Canada immigration news
Plain-language updates on the changes that affect students, workers, and PR applicants — each linked to its official source. Verify anything time-sensitive against the primary source before you act.
Yukon simplifies path to practice for internationally trained family doctors
Yukon has introduced a new 'Limited A' licensing pathway that allows internationally trained family doctors from Australia, Ireland, the United States, and the United Kingdom to practice in the territory without completing additional practice assessments and supervised practice periods.
- Yukon created the 'Limited A' licensing pathway for family physicians from Australia, Ireland, the US, and UK
- Eligible doctors can practice in Yukon without needing extra practice assessments or supervised practice periods
Low-wage LMIA processing restrictions lifted for eight regions, including Halifax, Winnipeg, and Regina
Starting July 10, 2026, eight Canadian regions including Halifax, Winnipeg, and Regina can now process low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications after their unemployment rates dropped below 6%.
- Eight regions were removed from the low-wage LMIA processing freeze as of July 10, 2026: Halifax, Saint John, Fredericton, Drummondville, Kingston, St. Catharines-Niagara, Winnipeg, and Regina
- Four new regions were added to the freeze starting July 10: Saskatoon, Red Deer, Kamloops, and Chilliwack
Work permit holders can no longer study without a study permit
The temporary public policy that let certain work permit holders study without a separate study permit expired on June 27, 2026.
- The temporary policy letting some work permit holders study without a study permit expired June 27, 2026.
- Anyone wanting to study a program longer than the usual short-course exemption now generally needs a study permit, same as before the policy existed.
Spousal open work permits narrowed again with a final-term rule
From March 4, 2026, a student’s spouse is refused an open work permit if the student is in the final term of their program — on top of the January 2025 eligibility cuts.
- From March 4, 2026, a student's spouse is refused a spousal open work permit if the student is in their final academic term — even on a renewal.
- This adds to the January 21, 2025 change limiting SOWP eligibility to spouses of master's (16+ months), doctoral, or certain professional-degree students.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often — for your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer, and always confirm details on the official source linked in each item.