Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has clarified how work permits will be issued to applicants under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) in 2026. Candidates who have submitted a complete permanent residence application under either pilot and hold a valid job offer may qualify for a work permit valid for up to two years while their PR application is processed.
These work permits are exempt from the labour market impact assessment (LMIA) requirement, simplifying the process for both applicants and employers.
Family members included in the PR application may also be eligible for LMIA-exempt work permits. These programs represent a practical approach to immigration that considers the needs of smaller communities across the country.
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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced plans for an October 2026 referendum on immigration policy, marking a significant departure from her previous support for high population growth.
The proposal comes as the province grapples with rapid demographic changes that have strained public services. Smith attributes the shift to federal immigration reforms under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which moved away from merit-based selection toward increased temporary worker and international student visas.
Alberta's population surged by 600,000 over five years, overwhelming education and healthcare systems. The referendum will ask voters whether to limit newcomer access to provincial services and give Alberta more control over immigration levels.
Immigration lawyer Tara Pandes notes that bureaucratic delays continue to hamper efforts to attract skilled workers despite urgent labour needs.
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The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) has called on Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab to address the mounting challenges facing international students following recent policy changes.
The CCR expressed concern that shifting regulations around post-graduation work permits and provincial immigration pathways have left thousands of students uncertain about their legal status.
The Council emphasized that international students contribute significantly to Canada's economy and academic institutions and urged the government to create fair pathways to permanent residency, withdraw problematic provisions in Bill C-12, and ensure protected persons have access to domestic tuition rates at Canadian universities.
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The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a definitive and swift clarification regarding the status of a crucial immigration pathway, moving to quash persistent online rumors. The federal agency officially refuted widespread speculation that suggested an early termination or winding down of Canada’s popular Open Work Permit (OWP) program.
Concerns had been growing within immigrant communities and among prospective applicants following unfounded claims circulating across social media platforms and certain news outlets. These claims implied that the program, which provides essential flexibility for temporary residents to work for nearly any employer in Canada, would be prematurely shut down.
The IRCC’s statement is designed to stabilize the immigration environment and provide assurance to those currently planning their transition to Canada. The agency confirmed that the existing mandate for the OWP program remains fully operational and active, emphatically confirming its continuation through the year 2026. This confirmation is vital for maintaining planning stability for both applicants and Canadian employers who rely on this important source of temporary skilled labor.
This official refutation underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining its planned immigration levels and pathways, mitigating the uncertainty that unfounded rumors can generate. Applicants are advised to rely solely on official IRCC channels for updates regarding policy changes.
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