Immigration News in Sept. 2026
Hello everyone! Autumn has officially arrived, bringing with it a stunning canopy of red and orange leaves. As the season shifts, we are diving into the latest immigration news and key updates you need to know for September 2026.
Immigration News in September 2026
<Express Entry (Permanent Residence Applications)>
As mentioned in our summer news update, 2026 has seen an increase in PR applicants through new categories. Under Express Entry, the Canadian government is prioritizing Invitations to Apply (ITA) based on specific occupations. Check out the latest trends via the link below:
Canada prioritizes top talent in 2026 immigration Express Entry categories.
<Short-Term Studies (Under 6 Months)>
Starting September 4, 2026, individuals holding a valid Work Permit are permitted to study for less than six months without needing a Study Permit.
This applies not only to new work permit holders but also to those who have extended their Work Permits from within Canada. Please check the details below.
Study without a study permit policy details
Economic growth and public services contributions for temporary workers
<Work Permit Compliance Updates>
On September 17, 2026, it was announced that the work permit compliance pages have been updated. The specific objectives of this update include:
- Differentiating the steps for assessing applications under the International Mobility Program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- Updating contacts for referrals and verifications
- Providing more realistic and relevant examples of scenarios
- Correcting discrepancies between the internal and external versions
- Adding a procedural fairness process for collecting information directly from the employer when there are genuineness concerns if no alternative process is in place
- Addressing specific concerns, such as the handling of extrinsic information
- Meeting current formatting standards
- Improving overall clarity and readability
Regardless of whether a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required, approximately 1 in 4 companies that hire foreign workers in Canada will undergo a random audit by immigration authorities.
During these audits, officials verify whether the employed foreign worker meets the conditions stated in the Offer of Employment submitted during the work permit application. The updated pages provide detailed descriptions of what specific items are checked.
While the updated pages serve as an immigration officer manual, reading through them helps clarify what points require attention when submitting an Offer of Employment. Therefore, companies looking to hire foreign workers will find them essential to review. You can check the details via the links below:
Employer-specific LMIA exemptions eligibility
<Employer’s eligibility for an LMIA application>
Employment and Social Development of Canada (ESDC) has updated the definition of Employers eligible to hire Temporary Foreign Workers within an LMIA application as of September 18, 2026. Please read the details through the link below.
===
With various changes to immigration laws being announced one after another, applications must be handled carefully in accordance with the latest information. Making a mistake on what might be a once-in-a-lifetime critical application can cause you to miss your opportunity entirely, which is why we strongly recommend consulting an experienced professional beforehand.
Our immigration consultants bring over 15 years of experience to provide attentive support. If you would like to discuss a consultation or representation for your application, please feel free to contact us through our inquiry form!
“You are one step closer to Canada!”
＼ Get the latest news ／
