Today, the Saskatchewan PNP draw, also known as the SINP draw (Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program), sent only 635 new new invites for permanent residency (PR). This draw invited only 119 NOC codes as compared to only 6 NOC codes in November 8, 2022 draw.
This draw is also special because it is the first SINP draw since November 8 and after the implementation of new TEER system.
Cut off score jumped by 13 points for Express Entry category and by 13 points for Occupation In-Demand category as compared to the previous draw. Below are the full details of the draw along with invited NOC codes.
Saskatchewan PNP Draw – December 15 Full Details
| Category | Cut-Off | Number of Invites |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry | 82 | 348 |
| Occupation In-Demand | 82 | 285 |
| Ukrainian applicants | 62 | 2 |
Invited NOC Codes
| Invited NOCs |
|---|
| 00012, 00013, 00015, 10010, 10011, 10012, 10020, 10021, 10022, 10029, 10030, 11101, 11109, 11200, 11201, 11202, 12010, 12011, 12013, 12100, 12101, 12102, 12111, 12113, 12200, 13100, 13101, 13110, 13111, 13112, 20010, 20011, 20012, 21101, 21110, 21112, 21120, 21200, 21211, 21220, 21221, 21222, 21223, 21230, 21231, 21232, 21234, 21300, 21301, 21310, 21311, 21321, 21322, 21331, 21399, 22101, 22110, 22111, 22211, 22212, 22213, 22220, 22221, 22222, 22230, 22231, 22232, 22300, 22303, 22310, 22312, 32102, 32120, 32121, 33101, 33103, 40020, 40030, 41200, 41210, 41300, 41320, 41400, 41401, 41402, 41403, 41404, 41405, 42202, 43100, 43109, 60010, 60030, 60031, 60040, 62022, 62029, 62100, 62101, 63102, 63201, 63202, 70010, 70012, 70020, 72020, 72021, 72024, 72106, 72320, 72410, 80020, 80021, 82021, 82030, 90010, 92011, 92012, 93101 |
SINP allows the applicants outside Canada to apply directly under both the categories. Also having an express entry profile is not mandatory to apply. However, there is a list of NOC codes that are ineligible to apply for SINP. Check in the later part of this article to calculate your score.
Saskatchewan PNP Ineligibility?
People with the certain occupations (NOC Codes) are excluded from applying to the Occupations In-Demand (OID) and Express Entry (EE) program. Click here for list of excluded occupations for SINP. This list is updated as of November 16 with implementation of New TEER system (NOC 2021)
How To Calculate Your Scores For Saskatchewan PNP Draw:
(Sourced from SINP website)
Additionally, To be eligible for SINP Occupation In-Demand and Express Category, you need to score 60. Also, maximum score that can be earned are 110 points in SINP assessment grid:
| FACTOR I: LABOUR MARKET SUCCESS | |
| EDUCATION AND TRAINING | |
| Master’s or Doctorate degree (Canadian equivalency). | 23 |
| Bachelor’s degree OR at least a three-year degree at a university or college. | 20 |
| Trade certification equivalent to journeyperson status in Saskatchewan. | 20 |
| Canadian equivalency diploma that requires two (but less than three) years at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other post-secondary institution. | 15 |
| Canadian equivalency certificate or at least two semesters, but less than a two-year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other post-secondary institution. | 12 |
| SKILLED WORK EXPERIENCE Your work experience must relate to the job you have put on your application.One year of work experience equals 12 full months. | |
| a) Work experience in the 5 years prior to application submission date. | |
| 5 years | 10 |
| 4 years | 8 |
| 3 years | 6 |
| 2 years | 4 |
| 1 year | 2 |
| b) In the 6-10 years prior to application submission date. | |
| 5 years | 5 |
| 4 years | 4 |
| 3 years | 3 |
| 2 years | 2 |
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
LANGUAGE ABILITY
| Click here for language equivalency chart. | |
| a) First Language Test (English or French) | |
| CLB 8 and higher | 20 |
| CLB 7 | 18 |
| CLB 6 | 16 |
| CLB 5 | 14 |
| CLB 4 | 12 |
| English or French speaker without language test results. | 0 |
| b) Second Language Test (English or French) | |
| CLB 8 or higher | 10 |
| CLB 7 | 8 |
| CLB 6 | 6 |
| CLB 5 | 4 |
| CLB 4 | 2 |
| Not Applicable | 0 |
| AGE | |
| Less than 18 years | 0 |
| 18 – 21 years | 8 |
| 22 – 34 years | 12 |
| 35 – 45 years | 10 |
| 46 – 50 years | 8 |
| More than 50 years | 0 |
| MAXIMUM POINTS FOR FACTOR I | 80 |
| FACTOR II: CONNECTION TO SASKATCHEWAN LABOUR MARKET & ADAPTABILITY Points are given for having a connection to the Saskatchewan labour market. This shows your ability to successfully settle in Saskatchewan as a permanent resident. | |
| The following points are for the Employment Offer subcategory only: | |
| High skilled employment offer from a Saskatchewan employer | 30 |
| The following points are for the Occupation In-Demand and Saskatchewan Express Entry subcategories only | |
| Close family relative in Saskatchewan The applicant or accompanying spouse has a family relative that is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Saskatchewan. This includes a: parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin and step-family members or in-laws of the same relationships. The family members in Saskatchewan must meet the requirements as listed under “Required Documents” for your ISW sub-category. | 20 |
| Past work experience in Saskatchewan At least 12 months of work in the past five years on a valid work permit. | 5 |
| Past student experience in Saskatchewan At least one full-time academic year at a recognized Saskatchewan post-secondary education institution on a valid study permit. | 5 |
| MAXIMUM POINTS FOR FACTOR II | 30 |
| MAXIMUM POINTS TOTAL: I + II = | 110 |
How To Apply For SINP?
Click here to submit an online application for SINP, if you fulfill the above mentioned criteria. If you have any further questions/query, click here.
- Trump Pauses These U.S. Immigrant Visas Effective Immediately
Last Updated On 15 December 2022, 11:08 PM EST (Toronto Time)The U.S. State Department under the Trump administration has temporarily paused immigrant visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, directing consular officers to reschedule interviews while they undergo new training on public-charge screening.
The announcement, confirmed on August 25, 2026, by a State Department spokesperson and first reported by the Financial Times, affects applicants in major immigrant visa categories, including family-based immigrant visas and employment-based immigrant visas processed at consular posts abroad.
This is not a blanket suspension of every U.S. visa application.
Nonimmigrant visas such as B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas, F-1 student visas, H-1B temporary worker visas, and other temporary categories have not been identified as part of this particular pause.
Separately, the new US$750 expedited B-visa appointment program launched at Canadian consular posts on August 18 covers a completely different visa category and is unrelated to the new immigrant visa training directive.
Here is a full breakdown of what happened, which immigrant visa categories are caught by the pause, which visas are not affected, what applicants with scheduled appointments should do, and why the Trump administration says it introduced the measure.
Table of Contents
What the State Department Announced
A State Department spokesperson confirmed that the department launched a global training initiative at all U.S. embassies and consulates in early August 2026.
To accommodate what the department described as in-depth training, appointments for visa services are being adjusted and rescheduled.
The spokesperson stated that the training is designed to ensure consular officers can evaluate every visa applicant comprehensively and consistently, with a specific emphasis on determining whether an intending immigrant is likely to become dependent on U.S. public benefits.
The State Department has not published a firm end date for the training period or announced when normal immigrant visa interview scheduling will resume.
According to Fox News, a State Department official indicated that for most diplomatic posts, the training sessions are expected to take place within the week of the announcement.
What Is the Public-Charge Screening Behind This Pause
The training focuses on the public-charge ground of inadmissibility, which is an existing provision of U.S. immigration law rather than a newly created standard.
Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act already directs consular officers to consider specific factors when evaluating whether an intending immigrant is likely to become a public charge, meaning someone primarily dependent on government assistance for subsistence.
Those factors include the applicant’s age, health, family status, financial resources, assets, and education and skills.
The current pause appears aimed at training officers to apply the Trump administration’s stricter interpretation of these existing public-charge screening criteria consistently at every post worldwide, rather than establishing an entirely new legal standard.
The State Department spokesperson told Reuters that the training initiative is intended to help consular officers screen out applicants deemed likely to become dependent on U.S. public benefits reserved for qualified Americans in need.
The State Department had already been moving aggressively in this direction.
On August 5, 2026, the department announced a Public Charge Bond pilot program that permits consular officers to require certain visa applicants denied on public-charge grounds to seek a bond through USCIS as a pathway to overcoming that inadmissibility determination.
Full List Of Immigrant Visa Categories Affected
Because the State Department describes this action broadly as applying to immigrant visa appointments worldwide, it potentially encompasses all major categories of visas processed at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
There is an important caveat: The State Department has not yet published a detailed public notice listing every category covered or any specific exemptions that may apply to this training pause.
Based on the State Department’s own visa classifications, the following immigrant visa categories are potentially caught by the global rescheduling directive.
Visa Category Category Type Who It Covers IR-1 / CR-1 Immediate Relative Spouses of U.S. citizens IR-2 / CR-2 Immediate Relative Children of U.S. citizens IR-5 Immediate Relative Parents of adult U.S. citizens F-1, F-3, F-4 Family Preference Certain family members of U.S. citizens F-2A, F-2B Family Preference Certain family members of permanent residents EB-1 Employment-Based First Priority workers, including persons with extraordinary ability EB-2 Employment-Based Second Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability EB-3 Employment-Based Third Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers EB-4 / Special Immigrants Employment-Based Fourth Including SD, SR, SI, SQ, and other qualifying special immigrant classifications EB-5 Employment-Based Fifth Immigrant investors DV (Diversity Visa) Diversity Lottery Green card lottery winners (already subject to a separate issuance pause) IR-3, IH-3, IR-4, IH-4 Adoption Children adopted by U.S. citizens through intercountry adoption SB-1 Returning Resident Lawful permanent residents returning to the United States after an extended absence abroad Note: The State Department has not issued a category-by-category confirmation for this training pause. The table above reflects the immigrant visa categories that may be affected based on the department’s broad language describing worldwide immigrant visa appointment adjustments.
Which Visas Are Not Covered by This Pause
This action is specifically directed at immigrant visa appointments.
It is not, based on what the State Department has confirmed so far, a blanket suspension of nonimmigrant visa processing.
The following temporary visa categories have not been identified as part of the training pause.
B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas: Applicants who need a U.S. visitor visa for tourism or business travel should continue to follow their scheduled appointment instructions unless they receive a specific cancellation or rescheduling notice from their embassy or consulate.
F-1 and M-1 student visas: International students heading to the United States for academic programs should not confuse this immigrant visa pause with their own nonimmigrant visa process.
J-1 exchange visitor visas: Exchange program participants are in a separate nonimmigrant category.
H-1B, L, O, and P temporary worker visas: Professionals on temporary work visas are processing under nonimmigrant classifications that have not been named in this directive.
The K-1 fiancé visa deserves a separate note.
K-1 visas are technically classified as nonimmigrant visas by the State Department, even though they are often processed through the immigrant visa sections at many consular posts.
The State Department has not issued specific guidance confirming whether K-1 appointments are included in this training rescheduling.
K-1 applicants should monitor their embassy communications directly for any appointment changes.
Does This Pause Stop Green Card Applications Inside the United States
No, not automatically. This State Department action concerns consular immigrant visa processing at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
An applicant who is already inside the United States and pursuing a green card through adjustment of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is in a separate process handled by USCIS, not by consular officers at overseas posts.
The newly reported training directive also does not mean that I-130 family sponsorship petitions or I-140 employer-sponsored petitions have stopped being processed.
Those petitions are processed at earlier stages of the immigration pipeline.
The current pause specifically concerns the embassy or consulate interview stage, which is one of the final steps before an immigrant visa is issued to an applicant abroad.
Document collection through the National Visa Center and petition adjudication at USCIS are separate stages that are not directly covered by this consular training directive.
What Happened to Already Scheduled Immigrant Visa Appointments
According to the reports, immigrant visa applicants with scheduled interviews have received emails informing them that their appointments were being rescheduled.
The emails told applicants they would receive future notice of a new interview date and time but did not provide an immediate replacement date.
The State Department did not announce when affected applicants would be notified of their rescheduled interview dates.
This has created uncertainty for applicants who had already arranged travel, accommodation, and time off from work in preparation for their consular interviews.
What Immigrant Visa Applicants Should Do Next
Check your email and consular account regularly. If you had an immigrant visa interview scheduled, monitor the email address registered with the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your case for rescheduling notifications.
Do not assume your interview is cancelled unless you received a direct notice. The pause appears to be affecting appointments across posts at different rates.
Check your spam and junk folders. Rescheduling emails from consular appointment systems sometimes filter into spam folders.
Do not make irreversible travel arrangements. Until a confirmed replacement interview date is issued, avoid booking non-refundable flights, hotel reservations, or other travel commitments.
Keep your supporting documents current. Medical examination results, police certificates, and financial documentation all have validity windows, and a delayed interview could push some documents past their expiration dates.
Distinguish this from the nonimmigrant visa process. If you are applying for a temporary visa such as a B-1/B-2, F-1, or H-1B and have not received a cancellation or rescheduling notice, continue following the appointment instructions issued by your embassy or consulate.
Consult an immigration attorney if your case involves time-sensitive deadlines. Applicants facing potential age-out issues for derivative beneficiaries, time-sensitive Diversity Visa deadlines, or changes in visa availability under the Visa Bulletin may need legal guidance on protecting their eligibility.
Latest Legal Context Surrounding U.S. Immigrant Visa Processing
The training pause is the latest development in a sequence of aggressive steps the Trump administration has taken to restrict legal immigration pathways.
In January 2026, the State Department suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries identified as presenting elevated public-charge risk.
On August 21, 2026, Judge Vargas vacated that suspension, ordering that any visa denials made solely on the basis of that policy be reconsidered by consular officers under normal immigration law.
Separately, the B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Pilot Program launched in August 2025 with bond amounts of US$5,000, US$10,000, or US$15,000.
A final rule effective August 3, 2026, made the program permanent and increased the available bond amounts to US$10,000, US$15,000, or US$20,000.
On August 5, 2026, the State Department also launched a Public Charge Bond pilot for certain immigrant visa applicants found inadmissible on public-charge grounds.
Bond requirements under that pilot are determined on an individual basis, and affected applicants are notified by consular officers.
Some reporting has indicated bond amounts could reach US$250,000 in individual cases, although the State Department’s public announcement does not specify a fixed maximum.
These interconnected policy changes reflect a sustained effort to tighten financial screening across both temporary and permanent immigration categories during Trump’s second term, an agenda that continues to face legal challenges in federal courts.
The Trump administration’s decision to pause immigrant visa interviews worldwide while consular officers undergo public-charge training represents another escalation in the ongoing tightening of U.S. legal immigration pathways.
For families and workers worldwide waiting for consular interviews, the rescheduling introduces fresh uncertainty on top of already lengthy processing timelines.
Applicants should watch their email and consular accounts closely for replacement dates and avoid treating this as a suspension of all U.S. visa processing, because nonimmigrant visa categories have not been named in this particular directive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Has the Trump administration suspended all U.S. visa applications?
No, the reported pause specifically concerns immigrant visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Nonimmigrant visas such as tourist, student, and temporary worker visas are not part of this particular directive.
Is this a permanent ban on immigrant visas?
No, the State Department has described this as a temporary measure to accommodate training for consular officers. However, the department has not announced a specific date for when normal scheduling will resume.
Are green card applications filed inside the United States affected?
No, the adjustment of status applications filed with USCIS within the United States are a separate process from consular immigrant visa processing. This training directive applies to consular posts abroad and does not automatically affect USCIS operations domestically.
What is the public-charge rule that the training covers?
The public-charge ground of inadmissibility under Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act permits consular officers to deny an immigrant visa if they determine the applicant is likely to become primarily dependent on U.S. government assistance for subsistence. Officers evaluate factors including the applicant’s age, health, family status, assets, financial resources, and education and skills.
Are K-1 fiancé visas affected by this pause?
K-1 fiancé visas are technically classified as nonimmigrant visas, even though they are often processed through immigrant visa sections at consular posts. The State Department has not issued specific guidance confirming whether K-1 appointments are included in this rescheduling. K-1 applicants should check directly with their embassy or consulate.
What about the 75-country immigrant visa suspension?
The January 2026 suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries was a separate action from this global training pause. A federal judge struck down the 75-country policy on August 21, 2026, ruling it exceeded the Secretary of State’s authority. The new training pause applies to all nationalities, not specific countries.
I had an interview scheduled and it was cancelled. What should I do?
Monitor your registered email account and your consular appointment portal for a rescheduling notice. Do not make non-refundable travel plans until your new interview date is confirmed. Ensure your supporting documents remain valid.
Does this affect I-130 or I-140 petition processing?
The reported pause targets the consular interview stage, which occurs after USCIS petition approval and National Visa Center document processing. It does not directly halt I-130 or I-140 petition adjudication at USCIS.
Will this delay green card issuance timelines?
For applicants whose cases are at the consular interview stage, the rescheduling will likely add processing time. The length of delay depends on how quickly the State Department completes its training initiative and resumes normal scheduling at each post. Applicants earlier in the pipeline at the petition or NVC stage may or may not be affected depending on when their cases reach the interview stage.
Is there an official State Department page I can check for updates?
The State Department publishes visa-related announcements on its Visas News page. Applicants should also check the website of the specific U.S. embassy or consulate handling their case for post-specific scheduling updates.
Fact-Checked: This article has been verified against official U.S. Department of State guidance on immigrant visa categories, public-charge bonds for immigrant visa applicants, and the August 2026 Visa Bulletin, along with the latest State Department-confirmed reporting on the worldwide immigrant visa appointment pause.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. U.S. immigration rules can change rapidly. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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Trump Pauses These U.S. Immigrant Visas Effective Immediately
- 2 New Canada LMIA Rules and Updates In August 2026
Last Updated On 15 December 2022, 11:08 PM EST (Toronto Time)Canada’s LMIA system saw two important rule changes in August 2026, alongside growing practical emphasis on work location and business legitimacy requirements that affect how employers hire temporary foreign workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) changed the low-wage workforce cap calculation for employers with fewer than ten employees at a given work location on August 18, 2026.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada extended the concurrent processing grace period from sixty to ninety days for certain in-Canada work permit applicants whose employer’s LMIA is still pending, effective August 21, 2026.
Alongside these two dated rule changes, current LMIA requirements continue to place increasing practical weight on the specific work location, the workforce at that location, and the genuineness of the employer’s business operations.
This article explains each development in detail, compares the old and new rules, walks through practical examples, and answers the most common employer questions about LMIA eligibility in 2026.
Table of Contents
1. New Low-Wage LMIA Cap Calculation
ESDC updated the Program Requirements for Low-Wage Positions page on August 18, 2026, introducing a variation that applies the low-wage cap calculation at the work-location level for employers with fewer than ten employees at a given work location.
Under this variation, Service Canada uses a workforce size of ten for the purpose of calculating the cap, even when the actual headcount at that location is smaller.
The result is that eligible employers may hire a maximum of one low-wage temporary foreign worker at a location subject to the standard 10% cap or two low-wage temporary foreign workers at a location subject to the 20% cap that applies to construction, food manufacturing, hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, and specified in-home caregiver occupations.
Who Counts Toward the Workforce at a Location
ESDC defines the total workforce size at a given work location to include all full-time and part-time employees working at that location, including Canadians, permanent residents, temporary foreign workers employed through the LMIA process, workers holding other types of work permits, and employees who are on leave but expected to return.
A full-time employee is a worker who works an average of 30 or more hours per week.
A part-time employee is a worker who works an average of less than 30 hours per week and counts as 0.5 of an employee for cap calculation purposes.
The workforce count also includes vacant positions for new temporary foreign workers requested on the LMIA application and temporary foreign workers on previously approved LMIAs who have yet to start their employment.
Why This Matters for Multi-Location Businesses
Before this update, the alternative calculation for employers with fewer than ten employees was generally based on the employer’s total workforce nationally.
The shift to a per-location calculation is especially significant for businesses that operate multiple small locations, such as a restaurant chain with several outlets each staffed by seven or eight employees.
Previously, a multi-location employer whose total national workforce exceeded ten would not qualify for the small-employer variation at any individual site.
Under the August 18 update, each location with fewer than ten employees is now independently eligible for the alternative calculation, potentially allowing one or two low-wage TFWs at each qualifying site.
Practical Example: How the New Cap Works
Consider a cleaning company that operates three locations in Ontario with seven full-time employees at each site, for a total national workforce of twenty-one.
Under the previous interpretation, this employer would not have qualified for the small-employer variation because the total workforce exceeded ten.
Under the August 18 update, each location independently qualifies because each has fewer than ten employees.
Assuming the position pays below the provincial wage threshold and falls under the standard 10% cap, the employer could apply for one low-wage TFW at each of those three locations, for a potential total of three low-wage positions across the company.
If the employer operates in a 20% cap sector such as construction, food manufacturing, or nursing and residential care, each location could support up to two low-wage TFWs, for a potential company-wide total of six.
Cap Calculation Comparison Table
Factor Before August 18, 2026 After August 18, 2026 Unit of measurement Employer’s total national workforce (for the small-employer variation) Workforce at each individual work location Threshold for variation Fewer than 10 employees overall Fewer than 10 employees at a given work location Cap calculation uses A deemed workforce of 10 (applied once to the employer) A deemed workforce of 10 (applied independently per location) Max low-wage TFWs (10% cap) 1 across the employer 1 per qualifying location Max low-wage TFWs (20% cap) 2 across the employer 2 per qualifying location Multi-location employer with 7 staff per site (3 sites, 10% cap) Did not qualify if total exceeded 10 Up to 1 low-wage TFW per site (3 total) Part-time employee counting 0.5 of an employee 0.5 of an employee (unchanged) Note: positions that are cap-exempt, such as on-farm primary agriculture, certain caregiving positions, short-duration positions of 120 days or less, and seasonal industry positions of up to 270 days, remain unaffected by this change.
2. IRCC Extends Processing Grace Period to 90 Days
IRCC updated its officer instructions on the Labour Market Impact Assessment Review page on August 21, 2026, extending the concurrent processing window from sixty days to ninety days.
Concurrent processing allows certain foreign nationals who are inside Canada to submit a Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permit application before their employer’s LMIA has been decided, provided specific eligibility conditions are met.
Under the updated instructions, IRCC will hold the work permit application for ninety days from the date of submission, giving the applicant that window to provide proof of a positive or neutral LMIA.
Eligibility Conditions: This Is Not a Blanket Rule
This extended grace period applies only when all of the following conditions are met simultaneously:
The foreign national’s current work permit is set to expire in two weeks or less at the time they submit their new work permit application.
The employer has already submitted a complete LMIA application to ESDC.
The application was submitted with sufficient lead time, meaning the employer filed it far enough in advance of published LMIA processing times that a decision could reasonably have been made.
No decision on the LMIA application has been made yet at the time the work permit application is submitted.
Critical warning from IRCC: Employers should not submit the application immediately prior to the work permit application and expect that IRCC will allow concurrent processing.
IRCC’s officer instructions explicitly state that requests where the LMIA was filed at the last minute will be assessed on an exceptional basis only.
How Concurrent Processing Works in Practice
When a qualifying in-Canada work permit application is submitted under concurrent processing, the IRCC officer reviewing the file puts the decision on hold for the ninety-day period.
During that window, the applicant can update their application with proof of the employer’s positive or neutral LMIA.
After the ninety days elapse, the officer returns to the application and renders a final determination on the work permit.
If the applicant has not provided a positive LMIA by the end of the ninety-day window, the application will be assessed based on whatever documentation is on file, which will typically result in a refusal because the LMIA is a mandatory document under paragraph R10(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
IRCC also notes that applicants who need concurrent processing should enter CPTS2026 in the Job Title field of IMM 5710 when completing their application, though the code is for tracking purposes only and does not affect the officer’s decision.
Concurrent Processing Comparison Table
Detail Before August 21, 2026 After August 21, 2026 Grace period length 60 days from submission 90 days from submission Applies to In-Canada work permit applications under R199 In-Canada work permit applications under R199 (unchanged) Work permit expiry requirement 2 weeks or less remaining 2 weeks or less remaining (unchanged) Application filing requirement The employer must have submitted a complete LMIA with sufficient lead time The employer must have submitted a complete LMIA with sufficient lead time (unchanged) Last-minute LMIA filing Assessed on an exceptional basis Assessed on an exceptional basis (unchanged) LMIA decision status No decision yet made No decision yet made (unchanged) Quebec applicants Must also provide CAQ if required Must also provide CAQ if required (unchanged) Practical Example: When Concurrent Processing Helps
An employer in British Columbia files a complete application in early May 2026 for a low-wage food-service position.
The employee’s current work permit expires on September 5, 2026, and ESDC has not yet issued a decision.
On August 25, the employee submits an in-Canada work permit renewal application, providing proof that their permit expires within two weeks, that the employer filed the LMIA well in advance of published processing times, and that no decision has been made.
IRCC holds the application for up to ninety days, giving the applicant until late November to provide the positive LMIA.
If ESDC issues a positive LMIA in October, the applicant submits the proof, and the officer can proceed to finalize the work permit.
Under the previous sixty-day window, this same applicant would have had until late October, thirty days less breathing room in a period when LMIA processing times have been trending upward.
Employers Face Greater Scrutiny Over Work Locations
The concepts of business legitimacy and genuine work location have historically been part of the LMIA assessment process.
ESDC’s business legitimacy assessment has long required all employers to demonstrate four factors: that the business is providing a good or service in Canada; that the job offer is consistent with reasonable employment needs; that the employer can fulfill the terms of the job offer, including wages; and that the employer has no unresolved compliance issues.
What has changed in recent enforcement cycles is the practical emphasis that Service Canada places on the specific work location, the workforce attached to that location, and the supporting documentation employers must provide.
Why the Work Location Now Carries More Weight
Several interconnected rules have made the work location central to multiple parts of the LMIA assessment.
Low-wage caps are calculated based on the workforce at a specific work location, as confirmed by the August 18 update discussed above.
Prevailing wage varies by occupation and local Job Bank region, while whether an LMIA falls under the high-wage or low-wage stream is determined by comparing the offered wage with the applicable provincial or territorial wage threshold.
Employers can be asked to submit payroll records to verify the workforce count claimed at a particular location.
The employer compliance inspection regime, which saw penalties more than double in the most recent fiscal year, can include on-site verification of the workplace.
What Employers Should Be Prepared to Substantiate
Merely providing an address on the LMIA application does not establish that the proposed workplace and employment are genuine.
Employers should be prepared to substantiate where the employee will actually perform the work, the workforce associated with that work location, why the position is required, and that the employer is genuinely operating and providing goods or services in Canada.
Business Legitimacy Documentation
Employers who have not had a positive LMIA issued within the past two years must submit supporting documents to demonstrate business legitimacy.
The primary document ESDC requests is a valid municipal business licence, or any applicable permit or licence required to operate the business.
If a municipal business licence is not required in the employer’s area, alternatives include a T4 Summary of remuneration paid, T2 Schedule 100 and Schedule 125 for corporations, a PD7A statement of account for current source deductions, or other appropriate documents that clearly demonstrate the business is in operation and provides a good or service in Canada.
Service Canada will consider alternative documents on a case-by-case basis.
Employers who have received a positive LMIA within the past two years are not required to re-submit these documents, though Service Canada retains the right to request additional documentation at any time.
The key principle is genuineness: the employer must accurately identify where the worker will perform the job, demonstrate that the position represents a genuine labour need, and show that the business is legitimately operating and providing goods or services in Canada.
Canada’s August 2026 LMIA changes give some employers more flexibility, but they also reinforce the importance of accurate work-location information and proper planning before filing an application.
Employers and foreign workers should review the latest ESDC and IRCC requirements carefully, particularly when dealing with low-wage positions, pending assessments, or multiple work locations.
With LMIA rules and processing policies continuing to evolve, applicants should verify the most current federal requirements before submitting an assessment or related work permit application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Apply for a Work Permit Before My LMIA Is Approved?
Yes, but only under the specific conditions of IRCC’s concurrent processing measure, and only if you are applying from inside Canada. The LMIA is normally a mandatory document required for a complete work permit application under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Concurrent processing creates a narrow exception: if your current work permit expires in two weeks or less, your employer has already submitted a complete application with sufficient lead time, and no LMIA decision has been made, IRCC will accept your application and hold it for up to 90 days while you wait for the LMIA result. If you are applying from outside Canada, concurrent processing does not apply, and you must have a positive LMIA before submitting your work permit application.
How Long Can IRCC Wait for a Positive LMIA?
Under the updated officer instructions effective August 21, 2026, IRCC will hold a qualifying in-Canada work permit application for ninety days from the date of submission. This is the maximum window, not a guarantee of approval.
If the positive LMIA is not provided within those ninety days, the officer will render a decision based on the documents on file, which will typically lead to a refusal because the requirement has not been met.
The grace period does not extend the validity of a positive LMIA itself, which is generally valid for up to six months from the date ESDC issues the approval letter.Can a Company With Fewer Than 10 Employees Get an LMIA?
Yes, employers with fewer than ten employees at a given work location can apply for and receive an LMIA under either the low-wage or high-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The small-employer variation described above applies specifically to the low-wage stream cap calculation.
Under the high-wage stream, there is no cap on the proportion of temporary foreign workers, and the employer must instead submit a transition plan outlining steps to reduce reliance on the program over time.
An employer with only two or three employees can still apply for an LMIA, provided they meet all program requirements, including recruitment, business legitimacy, wages, and the ability to fulfill the terms of the job offer.How Many Low-Wage Foreign Workers Can a Small Employer Hire?
An employer with fewer than ten employees at a given work location can hire a maximum of one low-wage TFW under the standard 10% cap, or two low-wage TFWs if the position falls in a sector subject to the 20% cap, such as construction, food manufacturing, hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, or specified in-home caregiver occupations. These limits apply per location.
An employer operating multiple locations, each with fewer than ten employees, could potentially qualify for one or two low-wage TFWs at each qualifying site, as described in the August 18 update.
Positions that are exempt from the cap, such as on-farm primary agriculture or certain seasonal positions, do not count against these limits.Does an LMIA Employer Need a Physical Office in Canada?
The program does not contain a blanket rule requiring every employer to maintain a commercial physical office. What ESDC does require is that the employer demonstrate the business is providing a good or service in Canada, the job offer is consistent with reasonable employment needs, and the employer can fulfill all terms of the offer. The positive LMIA letter includes a Location of Employment field that specifies the physical address where the work will be performed.
Service Canada can request documentation to verify that real business activity occurs at the stated address, and employer compliance inspections may include an on-site component.
The practical takeaway is that the employer needs to provide a genuine and accurate location of employment and be able to substantiate where the worker will actually perform their duties.Can a Home-Based Business Get an LMIA?
ESDC’s program framework does not automatically disqualify home-based businesses from the process.
Private household employers are explicitly recognized in the low-wage program requirements, and caregiver positions in a private household are specifically listed among the sectors subject to the 20% cap variation.
For non-caregiver positions, a home-based employer would need to clearly demonstrate that the business genuinely operates from that address, that the role represents a real employment need, and that the employer can meet all wage, housing, transportation, and insurance obligations.
A home-based bakery producing goods for commercial sale, for example, is a different proposition from a residential address with no visible business activity, and each application is assessed on its own facts.Can an Employer Use a Virtual Office Address for an LMIA?
The LMIA application requires a work location where the temporary foreign worker will actually perform their duties, and the positive LMIA letter specifies this address in the Location of Employment field.
A virtual mailing address alone does not prove a genuine work location.
Employers must accurately identify where the foreign worker will perform the employment and be able to substantiate the business and job offer.
A virtual-office arrangement is not expressly prohibited and must be assessed on the facts of the application.
An employer whose workers perform duties at client sites or in the field rather than at a central office has a different situation entirely, and the work location on the assessment application should reflect where the work is actually performed.Does Service Canada Verify an Employer’s Work Location?
Yes, Service Canada has the authority to verify the information provided on an LMIA application, including the work location.
This verification can occur during the assessment process, when officers may request additional documents such as a lease, utility bills, or photos of the workplace.
It can also occur after a positive LMIA is issued, through the employer compliance inspection regime.
ESDC can inspect any employer who has hired a temporary foreign worker for up to six years after the worker’s first day of employment.
In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, ESDC finalized 1,488 compliance inspections, found 12% of employers non-compliant, issued over $10.2 million in penalties, and banned 30 employers from the program.Can One Company Apply for LMIAs at Multiple Locations?
Yes, a single employer can apply for LMIAs at different work locations across Canada. Each application is assessed based on the specific work location, the prevailing wage for that location and occupation, the workforce count at that location, and the local labour market conditions.
The low-wage cap is calculated independently for each work location, which is the core change introduced by the August 18, 2026 update for employers with fewer than ten employees per site.
Employers should note that the refusal-to-process policy for census metropolitan areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher applies based on the location of the job, so a company could have one location eligible for a low-wage LMIA and another location in a high-unemployment CMA where the application would not be processed.What Documents Prove That an LMIA Business Is Legitimate?
The specific documents depend on the employer’s history with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Employers whose most recent positive LMIA was issued within the past two years are generally not required to re-submit business legitimacy documents.
All other employers must provide a valid municipal business licence, or if one is not required in their area, at least one alternative document such as a T4 Summary, T2 Schedule 100 and Schedule 125, a PD7A statement, or other documentation that clearly demonstrates the business is operational and provides a good or service in Canada.
To demonstrate the ability to fulfill terms of the job offer, employers must provide the most recently assessed CRA document applicable to their business structure, such as T2 schedules for corporations, T2042 for farming operations, T2125 for sole proprietorships, T3010 for registered charities, or T5013 Schedule 1 for partnerships.
When these CRA documents are unavailable, an attestation from a financial institution is an acceptable alternative, though Service Canada may contact the institution to verify it.
Trucking employers must always submit a current carrier profile, National Safety Code certificate, and fleet insurance, regardless of their program history.Fact-Checked Against: ESDC Program Requirements for Low-Wage Positions (updated August 18, 2026); IRCC Officer Instructions for LMIA Review (updated August 21, 2026); ESDC Business Legitimacy Assessment (updated February 19, 2026).
Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a licensed immigration professional for advice on your specific situation.
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- New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
Last Updated On 15 December 2022, 11:08 PM EST (Toronto Time)5 Canadian provinces are raising their minimum wage on October 1, 2026, reshaping what hundreds of thousands of workers across the country will earn for every hour on the job.
Ontario leads the group with a 2.0% bump to its general minimum wage rate, while Manitoba delivers the steepest percentage jump at 2.5%.
Saskatchewan follows with a 2.3% increase, and Prince Edward Island adds 1.8% to its already highest-in-Atlantic-Canada rate.
Nova Scotia rounds out the group with a 1.5% October increase, its second raise of 2026 after an earlier April 1 adjustment.
Inflation and other economic indicators play a major role in setting minimum wages across these provinces.
The combined effect puts more money into the pockets of minimum wage earners at a time when grocery bills, rent, and utility costs continue to run above the levels workers saw just two years ago.
Here is the complete breakdown of every October 1, 2026 minimum wage change, including the exact new rates, the special wage categories most workers never hear about, the overtime calculations that change alongside the base rate, and what these new floors mean for your annual paycheque.
Table of Contents
New Ontario Minimum Wage In October
Ontario’s general minimum wage increases from $17.60 to $17.95 per hour on October 1, 2026, as confirmed by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
The $0.35 increase is approximately a 2.0% increase in the posted wage rate and reflects Ontario’s 1.9% CPI adjustment, with the final minimum wage rounded to the nearest five cents.
The Ontario Ministry of Labour released the confirmed figures on April 1, 2026, following the standard schedule that has governed minimum wage announcements in the province for years.
Provincial law requires the government to publish confirmed rates by April 1 each year, giving businesses a full six-month runway to update payroll systems before the new rates take effect.
For a full-time worker logging 40 hours per week across 52 weeks, the new rate translates to $37,336 in annual gross earnings before taxes and deductions.
That is $728 more per year compared to the current $17.60 rate, or roughly $60.67 more per month.
Ontario’s weekly gross at the new rate works out to $718 for a standard 40-hour week.
Ontario Special Minimum Wage Rates for October 2026
Ontario operates four minimum wage categories, and all four adjust simultaneously on October 1.
The student minimum wage rises from $16.60 to $16.90 per hour, a $0.30 increase.
This rate applies to students under the age of 18 who work 28 hours per week or less when school is in session or who work during a school break or summer holidays.
A student can work more than 28 hours during a school break or summer holiday and still qualify for the student rate, as long as they are under 18.
The homeworker minimum wage increases from $19.35 to $19.70 per hour, a $0.35 increase that maintains this category as the highest hourly minimum wage rate in Ontario.
Homeworkers are employees who do paid work from their own homes for an employer, and they are not independent contractors.
Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guide rates also increase on October 1, 2026.
Guides who work fewer than five consecutive hours in a day will earn $89.75 per day, up from $88.05.
Guides who work five or more hours in a day will earn $179.50 per day, up from $176.15, regardless of whether the hours are consecutive.
Ontario eliminated the separate liquor server minimum wage in 2022.
All servers and bartenders now earn the full general minimum wage of $17.95 per hour starting October 1, and tips and gratuities remain entirely separate from the base wage.
Employers cannot count tips toward the minimum wage obligation under Ontario law.
Ontario Overtime at the New Rate
Ontario’s overtime threshold is 44 hours per week for most employees.
At the new general rate, overtime pay works out to 1.5 times $17.95, which is $26.93 per hour for every hour beyond 44 in a work week.
For a worker who logs 50 hours in a single week, the gross pay calculation is 44 regular hours at $17.95 ($789.80) plus 6 overtime hours at $26.93 ($161.58), for a total weekly gross of $951.38.
Employees in federally regulated sectors in Ontario follow the federal minimum wage of $18.15 per hour, which took effect on April 1, 2026.
Federally regulated employees must receive at least the $18.15 federal minimum wage, but if the applicable provincial or territorial general minimum wage is higher, the higher rate applies.
All five October rates covered in this article remain below $18.15, so the federal rate governs for federally regulated workers in these provinces.
Federally regulated industries include banking, telecommunications, airlines, and interprovincial transportation.
Ontario has also introduced several new laws and rules taking effect in 2026 that affect workers and employers beyond the minimum wage changes.
Manitoba’s Minimum Wage Is Largest Percentage Increase
Manitoba’s minimum wage rises from $16.00 to $16.40 per hour on October 1, 2026, as confirmed by the provincial government through Manitoba Labour and Immigration.
The 40-cent increase is the largest percentage jump among the five provinces at 2.5%, reflecting Manitoba’s 2025 inflation rate rounded up to the nearest five cents under the Employment Standards Code.
Manitoba announced the increase on April 1, 2026, following its standard annual adjustment schedule that has delivered October 1 rate changes consistently for nearly a decade.
A full-time minimum wage worker in Manitoba will earn $34,112 in annual gross income at the new rate, based on 2,080 hours of work across 52 weeks.
That is $832 more per year than the current $16.00 rate, making Manitoba’s increase the most valuable in raw dollar terms among the five provinces covered here.
The weekly gross at the new rate works out to $656 for a standard 40-hour work week.
Manitoba Overtime and Exemptions
Manitoba’s standard hours of work are 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day.
Employees who work beyond those standard hours must be paid at the overtime rate of 1.5 times their regular wages.
At the new minimum wage, the overtime rate works out to 1.5 times $16.40, which is $24.60 per hour.
For a worker who logs 48 hours in a single week, the gross pay is 40 regular hours at $16.40 ($656.00) plus 8 overtime hours at $24.60 ($196.80), totaling $852.80.
Manitoba applies its minimum wage to most workers, including part-time and commission-based employees.
Workers specifically excluded from the provincial minimum wage include domestic workers who work fewer than 12 hours per week, participants in approved provincial or federal training programs, and election officials, enumerators, and temporary staff under The Elections Act.
The construction industry in Manitoba also has separate wage regulations that apply to heavy construction and ICI sectors.
Manitoba does not maintain a separate student minimum wage or a separate server minimum wage.
Saskatchewan Also Raises Minimum Wage
Saskatchewan’s minimum wage increases from $15.35 to $15.70 per hour on October 1, 2026, as announced by the provincial government on June 29, 2026, through Saskatchewan Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.
The $0.35 increase represents a 2.3% adjustment, calculated using Saskatchewan’s indexation formula that gives equal weight to changes in the Consumer Price Index and the average hourly wage in the province.
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Ken Cheveldayoff stated that the increase balances workers’ needs with business growth and economic stability.
A full-time worker earning the new Saskatchewan minimum wage will gross $32,656 per year, based on 2,080 hours worked.
That is $728 more per year than the current rate, the same dollar increase as Ontario despite the lower base rate, because both provinces added $0.35 per hour.
Saskatchewan’s weekly gross at the new minimum wage is $628 for a standard 40-hour work week.
Since 2008, Saskatchewan’s minimum wage has increased by more than 90%, rising from $8.25 to $15.70 per hour by October 1, 2026.
Saskatchewan Overtime and Structure
Saskatchewan does not maintain separate minimum wage categories for students, servers, or homeworkers.
Every covered employee earns the same $15.70 per hour regardless of age, occupation, or employment status.
Overtime in Saskatchewan is paid at 1.5 times the employee’s regular wage rate.
At the new minimum, that works out to $23.55 per hour for overtime hours.
Certain employees are exempt from minimum wage requirements, including individuals who have a physical or mental disability or impairment and work for a non-profit organization or institution in programs that are educational, therapeutic, or rehabilitative.
The province calculates new minimum wage rates each year using the indexation formula, with changes typically announced on or before June 30 and taking effect on October 1.
Nova Scotia’s Second Increase of 2026
Nova Scotia’s minimum wage rises from $16.75 to $17.00 per hour on October 1, 2026, completing the second stage of a two-step increase announced on December 2, 2025, by the provincial government through Nova Scotia Labour Standards.
The province already raised the rate from $16.50 to $16.75 on April 1, 2026, making this the fourth minimum wage change in Nova Scotia in just two years.
The combined effect of both 2026 increases is a $0.50 lift from the January rate, spread across two dates to give businesses additional time to adjust after 2025’s larger increases.
The October 1 increase of $0.25 represents a 1.5% jump from the $16.75 April rate.
Nova Scotia’s formula for adjusting minimum wage adds 1% on top of the national Consumer Price Index, making it one of the few provinces where the minimum wage grows faster than inflation by design.
Following these special increases, the province will return to its legislated formula for adjusting minimum wage by the change in the rate of inflation plus an additional 1%, starting with the April 1, 2027, adjustment.
A full-time minimum wage worker earning $17.00 per hour will gross $35,360 per year at the October rate, based on 2,080 hours worked.
The weekly gross at $17.00 per hour is $680 for a standard 40-hour week.
Nova Scotia Call-In Pay and Piecework Rules
Nova Scotia maintains separate minimum wage orders for workers in construction and property maintenance, as well as workers in logging and forest operations.
Employers in these sectors should contact Labour Standards directly for the applicable rates.
Nova Scotia’s call-in pay rule requires employers to pay workers who are called into work outside their regular hours for a minimum of three hours at the minimum wage rate.
At the new $17.00 rate, that minimum call-in payment works out to $51.00, even if the employee only works one or two hours.
The overtime threshold in Nova Scotia is 48 hours per week for most workers.
At the new rate, overtime pay is calculated at 1.5 times $17.00, which is $25.50 per hour.
Employers who pay workers on a piecework basis must ensure that total piecework earnings equal or exceed what the worker would have earned at the minimum wage for all hours worked.
If the piecework earnings fall short, the employer owes the difference.
PEI’s Highest Minimum Wage In Atlantic Canada
Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage increases from $17.00 to $17.30 per hour on October 1, 2026, maintaining the province’s position as the highest minimum wage jurisdiction in Atlantic Canada, as outlined by PEI Employment Standards.
The $0.30 increase represents a 1.8% adjustment and continues a structured pattern of steady rate increases that brought the province from $16.00 to $16.50 in October 2025 and then to $17.00 on April 1, 2026.
A full-time worker earning the new PEI minimum wage will gross $35,984 per year based on 2,080 hours of work.
That is $624 more per year compared to the current $17.00 rate.
The weekly gross at $17.30 per hour is $692 for a 40-hour work week.
PEI has also confirmed a further increase to $17.60 per hour on April 1, 2027, giving workers and employers clear visibility into the next scheduled rate change.
PEI Overtime and Board Deduction Rules
Prince Edward Island’s standard work week was reduced from 48 hours to 44 hours under the new Employment Standards Act that took effect on June 30, 2026.
Overtime now applies after 44 hours in a work week and is paid at 1.5 times the employee’s regular rate of pay.
At the new minimum wage, the overtime rate works out to 1.5 times $17.30, which is $25.95 per hour.
PEI regulates the maximum amounts that employers can deduct from wages when they furnish board and lodging to employees.
These deduction limits are set out in the Minimum Wage Order and are particularly relevant in industries like tourism, agriculture, and seasonal work where employer-provided housing and meals are common.
The province does not maintain a separate student minimum wage, a server minimum wage, or a training wage.
If training is required by the employer and counts as hours of work, those hours must be paid at least the applicable minimum wage.
How the 5 Provinces Compare After October 1
Once all five increases take effect, the provincial ranking from highest to lowest minimum hourly wage among these provinces will be: Ontario at $17.95, Prince Edward Island at $17.30, Nova Scotia at $17.00, Manitoba at $16.40, and Saskatchewan at $15.70.
Saskatchewan’s $15.70 rate will remain one of the lowest provincial minimum wages in Canada, even after the 2.3% increase.
Ontario’s $17.95 rate is the highest among the five but still falls below the federal minimum wage of $18.15 per hour that took effect on April 1, 2026, for workers in federally regulated industries.
Federally regulated employees must receive at least the $18.15 federal minimum wage, but if the applicable provincial or territorial general minimum wage is higher, the higher rate applies.
All five October rates remain below $18.15, so the federal rate governs for federally regulated workers in these provinces.
Manitoba’s 2.5% increase is the steepest by percentage among the five, and its $832 annual boost for full-time workers is the largest in absolute dollar terms.
Nova Scotia stands out as the only province in this group implementing two minimum wage increases in a single calendar year, with the combined 2026 effect adding $0.50 per hour and $1,040 per year for full-time workers compared to the January rate.
PEI’s strategy of positioning itself as Atlantic Canada’s highest minimum wage province continues with the October increase, keeping a $0.30 per hour lead over Nova Scotia.
These October minimum wage increases will put more money into workers’ paycheques across five provinces starting October 1, 2026.
Employees should check their provincial employment standards rules to confirm the new rate, overtime requirements, and any special wage category that applies to their job.
Workers should also review their first paycheque after October 1 to ensure the updated minimum wage has been applied correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When exactly do the new minimum wage rates take effect?
All five provinces implement their new rates on October 1, 2026, with the exception of Nova Scotia, which already raised its rate once on April 1, 2026, and raises it again on October 1. Employers must apply the new rates to hours worked on and after October 1, 2026. Where a pay period spans October 1, hours before the effective date can remain subject to the previous rate.
Does the provincial minimum wage apply to workers at banks and telecom companies?
Federally regulated employees must receive at least the $18.15 federal minimum wage, but if the applicable provincial or territorial general minimum wage is higher, the higher rate applies. All five October rates covered in this article remain below $18.15, so the federal rate governs for federally regulated workers in these provinces.
Can an employer in Ontario pay a student worker the lower student rate if the student is 18 years old?
No, the student minimum wage of $16.90 in Ontario applies only to students who are under the age of 18. When school is in session, the student must also work 28 hours or fewer per week to qualify for the lower rate. During a school break or summer holiday, students under 18 can qualify for the student rate regardless of how many hours they work. A student who turns 18 must be paid the full general rate of $17.95.
What happens if a Nova Scotia employer misses the October 1 payroll update?
The employer owes back pay at the $17.00 rate for every hour worked from October 1 onward at the old rate. The employer remains liable for the wage shortfall, and Labour Standards can investigate and issue an order requiring the amount owing to be paid.
Will any of these five provinces raise minimum wage again before the end of 2026?
No additional increases have been announced for the remainder of 2026 in any of these five provinces. The next scheduled changes are Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba on October 1, 2027; Nova Scotia returning to its annual formula on April 1, 2027; and PEI on April 1, 2027, at $17.60 per hour.
Fact-Checked: The October 1, 2026 minimum wage rates, effective dates, percentage increases, special wage rates, overtime rules, and related employment standards referenced in this article have been verified against official federal and provincial government sources as of August 23, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, employment, payroll, or financial advice. Minimum wage and overtime rules may vary depending on occupation, industry, employment status, exemptions, and whether a workplace is provincially or federally regulated. Workers and employers should consult the applicable provincial employment standards authority or federal Labour Program for guidance specific to their circumstances.
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- New Canada Benefit Payments Still Coming In August 2026
Last Updated On 15 December 2022, 11:08 PM EST (Toronto Time)The final week of August 2026 is delivering one of the busiest stretches of benefit payments in the entire month for millions of Canadians from coast to coast.
Federal pensions, provincial disability support, and income assistance programs are all scheduled to deposit between August 25 and August 31, putting a combined total of billions of dollars into Canadian bank accounts before September arrives.
Service Canada will issue CPP, OAS, GIS, and Allowance payments on August 27, continuing the quarterly rates from the 1.2% OAS increase that took effect in July.
This is the eighth month under the 2% annual CPP indexation that began in January, and the second month at the elevated July-to-September 2026 OAS rates.
Provincial governments across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island are also issuing disability and income assistance payments this week.
Earlier in August, the Canada Child Benefit and Ontario Trillium Benefit were already delivered through the CRA, while Service Canada issued the Canada Disability Benefit on August 20.
This article focuses on the major federal and provincial benefit payments with published payment dates still scheduled before August ends, including exact dates, current maximum amounts, how those maximums are calculated, and the remaining payment dates through December 2026.
Table of Contents
CPP Payments
The next Canada Pension Plan payment is confirmed for Thursday, August 27, 2026, verified against the official benefits payment calendar published by the Government of Canada.
CPP amounts for 2026 reflect a 2% annual indexation that took effect with the January 28 deposit and applies to every monthly payment throughout the calendar year.
This indexation was calculated by comparing the average Consumer Price Index for the 12 months ending October 2025 against the same period one year earlier.
Unlike OAS, which adjusts quarterly, CPP adjusts only once each January.
Maximum New CPP Benefit Amounts Beginning January 2026
CPP Benefit Type Maximum Monthly Amount Retirement pension (starting at age 65) $1,507.65 Disability benefit $1,741.20 Survivor’s pension (age 65 and older) $904.59 Survivor’s pension (under age 65) $803.54 Children’s benefit $307.81 Post-retirement benefit (at age 65) $54.69 Death benefit (one-time lump sum, up to $5,000 in limited cases) $2,500 Source: Government of Canada CPP pensions and benefits monthly amounts These are the published maximums for new benefits beginning in January 2026, though maximum new-benefit amounts can increase during the year as the CPP enhancement phases in.
The $1,507.65 maximum applies only to individuals who begin a new CPP retirement pension at age 65 with a full contribution history at the maximum pensionable earnings level for approximately 39 years.
Most Canadians receive closer to the $877.01 average for new beneficiaries at age 65 because contribution gaps from school, unemployment, caregiving, or part-time work reduce the calculated amount.
The Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings for 2026 is $74,600, and the Year’s Additional Maximum Pensionable Earnings sits at $85,000 for the CPP2 second additional contribution tier.
Workers earning above $74,600 also contribute to CPP2, which will eventually increase future benefit amounts as the enhancement continues phasing in.
Remaining CPP Payment Dates In 2026
Payment Date Notes September 25, 2026 Ninth month at 2% indexed rate October 28, 2026 Tenth month at 2% indexed rate November 26, 2026 Eleventh month at 2% indexed rate December 22, 2026 Early December deposit before holidays OAS, GIS, And Allowance Payments
The next OAS deposit arrives on Thursday, August 27, 2026, on the same day as CPP, reflecting the July-to-September 2026 quarterly rates confirmed by the Government of Canada.
OAS benefits are adjusted quarterly in January, April, July, and October to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index.
The 1.2% July increase followed a 0.3% January adjustment and a 0.1% April adjustment, and was the largest quarterly increase at the time it was applied.
The Government of Canada has already confirmed a 1.4% increase for the October-to-December 2026 quarter, which will push OAS and GIS rates even higher starting with the October 28 deposit.
Maximum OAS And GIS Amounts For July To September 2026
Benefit Maximum Monthly Amount Key Eligibility OAS pension (age 65 to 74) $751.97 40 years Canadian residence after age 18 OAS pension (age 75 and older) $827.17 Includes 10% enhancement since July 2022 GIS (single, widowed, or divorced) $1,123.17 Annual income below $22,800 excl. OAS GIS (spouse receives full OAS) $676.09 Combined income below $30,096 Allowance (age 60 to 64) $1,428.06 Spouse receives OAS and GIS Allowance for the Survivor $1,702.34 Widowed, age 60 to 64, income below $30,696 A single senior aged 65 to 74 with no other income could receive a combined OAS and GIS payment of approximately $1,875.14 per month ($751.97 plus $1,123.17).
A single senior aged 75 and older with no other income could receive approximately $1,950.34 per month ($827.17 plus $1,123.17), representing the highest combined monthly amount the program has reached.
For a single recipient, GIS generally declines as countable income rises, with the supplement reaching zero once annual income other than OAS exceeds $22,800. The exact reduction rate and income threshold vary by marital situation, and employment or self-employment earnings receive partial exemption treatment in the calculation.
Published OAS rates do not decrease solely because the CPI falls, though an individual’s payment can still change due to income, residency, or eligibility factors.
The OAS recovery tax begins when 2025 net world income exceeds $93,454 for the July 2026 to June 2027 repayment period.
Remaining OAS, GIS, And Allowance Payment Dates In 2026
Payment Date Quarterly Rate Period September 25, 2026 July to September 2026 rates (1.2% increase) October 28, 2026 October to December 2026 rates (1.4% increase) November 26, 2026 October to December 2026 rates December 22, 2026 October to December 2026 rates All The Provincial Benefit Payments In August 2026
ODSP Payments For Ontarians
The next ODSP payment is confirmed for Monday, August 31, 2026, the last business day of the month.
This is the second ODSP payment at the higher rates following the 1.9% inflation-based adjustment that took effect on July 1, 2026.
The 1.9% increase pushed the single-person maximum to $1,436 per month in combined basic needs and shelter support.
Ontario has formally exempted the federal Canada Disability Benefit from ODSP income calculations, meaning eligible recipients can collect both the maximum $204.20 CDB and full ODSP without any provincial reduction.
A single ODSP recipient who also qualifies for the maximum CDB can receive up to $1,640.20 per month from those two programs combined.
Ontario Works recipients will also receive their payment on August 31, covering September 2026 living expenses under the standard provincial schedule.
A single person on Ontario Works receives up to $733 per month at maximum, and Ontario Works rates have remained frozen since 2018, with no inflation indexation applied.
Ontario Works families with children may also receive the Ontario Child Benefit separately, which adds up to $1,759.92 per child per year through the CRA.
ODSP and Ontario Works payment dates are published by the Ontario government on the official Ontario Disability Support Program page, while federal benefits follow separate federal payment calendars.
Recipients should bookmark their MyBenefits account to track individual payment status and confirm deposit amounts before each scheduled date.
British Columbia Income And Disability Assistance
B.C.’s income and disability assistance payment for September 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
A single person with the Persons with Disabilities designation receives up to $1,483.50 per month, combining the support allowance and shelter allowance into one deposit.
B.C. maintains an Annual Earnings Exemption of $16,200 for single PWD recipients, and employment income up to that amount does not reduce provincial benefits.
B.C. has confirmed that federal Canada Disability Benefit payments are fully exempt from PWD income calculations, allowing recipients to collect both without any reduction.
A single PWD recipient also receiving the maximum $204.20 CDB can collect up to $1,687.70 per month from provincial and federal disability support combined.
Recipients can verify their payment information through the My Self Serve portal or by calling the Ministry phone line at 1-866-866-0800.
Alberta’s AISH, ADAP, Income Support, And ACFB
Alberta’s next AISH, ADAP, and Income Support payment is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2026, covering the September 2026 assistance period.
AISH payments are issued four business days before the first of each month, covering the following month’s living expenses.
The maximum monthly AISH living allowance remains $1,940 for a single recipient.
In July 2026, existing AISH clients transitioned to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program, commonly known as ADAP, except for specified groups that remained on AISH unless they chose ADAP.
ADAP provides $1,740 per month as the base rate, and clients who transitioned from AISH receive a $200 monthly transition benefit that maintains their payments at the $1,940 level through December 31, 2027.
AISH and ADAP child benefit rates are $300 for the first child, $117 for the second, $88 for the third, $59 for the fourth, and $30 for each additional child.
Starting with the August 2026 benefit period, households where two adults both receive disability income assistance will each receive 88% of the maximum individual benefit.
Alberta claws back CDB payments dollar-for-dollar from AISH and ADAP, meaning the federal $204.20 CDB does not result in additional net income for Alberta disability recipients.
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit will also issue its next quarterly payment on August 27 at the newly indexed rates, administered by the CRA on behalf of Alberta.
Recipients can verify their payment information through the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 or through their local AISH office.
Manitoba’s Employment And Income Assistance
Manitoba’s Employment and Income Assistance direct deposit payment is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026.
EIA provides financial assistance for basic needs and shelter to eligible Manitoba residents who are unable to meet their essential living costs through employment or other sources.
The program serves both general assistance recipients and persons with disabilities, with higher rates available for those assessed as having a disability.
Manitoba has confirmed that federal Canada Disability Benefit payments are exempt from EIA income calculations for eligible recipients.
Recipients who receive payments by cheque should allow additional processing time beyond the August 27 direct deposit date.
Saskatchewan’s SIS And SAID
Saskatchewan direct deposits for the Saskatchewan Income Support and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability programs are scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026.
SAID provides higher income support for eligible residents with significant and enduring disabilities, while SIS covers eligible residents who need help with basic living costs.
Mailed cheques are typically sent several business days before the direct deposit date to allow for postal delivery time.
Recipients should confirm their account details through the provincial online portal or contact their local office if their payment has not arrived within two business days.
Nova Scotia’s Income Assistance
Nova Scotia Income Assistance payments for September 2026 are expected to arrive between August 27 and August 31, 2026.
The exact deposit date within this window depends on whether recipients use direct deposit or receive payments by cheque.
Nova Scotia Income Assistance supports eligible residents who need financial help to cover basic needs including food, shelter, and personal expenses.
Recipients should contact their local Department of Community Services office if their payment has not arrived by the end of the expected window.
Newfoundland And Labrador’s Disability Benefit
The next Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit payment is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026, making it the earliest provincial payment in this final August stretch.
The NLDB provides up to $400 per month, which works out to $4,800 annually, for eligible residents aged 18 to 64 who hold a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate on file with the CRA.
The full $400 per month is paid when adjusted family net income is below $29,402. A partial benefit is available from $29,402 to $42,404 for an individual or a couple where one person qualifies for the DTC, and up to $55,404 where both members of a couple qualify.
In families where both spouses qualify for the DTC, each partner can receive the NLDB, but the combined household benefit of $800 per month applies only when income is low enough to support the full amount for both recipients.
The NLDB is fully funded by the provincial government but administered and paid through the CRA. No separate application is required beyond holding a valid DTC certificate and filing your income tax return.
PEI Social Programs
PEI Social Programs payments for September 2026 are scheduled for Monday, August 31, 2026, covering the following month’s living expenses.
PEI’s social assistance program provides financial support for basic needs to eligible Island residents who are unable to meet their essential costs through other means.
Recipients receiving payments by direct deposit should see funds arrive on the morning of August 31, while cheque recipients should allow standard postal delivery time.
Summary Of Remaining August 2026 Benefit Payments
Date Benefit Program Administered By August 25 Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit Provincial (paid by CRA) August 26 Alberta AISH, ADAP & Income Support Provincial (Alberta) August 26 B.C. Income Assistance & Disability Assistance Provincial (B.C.) August 27 CPP Retirement, Disability, Survivor & Children’s Benefits Federal (Service Canada) August 27 OAS, GIS, Allowance & Allowance for Survivor Federal (Service Canada) August 27 Alberta Child and Family Benefit Provincial (paid by CRA) August 27 Manitoba EIA (direct deposit) Provincial (Manitoba) August 27–31 Nova Scotia Income Assistance Provincial (Nova Scotia) August 28 Saskatchewan SIS & SAID (direct deposit) Provincial (Saskatchewan) August 31 Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Provincial (Ontario) August 31 Ontario Works (September benefit) Provincial (Ontario) August 31 PEI Social Programs (September benefit) Provincial (PEI) Direct deposit recipients will typically see funds in their bank accounts on the morning of each scheduled date listed above.
Canadians who receive payments by cheque should allow five to ten additional business days for mail delivery after each official date.
How To Verify Your Payment Amounts Before Each Deposit
Filing your 2025 income tax return was the single most important step for the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year.
For income-tested tax-based benefits calculated using 2025 income, including the CCB, CDB, OTB, CGEB, ACWB, and NLDB, an unassessed return is the most common cause of paused or reduced payments.
CRA-administered benefits including the CCB, OTB, CGEB, ACWB, and NLDB can all be reviewed through CRA My Account.
Service Canada payments, including CPP, OAS, GIS, the CDB, and the Allowances, can be reviewed through My Service Canada Account.
Provincial disability recipients should check their respective portals: MyBenefits for ODSP in Ontario, My Self Serve for B.C., or the Alberta Supports Contact Centre for AISH and ADAP.
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit do not have scheduled payments in August.
The next CGEB quarterly deposit lands on October 5, 2026, and the next ACWB advance payment arrives on October 9, 2026, as confirmed in our ACWB payment increase guide.
OAS rates will increase again for the October-to-December 2026 quarter, with the Government of Canada already confirming a 1.4% adjustment that represents the largest quarterly increase of the year.
The first payment at October-to-December rates will arrive on October 28, 2026, applying to OAS, GIS, the Allowance, and the Allowance for the Survivor.
Eligible CDB recipients will receive a one-time supplemental payment of $150 starting in September 2026, designed to help offset the cost of obtaining a Disability Tax Credit certification.
The next Canada Child Benefit deposit is September 18, 2026, continuing the 2% indexed rates that took effect in July with maximums of $679.75 per month for children under six and $573.58 for children aged six to 17.
Mark August 25, 26, 27, 28, and 31 on your calendar to track every remaining benefit payment this month.
Verify your payment amounts through CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account before each deposit date to confirm your calculations match expectations.
If a payment does not arrive on its scheduled date, allow normal processing time before contacting the administering agency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I receive CPP and OAS on the same day?
Yes, CPP and OAS are separate programs that deposit on the same monthly date, and most Canadian seniors receive both on August 27, 2026.
CPP is based on employment contributions during your working years, while OAS is based on years of Canadian residence after age 18, as detailed in our July 2026 benefit payments guide.
Will the October 2026 OAS increase apply to GIS as well?
Yes, the confirmed 1.4% quarterly adjustment for October-to-December 2026 applies to all OAS benefit categories, including the basic pension, GIS, the Allowance, and the Allowance for the Survivor.
The first payment at the higher rates will arrive on October 28, 2026.
Does the Canada Disability Benefit reduce my provincial disability payments?
Treatment varies by province. Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba exempt the CDB from relevant provincial income-assistance calculations, while Alberta treats the CDB as non-exempt income and deducts it dollar-for-dollar from AISH and ADAP.
Check with your province or territory to confirm how the CDB is treated under your specific income assistance program before assuming full stacking.
Why is there no CGEB or ACWB payment in August 2026?
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit follows a quarterly schedule with the next deposit on October 5, 2026, while the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit pays three times per year with the next installment on October 9, 2026.
Both programs are administered by the CRA, and eligibility is determined automatically from your most recent income tax return.
What should I do if my benefit payment does not arrive on the scheduled date?
For CRA-administered benefits, the CRA advises waiting five working days for the CCB and ACFB, but ten working days for programs such as the OTB, CGEB, ACWB, and NLDB. For Service Canada payments including CPP, OAS, and CDB, allow several business days before calling.
Check with your bank first to confirm there are no processing delays, and then log into CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account to verify your payment status and banking details.
Fact-Checked: All payment dates, benefit amounts, indexation rates, income thresholds, and eligibility information in this article are verified against official Government of Canada sources, including the canada.ca benefits payment calendar, the OAS payment amounts page, the CPP and OAS monthly amounts page, and published provincial government payment schedules as of August 2026.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Contact Service Canada, the CRA, or a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
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- New US Visa Early Appointments Now Available Across Canada
Last Updated On 15 December 2022, 11:08 PM EST (Toronto Time)The United States Department of State has launched a paid expedited US visa appointment option at the U.S. Embassy and all U.S. consulates in Canada.
Starting August 18, 2026, eligible applicants for B-category visitor and business visas can now pay an additional fee to schedule a consular interview within 10 business days, subject to availability.
The program is voluntary, optional, and separate from the standard visa application process that every applicant must still complete.
Canada is one of six participating locations or missions currently listed in the pilot, which runs through December 31, 2026.
This announcement arrives at a time when travel rules between Canada and the United States have been evolving rapidly throughout 2026.
Here is a complete breakdown of what the expedited appointment costs, who qualifies, how the booking process works, and what applicants in Canada need to know before deciding whether to pay.
Table of Contents
What Is the U.S. Visa Expedited Appointment Pilot
The U.S. Department of State is testing a nonimmigrant visa expedited appointment program at select U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
The pilot allows eligible B visa applicants to pay US$750 per appointment on top of the standard US$185 MRV application fee.
In exchange, the applicant gains access to schedule a consular interview within the next 10 business days, subject to availability.
The program does not change how applications are evaluated or how security screening is conducted.
Every applicant who pays the expedited fee still undergoes the same rigorous vetting that applies to all U.S. visa applications.
Paying the fee secures an earlier appointment only and does not guarantee that a visa will be approved.
The pilot is set to run through December 31, 2026, and the Department of State may add more locations during that period according to the official announcement on travel.state.gov.
Which Locations Are Participating in the Pilot
Six participating missions or embassy locations are currently listed in the expedited appointment pilot, with launch dates confirmed by the Department of State.
- Mission Canada, which includes the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa and all consulates, launched on August 18, 2026.
- Embassy Bogota in Colombia also launched on August 18, 2026.
- Embassy Guatemala City in Guatemala launched on the same date.
- Embassy San Jose in Costa Rica launched on August 18, 2026, as well.
- Embassy Tegucigalpa in Honduras launched alongside the other four new locations on that date.
- Mission Mexico, which includes the embassy and all consulates, was the first location to launch the pilot on July 21, 2026, nearly a month before Canada joined the program.
The Department of State has indicated that additional pilot locations may be announced throughout the testing period.
How Much the Expedited Appointment Costs
The expedited appointment fee is US$750 per applicant, charged in addition to the standard US$185 MRV nonimmigrant visa application fee.
This means the total minimum cost for an expedited B visa appointment in Canada is US$935 before any other expenses.
The US$750 fee is per person, so a family of four applying together would pay US$3,000 in expedited fees plus US$740 in standard MRV fees for a combined total of US$3,740.
The system does allow group applicants to separate their booking so that only some members pay the expedited fee.
The expedited appointment fee is not refundable under any circumstances, including visa refusal.
If an applicant misses the expedited appointment, the fee is forfeited entirely with no option to reschedule.
Payment must be completed within 10 minutes of selecting an expedited appointment slot, or the reservation expires.
Who Qualifies for the Paid Expedite Option
The expedited appointment option is currently limited to applicants applying for B visas, which cover tourist and business travel to the United States.
Applicants must first complete the standard process of paying the US$185 MRV fee and scheduling a regular interview appointment at a participating post.
Only applicants who already hold a future interview appointment and have an unexpired MRV fee receipt can access the Paid Expedite option.
The option appears inside the applicant’s online scheduling account under a tab labelled “Request Expedite” followed by “Paid Expedite.”
If the Paid Expedite option does not appear, the program may not be available at that location, expedited slots may not currently be available, or the applicant may not meet all eligibility criteria.
Applicants who were denied a regular emergency appointment request can still access the Paid Expedite if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Renewal applicants who qualify for the interview waiver process cannot use the Paid Expedite because they do not have a scheduled interview.
How To Book an Expedited Appointment in Canada
The booking process begins with the standard visa application steps that every B visa applicant must follow.
First, the applicant completes the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form and receives a confirmation page.
Next, the applicant pays the US$185 MRV fee and schedules a regular interview appointment at a U.S. consular post in Canada.
After the regular appointment is confirmed, the applicant signs into their scheduling account and clicks “Continue.”
The applicant then selects “Request Expedite” and looks for the “Paid Expedite” option on the next screen.
If expedited appointments are available, a list of open dates and times within the next 10 business days will appear.
The applicant selects one slot and must complete the US$750 payment within 10 minutes to lock in the appointment.
Once confirmed, the expedited appointment date and time cannot be changed, which makes it essential to choose carefully before paying.
Applicants who secure an expedited appointment may also select one of the premium passport delivery options at no additional cost, if available.
What the Expedited Appointment Does Not Guarantee
The Department of State has emphasized multiple times that the US$750 fee purchases an earlier interview slot and nothing more.
Paying the expedited fee does not guarantee that a visa will be issued at the interview.
Every applicant must still demonstrate eligibility to the consular officer under U.S. immigration law, regardless of what they paid.
The same thorough screening and vetting process applies to expedited applicants as it does to everyone in the regular queue.
If the visa is refused, the US$750 expedited fee is not refundable and cannot be transferred to another application.
This distinction matters for applicants who may assume that paying a premium fee signals preferential treatment during the adjudication process.
The Department of State has framed the pilot as a tool for managing appointment demand rather than a priority processing lane.
Strict Cancellation and No-Show Rules Apply
Expedited appointments come with significantly stricter rules than standard appointment bookings.
Once an expedited appointment is scheduled, it cannot be rescheduled to a different date or time.
If an applicant misses a Paid Expedite appointment and the MRV fee was paid less than one year ago, they may be able to reschedule into a regular appointment slot without paying another MRV fee.
To schedule another Paid Expedite appointment after a missed one, another US$750 expedited fee is required.
Cancelling a Paid Expedite appointment also forfeits the expedited fee entirely.
In both cases, the US$750 is non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of the reason for the cancellation or absence.
These rigid policies make it critical for applicants to confirm their travel plans, gather all required documentation, and verify their availability before committing.
Why the Pilot Launch Matters for Applicants in Canada
The Department of State has not publicly stated why Canada was selected for the pilot.
However, the launch comes while regular B1/B2 appointment waits at several Canadian consular posts remain exceptionally long.
As of the Department of State’s August 17 update on global visa wait times, the next available B1/B2 appointment was approximately 24 months away in Toronto, 16 months in Vancouver, and 13.5 months in Ottawa.
A paid appointment potentially within 10 business days compared to a regular next-available appointment listed at 24 months in Toronto illustrates the scale of the gap this pilot addresses.
Canadian citizens generally do not need a U.S. nonimmigrant visa for tourism or temporary business travel, although certain purposes of travel still require a visa according to the State Department’s guidance for citizens of Canada and Bermuda.
This exemption is separate from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and applies specifically to Canadian and Bermudian nationals.
However, permanent residents of Canada who hold passports from visa-required countries must still apply for a U.S. B visa through the standard consular process.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and other temporary residents in Canada also frequently require U.S. visitor visas for cross-border travel.
The demand for appointments at U.S. consular posts in Canada has been especially high throughout 2026, with multiple policy changes affecting border crossing procedures and documentation requirements.
For eligible applicants who need to travel sooner, the US$750 option can provide access to an appointment within the next 10 business days when Paid Expedite slots are available.
The option may be particularly useful for applicants with time-sensitive travel that does not meet the regular emergency-appointment criteria, as well as eligible applicants whose emergency appointment requests were denied.
Applicants should weigh the US$750 cost against the urgency of their travel and the likelihood of securing a regular appointment within their needed timeline.
Those without urgent travel needs may prefer to wait for standard appointment availability, especially given the strict no-refund and no-reschedule policies attached to the expedited option.
How To Succeed With the Paid Expedite Application
Preparation is essential because the 10-minute payment window and no-reschedule policy leave zero room for error during the booking process.
Complete and submit the DS-160 form accurately before attempting to schedule any appointment, since errors on the form can delay the interview itself.
Pay the US$185 MRV fee and schedule a regular appointment first, because the Paid Expedite option only becomes visible after this step.
Have your payment method ready before clicking on the expedited appointment screen, since you have only 10 minutes to finalize.
Choose a date and time you are absolutely certain you can attend, because the appointment cannot be moved once confirmed.
Follow the document instructions provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your application.
Additional evidence may be requested regarding the purpose of your trip, your intent to depart the United States after the visit, and your ability to cover your travel costs.
Remember that the consular officer evaluates your case on its merits, and the expedited fee has no bearing on the outcome.
If your visa is refused, you forfeit the US$750 with no appeal of the fee itself, though you may reapply for a visa under standard procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Canadian citizens use the expedited appointment pilot?
Canadian citizens generally do not need a U.S. visa for tourism or business travel under a separate exemption from the nonimmigrant visa requirement, as outlined in the State Department’s guidance for citizens of Canada and Bermuda. The Paid Expedite option applies specifically to B visa applicants, which typically means permanent residents or temporary residents in Canada who hold passports from visa-required countries.
Is the US$750 expedited fee refunded if my visa is denied?
No, the expedited appointment fee is non-refundable under all circumstances, including visa refusal, cancellation, or a missed appointment. The fee covers the scheduling of an earlier interview only and is completely separate from the visa adjudication decision.
Can I reschedule my Paid Expedite appointment to a different day?
No, paid expedited appointments can only be scheduled once and cannot be rescheduled or changed after confirmation. If you cancel or miss the appointment, you forfeit the US$750 fee and must pay again if you want another expedited slot.
Does paying for the expedited appointment improve my chances of getting a visa?
No, the fee only moves the interview date forward and has no effect on how the consular officer evaluates the application. All applicants undergo the same security screening and eligibility review regardless of whether they booked a standard or expedited appointment.
How long will the expedited appointment pilot run in Canada?
The pilot is scheduled to run through December 31, 2026, at all U.S. consular posts in Canada. The Department of State has not announced whether the program will be extended, made permanent, or expanded to additional visa categories beyond B visas after the pilot period ends.
Fact-Checked: All information in this article has been verified against the official U.S. Department of State announcement published on travel.state.gov as of August 18, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice; consult a licensed immigration professional for guidance specific to your situation.
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- New CRA Rule For Disability Tax Credit Coming In September 2026
Last Updated On 15 December 2022, 11:08 PM EST (Toronto Time)The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced a major change to the Disability Tax Credit application process that takes effect on September 8, 2026.
Starting on that date, versions of Form T2201 from before 2023 will no longer be accepted by the CRA for any new DTC applications.
Canadians who submit a pre-2023 version of the form after the September 8 cutoff will have their application not accepted and will need to submit a new one.
This rule was published in the official tax tips bulletin on June 16, 2026, alongside a second change that restricts how applicants can upload DTC documents through their online CRA account.
Both changes are designed to speed up processing times and reduce the number of incomplete or outdated submissions clogging the system.
These updates arrive at a critical moment because the DTC certificate is a mandatory gateway to several federal programs that millions of Canadians depend on for monthly income support.
Table of Contents
What Changes On September 8, 2026
The revenue agency will stop accepting any version of Form T2201 that was published before 2023.
This means applicants who use a pre-2023 version after the cutoff will have their form not accepted and will need to submit a new application using the current version.
They will then need to download the latest version of Form T2201 from the official canada.ca website, have their medical practitioner complete and sign the form again, and resubmit the entire package.
The latest version includes updated sections that meet current requirements, which is why the agency is phasing out older editions.
Older versions lack these updated fields, which is why the CRA has set a firm cutoff date to phase them out entirely.
CRA Restricts DTC Uploads Through Online Accounts
A second change took effect even earlier, on July 14, 2026, and applies to the Submit Documents feature inside CRA My Account.
Starting on that date, Canadians can no longer use the Submit Documents section to upload new DTC applications or supporting documents on their own initiative.
The Submit Documents portal is now reserved exclusively for situations where the CRA contacts you directly and requests additional information about an existing case.
If the agency needs more details to process your application, it will send a letter through your online account or by mail with a specific case reference number.
That case reference number must be included when you respond through the Submit Documents section, so they can match your response to your existing file.
This restriction means that anyone who had been uploading new DTC applications through the Submit Documents portal will need to switch to the dedicated online DTC application form or submit a paper application by mail instead.
How To Apply Using The Online DTC Form
The CRA strongly recommends using the online DTC application form through My Account because digital submissions are processed faster than paper applications.
The online form automatically uses the latest version, which eliminates any risk of submitting an outdated form that could be rejected after September 8.
It also prevents applicants from accidentally skipping required sections by guiding them through each part of the application step by step.
Both the applicant and their medical practitioner can access the form directly online, which removes the need to print, sign, scan, and mail physical documents.
Canadians who apply online can track the status of their application through their account and receive updates electronically instead of waiting for a letter in the mail.
The Disability Tax Credit web page provides step-by-step instructions for using the digital form.
Paper Applications Still Accepted With The Latest Form
Canadians who prefer to apply by mail can still submit a paper version of Form T2201, but only if they use the 2023 version or a more recent edition.
The latest version is available as a free download from the official canada.ca forms page.
Once the form is fully completed and signed by both the applicant and a qualified medical practitioner, it must be mailed to the nearest tax centre for processing.
Processing times for paper applications typically run longer than digital submissions, so applicants who need their DTC certificate quickly should consider the online option.
Anyone who has already submitted a paper application on an older form before September 8 should not be affected, as the cutoff applies to submissions received after that date.
Why The DTC Certificate Matters For Benefits
A valid DTC certificate is the mandatory entry point for several federal benefit programs that provide monthly income support.
The Canada Disability Benefit requires an approved DTC certificate before any payments can begin, and eligible recipients can currently receive up to $204.20 per month.
A separate one-time supplemental payment of $150 has been confirmed for September 2026 to help offset the cost of obtaining a DTC certificate in the first place.
The Child Disability Benefit, which provides up to $3,480 per year for families with a child who qualifies, also requires a valid DTC certificate on file.
The Registered Disability Savings Plan is another program that depends on DTC approval, offering long-term savings and government matching contributions for eligible Canadians.
In Ontario alone, a successful DTC applicant could receive a combined federal and provincial tax reduction worth hundreds of dollars per year, with the exact amount depending on your taxable income and applicable provincial rates.
Statistics Canada’s Canadian Survey on Disability identified about eight million Canadians aged 15 and older with a disability, and approximately 84% of them did not claim the DTC or receive CPP/QPP disability benefits.
The federal government has backed its reform commitment with $42.5 million in new funding over five years to improve the application experience.
Key Dates To Mark On Your Calendar
July 14, 2026, was the date when the Submit Documents section in My Account stopped accepting voluntary DTC uploads.
September 8, 2026, is the hard deadline after which Form T2201 versions from before 2023 will no longer be accepted.
The next CDB payment after the September 8 cutoff is scheduled for September 17, 2026, which is the third Thursday of the month.
The Canadian benefit payments in August 2026 are already landing in bank accounts under the new 2026-27 benefit year amounts, making timely DTC approval more important than ever.
How To Succeed With Your DTC Application
Download the latest version of Form T2201 from the official canada.ca page or use the online application through your My Account before September 8.
Ask your medical practitioner to complete Part B of the form as thoroughly as possible, because incomplete medical sections are one of the most common reasons for DTC application delays.
Do not use the Submit Documents section in your account to upload a new DTC application, as the system will reject it.
File your 2025 income tax return if you have not already done so, because your tax return data is used to calculate benefit payments for the 2026-27 year.
Keep copies of all submitted documents and any correspondence from the CRA so you can respond quickly if the agency requests additional information.
The service standard is 8 weeks for DTC processing, so applying early gives you the best chance of having your certificate approved before the next round of benefit payments is calculated.
What This Means For Newcomers To Canada
Newcomers who meet the Canada Disability Benefit’s eligibility requirements, including DTC approval and the applicable 2025 tax-filing requirements, may qualify for the benefit.
Temporary residents, including work permit holders and international students, may qualify for the CDB if they have lived in Canada throughout the previous 18 months and meet all other requirements.
New permanent residents may be eligible for some benefits upon arrival, but each program has its own eligibility rules, including tax filing, residency, and age requirements.
Filing your first Canadian tax return is the most important step for newcomers because this information is used to assess eligibility for all federal and provincial benefits.
The DTC application process is the same for newcomers as it is for all other Canadian residents, but newcomers should confirm eligibility directly with the CRA or Service Canada before applying.
The September 8 deadline leaves limited time for Canadians still using older versions of Form T2201 to switch to the current edition.
Applying online through online My Account is the fastest way to avoid delays and ensure your form meets the updated requirements.
A valid DTC certificate remains the single most important document for accessing the Canada Disability Benefit and other federal disability programs.
Canadians who act before the cutoff can protect their eligibility and avoid the added cost and time of having a medical practitioner complete the form a second time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still submit a paper DTC application after September 8, 2026?
Yes, paper applications are still accepted after September 8 as long as you use Form T2201 version 2023 or later, which is available for free download on the official canada.ca forms page.
What happens if I already submitted an older form before the deadline?
Applications submitted on older forms before September 8, 2026, should be processed normally, as the rejection rule applies only to submissions received on or after that date.
Why can I no longer upload DTC documents through the Submit Documents section?
The CRA restricted this feature starting July 14, 2026, because it was being used to submit new DTC applications, which the section was never designed to handle and which slowed down processing for everyone.
How long does the CRA take to process a DTC application?
The official service standard is eight weeks, and online submissions generally move through the system faster than paper applications mailed to a tax centre.
Do I need a DTC certificate to receive the Canada Disability Benefit?
Yes, an approved DTC certificate is mandatory for the Canada Disability Benefit, the Child Disability Benefit, and the Registered Disability Savings Plan, making it one of the most important documents for Canadians with disabilities.
Fact-check: All dates, eligibility rules, and procedural changes referenced in this article are verified against the official CRA tax tips bulletin published on canada.ca on June 16, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this information.
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- Canada’s Family Sponsorship Special Public Policy Ends Next Month
Last Updated On 15 December 2022, 11:08 PM EST (Toronto Time)A special public policy that has allowed eligible Canadian permanent residents to sponsor family members to Canada they never declared on their original immigration applications is set to expire on September 10, 2026.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will stop accepting applications under this public policy for undeclared family members once the deadline passes, and there is no guarantee that the federal government will issue another extension.
Eligible sponsors who have not yet submitted their applications have about three weeks to act before this pathway closes.
The stakes are high for affected families because without this policy, a lifetime ban on sponsoring those undeclared relatives snaps back into effect under federal immigration regulations.
Table of Contents
What Is This Public Policy
Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, anyone applying for permanent residence must declare all family members at the time of their application, even if those family members are not travelling to Canada.
The declared family members must also complete medical examinations and pass background and security checks before the principal applicant can receive permanent resident status.
If a permanent resident failed to declare a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child during their original application, paragraphs 117(9)(d) and 125(1)(d) of the Regulations impose a permanent lifetime ban on ever sponsoring that person to Canada through the family class.
Stakeholders and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration raised serious concerns about the disproportionate impact of this lifetime bar, particularly on children who had no say in their parent’s application decisions.
In response, IRCC introduced a pilot project through a public policy on September 9, 2019, creating a temporary exemption from the lifetime sponsorship bar for eligible applicants.
A second public policy followed in September 2021 to maintain the exemption during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current consecutive public policy took effect on September 10, 2023, signed by then-Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Marc Miller under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
This consecutive policy carries the same eligibility criteria as its predecessors and was designed to allow the department to gather comprehensive data on the population using the exemption while considering potential amendments to immigration legislation.
The policy applies to applications IRCC receives between May 31, 2019, and September 10, 2026, covering the full span of all three consecutive policies.
Who Is Eligible To Sponsor Under This Policy
The public policy exempts specific categories of sponsors from the lifetime bar, but it does not open the door for everyone who failed to declare a family member.
To qualify, the undeclared family member must be applying to be sponsored as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child.
The sponsor must have originally obtained their permanent residence through one of four specific pathways.
The first eligible category covers sponsors who were admitted as Convention refugees or persons in similar circumstances under Canada’s resettlement programs.
The second covers sponsors who received permanent residence after being determined to be a protected person through Canada’s asylum and refugee protection system.
The third applies to sponsors who were themselves sponsored as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child under the family class.
The fourth covers sponsors who came to Canada as a sponsored spouse or common-law partner under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.
IRCC selected these categories because they represent the most vulnerable populations affected by the sponsorship bar and pose minimal risk to program integrity.
The department’s reasoning is that undeclared family members of these sponsors would not have been subject to the excessive demand provisions on health or social services under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in most cases.
These family members would also generally not have been subject to income requirements, meaning their existence would have had limited impact on whether the sponsor’s original permanent residence application succeeded.
Who Cannot Be Sponsored Under This Policy
The policy draws a firm line against cases where the undeclared family member’s existence would have made the sponsor ineligible to immigrate to Canada under the program they originally used.
A sponsor who came to Canada as someone else’s spouse but was actually married to or in a common-law relationship with the undeclared family member at that time cannot use this policy.
A sponsor who arrived as a dependent child on a parent’s application but was married or in a common-law relationship at the time of that application is also excluded.
Sponsors who obtained permanent residence through a program that required them to be single with no dependents cannot sponsor previously undeclared family members under this policy either.
These exclusions exist because declaring the family member at the time of the original application would have disqualified the sponsor entirely, and the policy is not intended to override that fundamental eligibility barrier.
All standard admissibility requirements that are not specifically exempted by this policy continue to apply in full, including criminal inadmissibility, medical inadmissibility, and security screening.
How To Apply Before The Deadline
IRCC has confirmed that there is no separate or special application process for sponsoring undeclared family members under this public policy.
Eligible sponsors must submit their applications through the normal process to sponsor a spouse, partner, or child, and IRCC officers will determine eligibility for the public policy exemption during processing.
The critical factor is that IRCC must receive the application by September 10, 2026.
Spouse, partner and child sponsorship applications must generally be submitted online through the Permanent Residence Portal.
Paper applications are available only where IRCC approves an alternate-format request, including for applicants requiring accommodation. Standard family sponsorship fees apply.
The Right of Permanent Residence Fee increased to $600 on April 30, 2026, for applicants who are required to pay it, while dependent children are exempt from the RPRF.
Sponsors who reside in Quebec must also obtain a sponsorship undertaking from the provincial government, as that requirement is not waived by this federal public policy.
What Happens To Applications Already In Process
Applicants who have already submitted a sponsorship application for an undeclared family member do not need to take any additional action.
IRCC has confirmed that all applications pending on the day the policy expires will be processed in accordance with the public policy provisions, regardless of whether a final decision is reached before September 10.
This means that spousal sponsorship applications currently sitting in the processing queue will still receive the benefit of the exemption even if processing extends well beyond the expiry date.
Current IRCC processing times for spousal sponsorship outside Quebec stand at 17 months for outland applications and 27 months for inland applications, meaning many applications filed now will not receive a decision until 2028.
The fact that pending applications are grandfathered under the policy is significant because it removes the urgency of obtaining a decision before the deadline and shifts the focus entirely to getting the application filed in time.
What Happens If Your Previous Application Was Refused
Sponsors whose applications to sponsor undeclared family members were refused before the original policy took effect on May 31, 2019, are eligible to submit a new application under the current public policy.
This provision gives a second chance to sponsors who were previously barred under the lifetime ban and whose family members now meet the eligibility conditions of the public policy.
However, the new application must still be received by IRCC by September 10, 2026, or the sponsor will lose this opportunity.
Why The September 10 Deadline Matters
This public policy has been extended twice since its original launch in 2019, but there is no official indication from IRCC or the current immigration minister that a fourth consecutive policy will follow.
The federal government’s current immigration priorities are focused on reducing temporary resident numbers, tightening asylum processing under Bill C-12, and meeting the 380,000 annual permanent residence target under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
IRCC’s own policy document states that the department intended to use this consecutive policy period to gather data on the population utilizing the exemption and to consider potential amendments to immigration legislation.
If the government concludes that a regulatory amendment to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations is warranted, the lifetime bar under paragraphs 117(9)(d) and 125(1)(d) could be permanently modified or removed.
But if no regulatory change is made and no new public policy is issued, the lifetime ban on sponsoring undeclared family members returns in full force on September 11, 2026.
The original policy document also carries a standard clause noting that this public policy may be cancelled at any time, which means the government retains the discretion to end it even before the scheduled expiry date.
How To Succeed With Your Application Before The Deadline
The single most important step is filing your complete sponsorship application by September 10, 2026.
Confirm that you meet the sponsor eligibility requirements before submitting, because an incomplete or ineligible application will be returned and may not be resubmitted in time.
Gather all required supporting documents, including proof of your original permanent residence pathway and evidence of your relationship with the undeclared family member.
For this public policy, the critical factor is the receipt date, because IRCC must receive an eligible application by September 10, 2026.
Online submission is required for these applications unless IRCC has provided an alternate application format as an accommodation.
Sponsors in Quebec should contact the provincial immigration ministry immediately to initiate the Quebec undertaking process, as that provincial requirement runs on its own timeline independent of the federal deadline.
Consider consulting a regulated Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer if you are unsure whether your specific circumstances qualify under the policy, especially given the new regulatory framework governing immigration professionals that took effect in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the deadline to apply under the undeclared family members public policy?
IRCC must receive your sponsorship application by September 10, 2026, for it to be processed under the public policy exemption.
Will IRCC extend this public policy again after September 10, 2026?
There is no official confirmation from IRCC or the immigration minister that a fourth consecutive policy will be issued, so applicants should treat September 10 as a firm deadline.
Do I need to use a special application form to sponsor an undeclared family member?
No, you apply through the standard spousal, partner, or child sponsorship process and IRCC determines public policy eligibility during processing.
What happens to my application if it is still being processed after September 10?
Applications received before the deadline will continue to be processed under the public policy provisions even if a decision is not reached until after the policy expires.
Can sponsors who obtained permanent residence through Express Entry or the Federal Skilled Worker Program use this policy?
No, the policy only applies to sponsors who received permanent residence as refugees, protected persons, or through family class sponsorship as a spouse, partner, or dependent child.
Fact-Checked: All information in this article has been verified against the official IRCC public policy document published on canada.ca, the IRCC undeclared family members guidance page, and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations as of August 20, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently, so verify all requirements directly on canada.ca before applying.
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- New IRCC Processing Times As Of August 2026
Last Updated On 15 December 2022, 11:08 PM EST (Toronto Time)Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released its latest processing time data on August 19, 2026, and the headline number is impossible to ignore.
Citizenship certificate processing has now reached 25 months, climbing by another six months in a single reporting cycle, while the queue added 22,300 applicants to reach approximately 121,800 people.
That figure stood at just three months in March 2026, meaning this category has added roughly 22 months of processing time in barely five months.
On the other side of the ledger, the Federal Skilled Worker Program improved to six months for the first time this year, and the CEC queue shrank by 1,800 applicants even as the processing time held steady at six months.
The most alarming reversal in the weekly data is visitor record extensions, which spiked to 419 days, a jump of 103 days from the last week’s update and 268 days above January 28.
IRCC calculates these timelines using actual applicant outcomes, reporting the window within which 80% of applicants received a decision.
Monthly categories like citizenship, permanent residency, and family sponsorship were refreshed on August 10.
Weekly categories like visitor visas, study permits, work permits, and PR cards were last updated on August 19.
The August data arrives amid a busy month for Canadian immigration, including the opening of the Ontario Workforce Priority stream on August 4 and a new Express Entry draw cluster that began the same week.
Applicants who submit incomplete documentation remain one of the leading refusal reasons across all the immigration categories, making thorough preparation essential during these processing windows.
Below is a full breakdown of every processing time in the August 2026 release.
Table of Contents
Citizenship Processing Times (Updated monthly)
Application Type People Waiting (Change) Processing Time (August 10, 2026) Change Since Last Month Citizenship grant ~328,200 (+2,000) 12 months No change Citizenship certificate* ~121,800 (+22,300) 25 months +6 months Resumption of citizenship Not available Not enough data No change Renunciation of citizenship Not available 4 months -3 months Search of citizenship records Not available 17 months No change IRCC is currently sending acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) notices for citizenship applications that were submitted on or around March 19, 2026.
* Applicants residing outside Canada or the United States may face longer processing windows.
Permanent Resident Card Processing Times (Updated weekly)
Application Type Processing Time (August 19, 2026) Change since last week Change Since January 21 New PR card 40 days -1 day -22 days PR card renewal 41 days -1 day +12 days Family Sponsorship Processing Times (Updated monthly)
Category People Waiting (Change) Processing Time (August 10, 2026) Change Since Last Month Spouse/common-law outside Canada (non-Quebec) ~58,000 (+3,900) 17 months No change Spouse/common-law outside Canada (Quebec) ~19,000 (+400) 33 months No change Spouse/common-law inside Canada (non-Quebec) ~56,800 (-100) 27 months No change Spouse/common-law inside Canada (Quebec) ~14,000 (+300) 32 months No change Parents/grandparents (non-Quebec) ~39,000 (-1,400) 29 months -1 month Parents/grandparents (Quebec) ~10,400 (-100) 64 months -1 month Humanitarian and Compassionate And Protected Persons (Updated monthly)
Category People Waiting (Change) Processing Time (August 10, 2026) Change Since Last Month H&C outside Quebec ~55,800 (+1,300) More than 10 years No change H&C in Quebec ~20,100 (+400) More than 10 years No change Protected persons inside Canada (outside Quebec) ~92,200 (-6,100) About 13 months -1 month Protected persons inside Canada (in Quebec) ~41,900 (+1,000) More than 120 months No change Dependents of protected persons (outside Quebec) ~60,700 (-100) About 40 months +2 months Dependents of protected persons (in Quebec) ~22,400 (+300) More than 10 years No change Canadian Passport Processing Times
Application Type Current Processing Time Change New passport (in person, Canada) 10 business days No change New passport (mail, Canada) 20 business days No change Urgent pickup Next business day No change Express pickup 2–9 business days No change Passport mailed from outside Canada 20 business days No change Permanent Residency Processing Times (Updated monthly)
Category People Waiting (Change) Processing Time (August 10, 2026) Change Since Last Month Canadian Experience Class (CEC) ~59,700 (-1,800) 6 months No change Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) ~52,400 (-3,400) 6 months -1 month Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) Not available Not enough data No change PNP (Express Entry) ~11,800 (-300) 7 months No change Non-Express Entry PNP ~102,400 (-1,400) 13 months +1 month Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) ~21,200 (-1,000) 11 months No change Quebec Business Class ~3,700 (No change) 75 months No change Federal Self-Employed ~8,000 (-100) More than 10 years No change Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) ~12,100 (-200) 26 months No change Start Up Visa ~47,600 (+100) More than 10 years No change Temporary Visa Processing Times (Updated weekly)
IRCC updates temporary residence processing times on a weekly basis, and the figures below reflect data as of August 19, 2026.
We will update this section as soon as IRCC publishes new weekly data, so check back regularly for the latest numbers.
Visitor Visas From Outside Canada
Country Processing Time (August 19, 2026) Change since last week Change Since January 28, 2026 India 31 days +4 days -51 days United States 21 days No change -4 days Nigeria 76 days +8 days +36 days Pakistan 75 days +27 days +19 days Philippines 21 days +5 days +5 days Visitor Visa From Inside Canada
Visitor visa applications filed from inside Canada now take 12 days, 9 days lower compared to the last week.
Visitor Record Extension
Visitor record extensions continue to remain high at 419 days, 103 days higher compared to the last week.
This dramatic spike reverses months of gradual decline in this category and signals renewed processing pressure for visitors who have applied to extend their stay in Canada.
Super Visa Processing Times
Country Processing Time (August 19, 2026) Change since last week Change Since January 28, 2026 India 56 days No change -194 days United States 138 days +12 days -49 days Nigeria 53 days +10 days +15 days Pakistan 176 days -9 days +52 days Philippines 107 days +7 days -9 days The super visa timeline for India remains 194 days below its January 2026 level, continuing the strongest sustained improvement in any temporary category this year.
Study Permit Processing Times
Country Processing Time (August 19, 2026) Change since last week Change Since January 28, 2026 India 5 weeks No change No change United States 5 weeks No change No change Nigeria 9 weeks +2 weeks +4 weeks Pakistan 7 weeks No change +3 weeks Philippines 4 weeks -1 week -1 week Study Permit From Inside Canada: Inland study permit applications take 7 weeks; no change since the last week.
Study Permit Extension: Study permit extensions now take 64 days, 6 days lower when compared to the last update and 40 days less than January 28, 2026.
Work Permit Processing Times
Country Processing Time (August 19, 2026) Change Since July 23, 2026 Change Since January 28, 2026 India 9 weeks No change No change United States 2 weeks -1 week -1 week Nigeria 9 weeks +2 weeks +2 weeks Pakistan 7 weeks -18 weeks -13 weeks Philippines 6 weeks No change No change Work Permit From Inside Canada (Initial and Extension): Inland work permits, including extensions, have dropped to 117 days, 2 days lower than the last week, 89 days fewer than the May 20 update, 135 days below March 31, and 119 days below January 28, 2026.
The sustained decline in this category continues to be one of the most significant positive trends in the 2026 processing data.
Other Work Permit Categories
The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program is now at 94 days, 23 days higher than the last week and 83 days higher than the May 20 update.
International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits sit at 7 weeks, no change since the last week, but 4 weeks above March 31.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) approvals continue to arrive within roughly 5 minutes for most travellers, with up to 72 hours required for applicants flagged for additional screening.
The August 2026 IRCC processing times paint a system making steady gains in economic immigration while citizenship certificate processing spirals further out of control.
Inland work permits at 117 days, FSWP improving to six months, CEC queues shrinking, and parents and grandparents sponsorship declining for the fourth straight month are all encouraging signs that IRCC is clearing backlogs in targeted categories.
However, the 419-day visitor record extension spike and the citizenship certificate queue approaching 122,000 applicants suggest that capacity constraints are deepening in several high-volume streams, a pattern that first emerged in the May data and has accelerated since.
August also brings a new CRA benefit payment cycle and the launch of Ontario’s redesigned immigration pathway, adding both financial and policy dimensions to the landscape for newcomers and permanent residents.
Applicants should file early, submit complete documentation, and check their IRCC portals regularly to stay ahead of any requests that could extend their wait.
For the latest developments on Canadian immigration news, evolving policy landscapes, and IRCC processing times, save this page and return regularly as new weekly and monthly data drops throughout 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why has citizenship certificate processing reached 25 months when it was only 3 months in March 2026?
The explosive growth in this category is driven by the Bill C-3 citizenship by descent provisions that came into effect in December 2025. Tens of thousands of Americans and other foreign nationals with Canadian ancestry have filed applications under the expanded eligibility rules, overwhelming a processing stream that was not staffed for this volume. The queue has grown from approximately 50,900 in March to 121,800 in August, adding more than 70,000 applicants in just five months. IRCC processes these applications in the order they are received, and the current staffing allocation has not kept pace with the sustained intake surge.
What is happening with visitor record extensions, and why did they spike to 419 days?
Visitor record extensions jumped by 103 days in a single weekly cycle, reversing months of gradual decline in this category. This spike is likely tied to a seasonal surge in applications from visitors who arrived during the spring and summer travel season and are now seeking to extend their stays. IRCC processes visitor record extensions alongside other temporary residence applications, and competing priorities like study permit season and work permit renewals can divert processing resources away from this category. Visitors waiting for a decision on their extension maintain legal status under implied status rules as long as they applied before their current authorization expired.
Why did Pakistan work permit processing jump from 10 weeks to 25 weeks in the last update?
Single country processing time spikes of this magnitude typically reflect one or more of several factors, including an increased volume of applications requiring additional security screening, a batch of complex cases that required extended review, or a reallocation of processing resources between visa offices. IRCC processes work permit applications through specific visa offices, and processing capacity at the office handling Pakistan applications can fluctuate based on staffing levels and competing application volumes. It is also possible that a temporary processing pause or quality review at the responsible office contributed to the backlog.
How does the FSWP improvement to six months affect Express Entry candidates currently in the pool?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program processing time improvement from seven months to six months signals that IRCC is clearing its FSWP pipeline more efficiently, which is encouraging for candidates who have already received an invitation to apply. The FSWP queue also shrank by 3,400 applicants to approximately 52,400, indicating that IRCC is finalizing more applications than it is receiving in this category. For candidates still in the Express Entry pool waiting for an invitation, the processing time improvement does not directly affect their CRS score or draw eligibility. However, the faster processing pace means that once you receive an invitation and submit your permanent residence application, you can expect a decision in approximately 6 months rather than the 7-month timeline that was in place since April.
Will IRCC update temporary visa processing times again this week?
IRCC updates temporary residence processing times on a weekly basis, typically releasing new data on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. The figures in this article reflect the August 5 data release, and we will update the temporary visa sections as soon as IRCC publishes the next weekly refresh. Weekly updates cover visitor visas, study permits, work permits, super visas, electronic travel authorizations, PR cards, and all related sub categories like inland applications and extensions. Monthly categories like citizenship, family sponsorship, humanitarian and compassionate claims, and permanent residency through economic programs are updated once per month and will next be refreshed in September 2026. Save this page and check back regularly to see the latest weekly numbers as they become available.
Fact-checked: All processing times, queue figures, and comparison data in this article are sourced directly from the official IRCC processing time tool updated on August 10, 2026 (monthly categories) and August 5, 2026 (weekly categories).
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a regulated immigration professional for guidance on your specific case.
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- 7 New Ontario Rent Rules Coming In September 2026
Last Updated On 15 December 2022, 11:08 PM EST (Toronto Time)Ontario tenants who miss a rent payment will face a dramatically shorter window to act starting September 21, 2026.
On that date, the minimum termination period on an N4 notice for non-payment of rent drops from 14 days to 7 days for monthly and yearly tenancies.
The change is part of a second wave of amendments under Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, which received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025.
But the 7-day N4 is only one piece of a much larger September 21 package.
The same proclamation brings a new statutory definition of persistent late payment, a requirement for tenants to pay 50% of arrears before raising certain issues at a non-payment hearing, and a compensation waiver for personal-use evictions with extended notice.
Tribunals Ontario confirmed the September 21, 2026 effective date in its operational update released on June 30, 2026.
This is the same legislation that already delivered a round of changes on July 1, 2026, including the 15-day LTB order review deadline and doubled maximum fines for landlord misconduct.
Table of Contents
7-Day Termination Period Replaces the 14-Day Timeline
The headline change arriving on September 21 is the reduction of the N4 termination period from 14 days to 7 days for monthly and yearly tenancies.
The N4 is the formal Notice to End a Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent that a landlord must serve before filing an eviction application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Under the current rules, a tenant who misses a rent payment receives the N4 and has 14 days before the termination date, at which point the landlord becomes eligible to file an L1 application.
Starting September 21, that termination period shrinks to 7 days.
If the tenant pays the full amount of rent owed before the termination date, the N4 notice becomes void and the landlord cannot proceed.
That core protection remains unchanged. The payment right does not disappear after the termination date.
Under section 74 of the Residential Tenancies Act, a tenant who pays all arrears and any newly due rent before the landlord files the L1 application still voids the notice.
Even after an L1 is filed, payment can still stop the proceeding, subject to the additional amounts required at that stage.
The 7-day change affects the minimum time before a landlord can file, not the tenant’s ability to resolve the matter through payment.
The practical difference is speed in reaching the filing threshold.
Under current rules, a tenant who misses rent on the first of the month and receives an N4 on the second faces a termination date of the sixteenth, and the landlord cannot file the L1 until the seventeenth at the earliest.
Under the new 7-day timeline, the termination date would be the ninth and the earliest L1 filing date would be the tenth.
That is a full week shaved off the process before the hearing backlog even begins.
Landlords who serve a 7-day N4 before September 21, 2026, risk having the notice declared void.
Every N4 served before the effective date must still use the 14-day termination period to be legally valid.
The change applies to all notices served on or after September 21, regardless of when the rent arrears originally accrued.
New Persistent Late Payment Definition
One of the most significant but under-reported changes arriving on September 21 is the new statutory definition of persistent late payment of rent.
O. Reg. 241/26 adds section 8.1 to Ontario Regulation 516/06, establishing for the first time a prescribed definition of what constitutes persistent failure to pay rent on time.
Under the new definition, persistent late payment includes circumstances where a tenant has failed to pay rent within 7 days of the date it becomes due on at least 3 occasions within any 6-month period.
The regulation includes one important exception.
A late payment does not count toward the three-strike threshold if it was solely attributable to the landlord applying a rent payment to another amount owed by the tenant, such as prior arrears.
This definition matters because persistent late payment is a separate ground for eviction under paragraph 1 of subsection 58(1) of the Residential Tenancies Act, served through an N8 notice.
Before this regulation, the LTB had no prescribed definition of what counted as persistent lateness.
Adjudicators used their own discretion, and outcomes varied widely from one hearing to the next.
Some tenants who were late 3 times in 12 months were found persistent, while others who were late 5 times were not.
The new regulation does not eliminate that discretion entirely.
Section 8.1(2) expressly states that persistent late payment may arise in circumstances not set out in the regulation.
The prescribed definition sets a mandatory floor, meaning the LTB must find persistent late payment when the three-strike threshold is met, while still allowing it to make that finding in other fact patterns.
Tenants who pay rent even a few days late on a recurring basis should treat this change as an urgent warning.
Three late payments exceeding 7 days past due within any rolling 6-month window will now meet the statutory test for an N8 notice.
50% Arrears Payment Required Before Raising Tenant Issues
The September 21 package also activates the 50% arrears prepayment requirement under section 82 of the Residential Tenancies Act.
Under the current rules, tenants facing a non-payment hearing can raise their own issues at the hearing, such as maintenance failures, harassment, or illegal entries, without any financial precondition.
Starting September 21, 2026, a tenant who wants to raise these issues at a non-payment hearing must first pay half of the rent arrears that were claimed in the L1 application when it was filed.
O. Reg. 241/26 further specifies that the required payment must be made no later than 7 days before the hearing date.
The right to raise issues is not eliminated.
Tenants can still file separate T2 or T6 applications for maintenance and other complaints independent of the non-payment hearing.
The change adds a financial gate to raising those issues as a defence within the non-payment proceeding itself.
Landlord groups have argued that some tenants raised section 82 issues primarily as a delay tactic rather than a legitimate defence.
Tenant advocacy groups, including the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, have countered that the prepayment requirement makes it harder for low-income tenants to defend themselves against non-payment claims in the same proceeding where the issues are most relevant.
Tenants who receive an L1 hearing notice after September 21 should calculate 50% of the claimed arrears immediately and arrange payment at least 7 days before the scheduled hearing to preserve their right to raise section 82 issues.
N12 Personal-Use Eviction Compensation Waiver
The next major change affects personal-use evictions under section 48 of the Residential Tenancies Act.
Currently, a landlord who serves an N12 notice for their own use or a family member’s use must provide the tenant with at least 60 days of notice and pay one month’s rent as compensation before the termination date.
Starting September 21, 2026, landlords who give at least 120 days of notice on an N12 under section 48 will no longer be required to pay the one-month compensation.
The termination date must still fall on the last day of the tenancy period or the last day of a fixed term.
This waiver applies only to landlord-own-use evictions under section 48.
It does not apply to purchaser-use N12 notices under section 49, which remain subject to the one-month compensation requirement in section 49.1.
This creates a strategic choice for landlords between speed and cost.
A landlord renting a Toronto unit at $3,400 per month saves $3,400 by choosing the 120-day path instead of the standard 60-day path.
A Hamilton landlord charging $1,800 per month saves $1,800 under the same calculation. The tradeoff is timing.
Landlords who choose the 120-day no-compensation path wait an additional 60 days compared to the standard timeline before the tenant is required to vacate.
Until September 21, 2026, the one-month compensation requirement applies to every N12 eviction regardless of notice length.
The good-faith requirement under section 48 of the Residential Tenancies Act remains fully intact.
A landlord cannot use the N12 process to displace a tenant simply to re-rent the unit at a higher price.
The intended occupant must genuinely plan to live in the unit as their primary residence for at least 12 months.
Bad-faith N12 evictions remain subject to T5 applications by displaced tenants at the LTB.
New 60-Day Occupancy Rule
Ontario filed O. Reg. 240/26 on July 21, 2026, introducing a strict deadline that strengthens tenant protections against bad-faith personal-use evictions.
Effective September 21, 2026, the person identified in an N12 eviction notice must occupy the rental unit within 60 days.
If they do not, a rebuttable presumption of bad faith is triggered under a new subsection added to section 57 of the Residential Tenancies Act.
The regulation establishes two different starting points for the 60-day countdown depending on when the tenant actually vacates.
If the tenant vacates on or before the termination date stated in the N12 notice, the 60-day clock starts from that termination date.
If the tenant vacates after the termination date, the 60-day clock starts from the date the tenant actually leaves the unit.
A landlord who triggers the bad-faith presumption carries the burden of proving that the eviction was nevertheless served honestly and in compliance with the Act.
Under section 57, general compensation for a tenant who successfully proves bad faith is capped at the equivalent of 12 months of the former tenant’s last rent, plus other potential remedies.
The LTB can also impose an administrative fine of up to $50,000 in bad-faith eviction cases.
These LTB administrative fines are separate from the maximum court fines of $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations that apply upon conviction for RTA offences.
This rule was designed to address a longstanding complaint from tenant advocacy groups that landlords were using N12 notices with no genuine intention of occupying the unit.
The 60-day deadline gives tenants a concrete and measurable standard against which to evaluate whether their eviction was legitimate.
Renovation Eviction Rules Add New Notification Requirements
The September 21 changes also strengthen tenant protections in renovation and demolition evictions under the N13 notice.
Landlords seeking to end a tenancy for repairs, renovations, or demolition will be required to provide written notifications to the tenant at multiple stages of the project.
These notifications must cover the estimated completion date of the renovations, any changes to that estimated date, and the final date that the unit is ready for re-occupancy.
Tenants will also receive a guaranteed 60-day period to re-occupy the unit after renovations are completed.
If the landlord fails to provide the required notifications or does not give the tenant the full 60 days to return, the tenant can file an application at the LTB for a remedy.
The application would be based on a failure to afford the right of first refusal, a new enforcement mechanism added under Bill 60.
These renovation eviction protections build on earlier municipal efforts, including Toronto’s Rental Renovation Licence requirement that took effect in July 2025.
N13 notices have their own existing compensation rules under sections 52, 54 and 55 of the Residential Tenancies Act, which vary depending on the reason for the eviction and the size of the building.
Those N13 compensation obligations are separate from the N12 compensation waiver and remain unchanged by the September 21 amendments.
Landlords managing active renovation projects should create a written communication log documenting every notification, timeline change, and completion update to protect against future LTB disputes.
What Already Changed In 2026
The September 21 changes are the second wave of a two-part rollout that began on July 1, 2026.
Several significant amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act already took effect on that date.
The window to request a review of an LTB order dropped from 30 days to 15 days on July 1, meaning landlords and tenants now have half the previous time to challenge a board decision.
The document service window for above-guideline increase applications was reduced from 14 days to 7 days, with a certificate of service now due within 5 days after service.
The LTB introduced a mandatory Payment Agreement Form for all repayment plans filed with the board.
Tenants gained the legal right to install a window or portable air conditioning unit with written notice to their landlord, courtesy of Bill 97, the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act.
Maximum fines for RTA offences doubled to $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations.
Ontario previously doubled the RTA offence maximums in 2020, from $25,000 and $100,000 to $50,000 and $250,000.
The July 2026 increase doubled them again to the current levels.
The full breakdown of Ontario law changes that took effect in July 2026 covers every provision that landlords and tenants are now operating under.
What Has Not Changed
Despite the scope of these reforms, several core tenant protections under the Residential Tenancies Act remain fully intact.
A landlord still cannot evict a tenant without a valid legal reason and a formal order from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
An eviction notice alone does not end a tenancy in Ontario.
The tenant always has the right to a hearing before any eviction order can be enforced.
Security of tenure, the legal principle that allows tenants to remain in their homes as long as they follow their lease terms and the Act, remains the foundation of Ontario rental law.
When a fixed-term lease expires, it continues to convert automatically to a month-to-month tenancy under the existing framework.
The 2026 rent increase guideline of 2.1% remains the maximum a landlord can raise rent in a 12-month period without LTB approval for rent-controlled units.
Units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018, remain exempt from rent control, meaning landlords of post-2018 units can raise rent by any amount with 90 days’ written notice.
The right to a safe and well-maintained unit, essential services like heat and water, and the requirement for 24-hour written notice before landlord entry are all unchanged.
What Ontario Tenants Should Do Before September 21
Tenants who are currently behind on rent or at risk of falling behind should prioritize clearing arrears before the September 21 deadline.
Under the new 7-day termination rule, a missed rent payment followed by an N4 notice leaves very little time before a landlord becomes eligible to file at the LTB.
Setting up automatic rent payments through your bank or financial institution eliminates the risk of accidental late payment.
Automatic payments are especially important under the new persistent-late-payment definition, where being more than 7 days late on 3 occasions within 6 months now meets the statutory test for an N8 notice.
Tenants who receive an N4 notice after September 20 should pay the full arrears as quickly as possible to void the notice, ideally before the termination date and certainly before the landlord files the L1.
Any tenant who receives an N12 personal-use eviction notice should immediately verify whether the landlord has paid the required one-month compensation or provided at least 120 days of notice to qualify for the new waiver under section 48.
The new 60-day occupancy rule provides tenants with a concrete timeline to monitor whether the person named in the N12 actually occupies the unit.
Tenants facing renovation evictions under an N13 notice should request written confirmation of the estimated completion date and document every communication with their landlord from this point forward.
Anyone receiving Ontario Works or ODSP payments should speak with their caseworker immediately if they receive any eviction notice, as housing disruption can trigger changes to benefit eligibility.
Ontario tenants receiving ODSP or Ontario Works benefits should be especially vigilant, as losing housing can disrupt support services.
ODSP recipients now receive up to $1,436 per month for a single person after the 1.9% inflation adjustment that took effect on July 1, 2026.
What Ontario Landlords Should Do Before September 21
Landlords should update every internal procedure and template related to N4 notices to reflect the 7-day termination period for any notice served on or after September 21.
Serving a 7-day N4 before the effective date will void the notice and force the landlord to start over.
Landlords should also review their rent collection records for the past 6 months to identify tenants who may already meet the new persistent-late-payment threshold.
Three instances of rent arriving more than 7 days past due within a rolling 6-month window now satisfy the statutory definition for an N8 notice.
Landlords planning personal-use evictions should evaluate whether the 60-day standard path with compensation or the new 120-day no-compensation path is more advantageous for their specific situation.
The financial savings must be weighed against the additional 60 days of waiting before the tenant is required to vacate.
Under the new 60-day occupancy rule, landlords must ensure the intended occupant identified in the N12 occupies the unit within the prescribed period.
Failure to meet this requirement creates a rebuttable presumption of bad faith that the landlord must actively overcome at the LTB.
Landlords pursuing renovation evictions should establish a written communication log tracking every notification, timeline estimate, and completion date sent to the tenant.
Every landlord should confirm that their property management software, notice templates, and filing calendars are updated before September 21 to avoid procedural errors.
Bill 60 and Bill 97 Drive the 2026 Overhaul
The September 21 changes are driven by two separate pieces of Ontario legislation working together.
Bill 60, formally known as the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, was introduced in the fall of 2025, passed third reading on November 24, 2025, and received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025.
Schedule 12 of Bill 60 contains the Residential Tenancies Act amendments, which have been proclaimed in waves through Orders in Council.
Bill 97, the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023, provides the tenant-protective provisions that complement the procedural speedups in Bill 60.
The tenant air conditioning installation right and the doubled maximum fines both come from Bill 97.
The political framing from the Ontario government emphasizes shorter delays, tighter procedures, and clearer rules for both parties.
Tenant advocacy groups argue that the balance tilts toward faster evictions and narrower defences.
Landlord organizations have welcomed the shorter notice periods and more predictable outcomes.
The full statutory text of Bill 60’s RTA amendments is published at Schedule 12 on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario site.
Residents can also check 2026 statutory holidays to confirm whether any holidays fall within their 7-day N4 window, since business days may affect processing and payment timelines.
Disabled tenants covered by Ontario’s disability support programs should verify that any rent increase applied to their unit complies with the 2.1% guideline or confirm whether their unit is exempt.
Summary of New Ontario Rent Changes
Change Details N4 Termination Period Drops from 14 days to 7 days for monthly and yearly tenancies Persistent Late Payment More than 7 days late at least 3 times within any 6-month period meets statutory threshold (N8 notice) 50% Arrears Prepayment Tenants must pay half of L1 arrears at least 7 days before hearing to raise section 82 issues N12 Compensation Waiver (s. 48) One-month compensation waived when landlord gives 120+ days notice; does not apply to purchaser-use (s. 49) 60-Day Occupancy Rule Intended N12 occupant must occupy within 60 days or rebuttable bad-faith presumption applies N13 Renovation Notifications Written notification required at every stage including completion date and re-occupancy Right of First Refusal Tenants can file LTB application if landlord fails renovation notification requirements Key Dates for Ontario Landlords and Tenants in 2026
Date What Changed or Changes November 27, 2025 Bill 60 received Royal Assent July 1, 2026 Wave 1: 15-day LTB reviews, doubled fines, tenant AC rights, mandatory payment form September 21, 2026 Wave 2: 7-day N4, persistent late payment threshold, 50% arrears rule, N12 compensation waiver (s. 48), 60-day occupancy rule, N13 notification requirements September 21, 2026 marks the single largest day of changes to Ontario eviction and rental law procedures in years.
The combination of the 7-day N4, the three-strike persistent late payment threshold, the 50% arrears prepayment requirement, the N12 compensation waiver, and the 60-day occupancy rule fundamentally reshapes the timeline and the stakes for both landlords and tenants.
The rules are set, the dates are confirmed, and the clock is already running toward September 21.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the 7-day N4 mean a tenant has only 7 days to avoid eviction?
The 7 days are the minimum termination period before a landlord can file an L1 application, not an absolute eviction deadline. A tenant who pays all arrears and any newly due rent before the landlord files the L1 still voids the notice, and payment can still resolve the matter even after filing under section 74 of the Act.
What triggers the new persistent late payment threshold?
Under O. Reg. 241/26, failing to pay rent within 7 days of the due date on at least 3 occasions within any 6-month period meets the statutory definition of persistent late payment, which is a separate ground for an N8 eviction notice.
What happens if the person named in an N12 does not occupy the unit within 60 days?
Under O. Reg. 240/26, a rebuttable presumption of bad faith is triggered, meaning the landlord must prove the eviction was genuine or face compensation of up to 12 months of the former tenant’s last rent plus a potential LTB administrative fine of up to $50,000.
Does the 120-day N12 compensation waiver apply to all types of N12 notices?
The waiver applies only to landlord-own-use evictions under section 48 of the Act, and purchaser-use N12 notices under section 49 remain subject to the one-month compensation requirement in section 49.1.
Do tenants still need to pay 50% of arrears to raise maintenance issues at a hearing?
Starting September 21, tenants must pay half of the L1 arrears at least 7 days before the hearing to raise section 82 issues at a non-payment proceeding, but they can still file separate T2 or T6 applications for maintenance complaints outside the non-payment hearing.
Fact Check: All information in this article has been verified against the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006; Bill 60 (Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025); Bill 97 (Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023); O. Reg. 240/26; O. Reg. 241/26; and the Tribunals Ontario operational updates.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice; consult a licensed paralegal or lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
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- Latest Express Entry Draw On August 19 Sent 5,000 PR Invitations
Last Updated On 15 December 2022, 11:08 PM EST (Toronto Time)Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 5,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence through the latest Express Entry draw on August 19, 2026 for French category.
The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 382 points, a 9-point drop from the 391 recorded on August 6 and the lowest French-language cutoff of 2026.
This draw closes the second August draw cluster that began with the Provincial Nominee Program draw on August 17 and continued with the Canadian Experience Class draw on August 18.
The CRS cutoff of 382 marks the first time a French-language draw has broken below 391 in 2026, expanding the qualifying window for candidates with moderate French-language test results and lower base CRS profiles.
Below is a full breakdown of the draw results, the complete 2026 French-language draw tracker, how this CRS drop affects candidate strategy, and what comes next for Express Entry.
Table of Contents
August 19 French-Language Proficiency Draw Results
The table below summarizes every official detail of the August 19 French-language proficiency Express Entry draw as published by the IRCC.
Draw Detail Value Category French-Language Proficiency 2026-V2 Date and Time August 19, 2026 at 12:35:37 UTC Number of Invitations Issued 5,000 CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate 382 Rank Needed 5,000 or above Tie-Breaking Rule March 1, 2026 at 18:34:05 UTC Candidates who scored exactly 382 only received invitations if they submitted their Express Entry profiles before March 1, 2026, at 18:34:05 UTC.
Anyone with a CRS score above 382 who qualified under the French-language proficiency category received an invitation regardless of when their profile was submitted.
The tie-breaking date of March 1, 2026, is approximately five and a half months before the draw, which indicates a deep pool of candidates holding exactly 382 CRS points.
Invited candidates now have exactly 60 calendar days to submit a complete permanent residence application to IRCC.
Why the CRS Cutoff Dropped to a New 2026 Low of 382
French-language proficiency draw cutoffs had ranged between 391 and 420 across the first nine rounds of 2026 before this draw broke through the floor to a new yearly low.
The nine-point drop from 391 on August 6 to 382 on August 19 is the third-largest single-round CRS decline recorded in a French-language draw this year, after the 21-point drop on July 22 and the 19-point drop on April 29.
This decline occurred despite IRCC maintaining the same 5,000-invitation volume used in the August 6 French draw, which means the drop is driven entirely by changes in pool composition rather than draw size.
The most likely explanation is that the August 6 draw removed 5,000 French-qualified candidates near the top of the pool, and the replacement candidates who entered the pool over the following two weeks had lower base CRS scores.
The contrast with the CEC cutoff of 523 recorded just one day earlier highlights the structural advantage French-language draws offer, with a gap of 141 points between the two pathways.
A candidate with a total CRS score of 382 who holds qualifying French-language test results received an invitation in this round, while the same profile would need 141 additional points to qualify through a CEC draw at current volumes.
Every French-Language Draw in 2026: The Full Invitation Tracker
The table below tracks every French-language proficiency draw conducted in 2026 and shows how CRS cutoffs have shifted as IRCC adjusted invitation volumes across the year.
Date ITAs CRS Cutoff Change August 19, 2026 5,000 382 -9 August 6, 2026 5,000 391 — July 22, 2026 5,000 399 -21 July 9, 2026 5,000 420 +11 May 28, 2026 4,500 409 +9 April 29, 2026 4,000 400 -19 April 15, 2026 4,000 419 +26 March 18, 2026 4,000 393 — March 4, 2026 5,500 397 -3 February 6, 2026 8,500 400 — French-language invitations now total 50,500 across 10 draws in 2026, making French-language proficiency the largest Express Entry draw category so far this year, narrowly ahead of the Canadian Experience Class.
The CRS cutoff trend shows two distinct phases in 2026: an upward climb from 393 on March 18 to a peak of 420 on July 9, followed by a sustained decline to the current low of 382 from the record 8,500-invitation draw in February that set the early benchmark at CRS 400.
The downward phase suggests that the most competitive French-language candidates were captured during the high-volume period from April through July, leaving a less competitive applicant pool for recent August draws.
Second August Draw Cluster Now Complete
The August 19 French-language draw completes the second draw cluster of August 2026, following the same PNP, CEC, and French-language sequence that IRCC has used in every cluster since March.
The three draws in this cluster issued a combined 6,442 invitations: 442 through the PNP draw on August 17 at CRS 760, 1,000 through the CEC draw on August 18 at CRS 523, and 5,000 through the French draw on August 19 at CRS 382.
French-language proficiency invitations accounted for 77.6% of all invitations issued in this cluster, reinforcing the category’s role as the highest-volume draw type within each cluster window.
The total number of Express Entry invitations issued in 2026 now stands at approximately 119,865 across 49 draws, well past the 113,998 invitations issued across all of 2025.
CEC and French-language draws together continue to account for over 82% of all invitations in 2026, confirming these two categories as the dominant Express Entry pathways under the current system.
Who Qualifies for French-Language Proficiency Draws
Candidates must demonstrate French-language ability at NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, using an approved test such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
Test results must be less than two years old at the time an immigration officer receives the complete permanent residence application, so candidates should verify their test expiry dates before relying on existing scores.
Candidates must also hold an active Express Entry profile and be eligible under at least one of the three federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.
Processing Times for Express Entry Applications
The latest IRCC processing time data from August 10, 2026, shows Express Entry permanent residence applications processing at approximately six months for decisions.
Candidates who receive invitations in the August 19 draw can expect their permanent residency approvals to arrive in early to mid-2027 based on the current processing window.
Applicants who submit incomplete documentation remain one of the leading causes of processing delays and refusals across all economic immigration categories.
IRCC’s 9% francophone immigration target outside Quebec under the 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan is a policy commitment that is expected to sustain French-language draws regardless of how the broader Express Entry system is restructured.
The August 19 French-language draw sets a new 2026 CRS low of 382, nine points below the previous floor, confirming that French-language proficiency remains the most accessible high-volume Express Entry pathway.
The second August draw cluster is now complete, and candidates should prepare for the next cluster expected in the first week of September.
Follow Immigration News Canada for verified draw results, CRS score analysis, and Canadian immigration news as they are released by IRCC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the CRS cutoff for the August 19, 2026, Express Entry draw?
The CRS cutoff was 382 points for the French-language proficiency draw on August 19, 2026, with 5,000 invitations to apply issued to candidates who demonstrated NCLC 7 or higher in French across all four language skills.
Why did the French-language CRS cutoff drop to 382?
The 9-point decline from 391 on August 6 reflects a less competitive pool of French-language candidates following the removal of 5,000 top-ranked profiles in the previous round, while replacement candidates who entered the pool over the subsequent two weeks had lower base CRS scores.
What French-language tests qualify for these draws?
TEF Canada and TCF Canada are the two approved French-language tests accepted by IRCC for Express Entry French-language proficiency draws, and candidates must achieve NCLC 7 or higher in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
How many French-language invitations has IRCC issued in 2026?
IRCC has issued 50,500 French-language proficiency invitations across 10 draws in 2026, making French-language proficiency the largest Express Entry draw type by invitation volume so far this year, narrowly ahead of the Canadian Experience Class.
When is the next Express Entry draw expected?
The second August cluster is now complete, and the next round of Express Entry draws is expected in the first week of September if IRCC maintains the biweekly cluster pattern used throughout 2026.
Fact-Checked: All data in this article was verified against the official Express Entry rounds of invitations page published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on August 19, 2026, and cross-referenced with pool snapshot data released on August 16, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice.
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- 5 Major Canada Immigration Shifts In 2026 Revealed In New IRCC Data
Last Updated On 15 December 2022, 11:08 PM EST (Toronto Time)Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has released new data across 4 separate open-data portals on August 18, 2026, and the combined picture reveals a Canadian immigration system undergoing its most significant recalibration in a decade.
The datasets cover permanent residence admissions, Express Entry landings, study permit holders and International Mobility Program work permits, and all four now align on the same January-through-June 2026 reporting window.
Five distinct shifts emerge when the data is read together, and they tell a story that no single dataset could capture on its own.
Some of these trends follow the direction Ottawa signalled in the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which set annual permanent residence targets at 380,000 and pledged to reduce temporary residents below 5% of the population by late 2027.
Others are arriving with a force and speed that no policy document anticipated.
Here is what the data shows across every major immigration stream, what is driving each trend, and what it means for applicants, employers and policymakers in Canada.
Table of Contents
Permanent Resident Admissions Are Down 12.3% In The First Half
Canada admitted 182,185 permanent residents from January through June 2026, compared with 207,850 during the same six months of 2025.
That is a decline of 25,665 admissions and represents a 12.3% year-over-year drop in new permanent residents.
The monthly trajectory reveals a system that started the year at its lowest point and has been steadily regaining momentum.
January recorded just 24,220 landings, down 28.9% from January 2025.
By April, admissions reached 29,885, surpassing the April 2025 figure of 28,055 for the first month of positive year-over-year growth in 2026.
May climbed to 34,410, and June reached 34,750, meaning the last two months of the first half are both running close to the pace required to meet the annual target.
At the current trajectory, Canada needs to admit approximately 197,815 permanent residents across July through December to reach the 380,000 target in the Immigration Levels Plan, which works out to roughly 33,000 per month.
June’s figure of 34,750 shows that pace is achievable, but sustaining it through the second half without interruption would require consistent processing velocity across all categories.
Month H1 2025 H1 2026 Change % Change January 34,055 24,220 -9,835 -28.9% February 35,275 29,290 -5,985 -17.0% March 34,990 29,630 -5,360 -15.3% April 28,055 29,885 +1,830 +6.5% May 36,430 34,410 -2,020 -5.5% June 39,045 34,750 -4,295 -11.0% H1 Total 207,850 182,185 -25,665 -12.3% Ontario absorbed the largest absolute decline, dropping from 91,390 to 78,110, a 14.5% reduction that accounts for more than half of the national shortfall.
Quebec posted the steepest provincial percentage decline at 23.5%, falling from 28,530 to 21,820.
British Columbia fell 17.6% from 27,670 to 22,795, while Alberta dipped more modestly at 5.6% from 26,250 to 24,770.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan were notable exceptions, rising 3.8% and 4.0%, respectively, making them the only major provinces to admit more permanent residents in the first half of 2026 than in the same period of 2025.
Economic Immigration Is Down 22.8%
The decline in permanent resident admissions is not evenly distributed across immigration categories, and economic immigration is bearing a disproportionate share of the reduction.
Canada admitted 100,930 economic-class permanent residents from January through June 2026, down from 130,770 during the same period in 2025.
That 22.8% decline reflects reduced volumes across every major economic stream, with the Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Worker program absorbing the steepest cuts.
Economic Stream H1 2025 H1 2026 Change % Change Canadian Experience 32,730 23,670 -9,060 -27.7% Skilled Worker 35,865 26,820 -9,045 -25.2% Provincial Nominees 50,585 41,820 -8,765 -17.3% Economic Total 130,770 100,930 -29,840 -22.8% The 27.7% decline in Canadian Experience Class admissions reflects how IRCC has managed Express Entry draws throughout 2026, with smaller draw sizes and higher CRS cutoffs limiting how many in-Canada workers convert invitations into permanent residence.
The Provincial Nominee Program decline of 17.3% is notable given that the Levels Plan increased PNP allocations to 91,500 for 2026, a substantial rebound from the 55,000 target in 2025.
The gap between the higher allocation and the lower actual landing volume suggests that processing timelines and provincial nomination throughput have not yet caught up to the restored targets.
Ontario’s economic admissions dropped from 52,910 to 36,135, a decline of 31.7% that accounts for more than half of the national economic-class reduction on its own.
The composition of Canada’s immigration intake is shifting as a result.
Economic immigration’s share of total admissions fell from 62.9% in H1 2025 to 55.4% in H1 2026.
Meanwhile, refugee and protected person admissions surged 35.1% from 24,355 to 32,915, increasing their share of total admissions from 11.7% to 18.1%.
Sponsored family admissions dipped only 4.1% from 46,950 to 45,020, holding relatively steady while economic streams contracted sharply.
Asylum claims moved in the opposite direction from refugee admissions, declining 48.9% in H1 2026 from 57,440 to 29,365.
Express Entry PR Admissions Plunged 32.7% In The First Half
The dedicated Express Entry admissions dataset confirms an even sharper contraction than the broader economic category numbers suggest.
IRCC recorded 47,430 Express Entry permanent resident admissions in the first half of 2026, compared with 70,445 during the first half of 2025.
That is a decline of 32.7%, and it represents the sharpest first-half contraction in Express Entry admissions since the system launched in 2015.
The monthly data shows the drop was steepest in the early months and has begun to stabilize, though at a permanently lower level.
February and March 2026 each recorded fewer than 7,700 Express Entry landings, compared with more than 12,500 in each of those months during 2025.
By June the monthly figure had recovered to 8,420, but that is still 26% below June 2025.
Ontario’s Express Entry admissions fell from 42,710 in H1 2025 to 27,170 in H1 2026, a decline of 36.4% that removes over 15,500 skilled workers from the province’s permanent resident intake.
British Columbia dropped 39.0% from 12,355 to 7,535, Alberta declined 22.8% from 7,270 to 5,615, and Manitoba fell 32.0% from 2,640 to 1,795.
For candidates in the Express Entry pool, these numbers explain the elevated CRS cutoffs that have defined every CEC draw in 2026.
Fewer admissions means IRCC is converting a smaller share of invitations into landings, which keeps the pool saturated with applicants competing for a diminished number of spots.
The proposed Express Entry overhaul that IRCC consulted on through May 2026 would restructure the system entirely, but those changes will not take effect until at last 2027, leaving the current dynamics in place for the rest of this year.
Study Permit Numbers Suddenly Rebounded In Q2 2026
While permanent resident and Express Entry volumes contracted, new study permit activity moved sharply in the opposite direction during the second quarter.
IRCC recorded 80,485 study permit holders whose permits became effective in Q2 2026, compared with 55,215 in Q2 2025.
That is a 45.8% increase, reversing a trend that had defined the international student space since Ottawa imposed study permit caps for 2026 and restricted new allocations.
June alone surged to 32,700 from 18,170, an 80.0% year-over-year increase and the single largest monthly study permit figure in the 2026 dataset.
The broader picture is more mixed, with Q1 2026 down 24.5% at 70,860 versus 93,880 in Q1 2025, before Q2 rebounded 45.8% to 80,485 from 55,215.
Country Q2 2025 Q2 2026 Change % Change India 17,545 16,555 -990 -5.6% China 5,640 12,605 +6,965 +123.5% Ukraine 640 5,890 +5,250 +820.3% Nigeria 3,950 5,145 +1,195 +30.3% Philippines 3,980 3,885 -95 -2.4% South Korea 930 2,370 +1,440 +154.8% France 650 1,510 +860 +132.3% All Countries 55,215 80,485 +25,270 +45.8% China’s 123.5% Q2 surge is the headline number among major source countries, while India actually declined 5.6% despite remaining the largest single source of international students in Canada.
Ukraine’s 820.3% increase from a low base of 640 to 5,890 stands out as the most dramatic percentage shift in the entire dataset, likely reflecting humanitarian policy accommodations and demand from displaced students.
South Korea, France and Vietnam all posted Q2 increases exceeding 80%, indicating that the rebound is broad-based and not driven by a single source country.
The divergence between India and virtually every other major source nation is significant, because any sustained decline from India while other countries surge would fundamentally reshape the demographic composition of Canada’s international student population.
International Mobility Program Work Permits More Than Doubled
The most dramatic finding in the entire data release comes from the International Mobility Program work permit dataset.
IRCC recorded 258,765 IMP work permit holders in Q2 2026, compared with 126,415 in Q2 2025.
That is an increase of 104.7%, meaning IMP volumes more than doubled in a single year.
The 170,000 IMP target in the Levels Plan is not directly comparable with these permit-holder figures because the target covers new arrivals and excludes Post-Graduation Work Permits and in-Canada work permit applications.
Ontario’s Q2 IMP volume jumped from 47,900 to 110,555, an increase of 130.8%.
Quebec rose 103.1% from 14,655 to 29,765, Alberta climbed 118.3% from 12,925 to 28,220, and British Columbia increased 108.6% from 20,975 to 43,755.
Even smaller provinces saw their IMP volumes roughly double, with New Brunswick up 145.1% and Saskatchewan up 134.3%.
Post-Graduation Work Permits Are The Engine Behind The Surge
The single largest driver of the IMP explosion is post-graduation employment.
IRCC data shows 116,935 post-graduation work permit holders recorded in Q2 2026, compared with 27,645 in Q2 2025.
That is a 323.0% increase in a single quarter.
June 2026 alone recorded 42,470 PGWP holders, compared with 9,780 in June 2025, an increase of 334.3%.
Month PGWP 2025 PGWP 2026 Change % Change January 19,665 47,135 +27,470 +139.7% February 14,055 47,980 +33,925 +241.3% March 13,150 36,015 +22,865 +173.8% April 9,705 34,140 +24,435 +251.7% May 8,150 40,390 +32,240 +395.6% June 9,780 42,470 +32,690 +334.3% The PGWP share of total IMP activity tells its own story.
In Q2 2025, post-graduation employment accounted for 21.9% of IMP work permit activity. In Q2 2026, that share surged to 45.2%, meaning nearly half of all IMP activity during the quarter was driven by post-graduation employment.
In H1 2026, that share surged to 49.2%, meaning nearly half of all International Mobility Program activity in Canada is now driven by international graduates entering the labour market on post-graduation permits.
Ontario absorbed the largest share of this PGWP surge, jumping from 16,620 in Q2 2025 to 64,695 in Q2 2026.
British Columbia went from 4,115 to 20,700, Quebec from 2,425 to 12,235 and Alberta from 1,685 to 8,385.
What Is Driving The PGWP Explosion
The 323% Q2 surge in post-graduation work permits is a delayed consequence of Canada’s earlier international student boom.
In 2022 and 2023, Canada issued record volumes of study permits as post-pandemic enrollment surged across colleges and universities.
Those students who enrolled in two-year and three-year programs are now graduating in large numbers and applying for PGWPs upon completion.
The timing aligns with the typical graduation cycle, because a student who began a two-year diploma in September 2023 would complete studies by spring 2025 and receive a PGWP that became effective in late 2025 or early 2026.
This creates a paradox at the centre of Canadian immigration policy.
Ottawa has simultaneously tightened study permit caps, restricted PGWP-eligible fields of study and imposed new language requirements for post-graduation work permits.
But the pipeline of students admitted under the previous, more permissive rules is still producing graduates at peak volumes, and those graduates are entering the labour market in unprecedented numbers.
The policy tightening will eventually reduce PGWP volumes as the smaller post-2024 student cohorts begin to graduate, but that effect is still at least two to three years away.
In the meantime, the 116,935 PGWP holders recorded in Q2 2026 represent a massive cohort of workers competing for permanent residence through Express Entry, provincial nominee programs and other pathways.
With Express Entry admissions down 32.7% and CRS cutoffs remaining elevated, many of these PGWP holders face uncertain prospects and tightening timelines.
IRCC data has shown that over 300,000 work permits were set to expire in Q1 2026 alone, and the continued flow of new PGWP holders into the system means the total volume of temporary workers seeking permanence is growing even as the number of available PR spots contracts.
A separate IRCC dataset tracking permanent resident admissions of former study permit holders shows that 11,730 former international students received permanent residence in H1 2026, compared with 11,195 in H1 2025.
That 4.8% increase means former students now represent 6.4% of all PR admissions, up from 5.4% a year earlier.
The contrast between the 248,055 PGWP holders entering the labour market and the 11,730 former students actually converting to permanent residence in the same period illustrates the scale of the bottleneck facing international graduates in 2026.
What The Combined Data Tells Us About Canadian Immigration In 2026
These five shifts form a coherent pattern that reveals the structural tension at the core of Canadian immigration policy.
Ottawa is deliberately reducing permanent resident volumes, cutting Express Entry conversions and slowing economic immigration to meet the lower targets in the 2026–2028 Levels Plan.
At the same time, the temporary resident population is being reshaped by forces set in motion years ago, and the PGWP surge demonstrates that policy changes on the input side take years to filter through to the output side.
The study permit rebound in Q2 adds another layer of complexity, because it suggests that the caps and restrictions Ottawa introduced have not eliminated demand but may have redirected it across source countries and timing patterns.
IRCC’s latest backlog data shows more than 1.5 million immigration files still awaiting decisions, and the new transparency dashboard reveals that a significant share of permanent residence applications are not being processed but are simply waiting for space under the annual levels cap.
For applicants, the takeaway is that 2026 is a year of tighter competition for permanent residence, elevated CRS thresholds in Express Entry, and record-high volumes of PGWP holders competing for a shrinking pool of PR spots.
For employers, the labour market now contains a historically large pool of PGWP holders who are already in Canada, authorized to work and actively seeking positions that could support a future permanent residence application.
For policymakers, the data raises a fundamental question about whether the current approach of cutting PR admissions while inheriting a massive temporary-to-permanent pipeline can be sustained without creating a growing population of workers in legal status with no realistic path forward.
The In-Canada Workers Initiative targeting up to 33,000 workers is already operational, while the proposed Express Entry overhaul has not yet been implemented.
The record emigration figures and declining non-permanent resident population provide the other side of the ledger, as Canada is simultaneously losing temporary residents at historically high rates while the PGWP pipeline continues adding new ones.
If the second half of 2026 sustains June’s pace of roughly 34,750 PR landings per month, Canada would finish the year near the 380,000 target.
However, the immigration mix reaching that number will look fundamentally different from what the Levels Plan envisioned, with a smaller economic share, a larger humanitarian share, and a quarter-million PGWP holders sitting outside the permanent residence pipeline altogether.
Follow Immigration News Canada for complete coverage of every IRCC data release, Express Entry draw result, provincial program update and processing time change affecting immigration to Canada in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many permanent residents has Canada admitted in 2026 so far?
IRCC data shows 182,185 permanent residents were admitted from January through June 2026, down 12.3% from 207,850 during January through June 2025. Canada needs approximately 33,000 landings per month from July through December to reach the 380,000 annual target.
Why are Express Entry admissions declining when IRCC is still running draws?
IRCC has been issuing invitations at a steady pace in 2026, but the lag between receiving an invitation and landing as a permanent resident means that reduced draw sizes and higher CRS cutoffs from late 2025 through early 2026 are now showing up in the admissions data with a delay of several months.
What is causing the post-graduation work permit surge in 2026?
The record number of study permits issued in 2022 and 2023 created a large pipeline of international students who are now completing their programs and transitioning to PGWPs. The current surge reflects the graduation timing of those earlier cohorts, and the policy restrictions Ottawa introduced in 2024 and 2025 will not meaningfully reduce PGWP output until 2027 or 2028.
Will study permit numbers continue to rise in the second half of 2026?
The Q2 rebound brought the first-half total to only 1.8% above 2025 levels, and IRCC has confirmed that the 2026 national study permit cap of approximately 408,000 remains in effect, so the second-half trajectory will depend on how many allocations remain under provincial quotas.
What does the PGWP surge mean for permanent residence competition?
The 248,055 PGWP holders recorded in H1 2026 represent a historically large pool of workers who will seek permanent residence through Express Entry, provincial nominee programs and other pathways. Only 11,730 former international students actually received permanent residence in the same period, illustrating the scale of the bottleneck and the intense competition PGWP holders face for limited PR spots.
Fact-Checked: All permanent resident admissions figures are sourced from the IRCC Open Data Portal datasets current as of June 30, 2026, updated by the department on August 18, 2026. Immigration level targets are sourced from the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan published by IRCC in November 2025 and the IRCC Departmental Plan 2026 published March 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Readers should consult a licensed immigration professional for guidance on their individual circumstances.
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- New Ontario Car Insurance Rate Cuts Coming In September 2026
Last Updated On 15 December 2022, 11:08 PM EST (Toronto Time)Ontario drivers insured with some of the province’s largest carriers are about to see approved rate reductions flow through to their renewal premiums this fall.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario has approved average rate decreases for at least eight insurer filings covering renewals that begin as early as September 1, 2026.
These cuts arrive barely two months after Ontario overhauled its auto insurance accident benefits structure on July 1, giving drivers a second reason to open their renewal paperwork carefully this season.
The approved reductions range from a modest 0.23% average decrease at one insurer to a 5.30% average cut at another, with effective dates staggered across September and November.
One additional insurer secured a 4.62% reduction that already took effect on August 15, offering immediate relief to policyholders renewing through that carrier.
Not every filing moved in the same direction, however, and one insurer under a major corporate umbrella received approval for a rate increase starting on the same September 1 date.
The full breakdown of every approved change, which insurers are cutting rates, what the approved averages mean for individual drivers, and what the one exception means follows below.
Table of Contents
Every Approved Rate Cut by Insurer and Effective Date
FSRA publishes every approved rate change in its public rate approval database, giving Ontario consumers advance notice before adjusted premiums appear on their renewal documents.
The following table lists every insurer with an approved average rate decrease that takes effect between August and November 2026.
Insurer / Group Approved Avg. Change Renewal Effective Heartland Farm Mutual -4.62% Aug. 15, 2026 Aviva General -1.64% Sept. 1, 2026 Definity -1.31% Sept. 1, 2026 Wawanesa -0.23% Sept. 1, 2026 Allstate -1.64% Sept. 15, 2026 Pembridge (Allstate) -1.45% Sept. 15, 2026 Certas Direct (Desjardins) -2.00% Nov. 28, 2026 Certas Home & Auto (Desjardins) -2.00% Nov. 28, 2026 The Personal (Desjardins) -5.30% Nov. 28, 2026 Heartland Farm Mutual secured the earliest effective date with a 4.62% average reduction that applied to renewals starting August 15.
Aviva General followed with a 1.64% average decrease for renewals beginning September 1.
Definity and Wawanesa round out the September 1 cohort with approved average decreases of 1.31% and 0.23%, respectively, which will be incorporated into renewal pricing from that date.
Allstate and its subsidiary Pembridge both secured rate reductions effective September 15, coming in at 1.64% and 1.45%.
The deepest cuts belong to the Desjardins group, which filed three separate reductions under its Certas Direct, Certas Home & Auto, and The Personal brands.
Certas Direct and Certas Home & Auto each received approval for a 2.00% average decrease, while The Personal landed the largest single reduction at 5.30%.
All three Desjardins filings carry a November 28 effective date, which means policyholders with those carriers will wait until late fall before the adjusted rates appear on their renewals.
What These Approved Percentages Actually Mean for Your Premium
FSRA specifically states that each approved percentage represents the expected average premium change across that insurer’s entire Ontario customer base upon renewal, as explained on the regulator’s auto insurance consumer hub.
That distinction matters because individual premiums are calculated using a combination of factors unique to each policyholder.
Your vehicle type, where you park it overnight, your personal driving record, your claims history, and the specific coverages you carry all feed into the rate calculation, as FSRA outlines on its rating factors page.
A driver living in Brampton with a recent at-fault claim could see a different outcome than a driver in Ottawa with a clean record, even if both are insured with the same carrier, something the regulator’s average premium page reinforces.
The approved average decrease is a portfolio-wide figure that reflects the net effect of all the rating-factor adjustments within a single filing.
Some policyholders within a carrier’s book of business may still see a premium increase at renewal even when the overall approved change is negative.
Other policyholders may receive a reduction that exceeds the published average because their specific risk profile improved relative to the rest of the insurer’s pool.
Drivers with recent traffic convictions or impaired-driving offences should also expect their driving record to affect their individual renewal premium despite any portfolio-wide rate decrease.
One Insurer Approved for a Rate Increase
Not every filing that FSRA processed during this cycle moved rates downward.
S&Y Insurance, which operates under the Aviva corporate umbrella, received approval for a 1.19% average rate increase effective September 1, 2026.
Insurer / Group Approved Avg. Change Renewal Effective S&Y Insurance (Aviva) +1.19% Sept. 1, 2026 This means that two entities under the same parent company are moving in opposite directions on the same date, a pattern that reflects how Ontario’s insurance regulatory framework treats each licensed insurer as a separate filing entity with its own claims experience and rate justification.
Drivers insured through S&Y should review their renewal documents carefully when they arrive, because the 1.19% average increase will flow through to premiums calculated under the new filing.
How These Rate Changes Connect to the July 1 Auto Insurance Reform
Ontario’s auto insurance system underwent a fundamental restructuring on July 1, 2026, shifting from a standardized accident benefits package to an optional model where drivers choose which protections to keep.
Only medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits remain mandatory under the new framework.
Income replacement, caregiver benefits, non-earner benefits, housekeeping expenses, death benefits, and funeral benefits all became optional coverages, a change that was flagged months in advance in the May 2026 Ontario laws roundup and the June 2026 preparation guidance.
Existing policyholders generally retain their previous accident-benefit selections at renewal unless they agree in writing to change or decline the newly optional benefits.
The rate reductions approved by FSRA for September and November are separate filings that reflect each insurer’s updated claims projections and operating costs, as detailed in the regulator’s reform Q&A for insurers.
Some of the approved decreases may partially reflect insurers adjusting their pricing models to account for lower expected claims costs under the new optional benefits structure.
However, FSRA has not publicly attributed any specific rate filing to the reform, and each insurer’s actuarial justification is assessed independently.
Drivers who opted out of previously mandatory coverages at their July renewal should compare the resulting premium with what these September or November rate changes would deliver, because the two pricing effects are distinct.
How to Check Whether Your Renewal Is Affected
The simplest way to confirm whether a rate change applies to your policy is to look at the renewal date printed on your current insurance documents.
If your policy renews on or after the effective date listed for your insurer in the table above, the approved rate change should be reflected in your new premium.
Drivers whose policies renewed before the effective date will not see the adjustment until their next annual renewal cycle, which could be up to 10-12 months away.
Ontario residents managing multiple financial deadlines this fall should add their auto insurance renewal date to the calendar alongside those deposit dates.
Ontario law generally requires at least 30 days’ written notice to the named insured when an insurer proposes not to renew a policy or to renew it on varied terms, giving drivers time to review their options.
If the renewal shows a premium increase despite your insurer appearing on the rate-cut list, the explanation almost certainly lies in a change to your individual risk profile, and you can contact your broker or insurer for a detailed breakdown of which rating factors drove the change.
How to Succeed When Shopping Your Renewal
An approved rate decrease at your current insurer does not automatically mean you are getting the best available price in the market.
Ontario law requires insurers to follow the Take-All-Comers rule, which means any insurer whose acceptability criteria you meet must offer you coverage at the lowest rate available for your risk profile.
Collecting quotes from at least three insurers before accepting a renewal gives you a baseline comparison that your current carrier’s rate decrease may or may not beat.
Drivers who recently moved within Ontario should pay particular attention because location is one of the most heavily weighted rating factors and a move from a higher-risk postal code to a lower-risk one can produce savings that dwarf any portfolio-wide rate cut.
Bundling auto insurance with home or tenant insurance through the same carrier often unlocks a multi-policy discount that stacks on top of any approved rate decrease, a savings strategy worth exploring.
Reviewing your coverage limits and deductibles during the renewal window is equally important, especially now that the July 2026 accident benefits reform made several previously mandatory protections optional and changed the baseline coverage that every policy includes.
Drivers insured through the Desjardins group should note that their rate cuts do not take effect until November 28, which means shopping for competitive quotes now could secure a lower rate months before the approved decrease would apply.
Maintaining a clean driving record remains one of the most important ways to control long-term insurance costs, particularly because driving convictions and at-fault claims are factors insurers use directly when calculating individual premiums.
FSRA continues to process rate filings on a rolling basis throughout the year, and additional approvals for reductions or increases could appear in the rate approval database at any time.
The interaction between the July 1 accident benefits reform and insurer pricing models will take several quarters to fully materialize, and Ontario drivers should monitor their renewal documents closely through the remainder of 2026 as the market adjusts to the new regulatory landscape.
Meanwhile, Ontario households are navigating a dense fall calendar of financial changes, from provincial benefit rule changes tied to immigration status to rising consumer costs to deadline-driven claims processes like the CRA data breach settlement, making it more important than ever to review every renewal and payment notice that arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will my auto insurance premium automatically decrease on the effective date listed for my insurer?
The approved rate change applies to renewals that fall on or after the effective date, not to policies already in force. If your policy renewal lands before September 1 or September 15, the decrease will not appear until your next annual renewal cycle, which could be up to 12 months later.
Can my premium still increase even if my insurer received an approved rate decrease?
Yes, the approved percentage is an average across the insurer’s entire Ontario customer base. Changes to your individual risk profile, such as adding a new vehicle, moving to a higher-risk postal code, filing a claim, or receiving a traffic conviction, can push your personal premium higher even when the overall rate filing is a decrease.
Are the September rate cuts related to the July 1 auto insurance accident benefits reform?
FSRA has not publicly attributed any specific rate filing to the accident benefits reform. Each insurer files its rate change based on its own actuarial analysis of claims costs, operating expenses, and projected loss experience. Some filings may reflect expectations of lower claims costs under the new optional benefits framework, but the regulator assesses each filing independently.
Do I automatically lose my current accident benefits when my policy renews after July 1?
No, existing policyholders generally retain the accident-benefit coverages they had before July 1 at renewal unless they and their insurer agree in writing to change or decline specific optional benefits. Drivers purchasing a brand new policy after July 1 receive only the mandatory minimums by default and must actively select any additional optional coverages.
Does Ontario regulate how much an insurer can raise or lower auto insurance rates in a single filing?
Ontario does not set a fixed cap on rate increases or decreases. FSRA reviews every filing to ensure the proposed rates are actuarially justified, not excessive for consumers, and sufficient for the insurer to meet its future claims obligations. If FSRA determines that a proposed change is unreasonable, it can require the insurer to revise the filing before granting approval.
Fact-Checked: All rate change data in this article is sourced from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario’s public rate approval database, accessed on August 18, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance, legal, or financial advice. Readers should contact a licensed insurance broker in Ontario for guidance specific to their policy and coverage needs.
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