🎄 On the Twentieth Day of BLOGMAS: Twenty Things We’re Grateful for in Canadian Immigration 🎁
On the twentieth day of Blogmas, immigration law gave to us something worth pausing for. Gratitude. 🎄✨ Canadian immigration is often discussed in terms of backlogs, policy shifts, and processing delays. While those realities are very real, Christmas Day offers a moment to step back and reflect on what this work truly represents. At its […]
Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan: Why a Return to Higher PR Targets Is Needed
The federal government released its 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan yesterday, outlining the number of permanent residents Canada intends to welcome over the next three years. While there are some encouraging elements – especially the focus on highly qualified international researchers – the plan ultimately offers too little relief for temporary residents already in Canada and […]
Spotlight on CILA’s Inaugural Conference and the Francophone Immigration Debate
At the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA) inaugural conference on October 28, 2025, I had the privilege of engaging in a compelling discussion about the direction of our immigration system – particularly the way French-speaking applicants are being selected through the Express Entry model. During one of the sessions, my colleague Mark Holthe noted that […]
Why Canada Still Needs Immigration
Originally posted on LinkedIn As this article notes, 71% of Canadians want fewer immigrants. No doubt this is due to failures by federal and provincial governments relating to international students. Too many immigration consultants here and abroad made false promises about pathways to PR, and provincial governments did not regulate public-private colleges properly at all. […]
Federal Court Rules IRCC Cannot Reject Express Entry Applications for Missing Birth Certificates
A recent Federal Court decision has clarified an important issue for Express Entry applicants – and it’s a win for fairness and clarity in Canada’s immigration system. Justice Brouwer ruled that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) acted unreasonably when it returned an Express Entry application because it was missing a dependent’s birth certificate. The […]
Ontario Grants OINP New Power to Return Applications Before Nomination
On July 1, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has been granted the authority to return submitted applications before a provincial nomination is issues. This is a change that may have significant implications for applicants and representatives. This regulatory update, introduced by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), is part of a broader effort to “better respond […]
Major Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility – What International Students Need to Know
Canada has implemented significant changes to its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, effective June 25, 2025. These updates directly impact international students and the types of programs that now lead to post-study work opportunities in Canada. The federal government’s new policy aims to better align post-secondary education choices with national labor market demands, particularly in sectors facing […]
Canada Issues 503 Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draw Targeting Provincial Nominees
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to prioritize immigration candidates with strong ties to the provinces. In the most recent round of invitations held on June 23, 2025, 503 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 742, marking a notable decrease of 42 points from the previous PNP draw on June 10, which saw only […]
Federal Court Clarifies Key Rule in Parental Sponsorship Applications: When Does Income Count?
In a decision that directly impacts thousands of Canadian families, the Federal Court of Canada has confirmed a crucial detail in the parental sponsorship process: The minimum income requirement is assessed based on the date IRCC determines the application is complete, not the date it is submitted. The case, Patel v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2024 FC 586, reinforces the importance of application completeness and […]
Foreign Workers Should Not Be Paying for Job Offers: Ontario Enforcement Case Highlights Ongoing Issues
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour recently issued a rare enforcement decision against a non-lawyerimmigration consultant that underscores a crucial aspect of foreign worker protections in Canada: recruiters and employers are prohibited from charging foreign workers any fees for job placement. This decision involved an Alberta-based recruiter who was ordered to repay up to $150,000 in unlawful fees collected from […]