Last Updated On 3 December 2022, 1:09 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Quebec held a new Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) draw and invited candidates for permanent selection on November 24, 2022.
Quebec invited 998 skilled workers from the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool to apply for permanent residence. The draw invited those with scores equal to or higher than 603 points. Check out in later part of this post/article on score calculation criteria.
Moreover, the draw targeted applicants with a legitimate job offer outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community and academic and professional expertise in a Quebec In-demand Occupation List.
What is Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program?
If you want to immigrate to Quebec to work permanently, the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) is for you.
To apply to this program, you must first express your interest in immigrating to Quebec. Then, if your profile matches the criteria required in Quebec, you will get an invitation to apply for permanent selection.
Next, to be selected, you must have professional skills and training that will help boost your employment integration in Quebec. Additional factors for consideration include the following:
- Language abilities
- Age
- Spouse characteristics
- Having dependents such as children
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Score Calculation For Quebec Arrima Draw
Foreign nationals are categorized to identify the best applicant who will receive an invitation to apply for permanent selection. These candidates are ranked based on the following Human Capital factors.
This criteria group can score a maximum of 580 points, and it broke down into the following:
1. Knowledge of French
2. Knowledge of English and French
3. Points for Age
4. Length of professional experience
5. Level of education
Responding to Quebec’s labour requirements
Length of experience in the profession and workforce diagnosis
Workforce diagnostic for the profession is understood in terms of the list of medium-term diagnoses for the 500 professions in the current National Occupational Classification.
For the invitation, the profession is distinguished from full-time employment on the extraction date from the interest bank expression.
To be considered, experience in the profession must have been obtained within the five years preceding the date of extraction from the expression of interest bank.
1. Field of training
2. Québec diploma
3. Professional experience duration in Québec
4. Professional experience duration in Canada (outside Québec)
5. Valid job offer
Points classification for spouse or de-facto spouse
Level of education
2. Quebec diploma
Source: Gouvernement du Québec
- 10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In July 2026
July 2026 marks one of the busiest months for federal policy changes in recent Canadian history, with new criminal justice laws, a major affordability benefit launch, increased government payments, and tighter professional regulation all coming into force within the same 31-day window.
These changes follow a year of aggressive federal rulemaking that delivered banking fee caps and firearm deadlines in March, healthcare expansion in April, and telecom fee bans in June.
Every change covered in this article applies at the national level across all provinces and territories, affecting tens of millions of Canadians simultaneously.
Below is a complete breakdown of what is changing, when each measure takes effect, who it applies to, and exactly how much money is involved where applicable.
1. Bail and Sentencing Reform Act Takes Effect July 15
The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act received Royal Assent on June 15, 2026, and comes into force on July 15.
Bill C-14 introduces more than 80 targeted changes to the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and the National Defence Act.
Every province and territory backed this legislation, alongside mayors, police chiefs, and victims’ advocates from across the country.
Stricter Bail Rules
New reverse onus provisions require certain accused individuals to prove why they should be released, shifting the burden from prosecutors in cases involving repeat violent offending, organized crime, human trafficking, extortion, and auto theft.
Courts must now consider whether allegations involve random or unprovoked violence, whether the accused has outstanding charges, and whether a weapons prohibition is necessary.
Police are directed to detain an accused for a bail hearing when necessary to protect public safety, including victims and witnesses.
Tougher Sentencing
New aggravating factors apply to repeat violent offending, offences against first responders, organized retail theft, damage to essential infrastructure, and assaults against transit employees.
Consecutive sentences are now mandatory for extortion paired with arson and for organized auto theft paired with break and enter.
House arrest is eliminated for certain serious sexual offences, including sexual assault prosecuted by indictment and sexual offences involving victims under 16.
Immigration Consequences
Criminal convictions under the reformed Criminal Code can trigger criminal inadmissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Permanent residents convicted of serious indictable offences now face a higher likelihood of removal orders.
Temporary residents risk immediate visa cancellation and deportation following a conviction under the tougher sentencing framework.
2. Airline Liability Insurance Increases on July 1
The Canadian Transportation Agency is implementing a mandatory indexation of minimum liability insurance requirements for all licensed air carriers effective July 1, 2026.
Passenger liability coverage rises from $595,000 to $735,000 per passenger seat, the first indexation under a new CPI-linked mechanism built into the Air Transportation Regulations.
Public liability minimums are also increasing based on the aircraft’s maximum certified takeoff weight.
This is the first time the indexation mechanism has been applied since it was adopted, and going forward, minimum thresholds will be recalculated every two years to reflect inflation.
Carriers that fail to provide updated proof of coverage before the deadline face immediate licence suspension with no grace period.
Most Canadian air carriers already hold coverage well above the previous minimums, so the practical impact on ticket prices is expected to be limited.
3. Immigration Consultant Regulations Overhaul
The federal government’s regulatory overhaul of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants takes effect on July 15, marking the biggest shift since the CICC opened in 2021.
The updated regulations expand the CICC’s authority across six areas that directly reshape how licensed immigration consultants in Canada are regulated.
A new compensation fund will provide financial restitution to individuals who suffered monetary losses because a licensed consultant committed a dishonest act on or after November 23, 2021.
Stronger complaint and discipline powers give the College authority to impose significantly higher financial penalties on consultants who violate professional standards.
The CICC’s public register will display substantially more information about each licensed consultant beginning in April 2027.
The federal government also gains direct ministerial oversight authority, including the power to intervene with the College’s board when necessary.
4. CRA Payroll Deduction Formulas Change
The Canada Revenue Agency has published updated T4127 Payroll Deductions Formulas effective July 1, incorporating mid-year provincial tax changes.
The most significant adjustment comes from British Columbia, where the provincial government raised the lowest personal income tax rate from 5.06% to 5.60% for the 2026 taxation year.
Because the B.C. rate change is retroactive to January 1, the July T4127 uses a prorated lowest rate of 6.14% for the final six months of the year.
Prince Edward Island has also introduced a new income tax bracket, applying a 20% rate on taxable income above $200,000, prorated to 21% for the remaining months of 2026.
Federal contribution rates for CPP and EI do not change at mid-year, but workers who have already maxed out their CPP contributions at the $74,600 ceiling may see higher net pay as deductions stop.
The federal lowest income tax rate remains at 14% for 2026, the first full year at this reduced rate after the middle-class tax cut was introduced in 2025.
5. Government Benefits Changes and Increases
July 2026 brings a wave of federal benefit payment increases as the CRA switches all income-tested programs from 2024 tax return data to 2025 tax return data.
The following table summarizes every major federal benefit change taking effect in July.
Benefit Date Change Key Detail CGEB July 3 +25% Replaces GST/HST credit; max $679/yr singles ACWB July 10 New cycle First advance using 2025 returns; max $2,869/yr CCB July 20 +2% CPI Max $8,157/yr under 6; $6,883/yr ages 6-17 CDB July 20 +2% CPI Max $204.20/mo; work exemption rises to $10,210 OAS July 29 +1.2% Max ~$751.97/mo (65-74); ~$827.17 (75+) GIS July 29 Recalculated Annual reset using 2025 income; file to avoid suspension Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (July 3)
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit officially replaces the GST/HST credit on July 3, delivering the first quarterly payment under the new program to more than 12 million Canadians.
The CGEB is the GST/HST credit renamed and permanently enhanced with a 25% increase in quarterly payments for five years, from 2026 through 2031.
Eligibility rules and the CRA delivery infrastructure remain identical to the old program, so most current recipients will transition automatically.
The launch follows a one-time GST/HST credit top-up payment that the CRA began issuing on June 5.
A family of four with qualifying income could receive up to $1,890 combined for the 2026-27 benefit year when including the June top-up.
New residents who have never received the GST/HST credit must submit Form RC151 to begin receiving CGEB payments.
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (July 10)
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit for low-income workers who earned at least $3,000 in employment or self-employment income.
The July 10 deposit marks the first advance payment of the new cycle, calculated using 2025 tax return data.
Single individuals with no children can receive up to $1,665 annually, while families can receive up to $2,869.
The disability supplement maximum is $860 for workers who qualify for the disability tax credit.
Canada Child Benefit Increase (July 20)
The Canada Child Benefit is increasing with the start of the new benefit year, with the first payment at new rates arriving on July 20.
A confirmed 2% CPI indexation raises the maximum annual CCB to $8,157 for each child under six and $6,883 for each child aged six to 17.
The income threshold below which families receive the full maximum rises from $37,487 to $38,237 under the new indexed rates.
The Child Disability Benefit also rises to $3,480 annually, or $290 per month.
All CCB payments from July onward are calculated using the 2025 tax return, meaning families whose income shifted between 2024 and 2025 could see significant changes in their deposits.
Canada Disability Benefit Update (July 20)
The maximum monthly Canada Disability Benefit rises to $204.20 for the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit period.
The working income exemption also increases, rising to $10,210 for single recipients and $14,294 for couples.
These amounts are calculated using the recipient’s 2025 federal tax return.
OAS and GIS Increase (July 29)
Canadian seniors will receive a confirmed 1.2% quarterly increase to Old Age Security payments starting with the July 29 deposit.
This is the largest single quarterly adjustment of 2026, following a 0.3% increase in January and a 0.1% bump in April.
The cumulative year-over-year OAS gain now stands at 2.3% compared to July 2025.
Age Group Apr-Jun 2026 Jul-Sep 2026 Monthly Gain 65 to 74 $743.05 ~$751.97 +~$8.92 75 and Older $817.36 ~$827.17 +~$9.81 Seniors aged 75 and older continue receiving the permanent 10% enhancement introduced in July 2022 on top of regular quarterly CPI adjustments.
Published OAS rates cannot decrease even when the Consumer Price Index falls, though individual payments can still change because of income reassessments or eligibility adjustments.
July is also when Service Canada recalculates Guaranteed Income Supplement amounts using 2025 tax returns, so seniors who have not filed risk having GIS payments suspended.
Unlike OAS, the Canada Pension Plan adjusts only once per year in January, so the July 29 CPP deposit reflects the same 2.0% indexation that took effect at the start of 2026.
6. CRA Business Registration Online Moves Behind Sign-In
Starting July 14, 2026, the CRA’s Business Registration Online service will only be accessible through a signed-in CRA account.
All business number and CRA program account registrations must now be completed online through the CRA’s secure portal using CRA credentials, a Sign-In Partner, or a provincial partner in British Columbia or Alberta.
This change is part of the CRA’s ongoing effort to modernize services and improve security around sensitive business information.
Business owners who do not yet have a CRA account should register before July 14 and verify their identity using the Document Verification Service for immediate access.
Certain situations still require alternative registration methods, including businesses owned by non-residents, businesses owned by another entity, and cases where the owner or director is deceased.
7. Combatting Hate Act Takes Effect July 18
The Combatting Hate Act received Royal Assent on June 18, 2026, with its provisions coming into force 30 days later on July 18.
Police-reported hate crimes in Canada more than doubled between 2018 and 2024, with most targeting race, ethnicity, and religion.
In 2024, 70% of police-reported hate crimes targeting religion were directed toward Jewish communities, while 17% targeted Muslim communities.
The Act creates three new Criminal Code offences that fundamentally change how Canada prosecutes hate-motivated conduct.
A new offence criminalizes intimidating or obstructing people from accessing places of worship, schools, community centres, and other locations primarily used by an identifiable group.
A dedicated hate crime offence ensures that hate-motivated criminal conduct is now charged as a separate offence rather than treated only as an aggravating factor during sentencing.
A fifth hate propaganda offence makes it a crime to publicly display terrorism symbols, the Nazi Hakenkreuz, or the Nazi double Sig-Rune.
The Act also codifies a definition of hatred in the Criminal Code based on Supreme Court of Canada jurisprudence, explicitly excluding conduct that solely humiliates, discredits, hurts, or offends.
The legislation does not criminalize religious teaching, sermons, scripture, peaceful assembly, or political advocacy.
8. Tobacco Packaging Requirements Hit Manufacturers
Tobacco manufacturers must sell and distribute cigarette packages displaying a health information message on an extended upper slide flap by July 31, 2026.
This requirement applies to slide-and-shell cigarette packages under the Tobacco Products Appearance, Packaging and Labelling Regulations.
Retailers have an extended compliance window until October 31, 2026, to sell existing stock that does not meet the new slide-flap requirement.
The July 31 deadline also marks the end of the first rotation period for health warnings, health information messages, and toxicity information on cigarettes, little cigars, cigarette tobacco, and tubes.
A new rotation of health-related messages will begin on August 1 and run for 24 months under the existing rotation scheme.
Canada became the first country in the world to require health warnings printed directly on individual cigarettes in 2024, and these packaging updates continue that trajectory.
9. Toxic Substances Regulations and Permit Window
The Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025 came into force on June 30, 2026, replacing the 2012 regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
The updated rules further restrict the manufacture, use, sale, and import of persistent and bioaccumulative toxic substances and products containing them.
Two additional flame retardants, Dechlorane Plus and decabromodiphenyl ethane, are now prohibited along with products containing them, subject to limited exemptions.
Tighter controls apply to several subgroups of PFAS substances, including those historically used in firefighting foam.
Permit applications for limited continued use of certain substances must be submitted between July 1 and July 30, 2026, through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Regulatory Services Platform.
Importers should pay particular attention because substances prohibited in Canada may continue to be lawfully manufactured in other countries, creating the risk of inadvertent non-compliance at the border.
10. Canadian Forces Housing Differential Rates Update July 1
The Department of National Defence has confirmed that updated Canadian Forces Housing Differential rates take effect on July 1, 2026.
Some Canadian Armed Forces members living in military housing may see reductions in their housing support because updated pay levels affect the calculation.
Annual shelter charge increases for existing occupants remain capped at $100 per month.
Some CAF members may qualify for a 25% gross household income reduction, although this benefit can end once the monthly shelter charge no longer exceeds the applicable threshold.
Canada Strong Pass Continues Through the Summer
The Canada Strong Pass has been active since June 19 and continues through September 7, making July the peak month for Canadians to take advantage of free national park admission and discounted travel.
The program provides free admission to all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada, covering more than 200 locations across the country.
Camping fees at Parks Canada locations are discounted by 25% for the duration of the program.
National museums and galleries offer free admission for visitors aged 17 and under and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
VIA Rail provides free Economy-class travel for children 17 and under when accompanied by an adult and a 25% discount on eligible fares for passengers aged 18 to 24.
No registration or physical pass is required, as all benefits apply automatically at participating locations.
National park attendance rose 13% and museum visits jumped 15% during the 2025 edition of the program, according to the federal government.
All The Federal Changes in July 2026 At a Glance
Date Change What It Means July 1 Air Carrier Liability Insurance Indexation Passenger liability minimum rises from $595,000 to $735,000 per seat July 1 CRA Mid-Year Payroll Update (T4127) Provincial tax adjustments affect take-home pay July 1 Canadian Forces Housing Differential Update Updated rates for CAF members in military housing July 3-29 Government Benefit Increases CGEB launches, CCB/CDB/OAS increase, ACWB pays out July 14 CRA Business Registration Online Change BRO access moves behind CRA account sign-in only July 15 Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14) Over 80 Criminal Code changes for stricter bail and sentencing July 15 CICC Immigration Consultant Regulations Compensation fund, higher penalties, expanded public register July 18 Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9) New hate crime offences and protections for places of worship July 31 Tobacco Packaging Requirement Health messages required on cigarette slide-flap packaging Jul 1-30 Toxic Substances Permit Window Permit applications open under new toxic substances regulations Ongoing Canada Strong Pass Free national park admission and travel discounts through Sept 7 File your 2025 income tax return immediately if you have not already done so, because the CRA cannot recalculate your CCB, CGEB, ACWB, GIS, or CDB without current tax information.
Verify your immigration consultant’s licence on the CICC public register at register.college-ic.ca before July 15, especially if you have an active application.
Check CRA My Account after each July payment date to confirm your benefit amounts reflect the correct 2025 income data.
Review your pay stub after the first July payroll to verify your employer has loaded the updated T4127 formulas, particularly if you work in British Columbia or Prince Edward Island.
Seniors should compare their June 26 CPP and OAS deposits against the amounts arriving on July 29, since the combined quarterly increase and GIS recalculation can produce a noticeably different total.
Anyone facing criminal charges around July 15 should consult both a criminal lawyer and, for non-citizens, an immigration lawyer because timing can affect bail outcomes, sentencing exposure, and immigration status simultaneously.
Plan summer travel around the Canada Strong Pass to take advantage of free national park admission and discounted VIA Rail fares before the program ends on September 7.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to apply separately for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit?
No, if you already receive the GST/HST credit and have filed your 2025 tax return, the CRA will automatically assess your eligibility and deposit the CGEB on July 3. New residents who have never received the GST/HST credit must submit Form RC151.Will the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act apply to cases already before the courts?
Bail hearings held after July 15 may be assessed under the new rules. Sentencing changes depend on when the offence occurred and when the conviction is entered. Anyone facing charges around the implementation date should speak with a criminal lawyer.How much more will I receive from the Canada Child Benefit in July?
Families receiving the maximum CCB for a child under six will see an increase of $13.34 per month, from $666.41 to $679.75. For children aged six to 17, the increase is $11.25 per month, from $562.33 to $573.58. Actual amounts depend on your 2025 adjusted family net income.Can I use the Canada Strong Pass if I am visiting from outside Canada?
Yes, free admission to Parks Canada sites applies to all visitors regardless of residency during the program dates. VIA Rail and museum discounts may have age-specific eligibility conditions worth checking before you travel.What happens if my employer does not update the payroll formulas by July 1?
Your tax withholding could be incorrect for the rest of 2026. This is most likely to affect workers in British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, where mid-year provincial tax changes require prorated adjustments. Check your pay stub and raise the issue with your payroll department.Fact-Checked: All dates, benefit amounts, legislative details, and payment schedules in this article are verified against official Government of Canada, Canada Revenue Agency, Department of Justice, Canadian Transportation Agency, and Service Canada sources as of June 27, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or immigration advice. Benefit amounts depend on individual circumstances including income, marital status, number of children, and filing history. Readers should verify specific entitlements through CRA My Account and consult qualified professionals for personalized advice.
- 3 New Ontario OINP Pathways For Permanent Residence
Ontario has officially eliminated all eight existing Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program streams and replaced them with the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream effective June 26, 2026.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development made the changes through amendments to Ontario Regulation 422/17 under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015.
This is the single largest structural overhaul in the history of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
The OINP redesign consolidates every former pathway into one unified stream with three distinct tracks for skilled workers, essential workers, and self-employed physicians.
The Expression of Interest system is now closed to new registrations, and Ontario expects the new EOI platform to reopen later in the summer.
Thousands of immigration candidates in Ontario who had active profiles under the old system now face a mandatory transition to the new framework.
The Ontario Workforce Priority stream introduces elevated language and education benchmarks that did not exist under several of the former pathways while also creating new advantages for rural employers and licensed professionals.
3 New Ontario Workforce Priority Pathways
The replacement structure is a single unified stream with three distinct pathways that cover every National Occupational Classification TEER level plus a dedicated physician track.
All three pathways require a full-time and permanent job offer from an Ontario employer, except for the self-employed physicians track, where no job offer is needed.
New TEER 0-3 Pathway
This pathway targets skilled internationally trained workers in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations as classified under the National Occupational Classification system.
Applicants must hold a full-time and permanent job offer in Ontario and meet several minimum eligibility requirements.
Requirement TEER 0-3 Pathway Details Work Experience (Option A) 6 months consecutive in the last 12 months in the job offer position with the job offer employer Work Experience (Option B) 3 months consecutive in the last 12 months for recent Ontario graduates, same position with the job offer employer Work Experience (Option C) 2 years cumulative in the last 5 years in the same NOC occupation Licensed Applicants Exempt from the work experience requirement Language CLB 6 minimum (CLB 5 for certain occupations) Education Post-secondary degree or diploma The language and education benchmarks represent an elevation from what many of the former streams required, reflecting Ontario’s stated goal to enhance the calibre of nominees supported by the province.
Recent Ontario graduates receive a meaningful advantage under this pathway with a reduced work experience threshold of just 3 months instead of 6.
This graduate concession applies to candidates who have recently completed a program at a recognized Ontario institution and are already working for the employer making the job offer.
Some occupations may have alternate criteria beyond what is listed above, and candidates should consult the full regulations for detailed requirements specific to their NOC code.
New TEER 4-5 Pathway
The TEER 4-5 pathway covers workers in all TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations with a qualifying job offer in Ontario.
These are the essential and entry-level occupations that were previously served by the now-closed In-Demand Skills stream under the old program design.
Requirement TEER 4-5 Pathway Details Work Experience 9 months cumulative in the last 2 years in the job offer position with the job offer employer Language CLB 4 minimum Education Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent The CLB 4 language floor and secondary school education requirement make this pathway more accessible for workers in manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, and caregiving roles.
Unlike the TEER 0-3 pathway, the work experience requirement here demands 9 months of cumulative experience specifically in the job-offered position with the job-offered employer.
This is a notable departure from the former In-Demand Skills stream, where work experience rules were structured differently, and candidates should carefully review whether their employment history meets the new cumulative threshold.
The 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan increased provincial nominee admission targets to 91,500 for 2026, which gives Ontario a substantially larger nomination pool to work with under this new pathway.
New Self-Employed Physicians Pathway
Self-employed physicians can qualify for the Ontario Workforce Priority stream without a job offer, making this the only track in the redesigned OINP that does not require arranged employment.
To qualify, physicians must meet all three of the following conditions simultaneously.
They must be a member in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
They must hold a valid certificate of registration in one of three eligible classes: independent, academic, or provisional.
They must be eligible to bill through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan.
Ontario has been actively recruiting physicians through targeted OINP draws throughout 2026, and the federal government launched a dedicated Express Entry physician category in February 2026 with historically low CRS cutoffs.
Lower Revenue Thresholds For Rural Ontario Employers
The redesigned program introduces reduced gross annual revenue requirements for employers located in rural communities across Ontario.
For the purposes of this program, a rural community is defined as a community located in a census division with a population of less than 150,000 residents.
This provision directly addresses the challenge that regional Ontario employers have faced in competing for immigrant talent against larger employers in urban centres like Toronto.
Ontario ran multiple region-specific OINP draws earlier in 2026 covering Eastern, Northern, Southwestern, and Central Ontario to distribute nominations outside the Greater Toronto Area.
All 8 Former OINP Streams Are Now Closed
This restructuring follows months of regulatory groundwork that began with the March 16, 2026 regulatory amendments granting the Minister authority to create or remove OINP selection streams.
Ontario had already confirmed through amendments in May 2026 that the existing nine selection categories would be formally revoked.
The following table lists every stream that has now been permanently closed under the OINP redesign.
Former OINP Stream Status Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Closed Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Closed Employer Job Offer: International Student Closed Master’s Graduate Closed PhD Graduate Closed Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Closed Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Closed Express Entry Skilled Trades Closed Ontario issued thousands of invitations across these streams throughout early 2026 before the cutoff, including 1,825 invitations on February 2, 1,404 on February 18, and 1,243 on March 18.
The pace accelerated through April, with 759 mining-sector invitations on April 1, 1,334 In-Demand Skills invitations on April 15, and 2,102 regional invitations on April 23.
Applications submitted under a former stream before the redesign took effect will continue to be assessed under the eligibility rules that were in place when the application was filed.
The regulatory amendments also tighten enforcement mechanisms as part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen program integrity.
The response time for individuals who receive a Notice of Intent to Issue an Administrative Monetary Penalty or Ban order has been reduced from 60 to 30 days.
Notices of contravention can now be sent by email, mail, or in person and are deemed delivered upon sending rather than requiring proof of receipt.
These changes align the OINP’s enforcement timelines with other program processes such as Notices of Intent to Refuse and Notices of Intent to Cancel a Nomination.
What Existing OINP Candidates Need To Know
The EOI system is now closed to new registrations and no further invitations will be issued under any of the former program streams.
EOIs and job offers registered under the former streams that have not resulted in an invitation to apply will be automatically withdrawn over the coming weeks as the EOI and application platforms are updated.
Affected registrants, employers, and authorized representatives will receive a direct notice from the program.
Employers who previously registered in the OINP Employer Portal will not need to register again when the system reopens.
However, employers will need to submit a new job offer and a new application for approval of an employment position to initiate a new EOI for any candidate under the Ontario Workforce Priority stream.
Candidates who are eligible under the new requirements should prepare their documentation now so they can register a new EOI as soon as the system reopens later this summer.
This redesign represents Phase 1 of a planned two-phase overhaul of the OINP.
Ontario received 14,119 nomination spots for 2026 under the federal Provincial Nominee Program allocation, a 31% increase compared to the 10,750 nominations issued in 2025.
The province used its increased allocation aggressively throughout early 2026, issuing more than 10,000 invitations between February and April before the stream closures took effect.
At the federal level, Express Entry continues to operate with recent Canadian Experience Class draws issuing 4,000 invitations at a CRS cutoff of 516 on June 23, 2026.
Provincial nominees who receive their Ontario nomination can enter the Express Entry system with a 600-point CRS boost, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Candidates who cannot wait for the new EOI system to reopen should also explore the new PNP work permit rules that took effect on June 9, 2026 to maintain their work authorization while pursuing permanent residence.
Other provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, continue to operate their own Provincial Nominee Program streams with active draws and open intakes throughout 2026.
The transition period between the old and new systems creates a window where candidates need to take specific steps to protect their position.
Candidates should book or renew their language tests immediately, because CLB scores are now mandatory across every pathway in the new stream.
Workers in TEER 4-5 occupations who previously had no language requirement under the In-Demand Skills stream must now achieve at least CLB 4 across all four skills to be eligible.
Employers should begin reviewing their job offers against the new eligibility criteria, particularly around wage levels and the full-time permanent employment requirement.
Rural Ontario employers should determine whether their business location falls within a census division under 150,000 to confirm eligibility for the reduced gross annual revenue thresholds.
All candidates and employers should monitor the official OINP program updates page for the announcement of the EOI system reopening date, which Ontario has indicated will happen later this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still apply under the old OINP streams?
No, all the eight former streams are permanently closed as of June 26, 2026. The EOI system is not accepting new registrations and no further invitations will be issued under any former pathway. You must wait for the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream EOI system to reopen later this summer.What happens to my existing EOI or pending application?
EOIs that did not result in an invitation will be automatically withdrawn over the coming weeks. Applications already submitted under a former stream will continue to be assessed under the eligibility rules that were in effect when the application was filed. You will receive a direct notice from the OINP about your specific file.Do employers need to re-register on the OINP Employer Portal?
Employers who are already registered do not need to create a new registration. However, they must submit a new job offer and a new application for approval of an employment position when the Employer Portal reopens to initiate a new EOI for any candidate under the new stream.What language score do I need for the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream?
TEER 0-3 pathway applicants need a minimum CLB 6, with CLB 5 accepted for certain occupations. TEER 4-5 pathway applicants need a minimum CLB 4. Self-employed physicians should consult the regulations for specific language requirements.Is Phase 2 of the OINP redesign confirmed?
Ontario has described this as Phase 1 of a 2-phase redesign. Phase 2 is expected to introduce additional pathways, but Ontario has not confirmed specific launch dates, eligibility rules, or program structures for the second phase. Candidates should monitor the official OINP program updates page for announcements.Fact-Checked: All information in this article has been verified against the official Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program updates page, Ontario Regulation 422/17 on e-Laws, and the federal Provincial Nominee Program page on canada.ca as of June 26, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice; consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or licensed immigration lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
- Latest Express Entry Draw On June 25 Sent 4,000 PR Invitations
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 4,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence in a Healthcare and Social Services Occupations Express Entry draw on June 25, 2026.
The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 475 points.
This is the third healthcare category draw of 2026 and the largest since the inaugural healthcare round on February 20 that also issued 4,000 invitations.
The 475 CRS cutoff sits 41 points below the CEC draw on June 23 that required 516, opening a realistic pathway for thousands of healthcare workers stuck in the 451 to 500 CRS band.
Today’s draw completes an unprecedented four-draw cluster over four consecutive days that has issued 9,226 invitations since June 22.
IRCC is clearly making up for the extended silence that lasted 25 days from late May through most of June.
Full Details Of The June 25 Healthcare Express Entry Draw
The following table provides every official detail of today’s Express Entry draw as released by IRCC.
Draw Detail Value Category Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3 Date and Time June 25, 2026 at 13:51:43 UTC Number of Invitations Issued 4,000 CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate 475 Rank Needed 4,000 or above Tie-Breaking Rule May 21, 2026 at 12:14:09 UTC Candidates who had a CRS score of exactly 475 needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before May 21, 2026 at 12:14:09 UTC.
The tie-breaking date of May 21 is just over one month old, which suggests a moderate concentration of candidates at the 475 CRS level.
Anyone with a score of 475 who submitted after that timestamp was not selected despite meeting the CRS requirement.
Why A 475 CRS Cutoff Is A Game-Changer For Healthcare Workers
The 475 CRS cutoff reaches directly into the most congested segment of the Express Entry pool.
The pool snapshot from June 21 showed 75,938 candidates sitting in the 451 to 500 CRS band, with 17,318 of them clustered between 471 and 480.
CEC draws cannot reach these candidates because the CEC cutoff has not dropped below 507 at any point in 2026.
Healthcare draws at 475 cut straight through that barrier and give eligible workers a realistic pathway that CEC simply cannot offer right now.
A nurse, pharmacist, or social worker with a CRS of 475 would have received an invitation today but would need at least 516 to qualify through CEC.
That 41-point gap represents the single largest CRS advantage available to healthcare professionals through any Express Entry draw category.
All The Healthcare Express Entry Draws In 2026
The following table shows every Healthcare and Social Services Occupations draw conducted in 2026.
Draw Date Version Invitations CRS Cutoff February 20 Version 1 4,000 467 April 15 Version 2 3,000 430 June 25 Version 3 4,000 475 The April 15 draw had the lowest healthcare CRS cutoff of the year at 430, while the February 20 draw set the baseline at 467.
Today’s cutoff of 475 is slightly higher than both previous rounds, reflecting the pool pressure from the extended June pause.
The CRS range for healthcare draws in 2026 has been 430 to 475, which is consistently 30 to 85 points below the CEC cutoff during the same period.
IRCC Issues 9,226 Invitations In Four Consecutive Days
Today’s healthcare draw caps off the most active four-day stretch in Express Entry history for 2026.
IRCC conducted four draws on four consecutive days starting June 22, covering PNP, CEC, Physicians, and Healthcare categories.
Date Category Invitations CRS June 22 Provincial Nominee Program 955 730 June 23 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 516 June 24 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 271 223 June 25 Healthcare and Social Services 4,000 475 The combined 9,226 invitations across all four draws represent a massive injection of new permanent residence opportunities after weeks of inactivity.
The cluster pattern follows the familiar sequence that IRCC maintained throughout most of 2026 but extends it to four days instead of the usual three.
The addition of a dedicated physician draw alongside the broader Healthcare round shows IRCC is actively targeting multiple healthcare sub-categories simultaneously.
All 37 Occupations Eligible For The Express Entry Draw Today
Candidates must have at least 12 months of full-time work experience in one of the following occupations within the past three years to qualify for this draw.
The experience requirement was doubled from 6 to 12 months when Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the 2026 Express Entry category changes on February 18.
Occupation NOC Code General practitioners and family physicians 31102 Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine 31100 Specialists in surgery 31101 Dentists 31110 Optometrists 31111 Audiologists and speech-language pathologists 31112 Veterinarians 31103 Pharmacists 31120 Dietitians and nutritionists 31121 Psychologists 31200 Chiropractors 31201 Physiotherapists 31202 Occupational therapists 31203 Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating 31209 Nursing coordinators and supervisors 31300 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses 31301 Nurse practitioners 31302 Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals 31303 Social workers 41300 Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies 41301 Social and community service workers 42201 Licensed practical nurses 32101 Paramedical occupations 32102 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists 32103 Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians 32104 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment 32109 Dental hygienists and dental therapists 32111 Medical laboratory technologists 32120 Medical radiation technologists 32121 Medical sonographers 32122 Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists 32123 Pharmacy technicians 32124 Other medical technologists and technicians 32129 Massage therapists 32201 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations 33101 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates 33102 Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants 33103 The work experience must match the lead statement and a substantial number of the main duties described in the National Occupational Classification for the claimed occupation.
This qualifying experience can be gained either inside or outside Canada as long as it falls within the three-year window.
What Healthcare Workers Should Do After This Draw
Candidates who received an invitation have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application through their IRCC online account.
Required documents include employment reference letters confirming healthcare work experience, valid language test results, educational credential assessments, police certificates, and medical exams.
Healthcare professionals should also research provincial licensing requirements because these vary by province and regulated profession.
The IRCC backlog data shows permanent residence processing times may exceed standard timelines, so submitting a complete and accurate application is critical.
Those who missed this draw should keep their Express Entry profiles active and updated because IRCC has historically run healthcare draws every 6 to 10 weeks in 2026.
IRCC has now issued approximately 89,000 Express Entry invitations across all categories since January 1, 2026.
The June draw predictions had outlined a healthcare draw as one of the likely category-based selections for the month.
With PNP, CEC, Physicians, and Healthcare all covered in this cluster, the only major category missing from June is French-language proficiency.
French-language draws have issued 30,500 invitations across six rounds in 2026 with CRS cutoffs as low as 393, including the most recent French round on May 28.
A French draw could still appear before the end of June or in the first week of July depending on IRCC’s scheduling patterns.
The Express Entry pool held 239,645 candidates as of June 21, and today’s 4,000 healthcare invitations further reduce the 471 to 480 CRS band.
The April 2026 analysis had projected healthcare CRS cutoffs in the 460 to 480 range for the rest of the year, and today’s result sits right in that window.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the CRS cutoff for the June 25 healthcare Express Entry draw?
The CRS cutoff was 475 points for the Healthcare and Social Services Occupations draw on June 25, 2026, with 4,000 invitations issued.How many healthcare Express Entry draws has IRCC held in 2026?
IRCC has held three healthcare draws in 2026: February 20 at CRS 467, April 15 at CRS 430, and June 25 at CRS 475.Can work experience gained outside Canada qualify for this draw?
Yes, the healthcare category accepts qualifying work experience gained either in Canada or abroad as long as it was accumulated within the past three years and totals at least 12 months full-time equivalent.How is this draw different from the Physicians draw on June 24?
The Physicians category targets only doctors with Canadian work experience in NOC codes 31100, 31101, and 31102, while the broader healthcare draw covers 37 occupations, including nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and social workers.When is the next healthcare Express Entry draw expected?
IRCC has not confirmed the next healthcare draw date, but the 2026 pattern suggests healthcare rounds occur approximately every 6 to 10 weeks.Fact-Checked: All data in this article has been verified against official IRCC Express Entry draw results published on canada.ca as of June 25, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. IRCC draw schedules, categories, and invitation volumes can change at any time without advance notice. Consult a licensed immigration professional for guidance specific to your situation.
- Canada Trucking Jobs Fraud Concerns Revealed In Internal Report
An internal Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) trend report has outlined serious concerns about fraud, worker exploitation, and misrepresentation in Canada’s trucking sector.
The report, dated May 21, 2020, was authored by IRCC’s Case Management Branch and later made public through a federal Access to Information request.
It was originally shared by Vancouver-based immigration lawyer Steven Meurrens, who regularly publishes internal IRCC documents obtained through Access to Information requests.
This is not a new IRCC policy update or enforcement announcement.
The document is an internal trend report that identified patterns and red flags across work permit applications linked to specific trucking companies.
Parts of the report are redacted under federal privacy and security provisions, meaning company names, consultant names, and certain case details have been removed from the public version.
Despite being several years old, the concerns raised in this report remain directly relevant to foreign workers, LMIA applicants, trucking employers, and immigration consultants across Canada today.
What the IRCC Trend Report Reveals About Trucking and LMIA Concerns
The report was prepared by IRCC’s Major Investigations Unit within the Investigations and Exceptional Cases Division.
It focused on trends observed across work permit applications connected to trucking companies that had come under scrutiny.
IRCC noted that media attention on the role of immigration consultants and trucking firms in the exploitation of temporary foreign workers prompted further review of the sector.
The report identified several areas of concern that officers had flagged during application processing and investigation.
Fleet Size Versus Employee Ratios
One of the core findings involved trucking companies with very small fleet sizes receiving valid Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) to hire a number of temporary foreign workers that far exceeded their actual fleet capacity.
IRCC officers observed companies with only one or two trucks successfully obtaining LMIAs to bring in multiple workers, raising questions about whether the job offers were genuine.
Safety Training and Accident Concerns
The report flagged concerns about the lack of safety training and relevant driving experience among some temporary foreign workers in the trucking sector.
IRCC noted high occurrences of safety violations and accidents on the job, posing danger not only to the workers themselves but also to the general public.
For foreign nationals who were not fully qualified to perform complex trucking jobs, the safety implications were described as significant.
Language Proficiency Issues
Processing officers identified credibility concerns related to the English-language proficiency of some applicants linked to the trucking companies under review.
Some applications were refused because applicants could not demonstrate an ability to communicate in English at the level needed to safely perform trucking work in Canada.
In certain cases, IRCC officers also flagged concerns about the integrity of IELTS test results submitted alongside these applications.
Fabricated Work Experience and Employment Documents
The report described cases where applicants submitted fraudulent employment reference documents to support their work permit applications.
In one instance noted in the report, a processing officer verified employment claims by contacting the company listed as the applicant’s previous employer, only to find that the company did not exist.
Other applications were refused because applicants could not provide satisfactory evidence of actual truck driving work experience.
Concerns With Job Offer Genuineness
IRCC officers raised questions about whether certain job offers from trucking companies were genuine.
Indicators of concern included applicants who were not listed on the LMIA associated with their application and tip information in IRCC’s Global Case Management System suggesting that some applicants were seeking employment at trucking companies through arrangements that raised red flags.
Some applications were refused because officers were not satisfied that the offers of employment met the genuineness requirements.
Consultants of Concern
The report identified a pattern of specific immigration consultants being repeatedly associated with applications linked to the trucking companies under review.
In several cases, the same representative appeared across applications tied to multiple trucking companies of concern, suggesting a coordinated pattern rather than isolated incidents.
One case described in the report involved an applicant who was refused due to misrepresentation and who admitted to having paid a consultant a fee for the arrangement.
Consultant names are redacted in the public version of the report.
Key Red Flags Identified in the IRCC Report
The following table summarizes the main areas of concern that IRCC officers identified across the applications reviewed.
Area of Concern What IRCC Officers Identified Fleet Capacity Companies with 1-2 trucks hiring far more workers than fleet size justified Safety Violations High accident rates and lack of proper safety training among TFWs Language Proficiency Concerns about English ability and integrity of IELTS results submitted Work Experience Fabricated employment references and companies that did not exist Job Offer Genuineness Applicants not listed on LMIAs and tip-offs about arrangements of concern Consultant Patterns Same representatives linked across multiple trucking companies under review Vulnerable Worker Claims TFWs reporting unsafe and abusive working conditions at certain employers How Foreign Workers Can Be Vulnerable in the Trucking Sector
The IRCC report also described allegations of abuse reported by temporary foreign workers linked to specific trucking companies.
Workers described being forced to operate in unsafe and abusive conditions.
Some of these workers applied for Canada’s Vulnerable Workers Open Work Permit, a program that allows temporary foreign workers experiencing abuse or at risk of abuse to leave their employer and work for any eligible Canadian employer.
The report noted that some of these applications were approved, and the employers involved were referred for compliance inspections.
The structure of employer-specific work permits can create a power imbalance where foreign workers feel unable to report mistreatment because their legal status in Canada is tied directly to the employer named on their permit.
This dynamic can leave workers vulnerable to wage theft, excessive hours, dangerous conditions, and threats of deportation if they complain.
IRCC’s Vulnerable Workers Open Work Permit program exists specifically to address these situations by allowing workers to escape abusive employment without losing their legal status.
Workers who are experiencing abuse or who are at risk of abuse in connection with their job in Canada should be aware that this program has no application fee and does not require biometrics at the time of application.
Vulnerable Worker Permit Issuances Have Surged in Recent Years
The IRCC trend report was written in 2020, but the broader issue of worker exploitation it identified has only grown more prominent since then.
Data released by IRCC shows that the number of Temporary Resident Permits issued to victims of human trafficking and the number of Vulnerable Workers Open Work Permits issued have both increased significantly in recent years.
Vulnerable worker open work permit issuances rose from approximately 875 in 2021 to more than 9,600 in 2025, according to IRCC data.
This sharp increase reflects both growing awareness of the program among workers and a broader pattern of exploitation across employer-tied work permit arrangements in Canada.
Year Vulnerable Worker OWPs Issued (Approx.) 2021 875 2022 1,080 2023 2,040 2024 5,115 2025 9,625 The February 2026 update to IRCC’s operational instructions for this program also clarified that situations where a worker knowingly paid for a fraudulent job offer with no real employment may not qualify as abuse for the purposes of this permit.
Practical Warnings for LMIA Applicants and Foreign Workers
The patterns identified in the IRCC report align with concerns that immigration authorities, industry groups, and media investigations have continued to document across Canada’s trucking and logistics sector.
Foreign workers and LMIA applicants should be aware of the following red flags.
Paid Job Offers and LMIA Sales
Under Canadian law, it is illegal for any person to charge a foreign worker money for an LMIA or for a job offer connected to a work permit application.
Employers are responsible for applying for and paying for the LMIA themselves.
Any consultant, agent, or employer who asks a foreign worker to pay thousands of dollars for an LMIA-supported job offer is engaging in conduct that violates federal regulations.
Reports indicate that LMIA positions have been sold for amounts ranging from $10,000 to $70,000 or more across Canada’s trucking sector.
Fabricated Work Experience
Some applicants have been encouraged to submit false employment reference letters, fabricated pay stubs, or fraudulent tax documents to support their work permit or permanent residence applications.
IRCC officers actively verify employment claims by contacting listed employers, checking business registrations, and cross-referencing information in the Global Case Management System.
Submitting false documents constitutes misrepresentation under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and can result in a five-year ban from entering Canada, application refusal, and potential criminal charges.
Consultant Promises and Guarantees
No immigration consultant or lawyer can guarantee approval of a work permit, LMIA, or permanent residence application.
Any representative who promises a guaranteed outcome in exchange for payment is either misrepresenting their abilities or operating outside the law.
Foreign workers should only work with representatives who are licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) or who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society.
The CICC maintains a free Public Register where anyone can verify whether an immigration consultant is licensed and in good standing before paying for any services.
Not All Trucking Employers or Consultants Are Involved in Wrongdoing
It is important to note that the IRCC report focused on specific companies and applications that had been flagged for further investigation.
The report does not suggest that the trucking industry as a whole is engaged in fraudulent practices.
Canada’s trucking sector has experienced genuine labour shortages, and many employers across the country use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program legitimately and ethically to fill positions that cannot be staffed domestically.
Similarly, the majority of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants operate within the rules and provide valuable services to employers and foreign workers navigating the LMIA and work permit process.
The concerns raised in this report are specific to identified patterns among a subset of employers and representatives that came under scrutiny during IRCC investigations.
Responsible industry stakeholders, including the Ontario Trucking Association, have called for stronger vetting processes and greater enforcement to protect both the integrity of the LMIA system and the safety of foreign workers.
What Applicants Should Do
Foreign workers considering trucking jobs in Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program should take the following steps to protect themselves.
- Never pay any person or company for an LMIA or a job offer. Employers are legally required to cover all LMIA costs themselves.
- Verify that any immigration consultant or representative is licensed by checking the CICC Public Register at college-ic.ca before signing any agreement or making any payment.
- Research the employer independently by checking provincial business registries, searching for safety records, and confirming the company’s fleet size and operations.
- Confirm that your name appears on the LMIA associated with the job offer and request a copy of the positive LMIA confirmation letter.
- Do not submit false or fabricated documents, including employment reference letters, pay stubs, or language test results. Misrepresentation carries a five-year ban.
- Keep copies of all contracts, correspondence, payment receipts, and communications with employers and representatives.
- If you are experiencing abuse or unsafe working conditions, contact IRCC’s Victim Support Line at 1-888-242-2100 and consider applying for a Vulnerable Workers Open Work Permit.
- Report suspected LMIA fraud to Service Canada’s confidential tip line, which is available 24 hours a day with live agents in over 200 languages.
Official Resources for Foreign Workers and LMIA Applicants
Resource Where to Access Vulnerable Workers Open Work Permit Open work permit for vulnerable workers who are victims of abuse ESDC LMIA and TFWP Information canada.ca – Temporary Foreign Worker Program CICC Public Register (Verify Consultants) college-ic.ca – Find an Immigration Consultant IRCC Victim Support Line 1-888-242-2100 Service Canada LMIA Fraud Tip Line 1-866-602-9448 (24/7) Employer Compliance Results canada.ca – Employers Who Have Been Found Non-Compliant The IRCC trend report was written in 2020, but the issues it identified have not gone away.
LMIA fraud in Canada’s trucking sector has continued to attract media investigations, enforcement actions, and policy changes in the years since this report was authored.
The federal government has taken steps to address LMIA misuse, including removing CRS points for LMIA-supported job offers in Express Entry as of March 2025, introducing mandatory Job Bank Direct Apply requirements for LMIA postings, and tightening compliance inspections for employers who hire through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
The surge in Vulnerable Workers Open Work Permit applications underscores that worker exploitation remains a serious and growing concern across employer-tied work permit arrangements.
For foreign workers considering trucking jobs in Canada, the message from this report is clear.
Research every employer and representative thoroughly, never pay for an LMIA, verify that consultants are licensed, and know your rights if you find yourself in an abusive or fraudulent situation.
Canada’s immigration system depends on the integrity of programs like the LMIA, and protecting that integrity means protecting the workers who rely on it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the IRCC trend report about trucking and LMIA fraud?
It is an internal IRCC report, prepared by the Case Management Branch’s Major Investigations Unit. The report identified patterns of concern across work permit applications linked to specific trucking companies, including issues with LMIA misuse, fabricated work experience, consultant involvement, language proficiency concerns, and allegations of worker abuse. It was later made public through a federal Access to Information request.Is it legal to pay for an LMIA in Canada?
No, under Canadian immigration law, it is illegal for anyone to charge a foreign worker for an LMIA or for a job offer connected to a work permit application. The employer is responsible for all LMIA application costs. Paying for an LMIA position can result in misrepresentation findings, application refusal, a five-year ban from Canada, and potential criminal charges.How can I check if an immigration consultant is licensed?
You can verify any immigration consultant’s licence status by searching the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) Public Register at college-ic.ca. The register shows whether a consultant is an active Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing. Only licensed RCICs, Canadian lawyers, and Quebec notaries are authorized to provide paid immigration advice.What should I do if I am being exploited by a trucking employer in Canada?
If you are experiencing abuse or unsafe conditions in connection with your job, you may be eligible for a Vulnerable Workers Open Work Permit, which allows you to leave your employer and work for any eligible employer in Canada. Contact IRCC’s Victim Support Line at 1-888-242-2100 for guidance. You can also report the employer to Service Canada and to provincial employment standards authorities.Does this report mean all trucking LMIA applications are fraudulent?
No, the report focused on specific companies and application patterns that had been flagged for investigation. Many trucking employers across Canada use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program legitimately to address genuine labour shortages. The report was designed to identify trends and red flags, not to characterize the entire industry.Fact-checked by Immigration News Canada editorial team. All information in this article is based on the publicly available IRCC trend report dated May 21, 2020, official government sources, and publicly reported data.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a Canadian immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation.
- New Canada Immigration Processing Times As Of June 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published its latest processing time data as of June 24, 2026, and the update is headlined by two dramatic moves in opposite directions.
Citizenship certificate processing has spiked to 15 months with a queue that added over 11,600 applicants in a single cycle.
Meanwhile, the Atlantic Immigration Program plunged by 12 months, work permits inside Canada fell to 144 days, and super visa timelines hit their lowest levels of the year across nearly every country.
IRCC bases these estimates on 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 June 8.
Weekly categories like visitor visas, study permits, work permits, and PR cards were last updated on June 24.
Below is a full breakdown of every processing time in the June 2026 release.
Citizenship Processing Times (Updated monthly)
Citizenship certificates are the clear outlier this month, surging from three months to 15 months while the queue exploded by 11,600 to approximately 82,000 people.
Citizenship grants held steady at 13 months despite the queue growing by 5,300 to about 326,400.
Renunciation of citizenship remains at seven months, and the search for citizenship records is unchanged at 17 months.
Application Type People Waiting (Change) Processing Time (June 8, 2026) Change Since May 12, 2026 Change Since April 7, 2026 Citizenship grant ~326,400 (+5,300) 13 months No change +1 month Citizenship certificate* ~82,000 (+11,600) 15 months +3 months +2 months Resumption of citizenship Not available Not enough data No change No change Renunciation of citizenship Not available 7 months No change -3 months Search of citizenship records Not available 17 months No change No change IRCC is currently sending acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) notices for citizenship applications that were submitted on or around February 16, 2026.
* Applicants residing outside Canada or the United States may face longer processing windows.
Permanent Resident Card Processing Times (Updated weekly)
New PR cards are now being issued within 38 days, 13 days faster than March 31 and 24 days below the January 21 baseline.
PR card renewals ticked up by one day to 32 days.
Application Type Processing Time (June 24, 2026) Change Since Last Week Change Since March 31 Change Since January 21 New PR card 38 days -1 day -13 days -24 days PR card renewal 32 days +1 day +5 days +1 day Family Sponsorship Processing Times (Updated monthly)
Note: The IRCC did not update the people waiting figures for family sponsorship this month. The queue numbers shown below are carried forward from the most recent available data.
All four spousal sponsorship streams increased by one month in June, with non-Quebec inside Canada rising to 26 months and Quebec inside Canada reaching 32 months.
Parents and grandparents sponsorship outside Quebec improved by one month to 32 months, while the Quebec stream reversed course, adding one month to reach 67 months.
Category People Waiting (Change) Processing Time (June 8, 2026) Change Since May 12, 2026 Change Since April 7, 2026 Spouse/common-law outside Canada (non-Quebec) ~51,300 (No change) 16 months No change +1 month Spouse/common law outside Canada (Quebec) ~18,600 (No change) 33 months +1 month +1 month, but -2 months since March 2026 Spouse/common-law inside Canada (non-Quebec) ~55,200 (No change) 26 months +1 month +2 months Spouse/common law inside Canada (Quebec) ~13,100 (No change) 32 months +1 month +1 month Parents/grandparents (non-Quebec) ~43,500 (No change) 32 months -1 month -2 months Parents/grandparents (Quebec) ~11,000 (No change) 67 months +1 month No change Humanitarian and Compassionate And Protected Persons (Updated monthly)
H&C applications remain frozen beyond 10 years on both sides of the Quebec divide.
Protected persons outside Quebec hold at about 15 months, while the Quebec stream added two months to reach about 119 months.
Dependents of protected persons outside Quebec rose by three months to about 35 months, the sharpest increase in this section.
Category People Waiting (Change) Processing Time (June 8, 2026) Change Since May 12, 2026 Change Since April 7, 2026 H&C outside Quebec ~53,000 (No change) More than 10 years No change No change H&C in Quebec ~19,100 (No change) More than 10 years No change No change Protected persons inside Canada (outside Quebec) ~104,100 (-200) About 15 months No change -1 month Protected persons inside Canada (in Quebec) ~39,000 (-100) About 119 months +2 months +5 months Dependents of protected persons (outside Quebec) ~59,300 (+100) About 35 months +3 months +3 months Dependents of protected persons (in Quebec) ~21,500 (No change) More than 10 years No change No change Canadian Passport Processing Times
Passport services remain completely unchanged and continue to be the most reliable segment of IRCC’s operation.
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)
Note: The IRCC did not update the people-waiting figures for economic class categories this month. The queue numbers shown below are carried forward from the most recent available data.
The Atlantic Immigration Program delivered the single largest drop in any permanent residency category this cycle, plunging 12 months to 26 months.
Both PNP Express Entry and non-Express Entry PNPs improved by one month, reaching six months and 13 months, respectively.
Quebec Business Class also improved by two months to 76 months.
The CEC holds flat at seven months, while the FSWP is unchanged from May at seven months but still one month above its April level.
Category People Waiting (Change) Processing Time (June 8, 2026) Change Since May 12, 2026 Change Since April 7, 2026 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) ~60,900 (No change) 7 months No change No change Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) ~52,000 (No change) 7 months No change +1 month Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) Not available Not enough data No change No change PNP (Express Entry) ~14,000 (No change) 6 months -1 month No change Non-Express Entry PNP ~110,200 (No change) 13 months -1 month No change Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) ~24,800 (No change) 11 months No change No change Quebec Business Class ~3,700 (No change) 76 months -2 months -2 months Federal Self-Employed ~8,100 (No change) More than 10 years No change No change Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) ~12,900 (No change) 26 months -12 months -5 months Start Up Visa ~46,600 (No change) More than 10 years No change No change Temporary Visa Processing Times (Updated weekly)
Visitor Visas From Outside Canada
Indian visitor visas continue their downward trajectory at 22 days, now 60 days below the January 28 baseline.
Country Processing Time (June 24, 2026) Change Since Last Week Change Since January 28, 2026 India 22 days -2 days -60 days United States 31 days No change +6 days Nigeria 54 days +1 day +14 days Pakistan 43 days No change -13 days Philippines 17 days No change +1 days Visitor Visa From Inside Canada
Visitor visa applications filed from inside Canada now take 42 days, 2 days lower than last week.
Visitor Record Extension
Visitor record extensions continue to remain high at 288 days, 10 days lower than the last week, but still 127 days higher than January 28, 2026.
Super Visa Processing Times
Super visa timelines delivered the strongest improvement of any temporary category in June.
Country Processing Time (June 24, 2026) Change Since Last Week Change Since January 28, 2026 India 66 days -44 days -188 days United States 104 days +3 days -83 days Nigeria 34 days -1 day -4 days Pakistan 95 days +11 days -29 days Philippines 42 days +1 day -67 days Study Permit Processing Times
Study permit timelines are broadly stable across most countries this week.
Country Processing Time (June 24, 2026) Change Since Last Week Change Since January 28, 2026 India 4 weeks -1 week No change United States 5 weeks No change -3 weeks Nigeria 5 weeks -1 week No change Pakistan 6 weeks No change +2 weeks Philippines 4 weeks No change -1 week Study Permit From Inside Canada: Inland study permit applications take 6 weeks with no change from the prior week.
Study Permit Extension: Study permit extensions now take 71 days, 4 days higher than last week, but still 33 days less than January 28, 2026.
Work Permit Processing Times
Country Processing Time (June 24, 2026) Change Since Last Week Change Since January 28, 2026 India 9 weeks No change +1 week United States 4 weeks No change -6 weeks Nigeria 9 weeks -7 weeks No change Pakistan 5 weeks No change -15 weeks Philippines 8 weeks No change +2 weeks Work Permit From Inside Canada (Initial and Extension): Inland work permits, including extensions, have dropped to 144 days, 27 days lower than last week, 62 days fewer than the May 20 update, 108 days below March 31, and 96 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 26 days, 7 days higher than last week and 15 days higher than the May 20 update.
International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits sit at 5 weeks, unchanged from the prior weekly update but two weeks above March 31 and one week below December 31, 2025.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) approvals continue to arrive within roughly five minutes for most travellers, with up to 72 hours required for applicants flagged for additional screening.
The June 2026 IRCC processing times reveal a system making substantial progress in several long-troubled categories.
Inland work permits continue their sustained decline at 144 days, the Atlantic Immigration Program shed 12 months in a single update, super visas are at their lowest levels of the year, and both PNP streams improved.
At the same time, citizenship certificate processing spiked sharply, spousal sponsorship streams are creeping upward across the board, Nigerian work permits are climbing, and visitor record extensions remain deep in problematic territory.
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 did IRCC not update the people waiting figures for family sponsorship and economic class in June 2026?
IRCC occasionally skips queue size updates for certain categories during a reporting cycle without providing a public explanation. This can happen due to internal data reconciliation, system maintenance, or methodological adjustments in how pending applications are counted. When this occurs, the most recent available queue figures are carried forward from the prior month. Processing time estimates are still updated normally, so applicants can continue to rely on those figures for planning purposes even when the queue data is not refreshed.How does IRCC decide which applications to process first within a category?
IRCC generally processes applications in the order they are received, but several factors can affect individual timelines. Applications that are complete upon submission and do not trigger additional security screening tend to move through the system more quickly. Files that require further documentation, enhanced background checks, or medical follow-ups may be set aside temporarily while simpler cases advance. IRCC may also allocate additional officers to specific categories during targeted backlog reduction efforts, which can cause processing speeds to vary across streams independently.Is it possible to transfer my immigration application from one IRCC processing office to another?
Applicants cannot directly request a transfer between IRCC processing offices. IRCC assigns applications to specific offices based on the type of application, the applicant’s country of residence, and internal workload distribution. If you believe your application has been unreasonably delayed, you can submit a case inquiry through the IRCC web form after the published processing time has elapsed. In rare cases involving humanitarian urgency, IRCC may prioritize a file, but office transfers are handled internally and are not available upon request.Do IRCC processing times include the time it takes to mail a decision letter?
The processing times published by IRCC measure the period from when an application is received to when a final decision is made. They do not include mailing time for physical decision letters, passport stamps, or confirmation of permanent residence documents. Depending on your location and the delivery method, receiving physical documents after a decision can take an additional one to four weeks within Canada and longer for international mail. Applicants who track their status online will typically see the decision reflected in their IRCC portal before any physical correspondence arrives.Can changes to Canadian immigration policy mid-processing affect my pending application?
It depends on the nature of the policy change. In most cases, applications are assessed under the rules that were in effect at the time of submission. However, certain legislative changes can apply retroactively to pending applications, particularly those related to admissibility, security screening, or program eligibility criteria. If a policy change affects your category, IRCC will typically notify affected applicants through their online portal or by mail. Consulting a regulated immigration professional when major policy shifts are announced can help you understand whether your pending file may be impacted. - Canada World Cup 2026 Team’s Powerful Backstory Many Don’t Know
Canada faces Switzerland today at BC Place in Vancouver at 3 p.m. Eastern in a match that will decide who finishes first in Group B at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A draw is all Canada needs to claim the top spot after demolishing Qatar 6–0 on June 18, a result that delivered the first match victory in Canadian men’s World Cup history and the most emphatic scoreline by any non-European or non-South American nation in tournament history.
Jonathan David scored a hat trick in that match, Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 17th minute, and the entire country watched a squad of newcomers, refugees, and children of immigrants deliver a performance that made global headlines.
The significance of this team extends far beyond soccer tactics and group stage permutations.
Canada’s 26-player World Cup roster includes seven players born outside the country and at least a dozen more who are children or grandchildren of immigrants from the Caribbean, West Africa, South America, Europe, and beyond.
At a time when immigration is dominating political debate from Parliament Hill to kitchen tables in every province, Canada’s national soccer team is showing the country what immigration actually looks like when it works.
Where Canada Stands In The 2026 World Cup
Canada sits atop Group B with 4 points after two matches and carries the best goal difference in the group at +6.
The opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 at BMO Field in Toronto ended 1–1 after Cyle Larin’s 78th-minute deflected strike gave Canada its first-ever point at a senior men’s World Cup, ending a 6-match losing streak stretching back to the 1986 tournament.
The Qatar result 6 days later was transformative, as Jonathan David became the first North American player to score a World Cup hat trick since Bert Patenaude accomplished the feat for the United States against Paraguay in 1930.
Switzerland also has 4 points but a goal difference of plus three after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4–1 on June 18 following a stoppage-time 1–1 draw with Qatar in the opener.
The Group B winner advances to play a lower-ranked third-place team in the round of 32 at BC Place on July 2, keeping the tournament on home soil for at least one more match.
If Canada slips to second with a loss, they face the Group A winner, projected to be Mexico, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and surrender the home crowd advantage that has already proven its worth.
A blowout loss that drops Canada to third on goal difference could send them to Boston or San Francisco to face Germany or the United States in the round of 32.
The stakes could not be clearer.
What is at stake for Canada against Switzerland on June 24, 2026
Match Result Final Position Round of 32 Opponent Match Location Home Soil? Win or Draw 1st Place Lower-ranked 3rd-place team BC Place, Vancouver Yes Loss 2nd Place Mexico (Group A winner) SoFi Stadium, LA No Blowout Loss 3rd Place Germany or USA Boston or San Francisco No Source: FIFA knockout bracket. Canada is already securely positioned to advance to the round of 32, but the difference between finishing first and finishing lower is the difference between playing at home and being sent on the road, a reality that newcomers and long-time Canadians across every province understand well.
Team W D L GF–GA GD Pts Canada (host) 1 1 0 7–1 +6 4 Switzerland 1 1 0 5–2 +3 4 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 1 1 2–5 –3 1 Qatar 0 1 1 1–7 –6 1 Group B standings entering Matchday 3. Source: FIFA. The Switzerland match is the biggest test yet for head coach Jesse Marsch, who took over the program in 2024 and led Canada to a Copa América semifinal before guiding the team into this tournament as co-hosts alongside the United States and Mexico.
A Roster Built By Immigration
No national team at this World Cup tells a more complete immigration story than Canada’s.
Seven of the 26 players on the roster were born outside Canada, and the majority of those born in Canada are the children of immigrants who arrived from countries spanning 4 continents, a demographic reality bringing skilled workers from those same regions into the Canadian economy.
This is not accidental and it is not coincidental.
Head coach Jesse Marsch has made the recruitment of dual nationals an explicit priority, actively courting players who could have declared for other countries to wear the maple leaf instead.
Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets 380,000 new permanent residents per year, and the country’s population of approximately 41.4 million includes roughly one in four residents who were born outside Canada.
The men’s national soccer team reflects that reality more clearly than almost any other major Canadian sports program.
Canada World Cup 2026 Players And Their Immigration Stories
Alphonso Davies — From A Refugee Camp To Bayern Munich To World Cup Captain
No player on this roster embodies Canada’s immigration story more powerfully than captain Alphonso Davies.
He was born in the Buduburam refugee camp in Ghana to Liberian parents who had fled the Second Liberian Civil War.
His family arrived in Edmonton through Canada’s refugee resettlement program when he was five years old.
Davies joined the Edmonton Internationals youth soccer club, was discovered by the Vancouver Whitecaps’ academy, and signed his first professional contract at age 15.
He transferred to Bayern Munich in 2019, won the UEFA Champions League at age 19, and became a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador advocating for the rights of displaced people worldwide.
He scored Canada’s first-ever World Cup goal at Qatar 2022 and now captains the side on home soil, living proof of what Canada’s refugee protection system can produce when it works as intended.
Jonathan David — Brooklyn-Born, Ottawa-Raised, And World Cup Hat Trick Hero
Jonathan David was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian-Canadian parents and moved to Ottawa as a young child, where he joined the Ottawa Gloucester Dragons youth program.
He became a regular starter for Lille in Ligue 1 before completing a major transfer to Juventus, one of the most storied clubs in European soccer.
His journey from an American-born child of immigrants to Canada’s top scorer mirrors the pathways that are designed to facilitate bringing global talent into Canada’s economy and culture.
In the 6–0 destruction of Qatar on June 18, David scored three goals and became the first North American player to register a World Cup hat trick since the United States’ Bert Patenaude accomplished the feat against Paraguay in 1930.
David is now Canada’s all-time leading men’s goal scorer and the country’s most prolific attacker heading into today’s decisive match against Switzerland.
Ismaël Koné — From Abidjan To Montréal To World Cup Heartbreak
Ismaël Koné was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and moved to Montréal with his mother Suzanne Diomandé in 2010 at the age of seven.
He grew up playing youth soccer in the parks of northern Montréal, first with the AS Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Panthers and then at CS Saint-Laurent, where sporting director Rocco Placentino spotted his extraordinary talent early.
Koné signed his first professional contract with CF Montréal in 2021 and rose through Watford in England to Olympique de Marseille in France and Sassuolo in Italy’s Serie A.
He could have chosen to represent the Ivory Coast at the international level but committed to Canada, the country that gave his family a fresh start.
In the Qatar match, Koné suffered a devastating fractured tibia and fibula that ended his tournament, but his teammates have rallied around him and dedicated their remaining campaign to his recovery.
His story echoes the experience of thousands of newcomers arriving through Canada’s immigration system every month.
Tani Oluwaseyi — From Abuja To Mississauga To La Liga
Tani Oluwaseyi was born in Abuja, Nigeria, and moved to Mississauga, Ontario, with his family at the age of 10.
He developed his skills at Erin Mills SC and GPS Academy before attending St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School, where he captained the soccer team to a provincial championship with a four-year total of 68 goals.
After a standout college career at St. John’s University in New York, Oluwaseyi was drafted by Minnesota United in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft and eventually earned a transfer to Villarreal in Spain’s La Liga for a reported 6.5 million euros.
He could have declared for Nigeria but chose Canada, and he entered the pitch in the 71st minute of the historic Qatar match to participate in the biggest victory in Canadian men’s soccer history.
Foreign-Born Players On Canada’s 2026 World Cup Roster
Player Position Birthplace Origin Country Club (2026) Alphonso Davies Defender Buduburam, Ghana Liberia Bayern Munich Jonathan David Forward Brooklyn, USA Haiti / USA Juventus Ismaël Koné Midfielder Abidjan, Ivory Coast Ivory Coast Sassuolo Tani Oluwaseyi Forward Abuja, Nigeria Nigeria Villarreal Alfie Jones Defender England England Middlesbrough Owen Goodman Goalkeeper England England Barnsley Luc de Fougerolles Defender England England Dender Players born outside Canada who are on the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. Source: Canada Soccer, FIFA. Second-Generation Canadians With Immigrant Parents On The Roster
Player Hometown Family Origin Club (2026) Cyle Larin Brampton, ON Jamaica Feyenoord Stephen Eustáquio Leamington, ON Portugal FC Porto / LAFC Moïse Bombito Montréal, QC DR Congo OGC Nice Richie Laryea Toronto, ON Ghana Toronto FC Derek Cornelius Ajax, ON Jamaica / Barbados Rangers Jonathan Osorio Toronto, ON Colombia Toronto FC Ali Ahmed Toronto, ON Immigrant family Norwich City Dayne St. Clair Toronto, ON Trinidad & Tobago Inter Miami Select Canadian-born players with at least one immigrant parent. Source: Canada Soccer, Canadian Encyclopedia. More Newcomer Stories Across The Squad
Stephen Eustáquio was born in Leamington, Ontario, to Portuguese parents who had immigrated from Nazaré, Portugal, seeking better opportunities in southwestern Ontario’s fishing community.
His father Armando worked as a fisherman on Lake Erie while his mother Esmeralda worked at a local fish factory, embodying the quiet work ethic that defines so many immigrant families across the country.
Eustáquio moved back to Portugal at age seven, developed through the Portuguese youth system, and even represented Portugal’s under-21 team before committing to Canada in 2019.
He now vice-captains the Canadian side from midfield and plays his club soccer at FC Porto, one of the most successful clubs in European history.
Moïse Bombito was born in Montréal two years after his parents Maguy Lumpungu and Albert Bombito immigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1998.
His mother signed him up for soccer at age five simply to burn off energy, and that decision put him on a path from the parks of Montréal to OGC Nice in France’s Ligue 1.
Cyle Larin grew up in Brampton, Ontario, raised by his single mother Patricia, who was born in Montréal, while his father came from Clarendon, Jamaica.
Larin is Canada’s all-time leading scorer alongside David, and he scored the crucial 78th-minute equalizer against Bosnia and Herzegovina that gave Canada its first-ever World Cup point, a result celebrated by newcomers and long-time Canadians alike.
Richie Laryea was born in Toronto to Ghanaian immigrant parents and represents the deep connection between Canada’s Caribbean and West African diaspora communities and the national team.
Derek Cornelius from Ajax, Ontario, has a father from Barbados and a mother from Jamaica, while Jonathan Osorio from Toronto is the son of Colombian immigrants.
Niko Sigur represented Croatia at the under-21 level before switching his allegiance to Canada, and Alfie Jones, born in England, took his Canadian citizenship oath at a national team training camp after learning the anthem from a teammate.
From Liberia to Jamaica, from Nigeria to Portugal, from the Ivory Coast to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the jersey reads “Canada,” and the stories behind it read like the passenger manifest of the country itself.
Why This Matters Beyond The Pitch
Canada’s immigration conversation in 2026 is complicated, and anyone who says otherwise is not paying attention.
Housing prices remain elevated in every major city, and the federal government has responded by reducing immigration targets and cutting the non-permanent resident population from a peak of 7.6% of the total population in 2024 toward a target of 5% by the end of 2027.
Canada’s population actually declined by an estimated 55,000 people in the first quarter of 2026, the first quarterly drop in years, as lower immigration targets reshaped the flow of newcomers into the country.
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan sets permanent resident admissions at 380,000 per year, down significantly from targets that had exceeded 500,000 annually.
The pressures on housing, healthcare, and infrastructure are real, and they deserve serious policy responses.
But here is what gets lost when the immigration debate turns purely into a numbers argument: the people.
The Eustáquio family, leaving Portugal for Leamington to build a life in Canada’s fishing industry, are not a statistic.
Suzanne Diomandé arriving at Montréal’s Trudeau airport in 2010 with seven-year-old Ismaël is not a talking point.
The Davies family walking out of a refugee camp in Ghana toward a future in Edmonton is not a policy file.
These are Canadian stories, and they are happening today at BC Place in front of tens of thousands of fans and millions watching on television.
Immigration Drives More Than Sports In Canada
The national team illustrates what immigration produces in the sports arena, but the contributions extend into every corner of the Canadian economy and society.
Immigrants accounted for the majority of Canada’s labour force growth over the past decade, and Statistics Canada projects that immigrants will represent between 29% and 34% of the total population by 2041, up from 23% in the 2021 census, a reality that shapes everything.
Around two-thirds of recent newcomers hold a university degree or postsecondary certification, making Canada’s immigrant population among the most educated in the world.
Newcomer entrepreneurs have started businesses in technology, healthcare, construction, food services, and agriculture at rates that outpace many native-born cohorts, and provincial nominee programs are increasingly targeting the specific skills each region needs.
The answer to Canada’s immigration challenges is not to forget the people who help build the country. It is to plan better.
Better alignment between immigration targets and housing construction timelines.
Better credential recognition so that a doctor from Nigeria does not spend five years driving a taxi before practicing medicine in Canada.
Better settlement services so that the next Ismaël Koné or Tani Oluwaseyi has the support system needed to succeed, whether that success happens on a soccer pitch, in a hospital, at a construction site, or in a startup office.
When Alphonso Davies leads Canada onto the pitch today in Vancouver, he is not just playing soccer.
He is representing every family that arrived in Canada with nothing but a willingness to work, every child who grew up between two cultures and made both of them stronger, and every newcomer who chose this country because they believed it would give them a fair chance.
That is what immigration looks like when it is done right. And today at BC Place, the whole country gets to see it.
The conversation about immigration should be about planning better, not about forgetting the people who helped build the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many foreign-born players are on Canada’s 2026 World Cup roster?
Seven players on the 26-man squad were born outside Canada, including Alphonso Davies (Ghana), Jonathan David (United States), Ismaël Koné (Ivory Coast), Tani Oluwaseyi (Nigeria), Alfie Jones (England), Owen Goodman (England), and Luc de Fougerolles (England).What time does Canada play Switzerland in the World Cup today?
Canada faces Switzerland at BC Place in Vancouver on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. Eastern Time, broadcast live on TSN and FOX.Does Canada advance to the knockout round with a draw against Switzerland?
Yes, Canada advances and wins Group B with either a win or a draw, and the group winner plays their round-of-32 match at BC Place in Vancouver on July 2, keeping the tournament on home soil.How many permanent residents does Canada plan to admit in 2026?
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets 380,000 new permanent residents per year, reduced from previous targets that exceeded 500,000 annually, as the federal government works to balance immigration with housing and infrastructure pressures.Which Canadian World Cup player is a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador?
Alphonso Davies, Canada’s team captain, serves as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and has been a global advocate for refugee rights since being appointed to the role, drawing on his personal experience of being born in a refugee camp in Ghana before his family resettled in Edmonton, Alberta.Fact-checked as of June 24, 2026, using FIFA match data, Canada Soccer roster records, IRCC published levels plans, Statistics Canada population estimates, and verified biographical sources.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or licensed immigration lawyer for guidance on your specific situation.
- New Express Entry Draw On June 23 Sent 4,000 PR Invitations
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 4,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence in a new Canadian Experience Class Express Entry draw on June 23, 2026.
The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 516 points.
This is the largest CEC draw since March 2026, when IRCC last issued 4,000 invitations in a single round.
The CRS cutoff dropped 2 points from the previous CEC draw on May 27 that required 518, marking the first CEC cutoff decrease since late March.
IRCC appears to be signalling a return to larger draw volumes after months of shrinking CEC rounds that had pushed cutoffs steadily higher.
The draw came just one day after the record-setting PNP round on June 22 that issued 955 invitations, restoring the familiar PNP-then-CEC cluster pattern.
For the thousands of CEC candidates who endured weeks of silence from IRCC, this draw delivers encouraging news on both volume and cutoff score.
Full Details Of The June 23 Canadian Experience Class Draw
The following table provides every official detail of today’s Express Entry draw as released by IRCC.
Draw Detail Value Program Canadian Experience Class Date and Time June 23, 2026 at 12:52:12 UTC Number of Invitations Issued 4,000 CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate 516 Rank Needed 4,000 or above Tie-Breaking Rule April 14, 2026 at 00:03:10 UTC The tie-breaking rule determines which candidates receive invitations when multiple profiles share the same CRS score at the cutoff.
Candidates who had a CRS score of exactly 516 needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before April 14, 2026 at 00:03:10 UTC.
Anyone with a score of 516 who submitted after that timestamp was not selected despite meeting the CRS requirement.
The tie-breaking date of April 14 is over two months old, which indicates a large concentration of candidates sitting at the 516 CRS level.
This Draw A Good News For CEC Candidates
CEC candidates have faced a difficult stretch in 2026 as draw sizes shrank and CRS cutoffs climbed to their highest levels of the year.
IRCC reduced CEC invitations from 8,000 in January to just 2,000 by April, triggering a CRS spike from 511 to 515 over four months.
The May 27 CEC draw partially reversed that trend by bumping invitations to 3,000, but the 29-day gap still pushed the cutoff to 518.
Today’s draw builds on that momentum with a further increase to 4,000 invitations and a 2-point CRS drop to 516.
The combination of a larger draw and a lower cutoff is the first time both metrics have moved in a favorable direction for CEC candidates since early March.
If IRCC sustains this trajectory and continues issuing 4,000 or more CEC invitations, cutoffs could stabilize in the 512 to 516 range over the summer.
That would be a significant improvement over the 518 peak recorded in the previous round and would bring relief to candidates stuck between 510 and 517.
Every CEC Express Entry Draw In 2026
The following table shows every Canadian Experience Class Express Entry draw conducted in 2026, including today’s round.
The data reveals a clear turning point where IRCC has begun increasing invitation volumes after months of cuts.
# Date Invitations CRS score cutoff 420 June 23, 2026 4,000 516 417 May 27, 2026 3,000 518 413 April 28, 2026 2,000 514 410 April 14, 2026 2,000 515 407 March 31, 2026 2,250 509 404 March 17, 2026 4,000 507 400 March 3, 2026 4,000 508 396 February 17, 2026 6,000 508 392 January 21, 2026 6,000 509 390 January 7, 2026 8,000 511 The pattern in this table tells a compelling story for CEC candidates watching from the pool.
IRCC cut CEC draw sizes by 75% from January to April, which directly pushed CRS cutoffs from 511 to 515.
The extended pause between April and May added further pressure, sending the cutoff to 518 even as IRCC increased invitations to 3,000.
Today’s 4,000 invitations at CRS 516 represent the first genuine reversal of both trends in over three months.
Total CEC invitations in 2026 now stand at approximately 41,250 across 10 draws.
CRS Cutoff Dropped Despite A 27-Day Gap
The 27-day gap between the May 27 and June 23 CEC draws should have produced a CRS increase based on 2026 patterns.
Every previous extended gap this year resulted in a higher cutoff because more candidates accumulated at the top of the pool between draws.
The 29-day gap in May pushed CRS from 514 to 518 despite IRCC increasing the draw size from 2,000 to 3,000.
Today’s 2-point drop to 516 despite a similar gap length is only possible because IRCC jumped to 4,000 invitations.
The larger draw size absorbed the pool pressure that had accumulated over nearly four weeks and still managed to lower the cutoff.
This confirms what earlier CRS trend analysis predicted: sustained draws above 4,000 are the key to stabilizing or reducing CEC cutoffs.
The Express Entry pool contained 239,645 candidates as of June 21, and the 501 to 600 CRS band held 20,012 candidates.
Today’s draw cleared 4,000 of those candidates, temporarily reducing the pressure at the top of the pool.
IRCC Restores The Draw Cluster Pattern After Weeks Of Silence
IRCC had followed a consistent PNP-then-CEC-then-category draw cluster throughout most of 2026.
That pattern broke down completely after the May 28 French-language draw when IRCC went silent for 25 days across all draw categories.
Yesterday’s PNP draw followed by today’s CEC round suggests the cluster sequence is back in operation.
If IRCC continues the pattern, a French-language or occupation-based category draw could appear within the next few days.
French-language draws have issued 30,500 invitations in 2026 with CRS cutoffs as low as 393, making them the most accessible pathway for eligible candidates.
The June 2026 draw predictions outlined this exact scenario as the most likely outcome if IRCC resumed activity in the final week of June.
What This Draw Means Based On Your CRS Score
If your CRS is 516 or above: You were within the invitation range for today’s draw and should prepare for the next round.
Keep your profile accurate, ensure all language tests remain valid, and have your documentation ready for the 60-day application window.
If your CRS is between 510 and 515: You are now closer to the cutoff than at any point since the CRS peaked at 518 in May.
If IRCC sustains 4,000-invitation CEC draws, the cutoff could drop further toward the 512 to 514 range within the next few rounds.
Consider retaking your language test to push CLB scores higher because even a small improvement could place you above the cutoff.
If your CRS is between 500 and 509: CEC draws are not reaching your score range at current volumes and you should pursue alternative pathways.
Improving your CRS score through a language retest, adding a spouse’s language results, or completing a Canadian credential can add 20 to 50 points.
If your CRS is below 500: CEC draws have not dropped below 507 at any point in 2026 and are extremely unlikely to reach the sub-500 range.
French-language proficiency draws with cutoffs as low as 393 remain the best Express Entry pathway for candidates who qualify.
Securing a provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points and virtually guarantees an invitation in the next PNP draw.
Who Qualifies For Canadian Experience Class Draws
The Canadian Experience Class targets candidates who already have skilled Canadian work experience and are either inside or outside Canada.
Candidates must have at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
Language test results must show a minimum of CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0 or 1 occupations and CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 or 3 occupations.
Accepted language tests include IELTS General Training and CELPIP-G for English, and TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French.
Self-employment, work experience gained during full-time studies, and unpaid internships do not count toward the 12-month CEC requirement.
The new 2026 Express Entry category changes doubled the work experience requirement for category-based draws from 6 to 12 months, but this does not affect CEC eligibility rules.
What To Expect In The Coming Days
If IRCC follows the 2026 cluster pattern, a category-based draw could land within the next 24 to 72 hours.
French-language proficiency and occupation-based categories for healthcare, trades, and education are all possible selections for the next round.
The April 2026 draw analysis had projected that larger CEC draws would eventually bring cutoffs closer to the 510 to 515 range.
Today’s result validates that projection and gives CEC candidates reason to believe the worst of the CRS climb is behind them.
IRCC’s next CEC draw date has not been announced, but the biweekly pattern would place it around the week of July 6 to 7.
Candidates should keep their Express Entry profiles updated, monitor the official IRCC draw results page daily, and prepare all documentation in advance.
The June 23 CEC draw confirms that IRCC is willing to increase invitation volumes and let the CRS cutoff ease after months of upward pressure.
Candidates who received an invitation should treat the next 60 days as a documentation sprint and submit a complete application without delays.
Those still in the pool should keep profiles updated and documentation ready because the restored draw cluster pattern means the next round could arrive sooner than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the CRS cutoff in the June 23 Express Entry draw?
The CRS cutoff was 516 points for the Canadian Experience Class draw on June 23, 2026, with 4,000 invitations issued.Why did the CRS drop from 518 to 516 despite a 27-day gap between draws?
IRCC increased the draw size from 3,000 to 4,000 invitations, which absorbed the pool pressure from the gap and still managed to lower the cutoff.Is 4,000 invitations the largest CEC draw of 2026?
It matches the March 3 and March 17 draws that also issued 4,000 invitations each, making it the joint-largest CEC round since March.When is the next CEC Express Entry draw expected?
IRCC has not confirmed the next CEC draw date, but the biweekly pattern would suggest a round around the week of July 6 to 7, 2026.Can candidates below CRS 500 receive a CEC invitation in 2026?
CEC cutoffs have not dropped below 507 at any point in 2026, so candidates below 500 should pursue provincial nominations or French-language category draws where cutoffs have been as low as 393.Fact-Checked: All data in this article has been verified against official IRCC Express Entry draw results published on canada.ca as of June 23, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. IRCC draw schedules, categories, and invitation volumes can change at any time without advance notice. Consult a licensed immigration professional for guidance specific to your situation.
- New IRCC Study Permit Compliance Update For International Students
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) quietly updated its program delivery instructions for assessing study permit conditions on June 18, 2026.
The revised guidance newly clarifies enforcement rules around unauthorized transfers between designated learning institutions and narrows how program changes within the same school are assessed.
These are not cosmetic edits or minor wording adjustments.
Several of the changes directly affect whether a student’s study permit remains valid, how IRCC determines when studies are officially completed, and what happens during institutional closures.
IRCC also removed three entire sections from the page and consolidated its guidance around working during a leave from studies.
For the 423,850 people who only hold a study permit in Canada, plus others who hold both work and study permits, this update demands immediate attention.
Here is everything that changed, what it means for current and prospective international students, and what steps to take right now.
Unauthorized DLI Transfers Can Invalidate Study Permits
The single most consequential change in the June 18 update is the addition of a new section titled “Students who change DLIs without authorization.”
Under the updated guidance, section R217.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations requires study permit holders whose permit names a DLI to apply for a new study permit before transferring to a different institution.
This requirement has technically been in force since November 8, 2024, but the new program delivery instructions spell out the enforcement consequences with unmistakable clarity.
If a student whose study permit names a specific designated learning institution changes to a different DLI without first applying for a new study permit, their previous permit is rendered invalid under paragraph R222(1)(a.1).
The student is then considered to be studying without authorization at the new institution.
This is a critical distinction from the pre-update guidance, which did not include a dedicated section explaining the invalidation consequences of unauthorized transfers, and it arrives amid a year of sweeping immigration policy revisions across multiple IRCC streams.
Students who transferred between schools after the online DLI change feature was removed should review whether they submitted a new study permit application, as IRCC confirmed that the online DLI change feature was removed on November 1, 2024.
Guidance Before June 18, 2026 Guidance After June 18, 2026 No dedicated section on unauthorized DLI transfers New section: Students who change DLIs without authorization Invalidation consequence not explicitly stated for transfers Study permit rendered invalid under R222(1)(a.1) upon leaving named DLI Students could update DLI through online account prior to Nov 1, 2024 Online DLI change removed; new study permit application required New Guidance For Students Whose Permit Does Not Name A DLI
IRCC also added an entirely new section addressing students who hold older study permits that do not name a specific designated learning institution.
This applies primarily to post-secondary study permit holders whose permits were issued before November 8, 2024, when the requirement to name a DLI on the permit took effect.
Under the new guidance, students in this situation should apply for a new study permit when changing DLIs, even though their conditions may not have explicitly prohibited the switch.
Once the unnamed permit expires, they must apply for a new study permit that will be issued with the name of the DLI they are attending.
Officers are instructed to verify whether the student’s conditions actually prohibited changing schools before making a non-compliance finding.
If the conditions did not prohibit the transfer, the student cannot be found non-compliant with subsection R220.1(1), and their permit will not become invalid under paragraph R222(1)(a.1), since the permit did not name a DLI in the first place.
The update also addresses secondary-to-post-secondary transitions specifically.
Students using a secondary-level study permit to begin post-secondary studies must apply for a new study permit with the DLI’s name on it when they transition to post-secondary.
If a student is attending secondary school on a visitor record, they must wait for their study permit application to be approved before beginning post-secondary studies.
If the study permit application is refused, the student must stop studying at the post-secondary level immediately.
Program Changes Within The Same DLI Restricted To Same Level Of Study
The previous IRCC guidance allowed students to change programs of study within the same designated learning institution, provided their study permit conditions did not prohibit the change.
The June 18th program delivery instructions now clarify that this flexibility applies to program changes within the same DLI at the same level of study.
The June 18 guidance update appears to narrow this flexibility by adding four critical words: “at the same level of study.”
This means a student enrolled in a diploma program at a particular DLI who wants to switch to a bachelor’s degree program at the same institution may now need to apply for a new study permit to authorize the change.
The same logic applies to any level change, whether from a certificate to a diploma, a diploma to a degree, or an undergraduate to a graduate program, and could affect future permanent residency pathways that depend on the specific credential earned.
This restriction is particularly relevant for students planning their post-graduation work permit eligibility, since PGWP duration and eligibility depend on the level and type of program completed.
Students who have already switched levels within the same DLI without applying for a new permit should review their compliance status immediately.
IRCC Defines When Studies Are Officially Completed
IRCC has also added explicit guidance defining the date on which studies are considered officially completed.
Under the new guidance, studies are officially completed on the date the DLI first notifies the student through any of the following documents.
Document Type What Counts Key Detail Completion Letter Official letter from DLI confirming program completion Date on the letter is the default notification date Transcript Final transcript showing all requirements met Date on the transcript is used unless proof of earlier or later notification exists Degree or Diploma Formal credential issued by the institution Date stated on the document is the default unless applicant or DLI provides proof of a different date This matters because the post-graduation work permit application window is 180 days from program completion.
Students who previously assumed their completion date was the final exam date, the convocation ceremony date, or the last day of the semester now have a clear regulatory reference point.
The date stated on the first notification document is the default unless the applicant or the DLI can provide proof of a different date.
DLI Closures: Students Explicitly In Compliance During Transition
The updated guidance adds meaningful clarity to the rules governing institutional closures, including closures resulting from strikes or bankruptcy.
Under the previous instructions, students affected by DLI closures were given up to 150 days to transition to a new program, change status, or leave Canada.
However, the previous wording did not explicitly state whether those students were considered in compliance during that transition period.
The June 18 update resolves that ambiguity by adding the phrase “they are considered in compliance” to the closure guidance.
This means students caught in a DLI closure are not automatically treated as non-compliant while they arrange their next steps, provided they complete the transition within 150 days.
This is a welcome clarification, especially in light of recent enrollment disruptions across several provinces where smaller private DLIs have lost designation or closed operations.
Three Entire Sections Removed From The Compliance Page
IRCC removed three complete sections from the study permit compliance guidance page in the June 18 update.
Removed Section What It Previously Covered Change of Status Rules for students who changed to visitor or worker status and wanted to resume studies using their previous study permit, including the IMM 5709 form process and maintained status under R183(5) Spouses or Common-Law Partners of Full-Time Students (C42) How C42 work permits for spouses remained valid even when the student took a leave longer than 150 days and changed status Children of a Full-Time Student Authorization for children to continue studying without a study permit when the parent held a valid study permit or a spouse held a valid C42 work permit The removal of these sections does not necessarily mean the underlying regulatory provisions have changed, but the fact that IRCC deleted the guidance from this specific compliance page signals a shift in how officers will approach these scenarios during assessments.
Students who rely on their spouse’s C42 open work permit or whose children study without their own permit should seek updated guidance directly from IRCC or a licensed immigration professional.
Consolidated Guidance For Working During A Leave From Studies
The June 18 update merges what were previously two separate sections on working during a leave from studies into a single consolidated section.
The old guidance had separate headings for on-campus and off-campus work and for co-op and internship placements, each with their own explanations.
The new version simplifies the language into a single clear guidance: if a study permit holder is not attending class full time, they are not eligible to work as per the condition listed on their study permit.
During any leave from studies, including DLI closures, a study permit holder cannot work on or off campus.
Students who hold a valid co-op work permit may not undertake a co-op or internship placement during any leave from studies or school closure.
Notably, the updated wording removes the previous reference to “internship work permits” as a separate category, streamlining the terminology to focus on co-op work permits only.
This consolidation aligns with IRCC’s broader move toward clearer, less ambiguous compliance rules across all temporary resident categories.
Additional Wording Changes Worth Noting
Beyond the headline changes, the June 18 update includes a series of smaller but meaningful wording adjustments throughout the compliance page.
The language governing study permit conditions was changed from “shall enrol” and “shall actively pursue” to “must enrol” and “must actively pursue,” reinforcing the mandatory nature of these conditions.
The heading “Study permit invalidity” was renamed to “Study permit invalidation,” which more accurately describes an active process rather than a passive state.
IRCC added a new reference directing officers to the “Reviewing student enrolment status reporting by DLIs” program delivery instructions for additional guidance on interpreting twice-yearly compliance reporting data.
The guidance on authorized leave now consistently uses the term “authorized leave” rather than just “leave,” clarifying that only leave formally granted by the institution counts toward the 150-day window.
The progress-toward-completion standard was simplified from requiring reasonable progress “in the time allotted by the program” to requiring reasonable progress “toward the completion of their program,” which gives officers marginally more flexibility when assessing individual cases.
What International Students Should Do Right Now
The June 18 update to IRCC’s study permit compliance instructions is already in effect and applies to all current study permit holders in Canada.
Students who have transferred between DLIs at any point since November 8, 2024 should verify whether they applied for a new study permit before making the transfer.
Anyone who changed their DLI using the now-removed online portal feature without submitting a formal study permit application should consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer immediately.
Students who changed programs within the same DLI but at a different level of study should determine whether a new study permit was required for that change.
Students holding permits issued before November 8, 2024, that do not name a DLI should plan to apply for a new study permit before their current permit expires.
Students approaching graduation should confirm their official completion date using the DLI’s first written notification and begin preparing their post-graduation work permit application well before the 180-day deadline.
Students affected by DLI closures should document their timeline carefully and ensure their transition to a new program, change of status, or departure from Canada falls within the 150-day compliance window.
Students on a leave from studies should confirm that their leave was formally authorized by their institution and should avoid any on-campus, off-campus, or co-op employment until they resume full-time classes.
Summary Of All Major Guidance Changes At A Glance
Change Impact On Students Unauthorized DLI transfers invalidate permit Transferring without a new study permit application renders the previous permit invalid under R222(1)(a.1) New guidance for permits without a named DLI Pre-November 2024 permit holders should apply for a new permit when changing DLIs; must do so when the unnamed permit expires Same-DLI program changes restricted to same level Switching from a diploma to a degree or between different credential levels at the same DLI may require a new study permit Official completion date defined Studies are completed on the date the DLI first notifies the student via completion letter, transcript, or degree/diploma DLI closure compliance clarified Students are explicitly in compliance during the 150-day transition window after a closure Three sections removed Change of Status, C42 spouse work permits, and children-of-student guidance deleted from the page Leave work rules consolidated Single rule: no on-campus, off-campus, or co-op work during any leave from studies, including DLI closures The June 18 IRCC update represents one of the most significant clarifications to IRCC’s study permit compliance framework since the November 2024 regulatory changes took effect.
This is a reminder for the International students to treat this as an immediate action item, not a future planning exercise, and verify their compliance status against every change outlined above.
Follow Immigration News Canada for continued coverage of every IRCC policy update affecting international students in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I transfer to a different DLI if my current study permit names my school?
You must apply for a new study permit before transferring to a different post-secondary DLI if your current permit names your institution, as per section R217.1 of the IRPR. Failing to do so renders your existing permit invalid and places you in unauthorized study status at the new school.What happens if my pre-November 2024 study permit does not name a DLI and I already switched schools?
Officers are instructed to verify whether your permit conditions prohibited you from changing DLIs. If your conditions did not prohibit the switch, you cannot be found non-compliant with subsection R220.1(1), and your permit remains valid. However, you should still apply for a new study permit to ensure your DLI information is accurate for compliance reporting purposes.Does the new completion date rule affect when I can apply for a PGWP?
Yes, the 180-day PGWP application window now starts from the date the DLI first notifies you via a completion letter, transcript, or degree. If the notification came earlier than you assumed, your 180-day window may already be running. Check with your institution and confirm the specific date on your earliest completion notification document.Am I allowed to work during a leave of absence from my program?
No, the updated guidance is explicit: during any leave from studies, including DLI closures, study permit holders cannot work on or off campus and cannot undertake co-op placements. This applies regardless of whether your study permit includes a work authorization condition.Can I switch from a diploma program to a degree program at the same DLI without a new study permit?
Under the updated guidance, you may change programs within the same DLI only at the same level of study. Switching from a diploma to a degree, or between any different credential levels, may require a new study permit application. Students who already made such a switch without applying should review their compliance status with a licensed immigration professional.Fact-checked against IRCC’s official program delivery instructions update published on June 18, 2026, and the current study permit compliance guidance on Canada.ca.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.
- First Express Entry Draw Of June 2026 Sent 955 PR Invitations
Today, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducted the first Express Entry draw of June 2026, targeting candidates who hold a provincial nomination.
IRCC issued 955 invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee Program category in this round.
This is the largest PNP draw of 2026 and also the largest PNP Express Entry round since December 2024.
The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 730 points.
That CRS threshold is also the lowest PNP cutoff recorded in any Express Entry draw this year by a significant margin.
The previous lowest PNP cutoff of 2026 was 710, recorded in the March 2 Express Entry draw earlier this year.
A lower cutoff combined with more invitations suggests that provinces have released a large batch of new nominations into the Express Entry pool.
When more provincial nominees are available, IRCC can issue more invitations while reaching deeper into the CRS ranking.
Full Details Of The June 22, 2026 Express Entry PNP Draw
The following table provides every official detail of the latest Express Entry draw as released by IRCC.
Draw Detail Value Program Provincial Nominee Program Date and Time June 22, 2026 at 04:06:26 UTC Number of Invitations Issued 955 CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate 730 Rank Needed 955 or above Tie-Breaking Rule March 09, 2026 at 01:02:28 UTC The tie-breaking rule determines which candidates receive invitations when multiple profiles share the same CRS score at the cutoff.
Candidates who had a CRS score of exactly 730 needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before March 9, 2026 at 01:02:28 UTC.
Anyone with a score of 730 who submitted after that timestamp was not selected despite meeting the CRS requirement.
Why 955 Invitations Is A Significant Milestone For PNP Draws
The 955 invitations issued today represent a dramatic turnaround from the shrinking PNP draw volumes that had defined the last several months.
PNP invitation counts had been declining steadily since April, dropping from 473 on April 27 to 380 on May 11 and then to 334 on May 25.
CRS cutoffs climbed in parallel from 795 to 798 to 805 over the same period, reflecting a shrinking pool of provincial nominees.
Today’s draw reversed both trends simultaneously with a larger invitation count and a substantially lower CRS cutoff.
The jump from 334 invitations in the last round to 955 in this one represents a 186% increase in invitation volume.
The CRS cutoff dropped 75 points from 805 to 730, indicating a much larger pool of nominees entered Express Entry between draws.
2026 PNP Express Entry Draws At A Glance
The following table shows every Provincial Nominee Program Express Entry draw conducted in 2026, illustrating how invitation volumes and CRS cutoffs have shifted.
Draw Date Invitations CRS Cutoff Jun 22 955 730 May 25 334 805 May 11 380 798 Apr 27 473 795 Apr 13 524 786 Mar 30 606 741 Mar 16 681 726 Mar 2 606 710 Feb 16 279 789 Feb 3 423 749 Jan 20 681 746 Jan 5 574 711 The June 22 round stands out as a clear outlier in both volume and cutoff when compared against every other PNP draw this year.
The previous high for PNP invitations in 2026 was 681, recorded in both the January 20 and March 16 draws.
Today’s 955 invitations exceed that previous high by 274, confirming that a significant wave of fresh nominations has entered the pool.
What The 730 CRS Cutoff Means For Provincial Nominees
Every provincial nominee receives an automatic 600-point CRS boost when their nomination is reflected in the Express Entry pool.
A CRS cutoff of 730 in a PNP draw means the lowest-ranked candidate had a base score of approximately 130 before the provincial nomination was applied.
This is a critical distinction that many candidates misunderstand when comparing PNP draw cutoffs to Canadian Experience Class draws where the CRS typically lands between 507 and 518 in 2026.
The base score of 130 is remarkably low and means that candidates with modest CRS profiles can still receive an invitation through a provincial nomination.
The 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan increased PNP admissions targets from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026.
That 66% increase has fueled active provincial nomination cycles across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba throughout the year.
British Columbia restructured its provincial nominee priorities around three strategic sectors of Care, Build, and Innovate earlier this year.
Latest CRS Score Distribution In The Express Entry Pool
The Express Entry pool contained 239,645 candidates as of June 21, 2026, one day before the draw.
The pool has grown by approximately 5,000 candidates since the last published snapshot in late May, reflecting the extended draw pause.
The 601 to 1,200 CRS range holds 941 candidates, which is where most provincial nominees sit after receiving their 600-point boost.
CRS score range Number of candidates 601-1200 941 501-600 20,012 451-500 75,938 491-500 13,537 481-490 13,598 471-480 17,318 461-470 16,358 451-460 15,127 401-450 64,807 441-450 14,147 431-440 13,980 421-430 12,584 411-420 12,128 401-410 11,968 351-400 51,897 301-350 17,946 0-300 8,104 Total 239,645 That figure is significantly higher than the 372 candidates recorded in this range during the May 10 pool snapshot.
The sharp increase from 372 to 941 candidates above 601 explains why today’s PNP draw was able to issue 955 invitations.
The 501 to 600 CRS range holds 20,012 candidates, representing the segment most directly affected by CEC draws.
That range has grown substantially during the pause because no CEC draw has been held since May 27 to clear candidates from this band.
When the next CEC draw finally lands, the cutoff will likely sit above the May 27 level of 518 given the pool pressure that has accumulated over 26 days.
Candidates with CRS scores below 500 need to explore category-based rounds or pursue provincial nominations to receive an invitation.
CEC draws have not dropped below CRS 507 at any point in 2026, and the current pool dynamics make a sub-500 (even 510) CEC cutoff extremely unlikely.
French-language proficiency draws remain the most accessible pathway for candidates in the 400 to 500 CRS range who qualify.
IRCC has issued 30,500 French-language invitations across six draws in 2026 with cutoffs as low as 393.
The 941 candidates above 601 were nearly all cleared by today’s PNP draw, which invited 955 candidates at or above CRS 730.
The 20,012 candidates in the 501 to 600 range will remain in the pool until IRCC conducts a CEC draw or a category-based round that reaches into this band.
Candidates below 500 should focus on securing a provincial nomination or qualifying for category-based Express Entry draws where CRS cutoffs are significantly lower.
What Candidates Should Expect After Today’s Draw
Today’s PNP draw signals that IRCC has resumed Express Entry activity after the extended June pause.
The key question is whether IRCC will follow this PNP round with a CEC draw and a category-based draw in the coming days.
Throughout 2026, IRCC typically ran draw clusters where a PNP round opened the week followed by CEC and then a category-based round, although there were weeks where this pattern did not hold.
If that sequencing holds, a CEC draw and a French-language or occupation-based draw could appear within the next few days.
The CRS cutoff is expected to climb above 518 if IRCC resumes CEC activity this week given 26 days of pool accumulation.
Candidates with CRS scores between 510 and 525 should keep their profiles active and all documentation current for a potential CEC round.
Those below 510 should focus on improving their CRS scores through language retests, additional Canadian work experience, or provincial nominations.
Next Steps Based On Your CRS Score
Your immigration strategy should differ based on where your CRS score falls relative to current draw cutoffs.
If your CRS is above 518: You are positioned for the next CEC draw whenever IRCC resumes that category.
Keep your profile active, ensure all documents remain valid, and monitor IRCC’s draw results page daily.
If your CRS is between 500 and 518: You are in a competitive but uncertain zone where draw size will determine your outcome.
Consider retaking IELTS or CELPIP to push your language scores higher because a jump from CLB 8 to CLB 9 can add 20 to 30 points.
If your CRS is below 500: CEC draws are not reaching your score range in the current environment.
French-language proficiency draws with cutoffs as low as 393 remain your best Express Entry pathway if you qualify.
Pursuing a provincial nomination through Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, or Saskatchewan is the most reliable route to permanent residence.
The IRCC backlog data for 2026 shows that permanent residence processing times may exceed published service standards for new applicants.
Submitting a clean and complete application with verified documents is the single best way to avoid processing delays after receiving your invitation.
IRCC has issued 80,796 Express Entry invitations across all draw categories since January 1, 2026.
The system has operated through multiple draw pauses and rhythm changes over the course of the year.
CEC draws have been the largest category by total invitation volume, followed closely by French-language proficiency rounds.
The April 2026 draw analysis had projected that PNP draws would continue as the most predictable draw type.
PNP draws had been the most reliable draw type in 2026, running on a consistent 14-day cycle from January through late May.
The May 25 PNP draw issued 334 invitations at CRS 805, and a follow-up PNP round was expected around June 8.
That expected round never materialized, extending the PNP gap to 28 days before today’s draw finally restored activity.
CEC candidates are still waiting for their next round after the May 27 CEC draw that issued 3,000 invitations at CRS 518.
No CEC, French-language, healthcare, trades, or education draw has been issued alongside today’s PNP round as of this writing.
Candidates in the CEC and category-based streams should monitor IRCC’s official draw results page closely over the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the CRS cutoff in the June 22 Express Entry draw?
The CRS cutoff was 730 points for the Provincial Nominee Program draw held on June 22, 2026, with 955 invitations issued.Why is the June 22 PNP draw considered the largest of 2026?
IRCC issued 955 invitations in this round, exceeding the previous 2026 high of 681 set in January and March PNP draws.When was the last Express Entry draw before June 22?
The last Express Entry draw was the French-language proficiency round on May 28 that issued 4,500 invitations at CRS 409.Will IRCC hold a CEC draw this week after the PNP round?
IRCC has not confirmed any upcoming draws, but the historical pattern in 2026 shows CEC and category-based draws often following PNP rounds within the same week.How can candidates below CRS 500 receive an Express Entry invitation in 2026?
Candidates below 500 should pursue provincial nominations that add 600 CRS points or qualify for French-language category draws where cutoffs have been as low as 393 this year.Fact-Checked: All data in this article has been verified against official IRCC Express Entry draw results published on canada.ca as of June 22, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. IRCC draw schedules, categories, and invitation volumes can change at any time without advance notice. Consult a licensed immigration professional for guidance specific to your situation.
- Emigration From Canada Hits New All-Time Record High In 2026
A record 30,092 Canadian citizens and permanent residents emigrated from Canada in the first quarter of 2026, the highest Q1 emigration count ever recorded in Statistics Canada’s latest quarterly demographic data released on June 17, 2026.
In the same three-month window, another 199,259 non-permanent residents left the country while only 81,380 arrived, producing a net loss of 117,879 temporary residents.
After factoring in 83,149 new permanent residents and natural population change, Canada still recorded a net population decline of 55,025 in Q1 2026, bringing the estimated population down to 41,417,056 as of April 1, 2026.
This is the second consecutive quarter of outright population decline, following a loss of 103,504 people in Q4 2025.
The Q1 2026 figures confirm that the full-year 2025 emigration total of 120,640 was not a ceiling but a launchpad.
That 2025 annual figure is itself the highest in Statistics Canada’s entire dataset, which stretches back to 1952, surpassing even the 1960s brain drain era when skilled Canadians left for higher wages in the United States.
Net emigration, which subtracts returning emigrants from total departures, also hit an all-time high of 65,706 in 2025, eclipsing the previous record of 62,803 set in 1997.
The scale of these numbers, arriving alongside reduced immigration targets under the 2026–2028 levels plan and a mass exit of temporary residents, signals a demographic inflection point that Canada has not experienced in modern history.
What the Q1 2026 Data Shows
The June 17, 2026 release from Statistics Canada provides preliminary estimates for the January 1 to April 1, 2026 period.
On the emigration side, 30,092 Canadian citizens and permanent residents left the country in Q1 2026, exceeding Q1 2025 by 276 departures.
Another 9,952 returning emigrants came back to Canada in the same quarter, resulting in a net emigration of 20,140 for Q1 2026.
That net figure alone is higher than Canada’s full-year net emigration in 2020, when international mobility was heavily disrupted.
The non-permanent resident picture is even more dramatic.
Only 81,380 new non-permanent residents entered Canada in Q1 2026, while 199,259 left, producing a net loss of 117,879 temporary residents in a single quarter.
This mass departure aligns with Ottawa’s stated goal of reducing temporary residents to 5% of the population, but the speed of the contraction is exceeding most forecasts.
After peaking at 3,149,131 in Q3 2024, Canada’s non-permanent resident population has dropped to an estimated 2,558,562 as of April 1, 2026.
That is a decline of 590,569 temporary residents in six quarters.
Immigration also slowed sharply, with only 83,149 new permanent residents arriving in Q1 2026, compared to 104,210 in Q1 2025.
Alberta recorded the strongest provincial growth in Q1 2026 at 0.2%, while Nova Scotia also posted positive growth at 0.1%. Several major provinces still declined, including Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, each down 0.2%.
Full-Year 2025 Emigration Reached 120,640, the All-Time Record
INC first reported on the accelerating emigration trend in March 2025 when annual departures hit a seven-year high based on earlier data.
The complete 2025 figures now confirm that emigration has not just continued to rise but has reached an unprecedented level.
Year Total Emigrants Net Emigration Year-Over-Year Change Q1 2026 only 30,092 20,140 Highest Q1 ever 2025 120,640 65,706 +1.9% (All-time record) 2024 118,409 64,452 0.9% 2023 117,367 64,080 6.5% 2022 110,172 58,570 32.2% 2021 83,357 39,161 38.0% 2020 60,407 19,235 COVID-era low 2019 90,460 35,791 Pre-pandemic baseline Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0040-01. The combined total for the four-year window from 2022 through 2025 is 466,588 emigrants, a volume that represents a structural shift in how Canadians view the country’s long-term livability.
Returning emigrants partially offset these losses, with 54,934 people coming back to Canada in 2025.
That still left a net outflow of 65,706, meaning Canada lost roughly 180 residents per day on a net basis to emigration alone last year.
If the remaining three quarters of 2026 follow the 2025 seasonal pattern, the country is on pace to record approximately 121,000 emigrants by year end, which would set a new record for the third consecutive year.
Quarterly Breakdown Shows a Persistent Seasonal Pattern
The Statistics Canada international migration dashboard reveals a consistent seasonal pattern: Q3 drives the highest emigration in every year, followed by Q1, while Q2 and Q4 are relatively lower.
Year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2026 30,092 — — — 2025 29,816 24,714 41,203 24,907 2024 28,938 23,985 40,818 24,668 2023 28,289 25,513 39,617 23,948 2022 25,394 25,289 35,112 24,377 Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0040-01. Q3 2025 logged 41,203 departures, the highest quarterly emigrant count since Q3 2016 and one of the highest single-quarter totals in the full dataset.
The Q3 spike likely reflects end-of-summer relocations, school enrollment cycles in destination countries, and fiscal year timing for employers in the United States and Europe.
Every single Q1 from 2022 through 2026 has set a new first-quarter record, confirming that the upward pressure on emigration is not seasonal noise but a durable trend.
Where 2025 Fits in 74 Years of Emigration Data
The previous highest annual totals came during the 1960s, when a well-documented brain drain pulled Canadian scientists, engineers, and medical professionals toward higher wages and better-funded institutions in the United States.
Year Emigrants Context 2025 120,640 All-time record in Statistics Canada data (since 1952) 2024 118,409 Housing and affordability pressures persist 2022 110,172 Post-COVID rebound in international mobility 2017 104,013 First full year under new methodology 1997 53,684* Highest net emigration year before 2023 (*raw count lower due to pre-2016 methodology) 1967 108,462 Previous record; peak of 1960s brain drain 1965 105,307 U.S. demand for skilled Canadian professionals Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0040-01. Note: Methodology changed in Q3 2016, redistributing net temporary emigration into emigrants and returning emigrants. Net emigration is comparable across the entire time series.
The methodology note matters because Statistics Canada broadened the definition of emigrants in Q3 2016 to include temporary emigrants who had previously been counted separately.
This means direct comparisons of raw emigrant counts between pre-2016 and post-2016 years require caution.
However, net emigration, which is calculated as emigrants minus returning emigrants, remains consistent and comparable across the full 74-year series.
On that comparable net basis, 2025’s 65,706 exceeds every year since 1952, including the 1997 peak of 62,803 that marked the height of the tech brain drain to Silicon Valley.
Non-Permanent Residents Are Leaving at an Unprecedented Pace
While the emigration of Canadian citizens and permanent residents dominates the headline, the mass departure of non-permanent residents is the larger demographic force reshaping the country.
The federal government’s 2026–2028 levels plan reduces temporary resident arrivals from 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026, a 43% cut in a single year.
Simultaneously, new study permit rules for 2026 cap international student admissions at 408,000, 7% below 2025 levels and 16% below 2024.
The result is a two-directional squeeze: fewer temporary residents entering, and more leaving as permits expire without renewal.
Quarter NPR Inflows NPR Outflows Net Change Q1 2026 81,380 199,259 -117,879 Q4 2025 77,084 248,380 -171,296 Q3 2025 163,026 339,505 -176,479 Q2 2025 140,331 199,050 -58,719 Q1 2025 115,837 171,031 -55,194 Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0040-01. The Q3 2025 outflow of 339,505 non-permanent residents was the largest single-quarter temporary resident departure in Canadian history, more than 140,000 higher than the Q2 2025 outflow of 199,050.
Statistics Canada noted in the release that these estimates are preliminary and that recent policy changes, including work and study permit extensions announced in March 2026, could lead to revisions when updated estimates are published in September 2026.
Approximately 1.9 million temporary residents are expected to see their permits expire across 2026, with over 314,000 work permits expiring in Q1 alone according to IRCC’s departmental plan.
Ontario Keeps Losing, Alberta Keeps Winning
The population story inside Canada’s borders is equally revealing, as interprovincial migration data from Table 17-10-0020-01 shows regional shifts that reinforce the emigration trend.
Ontario lost a net 14,044 people to other provinces in 2025, an improvement from the 34,075 net loss in 2024 but still representing a sustained exodus from the country’s most populous province.
Alberta recorded a 15th consecutive quarter as the top interprovincial destination, with its energy, agriculture, and technology sectors drawing workers from across the country.
Province Q1 2026 Net 2025 Net 2024 Net 2023 Net Alberta 6,006 22,216 37,762 44,363 British Columbia 1,581 3,175 -2,137 718 Nova Scotia 1,203 3,272 6,309 8,325 New Brunswick -79 -653 2,912 5,013 Manitoba -634 -3,738 -5,959 -10,152 Saskatchewan -864 -3,276 -2,967 -6,004 Quebec -1,871 -7,592 -3,369 -8,901 Ontario -5,774 -14,044 -34,075 -34,846 Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0020-01. The total volume of interprovincial moves fell from 391,452 in 2022 to 316,087 in 2025, suggesting that some of the internal mobility that drove the post-pandemic reshuffling may be stabilizing.
New Brunswick’s reversal from a net gain of 2,912 in 2024 to a net loss of 653 in 2025 is a notable shift.
The Atlantic provinces had been consistent beneficiaries of pandemic-era remote work migration, but that advantage appears to be fading as PNP retention strategies struggle to keep newcomers in smaller provinces.
Quebec lost 7,592 residents to other provinces in 2025, a sharp increase from the 3,369 net loss in 2024, likely influenced by language policy changes and cost-of-living pressures in Montreal.
What Is Driving Record Emigration From Canada
The record numbers are the product of several reinforcing pressures that have intensified simultaneously since 2022.
Housing and Cost of Living
The average home price remains above $650,000 nationally, with Toronto and Vancouver well above $1 million despite modest corrections in some submarkets.
Rental costs have eased slightly from their 2023 peaks but remain elevated in the employment-dense cities where most professionals work.
For high-skilled workers earning competitive salaries, the same gross income stretches significantly further in U.S. metros like Austin, Nashville, Raleigh, or Phoenix, where housing costs are 30% to 50% lower and take-home pay is higher after tax.
Tax Differential With the United States
A software engineer earning $150,000 CAD in Toronto faces a combined federal-provincial marginal tax rate exceeding 43%.
The equivalent role in a zero-income-tax U.S. state like Texas or Florida carries a federal marginal rate of roughly 24% on comparable pre-tax income after currency conversion.
That after-tax gap has been a persistent pull factor for Canada’s most mobile and highest-earning professionals in technology, finance, and healthcare.
Healthcare Wait Times
The median wait from specialist referral to treatment now exceeds 27 weeks nationally, among the longest in the developed world.
For families with urgent specialist needs, the inability to access timely care acts as both a quality-of-life concern and a direct push factor toward countries with faster healthcare access.
Policy-Driven Departures of Temporary Residents
The federal government’s deliberate strategy to reduce temporary residents through study permit caps, work permit restrictions, and tighter enforcement is accelerating departures among people who might otherwise have stayed and transitioned to permanent residency.
IRCC’s latest backlog data shows over 2.15 million applications still in inventory as of March 2026, meaning many temporary residents face long waits for decisions on their future in Canada.
Remote Work and Global Mobility
The normalization of remote and hybrid work since 2020 has expanded the set of countries where Canadian professionals can relocate while maintaining their careers.
Digital nomad visas in Portugal, Spain, and Dubai, combined with lower living costs and favorable tax treatment, have created new pull destinations that did not meaningfully compete with Canada five years ago.
The Economic Cost of Losing 120,000 People Per Year
Each departing resident represents not just a lost taxpayer but also a wasted public investment.
Settlement spending on immigrants averages $20,000 to $50,000 per person in government expenditure on language training, credential recognition, and integration support, according to research cited in the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s “leaky bucket” analysis.
The emigration of high-income professionals carries an outsized fiscal impact because top earners contribute disproportionately to income tax revenue.
The trend also compounds the IRCC processing backlog problem, because every newcomer who eventually leaves reduces the effective return on the government’s intake pipeline.
For provinces, the consequences are deeply uneven, as our Permanent Resident Absorption Index shows that even Alberta’s strong gains face infrastructure constraints that limit how many people the province can sustainably absorb.
At the national level, sustained net emigration above 60,000 per year means Canada needs to admit roughly 60,000 additional immigrants each year just to stand still on population, before accounting for deaths exceeding births among the aging domestic population.
How Ottawa Is Responding to the Emigration Trend
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan stabilizes permanent resident admissions at 380,000 per year, down from the 500,000 peak, with economic-class immigrants comprising 64% of admissions by 2027.
On retention, IRCC has launched consultations on merging Express Entry into a single unified pathway that prioritizes in-Canada work experience and high-wage employment, aiming to reduce the post-arrival departure rate.
The Provincial Nominee Program allocation has been restored to 91,500 for 2026, a 66% rebound from the 55,000 allocation in 2025, giving provinces more tools to select workers who match local labour needs.
Express Entry draws throughout 2026 have consistently prioritized French-language candidates, healthcare workers, and provincial nominees, reflecting a continuous strategic shift toward targeted selection over broad-based intake.
Canada issued over 28,000 PR invitations in April 2026 alone, signalling that the system is actively working to convert temporary residents into permanent ones before they leave.
Programs like the Destination Canada Mobility Forum target francophone workers for settlement outside Quebec, addressing retention gaps in smaller provinces.
Bill C-12 gives IRCC expanded authority to suspend or cancel applications in processing, which could reshape how temporary residents transition to permanent status throughout 2026 and beyond.
The 2027–2029 immigration levels consultations are open through June 30, 2026, and the outcomes will determine whether Ottawa maintains the 380,000 target or adjusts it based on the emigration and population trends documented here.
Canada’s latest emigration numbers are no longer just a statistical footnote; they are a warning sign about affordability, opportunity, and long-term confidence in the country.
As Ottawa reduces immigration targets and temporary residents continue to leave, Canada’s bigger challenge is not only attracting newcomers but also keeping the people who are already here.
The next few quarters will show whether this is a temporary demographic adjustment or the beginning of a deeper shift in how Canadians and permanent residents view their future in Canada.
About This Data
All emigration and non-permanent resident figures come from Statistics Canada Table 17-10-0040-01, and interprovincial migration data comes from Table 17-10-0020-01, both updated June 17, 2026 with data through Q1 2026.
Statistics Canada changed its emigration methodology in Q3 2016, redistributing the net temporary emigration component into the emigrant and returning emigrant categories.
Pre-Q3 2016 and post-Q3 2016 raw emigrant counts are not directly comparable as a result.
Net emigration, calculated as emigrants minus returning emigrants, remains consistent and comparable across the full 74-year time series, as Statistics Canada has confirmed.
Q1 2026 estimates are preliminary and will be updated in September 2026 when more complete administrative data becomes available.
Statistics Canada has noted that recent policy changes, including the March 2026 Quebec worker support measure, could lead to revisions in non-permanent resident counts for 2025 and 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many people emigrated from Canada in 2025?
Canada recorded 120,640 emigrants in the 2025 calendar year, based on data from Statistics Canada Table 17-10-0040-01 released on June 17, 2026. This is the highest annual emigration total in Canada’s recorded demographic history, surpassing every year in the dataset that extends back to 1952. The quarterly breakdown was 29,816 in Q1, 24,714 in Q2, 41,203 in Q3, and 24,907 in Q4. After accounting for 54,934 returning emigrants, Canada’s net emigration for 2025 was 65,706, which is also an all-time record.How many people left Canada in Q1 2026?
In Q1 2026 alone, 30,092 Canadian citizens and permanent residents emigrated, while 199,259 non-permanent residents left Canada’s population count. Combined, these two outflow categories represented 229,351 departures during the quarter, before accounting for returning emigrants, new permanent residents, non-permanent resident inflows, births, deaths, and other demographic components. The emigrant count of 30,092 is the highest first-quarter emigration figure recorded in Statistics Canada’s quarterly data.Is Canada’s population shrinking in 2026?
Yes, Canada’s population declined by 55,025 people from January 1 to April 1, 2026, dropping to an estimated 41,417,056 according to Statistics Canada. This follows a decline of 103,504 in Q4 2025, making it the second consecutive quarter of population loss. The decline is driven by a combination of record emigration, mass departure of non-permanent residents, and reduced permanent immigration under the federal government’s lower intake targets. Alberta recorded the strongest provincial growth in Q1 2026 at 0.2%, while Nova Scotia also posted positive growth at 0.1%.What is net emigration in Canada and why does it matter?
Net emigration is the number of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who leave Canada to establish residence in another country, minus the number of former emigrants who return. It matters because it shows the actual population loss Canada experiences from international departures, rather than just the gross outflow. In 2025, Canada’s net emigration was 65,706, meaning the country lost roughly 180 residents per day on a net basis to international emigration. This is the highest net emigration figure in Statistics Canada’s records, which use a comparable methodology back to 1972 and are broadly comparable back to 1952. The previous record was 62,803 set in 1997 during the era of elevated departures of technology and finance professionals to the United States.Which Canadian province loses the most people?
Ontario loses the most people both to international emigration and to interprovincial migration, making it the biggest population loser in Canada. In 2025, Ontario lost a net 14,044 residents to other provinces according to Statistics Canada, on top of its share of the national emigration total. The primary destinations for people leaving Ontario are Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia, with housing affordability cited as the dominant motivating factor in research and survey data. Alberta has been the top interprovincial gainer for 15 consecutive quarters, adding a net 22,216 residents from other provinces in 2025.Where do Canadians move when they emigrate?
Statistics Canada does not track destination countries in its quarterly demographic estimates, but other data sources provide insight. Tax filing data and census-linked research consistently show the United States as the primary destination for Canadian emigrants, particularly for professionals in technology, healthcare, finance, and academia. The United Kingdom, Australia, and western European countries including France and Germany, are the next most common destinations. Since 2020, digital nomad visa programs in countries like Portugal, Spain, and the UAE have also emerged as destinations, particularly among younger remote workers.Why are so many non-permanent residents leaving Canada?
The federal government has deliberately reduced temporary resident admissions from 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026, a 43% cut designed to relieve housing and infrastructure pressure. At the same time, approximately 1.9 million temporary residents are expected to see their permits expire across 2026, and many will not qualify for extensions or transitions to permanent residency. Study permit caps, tighter work permit rules, and expanded IRCC enforcement authority under Bill C-12 are all contributing to accelerated departures. The net result is that Canada lost 117,879 non-permanent residents in Q1 2026 alone, one of the largest quarterly declines on record.Fact Checked: All figures in this article have been verified against Statistics Canada Tables 17-10-0040-01, 17-10-0020-01, and 17-10-0009-01, all released June 17, 2026.
Disclaimer: Immigration and demographic statistics are subject to revision. Q1 2026 estimates are preliminary. Always consult official Statistics Canada sources for the most current figures.
- New Canada Benefit Payments Still Coming In June 2026
Several government benefit payments are still scheduled to arrive before the end of June 2026, covering federal pensions, provincial disability support, and income assistance programs across the country.
A qualifying senior aged 75 or older who receives the maximum Canada Pension Plan retirement pension and full Old Age Security could see up to $2,325.01 deposited on June 26, 2026, from those two federal payments alone.
That combined amount is not automatic for every retiree, because CPP depends on contribution history and OAS depends on age, income, and years of Canadian residence.
Earlier in June, several federal and CRA-administered benefit payments already went out, including the one-time GST/HST credit top-up on June 5, the Ontario Trillium Benefit on June 10, the Canada Disability Benefit on June 18, and the Canada Child Benefit on June 19.
This guide focuses on the remaining payments arriving between June 24 and June 30, while also providing a quick look at the major benefit increases confirmed for July 2026.
Full List Of Benefit Payments Still Coming In June 2026
The final days of June 2026 bring a concentrated series of federal and provincial benefit deposits between June 24 and June 30.
For many seniors, June 26 is the most important remaining date because CPP, OAS, GIS, and related Service Canada payments all arrive on the same day.
For provincial assistance recipients in Ontario, B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Atlantic Canada, the final days of June are when July benefit payments get issued in advance.
Payment Date Program Administered By Who It May Affect Jun 24, 2026 B.C. Income and Disability Assistance Province of B.C. Eligible B.C. income and disability assistance recipients Jun 25, 2026 NL Disability Benefit CRA Eligible NL residents with disabilities Jun 25, 2026 AISH and AB Income Support Province of Alberta Eligible AB disability and income support recipients Jun 26, 2026 Canada Pension Plan Service Canada CPP retirement, disability, and survivor recipients Jun 26, 2026 OAS, GIS, and Allowances Service Canada Eligible seniors and low-income seniors Jun 26, 2026 MB EIA (direct deposit) Province of Manitoba Eligible MB employment and income assistance recipients Jun 26, 29, 30 NS Income Assistance Province of NS Eligible NS income assistance recipients Jun 29, 2026 SK SAID and SIS (direct deposit) Province of SK Eligible SK income support and disability recipients Jun 29, 2026 Veteran Disability Pension Veterans Affairs Canada Eligible veterans with service-related disabilities Jun 30, 2026 ODSP Province of Ontario Eligible Ontario disability support recipients Jun 30, 2026 Ontario Works Province of Ontario Eligible Ontario social assistance recipients Jun 30, 2026 PEI Social Assistance Province of PEI Eligible PEI income assistance recipients Payment dates listed above reflect federal benefits calendars and provincial schedules available as of June 21, 2026, and direct deposit recipients typically receive funds faster than those waiting for mailed cheques.
ODSP And Ontario Works Payments
The next Ontario Disability Support Program payment is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
A single ODSP recipient can currently receive up to $1,408 per month in combined basic needs and shelter support, following the 2.8% inflation-based increase that took effect in July 2025.
Ontario Works payments issued on June 30 cover July 2026 benefits under the standard provincial schedule, as confirmed on the Ontario Disability Support Program page.
ODSP recipients who also qualify for the federal Canada Disability Benefit can receive both payments in full because Ontario has formally exempted CDB as income for social assistance purposes.
A single ODSP recipient collecting the maximum CDB currently receives up to $1,608 per month from these two programs combined.
The July 31 ODSP payment will be the first deposit reflecting new inflation-adjusted rates for the 2026 to 2027 benefit year, making the June 30 deposit one of the last at current rates.
Recipients should check their MyBenefits account to confirm deposit amounts and payment status before the scheduled date.
B.C. Income And Disability Assistance
British Columbia income assistance and disability assistance payments for the July 2026 benefit month are scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The Province of British Columbia issues income and disability assistance payments monthly, with the schedule published on its official payment dates page.
B.C. residents receiving Persons with Disabilities designation can receive a support rate that includes a $375 support allowance, a shelter maximum based on household size, and optional supplements for transportation and nutritional needs.
The province has confirmed that federal Canada Disability Benefit payments are fully exempt from B.C. PWD income calculations, meaning recipients can collect both without any clawback.
B.C. also uses an Annual Earnings Exemption of $16,200, allowing PWD recipients to earn employment income up to that amount without reducing their provincial benefits.
Recipients should check MySelfServe for case updates, messages, and payment details before the scheduled deposit date.
Alberta AISH And Income Support
Alberta’s AISH and Income Support payments for the July 2026 assistance period are scheduled for June 25, 2026.
AISH supports eligible Albertans with a permanent medical condition that substantially limits their ability to earn a living, while Alberta Income Support helps residents who need financial assistance for basic needs.
Payments are issued before the start of the benefit month, giving recipients time to budget for rent, utilities, groceries, medication, and transportation.
The exact amount depends on the household’s approved program, income, assets, living arrangement, shelter costs, and any additional approved benefits.
Alberta families may also have received the quarterly Alberta Child and Family Benefit in May, with the next ACFB deposit not scheduled until August 2026.
Saskatchewan SAID And SIS
Saskatchewan direct deposits for Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability and Saskatchewan Income Support for the July 2026 benefit month are scheduled for June 29, 2026.
Mailed cheques are sent on June 25 to allow for postal delivery time, while direct deposit recipients typically receive funds on the morning of June 29.
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.
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 of the expected date.
Manitoba Employment And Income Assistance
Manitoba’s Employment and Income Assistance direct deposits for the July 2026 benefit month are scheduled for June 26, 2026, with mailed cheques sent on June 29.
The EIA program provides financial support to eligible Manitoba residents who need help meeting basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter, and personal necessities.
Disability-related EIA recipients may receive higher rates depending on assessed needs, and federal CDB payments do not reduce Manitoba EIA entitlements for eligible recipients.
Canada Pension Plan Payments
The next Canada Pension Plan payment is confirmed for Friday, June 26, 2026, according to the official federal benefits payment calendar.
The maximum CPP retirement pension at age 65 remains $1,507.65 per month under the 2.0% indexation that took effect in January 2026.
The average monthly CPP retirement payment for new beneficiaries starting at age 65 in January 2026 is $925.35, which means most recipients receive well below the maximum.
CPP also includes disability benefits of up to $1,741.20, survivor benefits of up to $904.59 for partners aged 65 or older, and children’s benefits of up to $307.81 per eligible child.
The June 26 deposit reflects the same 2.0% annual increase that has been applied to every CPP payment since January, with the next adjustment not scheduled until January 2027.
Starting CPP before age 65 permanently reduces the monthly amount by 0.6% for each month of early collection, while delaying past 65 increases it by 0.7% per month up to a 42% boost at age 70.
CPP retirement benefits are taxable income and must be reported on the annual tax return, even when tax may not be withheld automatically from the monthly deposit.
Old Age Security, GIS, And Allowances
Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance, and Allowance for the Survivor payments are also scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026.
The maximum OAS pension for April to June 2026 is $743.05 per month for seniors aged 65 to 74 and $817.36 for those aged 75 and over.
The June 26 deposit is the final OAS payment of the current April to June 2026 quarter before amounts are reviewed again for July.
A confirmed 1.2% quarterly OAS increase takes effect in July, the largest single-quarter adjustment of 2026 so far, pushing the maximum past $751 for those aged 65 to 74 and past $827 for those 75 and over.
The maximum GIS for a single, widowed, or divorced senior is $1,109.85 per month for April to June 2026, though actual GIS depends heavily on income and marital status.
A senior aged 75 or older receiving the maximum CPP retirement pension and full OAS could receive up to $2,325.01 on June 26 from those two payments combined.
However, higher-income seniors with 2024 net world income above $90,997 may face a partial OAS recovery tax that reduces their monthly pension.
Every July, Service Canada recalculates GIS using the previous year’s tax return, so filing the 2025 return on time was critical to avoid any interruption in GIS payments starting next month.
Other Provincial Payments Still Coming
Several other assistance payments also fall during the final week of June, even though they are not listed among the main payment categories above.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit for June 2026 is scheduled for June 25, 2026, administered by the CRA on behalf of the province, providing up to $400 per month for eligible residents.
Nova Scotia Income Assistance delivery dates for the July 2026 benefit month are June 26, June 29, and June 30, 2026.
Prince Edward Island Social Assistance payments for the July benefit month are scheduled for June 30, 2026.
Veteran Disability Pension payments through Veterans Affairs Canada are scheduled for June 29, 2026, according to the federal benefits payment calendar.
Veterans receiving pain and suffering compensation or disability pension payments should confirm their deposit details through My VAC Account before the scheduled date.
Earlier June 2026 Government Benefit Payments Already Issued
Several significant federal and provincial benefit payments were already issued earlier in June 2026.
The one-time GST/HST credit top-up of up to $533 for families and $267 for singles landed on June 5, marking the final CRA payment under the GST/HST credit framework before the transition to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
The Ontario Trillium Benefit was issued on June 10, the final monthly OTB payment of the current July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year.
The Canada Disability Benefit of up to $200 was issued on June 18, the last CDB deposit at the current rate before the confirmed increase to $204 per month in July.
The Canada Child Benefit was issued on June 19, delivering the final CCB payment of the current benefit year before a 2% indexation increase takes effect with the July 20 deposit.
Upcoming Canadian Government Benefit Payments In July
July 2026 brings a wave of confirmed benefit increases as the new benefit year begins and many CRA-administered income-tested payments are recalculated using 2025 tax return data.
The following table summarizes every confirmed July 2026 benefit payment, its scheduled date, and the updated maximum amount.
Payment Date Program Max Amount Jul 3, 2026 Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Up to $679 single, $890 for a couple, plus $234 per eligible child Jul 10, 2026 Ontario Trillium Benefit (new cycle) Varies by income and housing Jul 10, 2026 Advanced Canada Workers Benefit Up to 50% of CWB entitlement Jul 16, 2026 Canada Disability Benefit Up to $204/month Jul 20, 2026 Canada Child Benefit Up to $8,157/yr (under 6) Jul 29, 2026 CPP (unchanged in July) Up to $1,507.65/month Jul 29, 2026 OAS (1.2% increase) Up to $751.97/month (65-74) Jul 31, 2026 ODSP (inflation-adjusted) Up to new indexed rates The newly renamed Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit officially replaces the GST/HST credit starting July 3, delivering quarterly payments that are 25% higher than the amounts they replaced.
The Canada Child Benefit maximum rises to $8,157 per year for children under six and $6,883 for children aged six to 17 under the confirmed 2% indexation.
OAS will increase by 1.2% for the July to September quarter, the largest quarterly adjustment of 2026, while the OAS recovery tax threshold for the new July 2026 to June 2027 period shifts to $93,454 based on 2025 income.
The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit begins a new advance cycle on July 10 with higher thresholds and indexed amounts for eligible low-income workers.
Many CRA-administered income-tested benefits will be recalculated using 2025 tax return data starting in July, which means individual payment amounts could rise or fall depending on how household income changed between 2024 and 2025.
Who Could Receive More Than One Payment This Week
Some Canadians may receive multiple payments during the final week of June because federal and provincial programs can overlap.
A senior in Ontario may receive CPP and OAS on June 26 and then an ODSP payment on June 30, if they qualify for both federal pensions and provincial disability support.
A B.C. resident receiving provincial disability assistance may also receive CPP or OAS on June 26 if they qualify for federal pension programs.
An Alberta resident collecting AISH on June 25 may separately receive CPP and OAS on June 26 if they meet the eligibility requirements for both.
No single payment calendar applies to every person, and eligibility depends on program rules, income, age, province, family size, disability status, and tax filing history.
Recipients should verify their account information before each payment date arrives to avoid delays or missed deposits.
Federal benefit recipients should review CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account, depending on the program.
Provincial assistance recipients should check the relevant provincial portal or contact their caseworker if their payment history or eligibility has changed.
Confirm your direct deposit details, mailing address, and latest benefit notice before each scheduled date.
Check whether income or household changes were reported, and keep your tax return up to date for CRA-administered benefits.
Use official government portals instead of links in suspicious emails or texts, and wait five to ten business days before contacting the program if a payment does not arrive on time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which June 2026 payment date is the most important?
June 26, 2026 is the busiest remaining federal payment date because CPP, OAS, GIS, Manitoba EIA direct deposits, and Nova Scotia Income Assistance delivery dates all fall on or around that date. Saskatchewan SAID and SIS direct deposits follow on June 29, while PEI Social Assistance and Ontario ODSP/OW payments are scheduled for June 30.Will payments arrive exactly on the listed date?
Direct deposit payments usually arrive on or around the official payment date, but bank processing can vary by institution and account type. Cheque payments can take longer because they depend on mail delivery and provincial or federal processing timelines.Can one person receive both federal and provincial payments?
Yes, a person may receive CPP and OAS alongside provincial disability assistance or income support if they meet the eligibility rules for each separate program.Do I need to apply again to receive these payments?
Regular recipients do not need to reapply every month, but new applicants, people whose eligibility changed, or recipients who missed reporting requirements may need to provide updated information before payments continue.Are these benefit payments taxable?
CPP and OAS are taxable income, while most provincial disability and income assistance payments, the CDB, GIS, and the Allowance are non-taxable. Recipients should check their official benefit notice or speak with a qualified tax professional if they are unsure about the tax treatment of a specific payment.What happens to my payments in July 2026?
July brings confirmed increases across multiple programs, including a 2% CCB and CDB indexation, a 25% boost to quarterly payments under the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, a 1.2% OAS quarterly increase, and a recalculation of all income-tested benefits using 2025 tax return data.Fact Checked: This article uses official federal and provincial payment calendars, including Canada.ca, Alberta.ca, Ontario.ca, B.C. government, Saskatchewan government, Manitoba government, Nova Scotia government, and Veterans Affairs Canada sources available as of June 21, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, legal, or benefits advice. Benefit amounts and eligibility can vary based on income, household situation, age, province, application status, and government reassessments.
- New CPP Payments To Be Sent Canada-Wide On June 26
The next Canada Pension Plan – CPP payments are confirmed for Friday, June 26, 2026, when millions of retirees, survivors, and Canadians with disabilities will receive their monthly payment.
Service Canada processes CPP and Old Age Security payments on the same date each month according to the federal benefits payment calendar.
Eligible recipients could see deposits ranging from approximately $925 on average to a maximum of $1,507.65.
The maximum applies to those who started collecting at age 65 with a full contribution history.
Workers living with severe and prolonged disabilities may receive up to $1,741.20, while surviving partners of deceased contributors could receive as much as $904.59.
Coverage on the Canada Pension Plan is important as part of our commitment to financial literacy for newcomers and long-term Canadian residents alike.
CPP is a contribution-based pension program, which means every worker who contributes through payroll deductions during their career is building their own future retirement income.
Understanding how CPP works is essential for newcomers beginning their careers in Canada and for established Canadians planning their transition into retirement.
This guide covers updated 2026 payment amounts, eligibility rules, the full deposit calendar, and disability benefits.
It also explains calculation methods and how to protect yourself from scams targeting benefit recipients.
What Is the Canada Pension Plan?
The Canada Pension Plan is a mandatory social insurance program that provides monthly income to eligible contributors when they retire, become disabled, or pass away.
It is administered by Service Canada and funded entirely through contributions from employees, employers, and self-employed individuals across every province and territory except Quebec.
Quebec operates a parallel program called the Quebec Pension Plan, which has similar rules but is administered separately through Retraite Quebec.
CPP is designed to replace approximately 25% of your average work earnings in retirement.
The enhanced CPP is gradually increasing that replacement rate to 33% over time for workers who contribute at the maximum.
The program delivers five categories of benefits: retirement pensions, disability benefits, survivor pensions, children’s benefits, and a one-time death benefit.
The CPP death benefit includes a basic amount of $2,500 and may include an additional top-up of $2,500, for a maximum of $5,000 in eligible cases.
Every working Canadian between the ages of 18 and 70 with employment income above $3,500 is required to contribute to CPP.
Contributions are collected automatically through payroll deductions on every paycheque.
Your contributions during your working years directly determine the size of your monthly pension when you eventually begin collecting benefits.
Who Is Eligible for CPP?
To qualify for a CPP retirement pension, you must be at least 60 years old.
You also need at least one valid contribution to the Canada Pension Plan during your working life.
The standard age to begin collecting CPP is 65, but you can start as early as 60 with a permanent reduction.
You can also delay your pension until age 70 for a permanent increase in your monthly amount.
Starting CPP before age 65 permanently reduces your monthly payment by 0.6% for every month before your 65th birthday.
That works out to a maximum reduction of 36% if you start collecting at exactly age 60.
Delaying CPP past age 65 permanently increases your monthly payment by 0.7% for every month you wait.
That adds up to a maximum increase of 42% at age 70 as detailed in the January 2026 CPP payment coverage.
You do not need to stop working to receive CPP, and you can collect your pension while continuing to earn employment income in Canada or abroad.
If you work while receiving CPP before age 65, CPP contributions are mandatory and can generate post-retirement benefits.
From age 65 to 70, working CPP recipients can continue contributing or elect to stop contributions, while contributions stop at age 70.
After age 70, CPP contributions stop and no further post-retirement benefit increases apply.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have worked and contributed to CPP can receive payments even if they move to another country after retirement.
Canada has international social security agreements with over 60 countries.
These agreements may allow you to combine contribution periods from both countries to meet eligibility requirements for a Canadian retirement pension.
What Is the CPP Disability Benefit?
The CPP disability benefit provides monthly income to contributors who cannot work due to a severe and prolonged medical condition.
The condition must prevent them from holding any substantially gainful occupation on a regular basis.
As of January 2026, the maximum CPP disability payment is $1,741.20 per month, while the average payment for new beneficiaries is $1,210.86 per month.
The disability benefit consists of two components: a flat-rate portion of $610.46 per month and an earnings-related portion calculated from your CPP contribution history.
To qualify, you must have contributed to CPP in four of the last six years before your disability began.
If you have at least 25 years of total valid CPP contributions, the requirement drops to three of the last six years.
Your medical condition must be both severe and prolonged to meet the CPP disability threshold.
“Severe” means it prevents you from regularly performing any substantially gainful work, and “prolonged” means it is long-term or likely to result in death.
Children of CPP disability recipients may also qualify for a monthly benefit of up to $307.81 per child.
Eligible children must be under 18 or between 18 and 25 and attending school full time.
When a CPP disability recipient turns 65, their disability benefit automatically converts to a CPP retirement pension without any additional application required.
The CPP disability benefit is separate from the Canada Disability Benefit, a newer income-tested benefit for eligible working-age Canadians approved for the Disability Tax Credit, rising to about $204 per month in July 2026 and not requiring previous CPP contributions.
How Is CPP Calculated?
Your CPP retirement pension is calculated using a formula based on your total contributions and your average earnings during your working years.
The number of years you contributed also plays a critical role in determining your final monthly amount.
The calculation uses your pensionable earnings between the basic exemption of $3,500 and the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings.
The YMPE is set at $74,600 in 2026, as published on the official CPP benefit amounts page.
A second earnings ceiling called the Year’s Additional Maximum Pensionable Earnings applies to higher earners, set at $85,000 for 2026 under the CPP enhancement program.
The following table shows the 2026 CPP contribution rates and maximums that determine how much you and your employer pay into the program each year.
Contribution Category Rate Maximum Annual Amount Employee CPP1 (up to YMPE) 5.95% $4,230.45 Employer CPP1 (up to YMPE) 5.95% $4,230.45 Employee CPP2 (YMPE to YAMPE) 4.00% $416.00 Employer CPP2 (YMPE to YAMPE) 4.00% $416.00 Self-Employed CPP1 11.90% $8,460.90 Self-Employed CPP2 8.00% $832.00 Service Canada uses a general dropout provision that automatically removes up to eight of your lowest-earning years from the calculation to increase your average.
Additional dropout provisions exist for years spent raising children under seven and for periods of CPP disability.
Months after age 65 with low or no earnings can also be excluded from the calculation.
The CPP enhancement that began in 2019 is gradually increasing both contribution rates and future benefit amounts.
This is why future CPP benefits will generally be higher for workers who contribute under the enhanced CPP rules over more of their careers.
How Much CPP Can You Get in 2026?
The Government of Canada publishes official maximum and average benefit amounts for every CPP category on its CPP monthly amounts page.
This page is updated at the start of each calendar year with the latest indexed figures.
The gap between the maximum and average retirement pension reveals an important reality: very few Canadians actually receive the full maximum CPP amount.
Reaching the maximum of $1,507.65 per month requires approximately 39 years of contributions at or above the YMPE.
Most working careers include gaps, low-earning years, or self-employment stretches that pull the calculated pension closer to the $925.35 average.
The table below shows every CPP benefit category with the average and maximum monthly amounts for January 2026.
Benefit Type Average (New) Maximum Retirement pension (at age 65) $925.35 $1,507.65 Post-retirement benefit (at age 65) $11.93 $54.69 Disability benefit $1,210.86 $1,741.20 Post-retirement disability benefit $610.46 $610.46 Survivor’s pension (under 65) $545.71 $803.54 Survivor’s pension (65 and older) $334.24 $904.59 Children’s benefit (under 18 or full-time student) $307.81 $307.81 Death benefit (one-time payment) $2,572.00 $2,500 basic amount, up to $5,000 in eligible cases Combined survivor and retirement (at 65) $1,140.69 $1,531.56 A person entitled to the maximum CPP at age 65 who delays until age 70 could receive up to approximately $2,140.86 per month due to the 42% deferral increase.
Starting at age 60 instead would reduce the maximum to approximately $964.90 per month.
That is a permanent reduction that applies for the rest of your life.
CPP Payment Dates 2026 and 2027
Service Canada has confirmed all twelve CPP payment dates for 2026, and deposits typically arrive in the last week of each month except December.
The December payment is advanced to December 22 so that recipients have access to their funds before the holiday season and federal office closures.
These dates apply to CPP retirement pensions, disability benefits, survivor pensions, and children’s benefits, and they match the Old Age Security payment schedule for the entire calendar year.
The complete 2026 CPP payment schedule is listed below as confirmed by the Government of Canada on the official benefits payment calendar.
- June 26, 2026
- July 29, 2026
- August 27, 2026
- September 25, 2026
- October 28, 2026
- November 26, 2026
- December 22, 2026
You can download the full printable calendar from the official benefits payment dates page on Canada.ca.
The Government of Canada has not yet published the official 2027 CPP payment dates as of June 2026.
Based on the established pattern, payments typically land on the second-to-last or third-to-last business day of each month.
The projected 2027 dates listed below are for planning purposes, as we did for the CRA benefits payment dates for 2026 to 2027 guide.
- January 27, 2027
- February 24, 2027
- March 25, 2027
- April 28, 2027
- May 27, 2027
- June 28, 2027
- July 28, 2027
- August 27, 2027
- September 27, 2027
- October 27, 2027
- November 26, 2027
- December 22, 2027
Do not rely on them for financial planning until Service Canada publishes the confirmed schedule in late 2026.
How To Apply for CPP
Service Canada recommends applying for your CPP retirement pension at least six months before you want payments to begin, because processing can take up to 120 days.
The fastest method is to apply online through your My Service Canada Account, which allows you to submit your application, upload documents, and track your status digitally.
You can also apply by downloading and completing the paper application form and mailing it to the Service Canada processing centre listed on the form.
Your application will require your Social Insurance Number, banking information for direct deposit, and details about your work history.
You should also note any periods when you were out of the labour force.
If you are applying for CPP disability benefits, you will also need a completed medical report from your doctor that describes the nature and severity of your condition.
Survivors applying for a CPP survivor’s pension will need the deceased contributor’s Social Insurance Number and a death certificate.
Proof of the relationship to the deceased contributor is also required as part of the application package.
CPP benefits are not paid automatically.
You will not receive any payments until you submit a formal application regardless of your age or contribution history.
How To Check Your CPP Payment Amount
The most reliable way to check your CPP payment amount is to sign into your My Service Canada Account and navigate to the Canada Pension Plan section.
Your account displays your estimated retirement pension at ages 60, 65, and 70 based on your actual contribution history.
The estimate includes any dropout provisions that may apply to your specific file.
If you are already receiving CPP, your account will show the gross amount, any income tax deductions, and the net amount deposited into your bank account each month.
Compare your December 2025 payment to any 2026 payment to verify the 2.0% cost-of-living adjustment that took effect in January 2026.
Service Canada also issues a T4A(P) tax slip each year summarizing your total CPP income, which you must report as taxable income on your annual tax return.
If you do not have a My Service Canada Account, you can call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 to request your statement of contributions and benefit estimate by mail.
It is important to review your statement for accuracy because errors in your contribution record can reduce your eventual pension.
CPP Is Not Increasing in July 2026: Beware of Scams and Misinformation
Unlike Old Age Security, which adjusts quarterly in January, April, July, and October, the Canada Pension Plan adjusts benefits only once per year in January.
The 2.0% CPP cost-of-living increase took effect with the January 28, 2026 deposit.
It applies uniformly to most of the monthly payment through December 2026 as the CRA benefits increase in July 2026.
There is no mid-year CPP increase in July 2026.
Any social media post, email, or website claiming that CPP deposits are rising in July 2026 is either misinformed or deliberately misleading.
Several other federal benefits are increasing in July 2026, including the Canada Child Benefit and the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit.
OAS, GIS, and the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit are also rising in July, which may be contributing to the confusion around CPP.
Scammers often use benefit increase announcements as opportunities to send fraudulent messages pretending to be the CRA or Service Canada.
The Government of Canada will never ask for your Social Insurance Number or banking passwords through email, text message, or social media.
They will also never request personal financial details through these channels.
If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from the CRA or Service Canada, do not click any links and report it through the official CRA scam alert page.
The next CPP increase will take effect in January 2027, not in July 2026.
The exact percentage will depend on CPI data from the October 2025 to October 2026 measurement period.
What To Do If You Do Not Receive Your CPP Payment
First, confirm the date against the official payment calendar because a payment is not considered late until the listed deposit date has actually passed.
Direct deposit recipients typically see funds in their bank account by the morning of the scheduled date, while cheque recipients should allow additional postal delivery time.
Service Canada advises recipients to wait five to ten business days after the scheduled date before contacting the program about a missing payment.
The most common cause of a missing CPP deposit is outdated banking information in your My Service Canada Account, especially if you recently switched banks.
Log into your account and verify that your direct deposit details and mailing address are current.
Your information should match what your financial institution has on file to avoid routing errors.
If your information is correct and the payment still has not arrived after the waiting period, contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.
You can also visit a Service Canada office in person to request an investigation into your file.
Keep records of all communication with Service Canada, including reference numbers and agent names in case you need to follow up on a payment inquiry.
Setting up direct deposit is strongly recommended because it eliminates mail delays entirely.
Direct deposit ensures your payment arrives on the scheduled date without depending on Canada Post processing volumes.
The June 26, 2026 CPP deposit is the sixth of twelve confirmed payments this year, with six more deposits remaining through the final December 22 payment.
Check your My Service Canada Account regularly and stay informed about benefit changes through official sources like the Government of Canada benefits page.
These are the best ways to protect your retirement income from errors and misinformation.
Newcomers beginning their careers in Canada should recognize that every CPP contribution they make today builds toward financial security decades from now.
Understanding how these benefits work alongside other federal programs is an essential part of settling into life in Canada.
For the latest updates on all federal benefit payments, payment date confirmations, and eligibility changes, visit the CRA benefits payment dates for 2026 to 2027 resource.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I receive CPP and OAS at the same time?
Yes, most Canadian seniors receive both CPP and OAS concurrently because the two programs have completely separate eligibility criteria. Each program is calculated independently based on different qualification rules. CPP is based on your employment contributions, while OAS depends on how many years you lived in Canada after age 18, and both deposit on the same monthly date.Will CPP payments go up in July 2026?
No, CPP benefits are adjusted once per year in January, not quarterly like OAS, so the 2.0% increase that took effect in January 2026 remains unchanged through December 2026. The next CPP adjustment will occur in January 2027 based on Consumer Price Index data that Statistics Canada will publish in late 2026.How do I know if I am getting the maximum CPP amount?
Sign into your My Service Canada Account and review your statement of contributions to see your estimated pension at ages 60, 65, and 70. Reaching the maximum requires approximately 39 years of contributions at or above the YMPE of $74,600 in 2026. The official benefit amounts page shows that the average new retirement pension of $925.35 is significantly below the $1,507.65 maximum.Can newcomers to Canada qualify for CPP?
Yes, any newcomer who works in Canada and earns more than $3,500 per year will begin contributing to CPP through payroll deductions. Contributions start from their very first paycheque in eligible employment. International social security agreements with over 60 countries may also allow newcomers to combine contribution periods from their home country with Canadian contributions. This makes CPP accessible even for those who arrive later in their careers.What happens to CPP if I leave Canada after retirement?
Your CPP retirement pension continues to be paid regardless of where you live in the world. CPP is based on your contribution history rather than your current country of residence. You can receive payments through direct deposit to a Canadian bank account or by cheque mailed to your foreign address. Payments in certain countries can also be deposited into a local bank through international direct deposit arrangements.Fact-Checked: All payment amounts, dates, contribution rates, and benefit figures in this article have been verified against official Government of Canada sources, including the CPP monthly amounts page, the benefits payment calendar, and the 2026 quarterly rate card as of June 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Contact Service Canada or a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.