New requirements for workplaces with fewer than 10 employees.

Theo ESDC, người sử dụng lao động có tổng số nhân viên dưới 10 người tại một địa điểm làm việc cụ thể phải hoàn thành phần “Cap for low-wage positions” trong đơn xin Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Notably, when calculating the limit, ESDC specifies the size of personnel at that work location as including:

• Full-time and part-time employees are working at the location;
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign workers employed at the location;
• The employee is on leave but is expected to return to work;
• These are vacant positions for foreign workers that businesses are applying to fill through the LMIA;
• Foreign workers who have had their LMIA approved but have not yet started working.

Part-time employees are counted as 0.5 employees when determining the staffing limit.

What is the maximum number of foreign workers a company can hire?

Đối với nhóm địa điểm làm việc có dưới 10 nhân viên, ESDC quy định công thức tính giới hạn sử dụng quy mô nhân sự là 10 nhân viên.

Therefore:

• If the position falls under the 10% quota category, the company can hire a maximum of one low-wage foreign worker.
• If the position falls under the 20% quota category, the company can hire a maximum of two low-wage foreign workers.

Industries subject to the 20% limit

The 20% limit applies to certain sectors, industries, and occupations as defined by ESDC, including:

• Construction
• Food production;
• Hospital
• Nursing and residential care facilities;
• Some home care positions.

The specific list is determined based on the NAICS system for industries and the NOC system for occupations.

What is LMIA?

The Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an assessment of the impact of hiring foreign workers on the Canadian labor market.

Under the TFWP, businesses must normally apply for an LMIA before workers can be granted a work permit under the program. Businesses must meet recruitment, salary, and working conditions requirements and demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents before hiring foreign workers.

Additionally, businesses must pay a CAD 1,000 processing fee for each position listed in the LMIA application, except in cases where exemptions are granted. This fee is non-refundable to foreign workers.

Not all businesses are allowed to hire low-wage workers.

The ESDC's update to the limit calculation method does not mean that businesses can freely recruit foreign workers.

Some regions still apply regulations that reject LMIA applications for low-paying positions. Specifically, some LMIA applications for positions with salaries below the applicable threshold and located in urban areas with unemployment rates of 6% or higher will not be processed, except in exceptional circumstances.

Businesses in some rural areas may also be subject to separate temporary measures related to the proportion of low-wage foreign workers.

What should foreign workers be aware of?

This change could create more opportunities for foreign workers as businesses with smaller work locations need to hire staff. However, this is not a new work permit program.

Workers still need to have a valid job and meet the requirements of the TFWP program. In cases where an LMIA is required, the employer must complete the LMIA process as prescribed before the worker can use the results for a work permit application.

In particular, workers should be wary of job offers that require recruitment fees. The ESDC stipulates that employers or recruitment agencies acting on their behalf are prohibited from collecting or recovering recruitment fees from foreign workers.

Conclusion

The ESDC update of August 18, 2026, focuses on how to calculate the limit on low-wage foreign workers for workplaces with fewer than 10 employees. According to the new formula, the limit is converted to a maximum of 1 worker for the 10% group or 2 workers for the 20% group.

This is a significant change for small-scale businesses that employ or need to hire foreign workers through the TFWP. However, LMIA requirements, Canadian employment, wages, working conditions, and regional restrictions must still be met.

This is positive news for those interested in immigrating to Canada through provincial programs.

1. Details of the application withdrawal on March 6, 2026

In the first draw of the year, a total of 445 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued through the two programs:

• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program: 362 ITA
• Atlantic Immigration Program: 83 ITA

Key points to note:

• This is the largest withdrawal since the Expression of Interest (EOI) system was launched in 2025.
• This is the first withdrawal in 2026.
• Total number of withdrawals since the EOI was issued: 14

Currently, the province does not release detailed ITAs by stream for each round.

2. Why is this withdrawal important?

This record-breaking withdrawal reflects several key trends:

• The province is accelerating the candidate selection process starting from the beginning of the year.
• Local labor demand remains high.
• The EOI system allows provinces to proactively select suitable candidates, instead of reviewing applications in the order they were submitted as before.

3. Overview of immigration programs in Newfoundland and Labrador

After understanding the application withdrawal process, it's important to be familiar with the programs the province is using to select candidates.

Currently, the province's settlement system is quite centralized, with two main programs.

3.1 Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program

This is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows the province to select candidates who are a good fit for the labor market.

Specification:

• The process consists of two steps:
  • Received a provincial nomination.
  • Submit your PR application to the federal government.
• There are many aspects:
  • Skilled Worker
  • Express Entry Skilled Worker
  • International Graduate
  • Entrepreneur

Suitable for:

• People who have work experience
• International students in Canada
• The candidate has a relatively strong profile.

3.2 Atlantic Immigration Program

This immigration program is specifically for the four Atlantic provinces.

Specification:

• No separate nomination required
• Submit PR directly
• A job offer from a designated employer is required.
• Request a settlement plan.

Suitable for:

• People with clear job offers
• International students at Atlantic Canada
• Candidates want a faster process.

4. Newfoundland có chương trình Rural (RCIP) không?

No separate RCIP

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot program is not implemented in Newfoundland and Labrador.

AIP plays a similar role to the rural program.

Actually:

• The Atlantic Immigration Program has taken on the role of attracting workers to low-population areas.
• Focus on:
  • Local labor demand
  • Connecting candidates with employers.
  • Support for long-term settlement

 Simply put: Newfoundland doesn't need RCIP because it already has AIP.

5. Other supplementary approaches

In addition to the two main programs, applicants may also consider:

5.1 Express Entry

• Federal immigration system
• High competition if you don't have a job offer or a strong CRS score.

5.2 Common Pathway: Study/Work → PR

• Enter Canada with a study permit or work permit.
• Then switch to NLPNP or AIP.

6. Conclusion

The March 6, 2026 job application draw in Newfoundland and Labrador is not only the largest ever, but also shows that the province is accelerating its efforts to attract immigrant workers right from the beginning of the year.

The province's settlement system is relatively clear:

• The two main programs are NLPNP and AIP.
• There was no RCIP, but AIP played a similar role.

For applicants, a thorough understanding of each program and early application preparation will be crucial to seizing opportunities in subsequent draw rounds.

This article will explain the entire content of the announcement, the important changes, the significance of the policy, and the terminology that readers need to know to understand the impact of this decision.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program là gì?

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW Program) is a program that allows Canadian businesses to hire temporary foreign workers when they are unable to find a suitable Canadian or permanent resident for the position.

Chương trình này được quản lý bởi Employment and Social Development Canada.

Some key points of the program:

• Businesses must demonstrate that they made an attempt to recruit Canadians first.
• An LMIA must be obtained before hiring foreign workers.
• Foreign workers are only recruited when there is a genuine labor shortage in the market.

According to Canadian government figures, workers under this program account for only about 1% of Canada's total workforce.

Why does Canada need to introduce new measures?

In recent years, the Canadian government has tightened the TFW program in an effort to reduce its reliance on foreign labor.

Measures to be implemented from 2023–2024 include:

• Reduce the proportion of low-wage foreign workers from 20% to 10%.
• Reduce the work permit duration for low-wage workers to one year.
• Reject LMIA applications for low-wage jobs in cities with unemployment rates of 6% or higher.

However, these changes have created significant difficulties for many rural areas.

In many rural areas of Canada:

• Low population
• Limited workforce
• Workers find it difficult to travel to remote areas.

Therefore, many businesses are unable to recruit enough staff to remain operational.

The latest changes from the Canadian government in 2026.

To address the labor shortage in rural areas, the Canadian government has announced a temporary measure under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

1. Increase the proportion of low-wage foreign workers.

Eligible businesses in rural areas can:

• Increase the proportion of low-wage TFW workers from 10% to 15% of the total workforce.
• For example: The total number of employees is 100. Under the old regulations, the company could hire a maximum of 10 Team Leaders (TFWs). Following this announcement, the company can hire a maximum of 15 TFWs (after the request is approved by the Federal government).

2. Businesses are allowed to retain their current TFW workforce.

Many rural businesses are currently using TFW (Total Workforce) labor exceeding 10% because they are still using labor under the old regulations (20%) from the year before.

The new policy allows them to retain their current workforce, instead of having to reduce it as per the old regulations.

This helps avoid the following situation:

• lack of staff
• production interruption
• Close down local businesses.

3. This policy does not automatically apply across Canada.

One important point in the announcement is:

This policy only applies when a province or territory requests it from the federal government.

The process typically unfolds as follows:

1. Local businesses report labor shortages.
2. The provincial government assesses the labor market.
3. The province submits a request to the federal government.
4. The Canadian government approved its application for that area.

Once approved, the policy could take effect within approximately two weeks.

4. Policy implementation period

This measure is only temporary:

• It could start from April 1, 2026.
• Ends on March 31, 2027

After this period, the Canadian government may:

• extended
• adjust
• or terminate the policy.

Some industries have their own regulations.

Some essential Canadian occupations still have different limits within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

The industry has a 20% limit.

The following sectors are permitted to employ a maximum of 20% low-wage foreign workers:

• health care
• build
• Food processing.

These sectors often have difficulty recruiting domestic workers, so the government allows a higher percentage.

Seasonal industries are exempt from restrictions.

Seasonal industries are still eligible for exceptions, including:

• processing fish and seafood
• tourism.

Seasonal jobs in these industries are not subject to TFW (Time-of-Work) rates.

Key terms

What is LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a permit that businesses must obtain before hiring foreign workers.

The purpose of an LMIA is to confirm that:

• Businesses are unable to find suitable Canadian workers.
• The hiring of foreign workers does not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.

If the LMIA is approved, the foreign worker can then apply for a work permit to work in Canada.

What is low-wage labor?

In the TFW program:

• A low-wage worker is a worker whose salary is below the provincial average.

These positions are typically found in industries such as:

• restaurant
• hotel
  
• manufacture
• agriculture
• service
  

The significance of the new policy

The announcement from the Canadian government carries significant implications.

1. Supporting the rural economy

Businesses in rural areas often face difficulties in recruitment.

This policy helps them:

• keep active
• avoid lack of manpower
• Maintain local economic stability.
  

2. Canadian workers remain a priority.

Despite relaxing regulations, the government still emphasizes that:

Canadians and permanent residents should always be given priority in employment.

Businesses still have to:

• Apply for jobs domestically
• demonstrate labor shortage
• Please provide an LMIA.
  

3. There's no need to open the doors to recruit foreign workers en masse.

This policy is not a large-scale program for foreign workers.

The main objective is:

• supporting rural areas facing labor shortages.
• Maintain the stability of local businesses.

Conclusion

The Canadian government's recent announcement regarding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program demonstrates a more flexible approach to the rural labor market.

Summary of key points:

• Increase the proportion of eligible low-wage TFW workers from 10% to 15% in rural areas.
• Businesses can retain existing TFW workers.
• This policy only applies when the province requests it from the federal government.
• Effective from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027
• Businesses still need to apply for LMIA and prioritize Canadian workers.

This measure is expected to help rural businesses stay afloat and support local economic growth, while also ensuring the balance of the Canadian labor market.

Amendment 1: Protecting Privacy

The Senate has passed a proposal by Senator Paulette Senior to protect the privacy of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Under this amendment, these two groups will be exempt from the expanded personal information sharing provisions in the bill.
Previously, the bill allowed the Department of Immigration to share personal data with other government agencies.

Second amendment: Monitoring the rejection of late-filed asylum applications.

Another amendment requires the government to report on asylum applications deemed ineligible because they were filed more than one year after the applicant entered Canada.

Currently, the Senate is still debating the bill. The next session is scheduled for March 11, 2026, and senators may still propose further amendments.

If the bill passes on the third reading in the Senate, because amendments have been made, it will be sent back to the House of Representatives and must go through three more readings before it can become law.

The biggest immigration reform in over 20 years.

Bill C-12 is considered one of the biggest changes to the Canadian immigration system in over two decades.

If passed, the bill would grant the government powerful executive powers, including:

• Stop accepting new immigration applications.
• Temporarily suspend or terminate the processing of immigration applications.
• Cancel, modify, or suspend immigration documents such as PR cards, work permits, and study permits.
• Imposing conditions on temporary residents in Canada

These powers will be exercised by the Governor in Council (the federal government through the cabinet).

However, these rights can only be exercised when it is in the "public interest," including in cases such as:
• Administrative error
• Cheat
• Public health
• Public safety
• National security

Major changes to the asylum system.

Bill C-12 also proposes several reforms to the asylum system, including:

• Asylum applications submitted more than one year after entry into Canada will not be accepted.
• Refugee applications from individuals who entered the United States illegally will not be accepted.

The trend of expanding government power.

Bill C-12 follows another bill under Prime Minister Mark Carney's government – ​​Bill C-5 – which allowed the government to expedite the approval of "national interest" projects such as oil pipelines, mines, power plants, and railroads.

The bill is currently being debated in the Senate and may undergo further amendments before becoming law.

The program is designed to align with Manitoba's economic and immigration needs, therefore employer and candidate profile selection may vary depending on the province's labour market priorities at any given time.

Note: Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that your application will be approved.

1. Latest program update

The Hospitality and Food Services sectors are no longer eligible.

The hospitality and food services sector has been removed from TRRP's list of eligible sectors.

Profiles:

• of employers in this industry
• nominees from this field

Submissions submitted after February 4, 2026 will not be accepted or processed.

Expanding eligibility criteria for skilled occupations in excluded sectors.

Some employers in excluded industries may still be eligible to participate in the program if their employees work in the following skilled occupations.

List of eligible occupations and NOC codes

Agricultural Equipment Technician — NOC 72401
Auto Body and Collision Technician — NOC 72411
Automotive Refinishing Technician — NOC 72411
Automotive Service Technician — NOC 72410
Boilermaker — NOC 72304
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician — NOC 72401
Instrumentation and Control Technician — NOC 22312
Landscape Horticulturalist — NOC 22114
Parts Technician — NOC 14401
Recreation Vehicle Service Technician — NOC 72410
Transport Trailer Technician — NOC 72410
Truck and Transport Mechanic — NOC 72410
Aircraft Maintenance Journeyperson — NOC 72404
Diesel Engine Mechanic — NOC 72410
Railway Car Technician — NOC 72403
Water and Wastewater Technician — NOC 22101

2. Employer Eligibility Criteria

Employers may apply to participate in the program if they meet the following conditions.

2.1 Basic Criteria

Businesses must:

• Own and operate a business for at least 3 consecutive years before submitting the application.
• Legally registered under provincial or federal law.
• Having a manufacturing facility or business location in Manitoba.
• Not a home-based business.

Businesses must operate in one of the following sectors:

• Agriculture (nông nghiệp)
• Construction and trades (xây dựng và nghề tay nghề)
• Information technology (công nghệ thông tin)
• Food processing (chế biến thực phẩm)
• Education (giáo dục)
• Healthcare (y tế)
• Excluded sector approved trade (nghề tay nghề được chấp thuận trong ngành bị loại trừ)
• Manufacturing (sản xuất)

In addition, businesses must:

• Whether it is a commercial enterprise or a non-profit organization
• Must have a minimum revenue of CAD 350,000 per year for the last 3 years.

2.2 Employee Retention Rate

• Businesses must demonstrate a positive temporary worker retention rate in the three years prior to filing their application.
• A positive rate is defined as: At least 50% of temporary workers are retained for employment within 3 years.

2.3 Additional requirements for businesses

Businesses must:

• Maintain clear labor relations with employees.
  (Employees must not be business partners or business owners, e.g., owner-operator)
• Has a history of good compliance with the MPNP program and federal/provincial laws.
  (No penalties, no history of system violations)
• If you are a recruitment agency, you must provide a contract proving the full-time and long-term employment position.
• We have a valid registration certificate under the Workers Recruitment and Protection Act (WRAPA).
• Assisting with the applicant's work permit application and paying the employer compliance fee of 230 CAD to IRCC.

2.4 Ineligible employers

The following individuals are ineligible to participate in the program:

• Labor brokerage companies only provide personnel to other businesses according to their needs.
• The business only hires owner-operators, self-employed workers, or independent contractors.
• The company plans to sell the company or a part of the company within the next two years.
• The business is on the suspension list of Employment and Social Development Canada / Service Canada.
• The company has previously been fined for violating the TFWP or International Mobility Program.

3. Requirements for candidates

3.1 Basic eligibility

Applicants must:

• Ages 21 to 45 (unless otherwise specified by the employer)
• Having a valid work permit that will expire within the next year, or is in maintained status.
• Currently residing in Manitoba

3.2 Work experience

Applicants must:

• Currently working for an employer in Manitoba.
• Full-time experience required (at least 30 hours/week)
• Have worked full-time for the same employer for at least 18 months
• Have a long-term and stable job offer.

3.3 Education and Training

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Educational qualifications or training relevant to the current occupation.
• Or meet the employer's requirements.

If the occupation requires a license or certification, applicants must provide a valid license or registration from the provincial occupation regulatory authority.

For TEER 4 or 5 occupations, the program may consider applicants with the following qualifications:

• without a post-secondary education,
• Provided that appropriate training is provided for the job as required by the employer and the NOC description.

3.4 Language proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French according to the TEER level of the occupation:

• TEER 0 – 3: minimum 5 goals per club/league
• TEER 4-5: Minimum Club/National Team Tier 4

Exam results must be valid for 2 years.

Note:

• Overall band score does not necessarily equate to club score.
• The candidate's Club score is determined by the lowest score in each skill in the test.

3.5 Salary Requirements

The candidate's salary should be:

• Equivalent to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident holding the same position.
• not lower than the median wage for the occupation in the region according to NOC.

Salary information is available at Jobbank.

If the salary is lower than the median wage, the employer must provide additional support such as:

• Pay work permit fees for workers.
• supporting the process of settling into life and reintegrating into society.

3.6 Adaptability

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate your intention to reside permanently in Manitoba.
• This demonstrates a stronger connection to Manitoba than any other province.

This demonstrates a stronger connection to Manitoba than any other province.

This period may include time spent in Canada as follows:

• visitor permit
• study permit
• work permit

3.7 MPNP Score

Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 60 points according to the MPNP assessment system.

3.8 Additional requirements

Candidates are ineligible for this program if:

• eligible under Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates
• have received an ITA from any Regional Strategic Immigration Initiative

4. Processing time

The Employer Services department strives to process applications fully within 60 days of submission.

However, processing times may vary depending on:

• completeness of the file
• number of applications submitted
• Request for verification and compliance check
• program operational capacity

5. No job posting required.

Because this program aims to retain current employees, therefore:

You are not required to post job openings during the application process.

6. In cases where a business wants to recruit additional foreign workers.

If the business wants to:

• recruiting more workers from abroad, and
• Retain temporary workers currently employed in Manitoba.

Then you must submit the following two documents:

• Employer Direct Initiative Application
• Temporary Resident Retention Pilot Form

This article will help readers understand:

• Which group of candidates is clearly being favored?
• Vì sao diploma 1 năm có thể tạo khác biệt lớn về điểm CRS
• Trends in withdrawing Express Entry applications in 2026

What is a one-year diploma? How valuable is it in Express Entry?

A one-year diploma is a post-secondary education program, typically lasting a minimum of eight months of full-time study.

In the CRS system, this qualification can:

• Considered a valid post-secondary qualification.
• Combine with other factors to activate significant advantages.

How does a one-year diploma help increase your CRS score?

A one-year diploma can offer distinct advantages when combined with:

• Good results in English or French
• Work experience in Canada
• Studying in Canada (Canadian education)

Example

• Candidates with a university degree and a one-year diploma may be considered to have "two post-secondary qualifications".
• If the diploma was obtained in Canada, additional points will be added.
• Using a diploma to qualify for work allows you to accumulate Canadian work experience, a factor that is being strongly prioritized in 2026.

Overview of Express Entry draw cycles in 2026

Below is a summary of the Express Entry draw cycles in 2026:

Important Note:
The French language withdrawal on March 4, 2026, had the lowest CRS score in over a year for this group. In the last 12 months, only the withdrawal for doctors with experience working in Canada had a lower score.

Express Entry Trends 2026: Who is getting priority?

Data from 2026 shows that IRCC is focusing heavily on candidates who are already in Canada.

Number of withdrawals per group

Total number of ITA invitations issued in 2026

Despite having only two rounds of French-language visa applications, this group received 14,000 ITAs, ranking second in the entire system for 2026.

Who is a one-year diploma program suitable for?

A one-year diploma program is particularly suitable for:

• People who already have a college degree but don't have a high enough CRS score.
• International workers want to create a bridge to Canadian work experience.
• Candidates plan to pursue further studies to meet the CEC or PNP requirements.
• Those aiming to study, work, and settle in Canada should apply for Express Entry from outside Canada.

Conclusion

In the context of Express Entry 2026:

• CRS scores are no longer a "competitive race for high scores across the board".
• Work experience in Canada, French language skills, and provincial nomination are playing a key role.

A one-year diploma program, if strategically chosen, can be a major turning point, transforming a "hard-to-compete" application into one that qualifies for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Three regions in Manitoba participate in RCIP:

• Altona/Rhineland
• Brandon
• Steinbach

Each region is allowed to select a maximum of 6 priority areas and 25 specific occupations to address local labor shortages by 2026.

What is RCIP? 

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a five-year federal pilot program, launched in 2025 and projected to conclude in 2030.
The goal of RCIP is to attract foreign workers to live and work long-term in rural communities outside Quebec.

Some important points to understand:

• RCIP is a job offer-based immigration pathway.
• Ứng viên bắt buộc phải có thư mời làm việc từ Designated Employer (Nhà tuyển dụng được cộng đồng chỉ định)
• Employers will nominate candidates to the community.
• After receiving community approval, the applicant then submits their permanent resident (PR) application to IRCC.

What is a Designated Employer?

Designated Employer is a business that has been officially approved by the local community government to participate in the recruitment of foreign workers under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) program.

RCIP areas in Manitoba, priority sectors and designated employers by 2026

Altona/Rhineland region

Altona/Rhineland (comprising the Town of Altona and the Rural Municipality of Rhineland) has expanded its list of priorities for 2026.

1. Priority areas for 2026 include:

• Education, law, social services – community – government
• Sales and service
• Engineering, transportation, and equipment operation
• Natural resources and agriculture
• Production and Utilities
• Health

Compared to the previous year, healthcare is a new field added in 2026.

According to the official announcement, community recommendations in this region will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the year.

2. List of Designated Employers: 

1. Access Credit Union Ltd. (Altona)
2. Altona Hotel
3. Border Bean International Inc.
4. Buffalo Creek Mills (2017) Inc.
5. Conquest Manufacturing Ltd.
6. Elmer’s Welding & Manufacturing Ltd.
7. ETG Commodities Inc.
8. Friesens Corporation
9. Greenvalley Equipment (2009) Inc.
10. Kiddie Sunshine Centre Inc.
11. Mandako Agri Marketing (2010) Ltd.
12. Pioneer Meats Ltd.
13. Pizza Haven
14. Potpourri of Flavours
15. Subway, Altona
16. Tim Hortons (Altona)
17. Wesmar Seeds Inc.

3. List of eligible priority occupations:

City of Brandon

Brandon – Manitoba's second-largest city – continues its focus on attracting skilled workers in key sectors.

1. Priority areas for 2026 include:

• Health
• Engineering, transportation, and equipment operation.
• Production and Utilities
• Natural sciences and applied sciences
• Education, law, social services – community – government
• Natural resources and agriculture

Compared to 2025, natural resources and agriculture are new areas that have been added.

2. List of Designated Employers: 

1. AgWest Ltd.
2. Ben Wiebe Construction (1985) Ltd.
3. Brandon Clinic
4. Brandon Computers / ITAdvisors
5. Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Ltd.
6. Canada Packers
7. Gateway Mechanical Services Inc.
8. Glendale Industries Limited
9. Horizon Builders Ltd.
10. Keller Developments
11. Koch Fertilizer Canada, ULC
12. Leech Group
13. Magical Memories Learning Center Inc.
14. McCallum Roofing Ltd.
15. Modular Industrial Structures Brandon (MISB)
16. Montessori Smile
17. Prairie Mountain Health
18. Saputo Dairy Products Canada G.P.
19. Shreem Instrumentation & Controls Ltd.
20. Steve’s Livestock Transport
21. Summus Inc.
22. The Brandon Clinic
23. The Wellness Clinic
24. Walsh Construction
25. Westman Communications Group
26. Wheat City Medical Clinic and Pharmacy
27. YMCA of Brandon

3. List of eligible priority occupations:

The list of specific occupations and designated employers will be updated regularly throughout the year.

City of Steinbach

Steinbach – a fast-growing city in southeastern Manitoba – maintained relatively stable direction compared to the previous year.

1. Priority areas for 2026 include:

• Health
• Education, law, social services – community – government
• Sales and service
• Engineering, transportation, and equipment operation.
• Production and Utilities
• Natural resources and agriculture

Similar to Brandon, natural resources and agriculture are new areas added compared to 2025.

2. List of Designated Employers: 

1. 1st Choice Convenience
2. Big Freight
3. Boston Pizza
4. C.P. Loewen Enterprises Ltd (Loewen Windows & Doors)
5. Clearly Family Beverage Company ULC
6. Co-Care Health Group Inc.
7. Esso Gas Station
8. GNM Fine Jewellers
9. Hanover Grinding
10. Happy Feet Early Learning Centre Inc.
11. HyLife Ltd.
12. Imperial Metal Industries
13. Kinder Korner Early Learning Centre Inc.
14. Legacy Children’s Centre
15. Manitoba Health – Health Protection / Environmental Health
16. MECCCC General Service Ltd.
17. Metalmaster’s Auto Body
18. Mr. Q
19. Old Church Bakery
20. Penn-co Construction Canada (2003) Ltd
21. Prairie Truck Service
22. Santa Lucia Steinbach
23. Silver Lining Care
24. Smitty’s Steinbach
25. SRR Transport
26. Steinbach Dental Clinic
27. Stellar Exteriors
28. Steve’s Livestock
29. The Pickup Storehouse
30. Three Way Builders
31. Treasure Keepers
32. Westland Insurance
33. Wings Over Kississing
34. WS Steel

3. List of eligible priority occupations:

Is there still a chance if I'm not on the priority list?

Yes. Applicants may still be considered under RCIP even if their occupation is not on the priority list, provided that:

• There is a valid job offer.
• Community-designated employer
• The application meets the actual needs of the community at the time of consideration.

Eligibility requirements for RCIP 

In addition to the job offer from the designated employer, candidates must meet the following conditions:

1. Work experience

• Minimum 1 year (1,560 hours)
• Within the last 3 years
• Directly related to the job offered.

2. Educational level

• Have a Canadian degree
• Or a foreign qualification that has been assessed as equivalent (ECA – Educational Credential Assessment)

3. English or French language proficiency (as measured by TEER)

What is TEER?
TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) is a skills classification system in NOC Canada, represented by the second digit of the NOC code.

Language requirements according to TEER:

• TEER 0–1: CLB 6
• TEER 2–3: CLB 5
• TEER 4–5: CLB 4
  

4. Proof of financial means

• From 10,507 CAD (1 person)
• Up to 27,806 CAD (for a family of 7)
• This applies if you are not working legally in Canada.

5. Intention to live long-term

Candidates must demonstrate a desire to live, work, and commit long-term to the community that nominated them.

Conclusion

RCIP continues to be a highly attractive immigration pathway to Manitoba in 2026, especially for applicants who:

• There are job offers in small cities or rural areas.
• Working in essential sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and engineering.
• They want to settle permanently rather than just work for a short period.

Tracking the correct list of designated fields, industries, and employers by region is key to increasing your chances of success with RCIP.

If an applicant has a job offer that matches the labor needs of their community, they can apply for permanent residence (PR) through this program.

What is RCIP? 

RCIP – Rural Community Immigration Pilot is a Canadian federal immigration program, launched in 2025, aimed at addressing labor shortages in rural and northern communities (outside Quebec).

Basic process:

1. Candidates who have received a job offer from a designated employer.
2. Community recommendation
3. Applicants submit their PR applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Ontario communities to join RCIP in 2026

Ontario has five communities participating in RCIP, including:

• Thunder Bay
• North Bay
• Sault Ste. Marie
• Sudbury
• Timmins

Each community determines its priority occupations based on actual labor needs.

Thunder Bay – RCIP 2026 Priority Industries

Priority areas

Thunder Bay (Northwest Ontario) prioritizes six sectors:

• Business, finances and administration
• Health
• Education, law, social services & government
• Sales and service
• Skilled workers, transportation, machinery operation
• Manufacturing & Utilities (newly added in 2026)

List of specific occupations:

Note: Some occupations not on the list but belonging to priority areas may still be considered on a case-by-case basis.

North Bay – RCIP 2026 Priority Industries

Priority areas

• Business, finance, administration
• Health
• Education & Social Services
• Sales and service
• Skilled tradesmen & transportation
• Natural and Applied Sciences (new)

List of specific occupations:

Important note: The entire fast food and retail sector is currently excluded from RCIP in North Bay.

Sault Ste. Marie – RCIP 2026 Priority Occupations

Priority areas

• Health
• Education & Community Services
• Business – Finance – Administration (new)
• Skilled tradesmen & transportation
• Manufacturing & Utilities
• Natural and Applied Sciences

List of specific occupations: 

Currently, no specific professions have been announced for the natural and applied sciences group.

Sudbury – RCIP 2026 Priority Industries

Priority areas

• Business – Finance – Administration (new)
• Health
• Education & Social Services
• Skilled tradesmen & transportation
• Natural and Applied Sciences
• Natural Resources & Agriculture

List of specific occupations:

Note: Some fields, although listed, are only considered in limited circumstances.

Timmins – RCIP 2026 Priority Industries

Timmins is the only community in Ontario with only five priority areas.

Priority areas

• Health
• Education & Social Services
• Skilled tradesmen & transportation
• Natural Resources & Agriculture
• Manufacturing & Utilities (new)

List of specific occupations:

General requirements for applying for PR through RCIP

Candidates need to meet the following requirements:

• Job offer from the designated employer
• Minimum 1 year of relevant work experience (1,560 hours / last 3 years)
• English/French proficiency level (Club):
  • TEER 0–1: CLB 6
  • TEER 2–3: CLB 5
  • TEER 4–5: CLB 4
• Canadian or ECA qualification (if studying outside Canada)
• Proof of financial resources for immigration: From CAD 10,507 (single) to CAD 27,806 (family of 7)
  

Quick explanation of terms

• TEER: Classification of occupational qualifications in the NOC system
• NOC: National Occupational Classification – Canadian Occupational Classification Code
• Club: Canadian Language Benchmark – language proficiency scale

Does RCIP allow applications for work permits?

Yes. RCIP allows you to apply for an LMIA (exempt work permit) while waiting for PR processing, if your application has been submitted and passed all the necessary checks.

Conclusion

RCIP 2026 in Ontario continues to be a practical immigration pathway, prioritizing genuine labor demand in northern communities. Choosing the right community, industry, and employer is key to success.

Những thay đổi này được công bố chính thức vào ngày 18/02/2026 trên trang tin tức của chính quyền Lãnh thổ Tây Bắc, sau khi được Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) phê duyệt.

NWT nomination quota for 2026: 197 places

According to the announcement, the Northwest Territories were allocated 197 provincial nomination slots by IRCC for 2026 – the same number as the final slots allocated in 2025 after the quota was increased.

Đây là tổng số hồ sơ mà NWT có thể đề cử lên liên bang để xin thường trú nhân Canada (Permanent Residence – PR) trong năm 2026.

Implement the EOI model for the Employer-Driven Stream starting in 2026.

Một thay đổi lớn trong năm 2026 là NTNP chính thức áp dụng mô hình Expression of Interest (EOI) cho toàn bộ các diện thuộc Employer-Driven Stream.

What is EOI?

Expression of Interest (EOI) is a mechanism for "expressing interest," where applicants do not immediately submit a PR application. Instead, they first create an application profile and are scored and ranked. Only high-scoring profiles are invited to submit a formal application.

Areas where EOI is applied in NTNP

The EOI model applies only to the Employer-Driven Stream, which includes the following three branches:

1. Entry Level / Semi-Skilled Occupations (Lao động phổ thông và bán tay nghề)
2. Skilled Worker (Lao động tay nghề)
3. NWT Express Entry (Kết nối hệ thống Express Entry liên bang)

How does NWT's new EOI process work?

This process requires the participation of both businesses and employees:

Step 1: The Enterprise (Employer)

• Businesses at NWT register and create accounts online.
• Select the correct Employer-Driven Stream
• Complete the business information section.

Step 2: Candidate

• After the company completes its step, the candidate fills out the EOI Survey.
• The system creates EOI profiles and places candidates into a pool (waiting list for selection).

NTNP's EOI scoring method

Candidates will be scored based on several factors. Below is an overview of the EOI scoring framework:

• Language (IELTS/TEF): maximum 125 points
• Age: maximum 50 points
• Work experience: maximum 100 points
• Educational level: maximum 100 points
• Links to the NWT labor market: up to 340 points
• Adaptability at NWT: maximum 130 points

Profiles with higher overall scores will be ranked higher and have a greater chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during EOI draws.

Areas where EOI is NOT applicable

The following two categories still maintain the first-come, first-served application processing method:

• Francophone Stream (Diện nói tiếng Pháp)
• Business Stream (Diện đầu tư/kinh doanh)

Important Note:
Even if invited to apply, NTNP will still consider applications in the order they are received, not based on scores.

Why did NWT switch to the EOI model?

According to the Northwest Territories administration, this decision was made after community consultations in September 2025, with the participation of:

• Local business
• Potential candidates
• The community at NWT

The parties wish to:

• The process is clearer and more transparent.
• Reduce the backlog of paperwork.
• Select the right candidates to meet actual labor market needs.

According to Secretary of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland:

“These changes will help NWT attract the right workforce and support immigrants in building long-term lives, contributing to the sustainable socio-economic development of the territory.”

NWT's EOI withdrawal schedule for 2026

• NWT anticipates holding multiple EOI withdrawals throughout 2026.
• First withdrawal: scheduled for March 25, 2026
• Maximum number of invitations in the first round: up to 65 eligible candidates.

The number and frequency of subsequent withdrawals have not yet been officially announced.

Conclusion

NWT's adoption of the EOI model for the Employer-Driven Stream marks a significant shift towards selection based on application quality, rather than solely on the timing of application. With a target of 197 slots for 2026, competition is expected to be higher, especially for foreign workers currently employed in or with strong connections to the Northwest Territories.

Overview: High-scoring profiles drop by nearly 50% in just two weeks.

Based on official data published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a significant shift in the composition of high-scoring profiles within the Express Entry pool is evident.

Statistics on the number of applications according to the CRS scoring system.

Notably, the number of applications with a CRS score above 600 points decreased by more than 33% in just 13 days.

The successive rounds of application withdrawals have resulted in a "depletion" of high-scoring applications.

Immediately after the February 15, 2026 deadline, IRCC held two consecutive large-scale document withdrawals:

• February 16, 2026: Withdrawal of PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) application
  
  • 279 ITA
  • Cut-off point: 789
    
• February 17, 2026: Withdrawal of Canadian Experience Class (CEC) application
  
  • 6,000 ITA
  • Cut-off point: 508

With such a large number of ITAs, the majority of high-scoring applications have been invited to apply for PR, while the number of new applications added to the high-scoring group is insufficient to compensate.

Current estimate: Only about 11,000 applications remain on the 501 CRS sites.

Based on the profile distribution on February 15th and the number of ITAs issued since then, it can be estimated that there are currently only about 11,000 profiles with a CRS score of 501 or higher remaining in the Express Entry pool.

Note:

• This is just a rough estimate.
• IRCC did not release details on the number of new cases created or scores increased after February 15.

However, the downward trend is very clear and systematic, not a random fluctuation.

Why is the CRS cut-off point for CEC decreasing?

The main reason lies in the fact that the rate of ITA issuance is faster than the rate of increase in high-scoring applications. When IRCC invites more applications than the number of new high-scoring applications, the inevitable result is:

• The pool is gradually being "drained" at the high score level.
• The cut-off point had to be lowered to meet the planned number of ITAs.

The trend chart shows:

• From January 2025 to the present, the CEC cut-off point has been continuously declining.
• Previously, the last time the CEC had a cut-off below 510 was on September 19, 2024.

Candidates with a low CEC score of 500: Opportunities are opening up.

The current trend is giving very positive signals for:

• Experienced workers in Canada
• CRS score is in the range of 500 – 510
• The application is complete (all necessary documents, valid IELTS score, valid work experience).

If IRCC continues to maintain its current rate of processing applications, the overall CEC score could fall further in future rounds.

Target for 2026: IRCC is moving faster than in 2025.

As of now:

• 2026:
  • 20,000 ITA CEC have been issued.
  • Tương đương 18% chỉ tiêu Federal High Skilled (FHS) là 109,000 suất
• Same period in 2025 (February 28, 2025):
  • 9,350 ITA CEC
  • Chỉ chiếm 7.5% chỉ tiêu FHS

This indicates that IRCC is accelerating the call for CEC applications in 2026, significantly earlier and more aggressively than in the previous year.

Conclusion

The rapid decrease in the number of high-scoring applications in Express Entry, combined with the frequent and large-scale withdrawals of CEC applications, is one of the most positive signs for the group of workers already employed in Canada.

For CEC candidates, this is a crucial stage to:

• Get ready for further withdrawals in 2026.
• Review the records.
• Optimize your CRS score if possible.

This approach quite accurately reflects the reality of the Manitoba labor market. Many technicians, mechanics, and maintenance specialists work not only in traditional construction or manufacturing companies, but also in logistics, operations, maintenance, or diversified business models. The "sector requirement waiver" allows these businesses to retain key technical positions that were previously difficult to fill through the TRRP program simply because of mismatched industry names.

A good example is a logistics or warehousing company with its own fleet of trucks. This business is not in the manufacturing or construction sector, but it employs truck mechanics (NOC 72410) to ensure uninterrupted transportation operations. With the new policy, Manitoba recognizes this as a legitimate and essential need for business operations, thus allowing the business to support work permit extensions under TRRP, even if it is not in the original priority sector.

Conversely, during the application review process, Manitoba still considers the fit between the job and the business model. For example, if a restaurant advertises a diesel engine mechanic position, the province will assess the role of this job in the actual operation of the business. The review is then holistic, based on economic logic and actual staffing needs, rather than solely on the NOC name on paper.

It's important to understand that "sector exemption" is not an arbitrary relaxation, but rather a selective flexibility. Businesses still need to meet the general conditions of the TRRP, such as valid registration, actual operation in Manitoba, and financial requirements. Workers must also still meet the criteria regarding working hours, language proficiency, appropriate wages according to the NOC, and the assessment standards of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

Overall, this policy demonstrates Manitoba's priority in retaining valuable skilled workers while also providing businesses with greater flexibility in workforce management. If properly prepared and reflecting the nature of the work, the "16 NOCs exempt from sector requirements" provision could be a significant advantage for both workers and businesses operating in Manitoba.

These seven business sectors remain priorities for Manitoba.

1. Agriculture
2. Construction & Engineering
3. Information Technology (IT)
4. Food processing
5. Education
6. Health
7. Manufacturing

List of 16 NOCs exempt from the requirement: Businesses in priority sectors.

22101 – Kỹ thuật viên nước & xử lý nước thải – Water and Wastewater Technician
22114 – Kỹ thuật viên cảnh quan – làm vườn – Landscape Horticulturalist
72201 – Kỹ thuật viên đo lường & điều khiển – Instrumentation and Control Technician
72304 – Thợ nồi hơi – Boilermaker
72401 – Kỹ thuật viên thiết bị nông nghiệp – Agricultural Equipment Technician
72401 – Kỹ thuật viên thiết bị hạng nặng – Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
72403 – Kỹ thuật viên toa xe đường sắt – Railway Car Technician
72404 – Kỹ thuật viên bảo trì máy bay – Aircraft Maintenance Journeyperson
72410 – Kỹ thuật viên bảo trì, sửa chữa ô tô – Automotive Service Technician
72410 – Kỹ thuật viên phụ tùng – Parts Technician
72410 – Kỹ thuật viên sửa xe giải trí (RV) – Recreation Vehicle Service Technician
72410 – Kỹ thuật viên rơ-moóc vận tải – Transport Trailer Technician
72410 – Thợ máy động cơ diesel – Diesel Engine Mechanic
72410 – Thợ máy xe tải & vận tải – Truck and Transport Mechanic
73202 – Kỹ thuật viên sửa thân vỏ & va chạm ô tô – Auto Body and Collision Technician
73202 – Kỹ thuật viên sơn – hoàn thiện ô tô – Automotive Refinishing Technician

This marks the first time in a year that Ontario has seen a significant increase in nominations, creating more opportunities for foreign workers, international students, and businesses seeking to settle and recruit in the province.

What is OINP and what is the role of the provincial nomination criteria?

The OINP is Ontario's Provincial Nominee Program, which allows the province to select candidates who meet local economic and labor needs to nominate to the federal government for Canadian permanent residency (PR). Being nominated by the province gives an applicant a significant advantage in the PR application process, especially given the high competition in federal programs.

Each year, the number of OINP applications that can be approved is limited by the nomination quota allocated by the federal government. Therefore, an increase or decrease in the quota directly affects an applicant's chances of being invited to apply and being granted PR.

The OINP target for 2026 is expected to increase significantly compared to 2025.

With 14,119 nominations in 2026, Ontario represents an increase of approximately 31% compared to 2025, when the province was allocated only 10,750 places for the entire year. This is a significant increase, especially considering that Ontario's quota for 2025 was not adjusted upwards, unlike many other provinces.

The main reason stems from the Canadian Immigration and Citizenship Center (IRCC) significantly increasing the quota for permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The total number of PR slots available through the PNP nationwide has increased from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026. As the PR "room" increases, provinces have the opportunity to receive more nominations to meet their workforce needs.

Compared to previous years: Ontario has not yet fully recovered.

Despite an increase compared to 2025, the OINP target for 2026 is still significantly lower than Ontario's highest ever allocation. Specifically, in 2024, Ontario was allocated 21,500 nominations. Compared to that number, the 14,119 nominations for 2026 represent only about 67%.

This indicates that Ontario has only partially recovered from the period of stricter quotas. The number of applications selected will remain competitive, especially in skilled worker and job offer categories.

Ontario has not yet announced its priority occupations for 2026.

To date, OINP has not yet published a list of priority occupations, key sectors, or specific quota allocations for each immigration stream. This means that applicants cannot yet determine precisely which occupations will be prioritized in upcoming application draws.

In previous years, Ontario typically released this information gradually throughout the year, based on labor market needs, housing pressure, healthcare, and the province's capacity to provide public services.

Key changes to OINP in 2025 – early 2026

Recently, OINP has continuously adjusted its policies to control the quality of applications and direct immigration flows more closely to actual needs.

One notable change is the expansion of eligibility for physicians trained overseas but practicing independently in Ontario. From January 2026, certain self-employed physicians with provisional certifications from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and an OHIP payment code may be eligible under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. This provides a clearer path forward for physicians who previously faced significant barriers to obtaining permanent residency.

In addition, Ontario has also drawn attention by completely suspending the Express Entry Skilled Trades stream in November 2025, and returning all pending applications. The reason given is systemic issues related to compliance and fraud control.

OINP has been granted additional powers to return and temporarily suspend applications.

Starting in mid-2025, Ontario will begin implementing new regulations allowing for the return of applications before nomination is granted and for refunds. By the end of the year, the range of reasons for returning or suspending applications will be significantly expanded to include factors such as housing availability, healthcare services, language proficiency, the applicant's education, and the province's projected labor market needs.

These changes demonstrate that Ontario is prioritizing quality and long-term inclusion, rather than simply evaluating applications based on scores or work experience.

Changes to the Employer Job Offer process and requiring in-person interviews.

Starting in July 2025, Ontario will officially shift Employer Job Offer categories to a model where businesses initiate applications through the electronic Employer Portal. Applicants will no longer submit applications in person as before, but must be sponsored by a business and proactively complete the process.

In addition, OINP also offers the possibility of requesting in-person interviews with both candidates and employers to verify the authenticity of applications, especially in cases where there are signs of risk.

Proposed major reforms to OINP from 2026 onwards.

Ontario is currently proposing a comprehensive two-phase restructuring plan for the OINP. In the first phase, the province plans to merge the three existing Employer Job Offer streams into a single stream with multiple sub-streams. In the second phase, most of the existing streams could be eliminated and replaced with three new immigration groups, focusing on healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents.

If approved, these changes would significantly impact Ontario immigration application strategies in the coming years.

General comments

Ontario's increase in nomination quotas for 2026 is positive news, but it doesn't mean settling in Ontario will become easier. With quotas still lower than during peak periods and policies becoming increasingly stringent, applicants need to thoroughly understand each category, prepare a long-term strategy, and closely monitor policy changes to avoid the risk of application rejection or missing out on opportunities.