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Canada has introduced temporary measures that make it easier for provincial nominees and their spouses to obtain work permits while waiting for permanent residence processing.

Effective June 9 to December 31, 2026, eligible PNP applicants can apply for certain work permits without an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). Instead, they can use proof that their PR application was submitted and that fees were paid.

The change applies to:
- PNP Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs)
- PNP employer-specific work permits
- Eligible spousal open work permits

The measure aims to prevent applicants from losing their authorization to work due to long delays in receiving AORs. It only applies to in-Canada work permit applications.

Processing times for in-Canada work permit applications and extensions have dropped to 186 days as of June 10, 2026, down from 212 days in May, marking the lowest wait time reported this year.

While still above IRCC’s four-month service target, applicants who apply before their permit expires can continue working under maintained status while awaiting a decision. To help address delays, Canada also extended the validity of work permit support letters from six months to one year in April 2026.

B.C. invites over 350 skilled workers and entrepreneurs in first June immigration draw

On June 2, British Columbia issued more than 357 invitations through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), targeting workers in healthcare, education, veterinary services, and construction, along with entrepreneurs looking to start or acquire businesses in the province.

Most invitations (342) were issued through the Skills Immigration stream, supporting the province’s labour market needs in care and construction sectors. An additional 15 invitations were extended through Entrepreneur Immigration streams.

This was British Columbia’s 12th draw of 2026 and brings the total number of invitations issued this year to 2,485 through Skills Immigration and at least 64 through Entrepreneur Immigration.

Canada is reviewing some recently approved citizenship-by-descent applications and has asked certain new citizens to return their citizenship certificates while their files are re-examined.

The review mainly affects applicants who submitted records that did not come directly from official source authorities or failed to explain missing documents. Many of those flagged had already received citizenship certificates, passports, or Social Insurance Numbers.

Officials say this is not a citizenship revocation, but a request for additional proof to confirm an unbroken line of descent from a Canadian ancestor. Applicants can submit further evidence, including certified records, letters explaining missing documents, and proof of attempts to obtain unavailable records.

Experts advise using certified documents from official registries and clearly documenting any gaps in family records to avoid delays or challenges in citizenship-by-descent applications.

Millions of Canadian seniors will see larger Old Age Security (OAS) payments starting in July 2026 after the federal government confirmed a 1.2% increase for the July–September quarter.

The increase will raise maximum monthly OAS payments to approximately $751.97 for seniors aged 65–74 and $827.17 for those aged 75 and older. Seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and other related benefits will also receive higher payments.

The July adjustment is the largest OAS increase of 2026 so far and reflects rising living costs. Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which is adjusted annually, OAS payments are reviewed every three months based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

For GIS recipients, July also marks the annual income reassessment. Payments will be recalculated using 2025 income information, meaning some low-income seniors could see additional increases beyond the standard 1.2% boost.

The first payment reflecting the new rates will be issued on July 29, 2026.

To remain eligible for GIS, seniors must file their 2025 tax return. Failure to do so could result in benefit interruptions beginning in July.

Eligible Canadians aged 65 and older can receive OAS regardless of employment history, provided they meet residency requirements. Seniors may also choose to delay OAS payments until age 70 to receive a permanently higher monthly benefit.

Congratulations to our client, Lady on the approval of her Spousal Open Work Permit! 🎉

We are so happy to share this wonderful news and celebrate this important milestone with you.

It has been a pleasure assisting you throughout your application journey, and we are grateful for the trust you placed in our team.

Wishing you all the best in Canada! 🇨🇦❤️

Do you need help with your application? We’ve got you!
Your journey matters to us, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Book a consultation with us today 😊

Americans eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent should be careful when applying for proof of citizenship. Even small errors can lead to delays, returns, or refusals, and current processing times are around 12 months.

Common mistakes include:

1. Not meeting IRCC photo requirements
2. Submitting black-and-white instead of colour document copies
3. Missing or invalid supporting documents
4. Leaving application fields blank instead of writing “N/A”
5. Forgetting to sign the application
6. Failing to include proof of payment
7. Not following document formatting or translation rules
8. Sending the application without tracking or delivery confirmation
9. Missing requests from IRCC for additional information
10. Using outdated forms or incomplete application packages
11. Misunderstanding application instructions

Immigration lawyers recommend carefully reviewing all requirements before submitting to avoid costly delays and having to restart the process.

We’re pleased to share a recent success story for one of our clients, whose identity will remain confidential for privacy reasons.

After experiencing abuse in the workplace, our client applied for an Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers. We were honored to assist throughout the process and are delighted that her application was approved.

This approval provides her with the opportunity to leave an unsafe work environment and continue working in Canada with greater security and peace of mind.

If you are facing a similar situation, know that support and options may be available to you.
We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Book a consultation with us today 😊

Quebec invited 2,549 immigration candidates to apply for permanent selection in a new draw held on June 4 under its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). Invitations were issued across all four PSTQ streams, making it the province’s fifth draw of 2026.

The majority of invitations went to candidates in the Highly Qualified and Specialized Skills stream, which accounted for nearly 43% of all invitations. Additional invitations were issued to workers in intermediate and manual occupations, regulated professions, and candidates recognized for exceptional talent.

Most selected candidates were already living and working in Quebec, met French-language requirements, and had relevant work experience or educational credentials obtained in the province.

Bill C-3 restores citizenship—but future children born abroad may not qualify automatically

Under Bill C-3, people born before December 15, 2025, can claim Canadian citizenship if they have an unbroken line of descent from a Canadian ancestor.

However, children born abroad after that date won't automatically inherit citizenship unless their Canadian parent has spent at least three years (1,095 days) living in Canada before the child's birth or adoption.

This creates different outcomes within the same family. A child born before December 15, 2025, may automatically be Canadian, while a sibling born later could be ineligible if the parent hasn't met the residency requirement.

One option for prospective parents is giving birth in Canada. Because Canada grants citizenship by birth on Canadian soil, a child born in Canada is automatically Canadian, regardless of the parent's time spent in the country.

The new rule does not affect children born before December 15, 2025, and does not impact U.S. citizenship. Many children born in Canada to American parents may qualify for both Canadian and U.S. citizenship.

Those who may be eligible under Bill C-3 should review their citizenship-by-descent options and understand how the new residency requirement could affect future generations.