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Author name: Team SBA

Breaking: Canada Extends LMIA-Exempt Innovation Stream Until 2028

In a major move to solidify its position as a global tech powerhouse, the Canadian government has officially extended the Innovation Stream pilot program. Originally part of the 2023 Tech Talent Strategy, this high-impact pathway, which allows top-tier global talent to work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), will now remain open […]

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Breaking: Canada Extends LMIA-Exempt Innovation Stream Until 2028

In a major move to solidify its position as a global tech powerhouse, the Canadian government has officially extended the Innovation Stream pilot program. Originally part of the 2023 Tech Talent Strategy, this high-impact pathway, which allows top-tier global talent to work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), will now remain open […]

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IRCC Clarifies Work Permit Rules for RCIP and FCIP Applicants

Canada’s immigration department has clarified updated rules regarding special work permits available to permanent residence applicants under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). Foreign nationals who have submitted a complete application for permanent residence (PR) under either pilot may be eligible for a work permit valid for up […]

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Prince Edward Island Prioritizes International Graduates in Latest PEI PNP Draw

On February 19, 2026, Prince Edward Island conducted its latest selection round under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program, continuing its targeted approach to immigration. The province issued 109 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through its Labour Impact and Express Entry pathways, with a strong focus on candidates who demonstrate in-province ties and alignment with […]

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All Express Entry Occupational Categories Now Require 12 Months of Work Experience

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced a major update to the work experience requirements for category-based selection under Express Entry. As of February 18, 2026, candidates must now have at least 12 months of work experience in an eligible occupation within the past three years to qualify under any Express Entry occupational category. This […]

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International Students Taking Prerequisites to Receive Shorter Study Permits Under New IRCC Rules

International students planning to complete prerequisite courses before starting a full academic program in Canada will now receive shorter study permits under updated rules from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The revised instructions, published on February 19, 2026, change how long study permits are issued for students who must complete prerequisite courses such as English […]

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Number of Top Scoring Express Entry Profiles Falls 30 Percent as Competition Eases

Competition in Canada’s Express Entry system continues to cool, with the number of top scoring candidates dropping sharply for the second month in a row. While the overall Express Entry pool has grown in size, many of the highest ranked profiles have exited the system, reducing pressure at the top end of the Comprehensive Ranking […]

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First Express Entry Draw of February Invites PNP Candidates

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has kicked off February with another round of invitations through the Express Entry system, this time targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. In the latest draw, 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates who had secured a provincial nomination, continuing Canada’s strong focus on selecting applicants already […]

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First Express Entry Draw of February Invites PNP Candidates

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has kicked off February with another round of invitations through the Express Entry system, this time targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. In the latest draw, 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates who had secured a provincial nomination, continuing Canada’s strong focus on selecting applicants already […]

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Canada Is Prioritizing Certain Occupations for Faster Work Permit Processing

Canada continues to face ongoing labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare and agriculture. To address these gaps, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has implemented priority processing for work permit applications in occupations that support essential services across the country. This priority processing is not a separate immigration stream. Instead, it applies automatically to […]

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