As of April 23, 2026, the Employer Position Assessment (EPA) replaces the Job Approval Form (JAF) under SINP, introducing a more structured and time-sensitive process.
Employers must submit EPAs through their OASIS account with complete documentation, as incomplete applications will not be accepted.
The system now distinguishes between capped sectors, which are limited to intake windows and one candidate per EPA, and non-capped sectors, where submissions are open and can include multiple candidates.
Once approved, an EPA remains valid for 60 days, but applicants must validate their information within the first 10 days, or the approval will be cancelled.
This new validation step creates a strict timeline with no margin for error, as any delay or mistake may require the process to restart. While the overall timeline has not changed, the process now requires faster coordination between employers and applicants. Preparation and attention to detail are now critical for successful submission.
#SINP, #saskatchewan, #work_permit, #pr_canada, #EPA
Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals a sharp downward trend in temporary resident arrivals, with a 72% decrease in new student and worker permits issued in early 2026 compared to the same period in 2024.
This decline follows several federal measures, including an annual cap on international student study permits and a 10% limit on low-wage temporary foreign worker hiring.
While the total number of permit holders currently in Canada remains high due to existing application inventories, the number of new arrivals has plummeted, with only 2,135 study permits and 10,375 work permits issued in February 2026.
#canada_immigration, #study_permit_cap, #temporary_foreign_workers, #ircc, #immigration_levels_plan, #work_permits, #permanent_residency_canada
British Columbia has announced a new initiative to allow rural businesses to retain temporary foreign workers for an additional year. This development aims to support the continued operation of businesses in these regions, which have historically relied on temporary foreign workers to fill labor shortages. The decision comes as a response to ongoing challenges in securing qualified workers for essential industries in rural areas.
The province's move seeks to address labor gaps in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and tourism, which often struggle to attract and retain permanent staff. By extending the retention period, businesses can continue to benefit from the skills and experience of temporary foreign workers, ensuring the smooth functioning of their operations and contributing to economic stability in rural communities. This measure is intended to be a temporary solution while broader strategies for workforce development are implemented.
The extension is expected to have a positive impact on the rural economy, supporting job creation and sustaining existing businesses. Details regarding eligibility criteria and application processes will be released in the coming weeks. The government emphasizes its commitment to ensuring that temporary foreign workers are treated fairly and in accordance with all applicable labor
The Canadian immigration department is taking steps to address integrity issues highlighted in a recent audit, according to a statement from a deputy minister. The department is actively working to rectify the concerns raised by the auditor, indicating a commitment to improving its operational standards and ensuring the accuracy of its processes.
These integrity issues, as identified by the auditor, pertain to various aspects of the department's work, potentially impacting the efficiency and reliability of immigration-related services. While the specifics of the audit are not detailed in the provided summary, the deputy minister's statement suggests a comprehensive review and remediation plan is underway.
The department's response signals a proactive approach to accountability and a willingness to learn from the audit findings. This development is likely to be closely watched by stakeholders, including the public, media, and oversight bodies, as the department continues to implement the necessary changes. The focus will be on demonstrating tangible improvements to the integrity and effectiveness of immigration processes.
Immigration Audit Integrity Government Canada Department