  Over the past two years, the Board’s trip database has grown comprehensive enough to support rate decisions based on actual market conditions.

  The Board consulted with ride-hailing companies throughout 2025 before finalizing the updated schedule.

  Going forward, the Board will review and update minimum ride-hailing fares on an annual basis to keep pace with inflation, transit fare changes, and shifts in market pricing.

  How the Passenger Transportation Board Calculates Minimums

  The Board’s rate-setting methodology rests on two pillars designed to serve distinct regulatory objectives.

  The first pillar uses public transit fare data from across British Columbia.

  This calculation ensures that ride-hailing minimum rates stay above average public transit costs so that cheap app-based rides do not undercut bus and rail ridership.

  The second pillar draws on TNS fare percentile data from the Board’s trip database, which contains fare submissions from licensed companies in each region.

  This analysis provides a market-based backstop against predatory pricing or a temporary collapse in fares during periods of oversupply.

  The Board applies whichever value is higher as the final minimum for each region.

  What This Means for Passengers and Drivers

  Passengers booking rides through Uber, Lyft, or any other licensed ride-hailing app in British Columbia agree to an upfront or estimated fare before the trip begins.

  That quoted fare must meet or exceed the minimum rate set by the Board for the region where the trip starts.

  Ride-hailing companies retain full flexibility to price trips above the minimums using dynamic or surge-based pricing algorithms.

  For longer trips or rides during busy periods where the quoted fare already exceeds the new minimum, passengers may see little or no practical difference from the change.

  The impact is concentrated on ultra-short trips and off-peak bookings where fares occasionally dropped close to the old floor price.

  Ride-hailing drivers in British Columbia already earn a separate minimum wage of $21.89 per hour of engaged time as of June 1, 2026, along with per-kilometre vehicle allowances.

  The minimum fare change adjusts what passengers pay at the lowest end of the pricing scale, which is separate from the driver compensation framework governed by B.C.’s Employment Standards Regulation.

  How to Check Your Region

  British Columbia divides the province into five passenger transportation regions based on regional district boundaries.

  The Passenger Transportation Board publishes an interactive map and full list of regional districts on its website at ptboard.bc.ca.

  If you live in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, or Whistler, your rides fall under Region 1 with a $4.43 minimum.

  Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, Langford, and the rest of the Capital Regional District are governed by Region 2’s $6.03 floor.

  Residents of Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Kamloops, or anywhere in the Kootenays fall under Region 4 at $3.95.

  For complaints about a ride-hailing service, the Board directs passengers to the appropriate agency through its website rather than handling individual dispute cases directly.

  Annual Rate Reviews Starting in 2027

  The Passenger Transportation Board confirmed that ride-hailing minimum rates will now be reviewed and updated every year.

  Each annual review will incorporate the latest public transit fare data and fresh TNS trip database submissions from all licensed operators in British Columbia.

  This annual cycle mirrors the approach the province already applies to minimum wage adjustments, which are indexed to the previous year’s inflation rate and take effect each June 1.

  Riders and drivers across the province can expect future fare floor changes to follow a predictable timetable rather than the seven-year gap that preceded this update.

  British Columbia’s decision to raise ride-hailing minimum fares across all five regions marks the end of a seven-year freeze that stretched back to the launch of regulated TNS in the province.

  The August 18 effective date arrives during a month already packed with federal and provincial regulatory changes affecting workers, consumers, and businesses across the country.

  Passengers in every corner of the province should review their region’s new minimum before their next ride-hailing booking to understand how the updated floor may affect their fares.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Does the new minimum fare apply to food delivery orders placed through ride-hailing apps?

  No, the Passenger Transportation Board’s minimum rate rules apply only to passenger rides booked through transportation network services apps. Food delivery pricing through platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or SkipTheDishes is not governed by these fare minimums and is set independently by each company.

  Can Uber or Lyft apply a promotional discount that brings my fare below the new minimum?

  No, Rates Rule 16 explicitly prohibits coupons or discounts from reducing the passenger’s fare below the minimum rate for the region. Companies can still offer discounts on rides, but the final fare charged to the passenger must meet or exceed the applicable floor.

  Will the new minimum fares make ride-hailing more expensive than taking a taxi in B.C.?

  Taxi rates are set separately through a different regulatory framework, and taxi flag rates vary by municipality. In most cases, the updated ride-hailing minimums remain competitive with or lower than equivalent taxi flag rates, but individual trip costs depend on distance, time, and surge pricing conditions.

  How does the new $6.03 minimum in Victoria compare to ride-hailing costs in other Canadian cities?

  Ride-hailing regulations vary considerably across Canada, so Victoria’s $6.03 minimum cannot be directly compared with every major city using a single national standard. B.C.’s Passenger Transportation Board sets its minimum fares using regional transit fares and actual ride-hailing fare data, which is a methodology other provinces may not replicate.

  Are ride-hailing companies required to display the minimum fare to passengers before they book?

  B.C.’s employment standards regulations require that ride-hailing platforms disclose estimated earnings and trip details to drivers before they accept an assignment. Passengers always see an upfront or estimated fare in the app before confirming a ride, and that quoted amount must comply with the applicable regional minimum.

  Fact-Checked: All rates, percentages, regional boundaries, effective dates, and regulatory details in this article are verified against official Passenger Transportation Board publications at ptboard.bc.ca, the Board’s February 18, 2026 bulletin on new TNS minimum rates, the Board’s passenger transportation regions page, and the B.C. Employment Standards Regulation as of August 17, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or regulatory advice. Actual ride-hailing fares depend on distance, time, demand conditions, and individual platform pricing algorithms. Readers should verify regional classifications and current rates through the Passenger Transportation Board’s official website.

  ---

  

  Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

  Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.

  ---

  

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• 
  August 17 Express Entry Draw Issues 442 PR Invitations17 August 2026, 1:23 PM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 442 invitations to apply for permanent residence through a Provincial Nominee Program Express Entry draw on August 17, 2026.

  The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for this round was 760 points, which is eight points lower than the 768 required in the previous PNP draw held on August 4.

  This is the 47th Express Entry draw of 2026 and the fourth round of invitations issued so far in August, opening the second draw cluster of the month.

  The draw brings the total number of Express Entry invitations issued in 2026 to approximately 113,865 across all draw categories combined.

  Below is a complete breakdown of the draw results, how they compare to earlier PNP rounds in 2026, what the latest pool snapshot reveals, and what candidates should expect in the coming days.

  Table of Contents

  August 17 Express Entry PNP Draw Results

  The table below summarizes every detail of the August 17 Provincial Nominee Program Express Entry draw conducted by IRCC.

  Draw Detail	Value
  Program	Provincial Nominee Program
  Date and Time	August 17, 2026, at 12:33:42 UTC
  Number of Invitations Issued	442
  CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate	760
  Rank Needed	442 or above
  Tie-Breaking Rule	August 07, 2026, at 18:01:56 UTC

  Candidates who scored exactly 760 only received invitations if they submitted their Express Entry profiles before August 7, 2026, at 18:01:56 UTC.

  Anyone with a CRS score above 760 received an invitation regardless of their profile submission date or time.

  What a CRS Score of 760 Means for PNP Candidates

  A provincial nomination adds 600 points to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System score inside the Express Entry pool.

  The practical interpretation of a 760 cutoff is that candidates needed a base CRS score of at least 160 before the nomination boost was applied.

  This threshold remains accessible for the majority of provincial nominees because a base score of 160 can be achieved with modest combinations of age, education, language ability, and Canadian work experience.

  The drop from 768 on August 4 to 760 on August 17 signals that a slightly larger volume of nominees with higher base scores has entered the Express Entry pool since the first PNP draw of the month.

  When provinces issue new nominations in batches, the CRS cutoff for PNP draws tends to shift in the following round because the pool composition changes between draws.

  How This Draw Compares to Earlier PNP Rounds in 2026

  IRCC has conducted PNP-specific Express Entry draws at the start of nearly every draw cluster throughout 2026.

  PNP invitation volumes have fluctuated between 264 and 955 invitations per round this year, depending on how many fresh nominations provinces released into the system.

  The CRS cutoff range for PNP draws in 2026 has spanned from a low of 708 on July 6 to a high of 805 on May 25, reflecting the shifting composition of nominees across provincial programs.

  The August 17 draw at CRS 760 with 442 invitations falls squarely within the established pattern for second-cluster PNP rounds this year.

  Date	Program	ITAs	CRS Cutoff
  August 17, 2026	PNP	442	760
  August 4, 2026	PNP	507	768
  July 20, 2026	PNP	511	744
  July 6, 2026	PNP	534	708

  PNP cutoffs are driven almost entirely by the volume and timing of provincial nominations entering the Express Entry system rather than by changes in individual candidate quality.

  Latest CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool

  IRCC published the most recent Express Entry pool snapshot as of August 16, 2026, one day before this draw was conducted.

  The Express Entry pool contained 226,859 candidates as of that date, a net decline of approximately 2,241 profiles from the 229,100 recorded on August 3.

  The table below presents the full CRS score distribution breakdown that was active in the pool at the time this draw was conducted.

  CRS Score Range	Number of Candidates
  601-1200	439
  501-600	18,657
  451-500	73,554
  491-500	12,915
  481-490	13,066
  471-480	16,626
  461-470	16,133
  451-460	14,814
  401-450	60,631
  441-450	13,555
  431-440	13,229
  421-430	11,890
  411-420	11,269
  401-410	10,688
  351-400	48,600
  301-350	17,269
  0-300	7,709
  Total	226,859

  The numbers in this table reflect the total number of candidates in the pool overall, captured a few days before this invitation round was held.

  The score distribution changes continuously as new candidates submit profiles and existing profiles expire after 12 months in the system.

  Sub-rows that appear indented in the table are detailed breakdowns of the bold total shown immediately above them in each CRS score range.

  What Draws Are Expected to Follow This Week

  IRCC has been following a draw cluster pattern recently where a PNP draw opens the week, followed by additional rounds in subsequent days.

  Based on the cluster architecture used in every preceding month, a Canadian Experience Class draw is expected within the next one to two days.

  A French-language proficiency draw or another category-based draw is then expected to close the cluster before the end of the week.

  IRCC does not publish draw schedules in advance and can change timing, category, or invitation volumes at any time without notice.

  Candidates should monitor the official IRCC rounds of invitations page daily during active draw weeks to catch results as they are published.

  How to Secure a Provincial Nomination in 2026

  The 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan increased provincial nominee admission targets to 91,500 for this year, a 66% rebound from the reduced allocation in 2025.

  Ontario launched the Ontario Workforce Priority stream on August 4, 2026, replacing all eight former OINP streams with a single unified pathway.

  Candidates interested in Ontario can use the free OINP calculator to estimate their expression of interest score before registering in the new system.

  Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have all conducted aggressive draw schedules through the first seven months of 2026 with significant nomination room remaining.

  Candidates who hold a provincial nomination receive the 600-point CRS boost that makes PNP Express Entry draws the most structurally reliable pathway to permanent residence in the current system.

  Current Processing Times for Express Entry Applications

  The latest IRCC processing time data released on August 10 shows the Canadian Experience Class processing at approximately six months for permanent residence decisions.

  Candidates who receive invitations in the August 2026 draws can expect their permanent residency approvals to arrive in early to mid-2027 based on current timelines.

  IRCC calculates these timelines using actual applicant outcomes and reports the window within which 80% of applicants received a decision on their permanent residence applications.

  Applicants who submit incomplete documentation remain one of the leading causes of processing delays and refusals across all economic immigration categories.

  The August 17 PNP draw confirms that IRCC is maintaining its cluster-based invitation strategy as the second half of 2026 progresses.

  Additional draws are expected within the coming days to complete this cluster before the next pause in activity.

  Follow Immigration News Canada for verified draw results, CRS score analysis, and provincial nominee program updates as they are released by IRCC.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  What was the CRS cutoff for the August 17, 2026, Express Entry draw?

  The CRS cutoff was 760 points for the Provincial Nominee Program draw conducted on August 17, 2026, with 442 invitations to apply issued to candidates holding valid provincial nominations.

  How long do candidates have to submit their permanent residence application after receiving an ITA?

  Candidates who receive an invitation to apply through any Express Entry draw have exactly 60 calendar days to submit a complete permanent residence application to IRCC.

  Can candidates apply to multiple provincial nominee programs simultaneously?

  Yes, candidates can submit expressions of interest or applications to multiple provincial nominee programs across different provinces at the same time, as each province operates its own independent selection criteria and nomination process.

  Does a provincial nomination guarantee an Express Entry invitation?

  A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to an Express Entry profile, which has been sufficient to receive an invitation in every PNP draw conducted in 2026, though IRCC does not guarantee invitations in future rounds.

  When is the next Express Entry draw expected after August 17?

  Based on the draw cluster pattern IRCC has followed throughout 2026, a Canadian Experience Class draw is expected within one to two days of the August 17 PNP round, followed by a category-based draw to close the cluster.

  Fact-Check Sources: All data in this article was verified against the official Express Entry rounds of invitations page published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on August 17, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice.

  ---

  

  Satinder Bains

  Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website

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  New Canada FMCSP Study Permit Intake Opens August 26 With 2,970 Spots17 August 2026, 9:22 AM EDT

  
  Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 12:12 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is set to open a fresh annual intake under the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot on August 26, 2026, accepting up to 2,970 study permit applications from eligible French-speaking applicants from 33 countries.

  Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab signed an updated public policy on June 25, 2026, replacing the previous September 2025 framework and locking in the third consecutive year of intake under a pilot that has quietly become one of Canada’s most generous permanent residence pathways.

  The FMCSP is not a brand-new program, and that distinction matters for applicants tracking their options.

  IRCC originally launched the pilot on August 26, 2024, with a first-year cap of 2,300 study permit applications targeting French-speaking international students from regions with historically high refusal rates across Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.

  What changed in 2026 is the legal instrument governing the pilot and the activation of a new 12-month intake window that runs until August 25, 2027.

  This article covers every confirmed detail about the 2026-2027 intake period, the updated policy framework, the full list of eligible countries, the path from study permit to permanent residence, and how the pilot compares to other PR pathways available in 2026.

  Table of Contents

  What Actually Changed in the June 2026 Policy Update

  The updated public policy signed by Minister Diab on June 25, 2026, formally revokes and replaces the earlier version signed on September 18, 2025, according to the official policy document published on canada.ca.

  Three substantive changes define the 2026 update.

  First, the policy now specifies processing caps for two intake years in a single instrument: 2,970 applications for the period between August 26, 2025, and August 25, 2026, plus another 2,970 for the period between August 26, 2026, and August 25, 2027.

  Second, Part A of the temporary public policy now carries an expiration date of August 25, 2027, which extends the study permit intake window by one full year beyond the original August 2026 end date.

  Third, the companion policy governing permanent residence eligibility and open work permits was also updated and re-signed on the same date, with its expiry now set at November 30, 2032, as confirmed in the updated PR public policy.

  Applications submitted under the earlier 2025 policy version that were received between August 26, 2025, and the effective date of the new policy count toward the Year 2 cap, ensuring no applicant is penalized by the administrative transition between policy versions.

  How the Temporary-to-Permanent Residence Pathway Works

  IRCC itself describes the FMCSP as a temporary-residence-to-permanent-residence pathway, and that framing is critical for understanding why this pilot operates differently from the conventional PGWP-to-PR route most international students follow.

  The entry point is a study permit issued under the FMCSP, not a regular study permit.

  An applicant arrives in Canada as a temporary resident, enrolls at a participating designated learning institution outside Quebec, and completes a full-time program of at least two years that is taught primarily in French and leads to a degree or diploma.

  Upon completing that credential, the graduate becomes eligible to apply for permanent residence directly under the FMCSP’s dedicated PR public policy without needing a job offer or a post-graduation work permit.

  IRCC currently states that the permanent residence application component of the FMCSP is scheduled to open in winter 2027, which means the August 26 intake date applies to the study permit entry point and not to PR applications.

  Graduates who submit a PR application can also apply for an FMCSP-specific open work permit valid for up to three years, allowing them to work anywhere in Canada outside Quebec while their permanent residence application is in processing, according to the latest IRCC updates on the program.

  This structure eliminates several barriers that trip up graduates on conventional pathways, where a PGWP holder must accumulate Canadian work experience and then compete in Express Entry, where CEC cutoffs have remained highly competitive in 2026.

  Annual Intake Caps Since Launch

  The FMCSP has operated with modest but steadily maintained caps since its August 2024 launch.

  Intake Year	Period	Application Cap
  Year 1	Aug 26, 2024 – Aug 25, 2025	2,300
  Year 2	Aug 26, 2025 – Aug 25, 2026	2,970
  Year 3	Aug 26, 2026 – Aug 25, 2027	2,970

  Applications received in excess of a given year’s cap are not accepted for processing and are returned to the applicant, making submission timing a strategic consideration for anyone planning to apply when the new intake opens on August 26.

  Eligibility Requirements for the 2026-2027 Intake

  The eligibility criteria for the FMCSP study permit remain structurally unchanged from the original 2024 framework, though applicants should verify every requirement against the current policy instrument.

  Citizenship Requirement

  Applicants must hold citizenship in one of 33 countries that were members of l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie within world regions with historically high study permit refusal rates at the time the original policy took effect on August 26, 2024.

  The eligible countries span three regions: 28 African nations, including Senegal, Cameroon, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, and Tunisia; two Middle Eastern countries, Egypt and Lebanon; and three nations in the Americas, Haiti, Dominica, and Saint Lucia.

  Applicants already in Canada cannot apply through the FMCSP, as the study permit application must be submitted from outside Canada before entry, a requirement that distinguishes this pilot from pathways available to international students already studying in Canada.

  Letter of Acceptance

  Applicants need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution that has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IRCC to participate in the FMCSP.

  The letter must confirm three things: the applicant is applying under the FMCSP, the program is at least two years in duration on a full-time basis, and the program is taught primarily in French with more than 50% of classes delivered in that language.

  The program must lead to a degree or diploma upon completion, and the DLI must hold its FMCSP signatory status both when the application is submitted and when the study permit is issued.

  There are currently 17 participating DLIs across provinces including Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia.

  French Language Proficiency

  Every applicant must submit results from an approved French language test showing a minimum score of NCLC Level 5 in all four language abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing, according to the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens scale, which is a notably lower threshold than the NCLC 7 generally required under Express Entry French-language proficiency draws.

  Test results must be under two years old at the time of application.

  Financial Requirements

  Applicants must demonstrate two separate financial thresholds: the ability to cover their first year of tuition and travel costs, plus sufficient and available financial resources totaling at least 75% of the low-income cut-off associated with the municipality where the participating DLI’s main campus is located.

  This financial requirement is specific to the FMCSP and differs from the standard study permit financial proof structure that applies to other international students.

  No Provincial Attestation Letter Required

  One of the most significant administrative advantages of the FMCSP is that applicants do not need a provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter when applying for a study permit.

  This exemption simplifies the application process considerably at a time when PAL requirements continue to shape the broader landscape for international students applying to Canadian institutions.

  From Study Permit to Permanent Residence

  The permanent residence component of the FMCSP is governed by a separate but companion public policy that was also updated and re-signed on June 25, 2026.

  This policy expires on November 30, 2032, providing a substantial runway for graduates to complete their programs and submit PR applications.

  To qualify for permanent residence under the FMCSP, an applicant must have completed all requirements of a full-time program of at least two years, leading to a degree or diploma, taught primarily in French at a DLI that held FMCSP signatory status when the study permit was issued.

  The applicant must reside in Canada outside Quebec, hold valid temporary resident status or have applied for restoration, and intend to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec.

  No job offer is required, which distinguishes the FMCSP from many employer-driven and provincial immigration pathways that dominate current PR intake.

  The PR application must include either a copy of the degree or diploma or a letter from the DLI confirming successful completion if the credential has not yet been formally issued.

  Family members, including spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children, can be included in the PR application and are eligible for their own temporary resident facilitation under the pilot.

  FMCSP-Specific Open Work Permit

  Graduates who submit a permanent residence application under the FMCSP can simultaneously apply for a dedicated open work permit valid for up to three years.

  This open work permit is not a standard PGWP and operates under different legal authority, specifically under the FMCSP’s own public policy exemptions from the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

  The work permit allows graduates to work for any employer in any occupation anywhere in Canada outside Quebec while their PR application is being processed, which is particularly relevant given that IRCC processing times for permanent residence continue to vary significantly by program.

  Spouses and common-law partners of FMCSP principal applicants are also eligible to apply for open work permits under the same policy framework.

  How the FMCSP Compares to Other PR Pathways in 2026

  The FMCSP occupies a distinct position in Canada’s immigration system because it combines study permit facilitation with a direct PR pathway in a single integrated framework.

  Feature	FMCSP vs. Conventional Route
  Job offer required for PR	Not required under FMCSP; typically required under most PNP streams
  French proficiency threshold	NCLC 5 under FMCSP; NCLC 7 for Express Entry French draws
  Post-graduation work authorization	Dedicated FMCSP open work permit up to 3 years; standard PGWP under regular route
  Provincial attestation letter	Not required for FMCSP; required for most other study permits
  PR application pathway	Direct application under FMCSP policy; CEC or PNP required under regular route
  CRS score competition	No CRS involvement; CEC cutoffs highly competitive in 2026

  For candidates weighing their options, the FMCSP’s combination of a lower language threshold, no job offer requirement, and no CRS competition makes it one of the most accessible PR pathways available in 2026, alongside the one-time In-Canada Workers Initiative and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.

  How to Apply When the Intake Opens on August 26

  All applications must be submitted online through the IRCC secure account using the electronic forms designated for the FMCSP.

  When completing the application, applicants must select the option indicating they meet an exception from submitting a provincial or territorial attestation letter.

  French language test results must be uploaded through the IRCC secure account in the Proof of Language Test Results field.

  The study permit application fee is $150, consistent with the standard processing fee for all Canadian study permit applications.

  IRCC bases processing estimates on actual applicant outcomes, reporting the window within which 80% of applicants received a decision, and the latest processing time data suggests study permit timelines have been trending favourably in several categories.

  After biometrics are received, IRCC will ask the designated learning institution to verify the letter of acceptance, and applications where the DLI does not respond by the deadline will be returned with a refund of the processing fee, as outlined on the IRCC after-you-apply page.

  The August 26, 2026, intake represents the third consecutive year of a pilot that has quietly built one of the most streamlined study-to-PR pipelines in Canadian immigration.

  For French-speaking candidates from the 33 eligible countries who are prepared to commit to a two-year program at a participating institution outside Quebec, the FMCSP offers a combination of advantages that no other single pathway in the 2026 immigration system currently matches.

  Follow Immigration News Canada for continued coverage of the FMCSP intake, draw updates, and every IRCC policy change affecting permanent residence pathways in 2026 and beyond.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Can I apply to the FMCSP if I am already studying in Canada on a regular study permit?

  No, the FMCSP study permit application must be submitted from outside Canada before entry, and applicants already holding a regular Canadian study permit are not eligible to apply through the pilot even if they meet the citizenship and language requirements.

  What happens if the 2,970-application cap is reached before August 25, 2027?

  IRCC will stop accepting applications for that intake year and return any applications received after the cap is reached along with a refund of the processing fee, which means early submission is strategically important for eligible candidates.

  Does the FMCSP require a provincial or territorial attestation letter?

  No, FMCSP applicants are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement, which is one of the pilot’s most significant administrative advantages. However, IRCC’s March 2026 CIMM briefing confirmed that FMCSP participants do count toward Canada’s overall 2026 study permit issuance target of 408,000.

  Can FMCSP graduates also apply through Express Entry instead of the dedicated PR pathway?

  In principle, a graduate could apply through Express Entry if they meet all the requirements, but the FMCSP’s dedicated PR pathway offers significant advantages, including no CRS competition, no job offer requirement, and a lower language threshold of NCLC 5 compared to the NCLC 7 typically needed for French-language Express Entry draws.

  How long does the PR application process take once I graduate from my FMCSP program?

  IRCC has not published FMCSP-specific PR processing times because the first cohort of graduates will not complete their two-year programs until 2026 at the earliest, meaning real-world processing data will only become available as the pilot matures and applications move through the system.

  Fact-Checked: All data in this article has been verified against the updated public policy for French-speaking foreign nationals applying for study permits under the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot, signed June 25, 2026, and published on canada.ca on July 21, 2026; the updated public policy to facilitate the granting of permanent residence and issuance of open work permits under the FMCSP, also signed June 25, 2026; IRCC’s official FMCSP application page, PR eligibility page.

  Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.

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  Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

  Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.

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