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This weekly briefing provides a detailed and independent overview of the most significant immigration, policy, and legal developments across Canada over the past week. The updates below reflect federal and provincial policy shifts, court decisions, and emerging trends affecting newcomers, temporary residents, employers, and immigration practitioners.

Ontario is preparing to introduce 2026 Labour Mobility Regulations that could modernize how skilled professionals move into jobs—especially in regulated fields—by improving credential recognition and workforce access. The changes are expected to help talent reach high-need sectors faster and may influence labour mobility trends beyond Ontario. Stakeholders are watching closely as the 2026 rollout approaches, since the new rules could reshape hiring and integration across Canada’s skilled workforce.

IRCC has paused an entrepreneur-focused settlement initiative after an internal review found it was no longer delivering the economic outcomes it was designed to achieve. Officials said the pathway was not working as intended, prompting an immediate halt while the government reassesses how it attracts and supports foreign entrepreneurial talent and considers possible redesign or replacement.

Canada’s immigration landscape continues to evolve amid global instability and domestic policy shifts, with experts warning of a potential rise in Venezuelan refugee claims while international students face increased risks from legal issues and administrative errors. At the same time, stronger border enforcement has led to a notable decline in asylum claims, Quebec has introduced new French-language requirements for long-term temporary foreign workers, and Canada has reinforced its position as the leading destination for international students seeking permanent residence, highlighting a system that is becoming more controlled, selective, and strategically focused.

Canada’s Special Pathway for Families of Flight PS752 Victims - A Reflection on Compassion in Immigration

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its latest update, confirming that the Canada Immigration Backlog September 2025 has reached a concerning new high. As of August 31, 2025, the backlog stood at 958,850 applications, an increase of 57,150 cases in a single month compared to July’s 901,700.

Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada 2025: Eligibility and Application Guide, As a licensed Canadian immigration consultant, one of the common questions I receive is: “Can I work in Canada if my spouse is studying here as an international student?” The answer is: yes, in many cases you may qualify for an Open Work Permit (OWP).

OINP Updates: New Employer Portal Process (July 2025)