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.

Many experts consider this development a positive sign for candidates with average to above-average scores, especially those currently below the 500-point CRS mark.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada's skilled worker immigration application management system, applicable to three main programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Each Express Entry profile is scored according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), based on age, education level, work experience, language skills, job offer, provincial nomination (PNP), etc.

IRCC will invite applications (ITAs) in order from highest to lowest CRS score, including category-based draws.

The number of CRS 501+ applications has dropped sharply in one month.

During the period from April 1st to February 2nd, Express Entry recorded:

• 6,238 profiles with a CRS of 501 or higher have left the pool.
• The main reason stems from the sharp decline in the 501-600 point range.
  

Specifically:

• CRS 501–600: decreased from 21,013 to 14,911 cases (a decrease of approximately 29%).
• CRS 601–1200: decreased from 559 to 423 cases (a decrease of approximately 24%)

Meanwhile, the total number of applications in the pool increased by 2,366, thanks to a strong surge in the sub-500 CRS score groups.

This shows that:
Express Entry đang bớt “top-heavy”, tức là không còn quá nhiều hồ sơ điểm rất cao đứng chặn phía trên.

What changes have been made to the current Express Entry profile structure?

As of February 2nd, the distribution of profiles in Express Entry shows:

• The group with scores between 351 and 400 points accounts for the largest proportion (over 22%).
• The groups with scores between 401 and 490 points all increased steadily in number.
• The 501+ group, while still among the highest percentiles, has narrowed considerably.

In other words, competition at the top of the leaderboard is cooling down, even though the overall pool continues to expand.

Understanding "percentile" correctly in Express Entry

Percentile (ranking percentage) indicates where your profile stands relative to the entire pool.

Example

• A profile ranking in the 95–99 percentile means you are in the top 1–5% of highest-scoring profiles.
• The 501–600 CRS group currently ranges from 93.58% to 99.82%.
• The 491–500 CRS group falls within the range of 87.9%–93.58%.

As the number of applications in the highest percentile decreases, applications further down the scale are likely to "move up" more quickly when IRCC opens a suitable application draw.

What does this mean for candidates with less than 500 CRS?

The sharp decrease in the number of 500+ cases has several important impacts:

• Reduce the level of direct competition in large application withdrawal rounds.
• Increase opportunities for 451–500 CRS candidates, especially in the following rounds:
  • Withdraw files by occupation.
  • Withdraw your application based on work experience in Canada.
  • Withdrawal of application in conjunction with PNP

However, the specific opportunity still depends on the type of draw and the number of ITAs issued at any given time.

Conclusion

Express Entry is entering a rebalancing phase:

• Fewer applications with extremely high scores.
• More profiles with GPA are joining the pool.

This is a crucial time to:

• Review your Express Entry profile.
• Optimize your CRS score (language, experience, PNP, etc.)
• Closely monitor application withdrawals by subject group.

With the right strategy, candidates with less than 500 CRS still have a good chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) this year.

1. CEC remains the highest priority group for IRCC in Express Entry.

Looking at the CEC withdrawals over the past year, three major characteristics can be observed:

(1) The drawing frequency is regular, not a random “mutation”
CEC không còn là nhóm “đợi thời” như giai đoạn hậu COVID. IRCC duy trì các đợt rút tương đối đều, cho thấy:

• Canada needs to retain the workforce already employed in the country.
• CEC plays a role in stabilizing the workforce, not just as a temporary solution.

(2) CRS is not low, but it is no longer escalating indefinitely.

• CRS CEC năm qua chủ yếu dao động trong vùng 510–535
• Large withdrawals (3,000–6,000 ITAs) typically cause the CRS to drop significantly.
  → This shows that CRS no longer increases indefinitely, but depends on the scale and objectives of the policy.

(3) Large-scale withdrawals occur more frequently than before.
Four out of the ten largest withdrawals in Express Entry history have occurred in the last two years, reflecting:

• IRCC is ready to release large quantities of water when needed to meet its targets.
• Candidates in the pool always have a chance of being invited, even if their CRS isn't very high.

II. 4 core lessons learned for CEC candidates

Lesson 1: The earlier you join the pool, the higher your chances of winning.

The CEC 2021 mega-draw (27,332 ITAs – CRS 75) is an extreme example, but the lesson remains relevant:

• Candidates with a CRS score of 300–400 may still be invited to:
  • Unusually large withdrawal
  • Withdrawals by category (category-based)
  • Domestic priority withdrawal (CEC-focused)

Common mistakes:

"The CRS is too low; I'll wait for it to increase before creating a profile."

This is how you eliminate yourself from opportunities.

Candidates may be able to:

• Go to the pool first
• Increase points later (English, French, experience, job offer, etc.)
  But there's no turning back time after missing a withdrawal.

Lesson 2: You can be invited before the CRS officially increases.

A point many CEC candidates are unaware of:

• IRCC calculates experience by months, not days.
• Example
  • Start date: January 27, 2025
  • One year of experience is calculated from January 1, 2026, not January 27, 2026.

Practical consequences:

• It is possible to receive an ITA 1–2 months before the "full year" date.
• IRCC assumes that the applicant will be eligible upon submission of a complete PR application.
  

If you wait until "CRS has increased before joining the pool" → it's very easy to miss the opportunity.

Lesson 3: Tie-breaking rules are crucial for survival.

When multiple people have the same CRS cutoff score:

• Those who submit their profiles earlier will be invited.
• Applicants who submit later will fail, even if their scores are identical.

Common risks:

• Create profile late
• Let the profile expire
• Wait until your IELTS/TEF results expire before updating.

CEC is a group that competes over time, not just in terms of points.

Lesson 4: CEC is not outside the policy-driven selective trend.

CEC is currently inseparable from:

• Category-based selection
• Industry priority
• French is preferred
• Prioritize teams working in areas experiencing shortages.

Here's a real-world example:

• CEC candidates working in eligible category-based industries have two options.
• Candidates who are studying/taking French language exams:
  • Points have been added to NCLC 5.
  • There's no need to wait until NCLC 7 to see the benefits.

III. Strategic Advice for CEC Candidates in 2026

1. Always be in the Express Entry pool.

CEC 2026 will continue to be:

• The pillar of retaining domestic labor.
• This group was given priority by IRCC because they "have integrated into the Canadian labor market."

Principle:

Not strong enough → still in the pool
Strong enough → even less likely to be slow

2. Manage records chronologically, not just by CRS.

CEC candidates should watch out for:

• Month of starting work
• Month of 1 year / 2 years / 3 years of experience
• IELTS / CELPIP / TEF Deadline
• EE profile expiration date

CEC is about profile management, not just about earning points.

3. Proactively follow policy trends for 2026.

CEC groups have a clear advantage in the coming year:

• Working in a shortage industry
• Do you have or are improving your French skills?
• Having a clear career path, with the correct NOC/TEER

Applicants should:

• Declare your experience accurately and promptly.
• Update in small steps (don't wait for the "full combo").

4. Don't pursue CEC passively.

CEC is no longer:

"Work for a full year → submit → wait"

CEC is currently:

• Follow the policy
• Keep track of withdrawal schedule
• Proactively optimize each stage.

Brief conclusion

The CEC program is not an easy path, but it is the most realistic option for those who have worked or are currently working in Canada.
The year 2026 will not reward those who wait, but those who are already prepared in the pool.

If you're planning to travel to Canada to watch soccer, volunteer, or work at the World Cup, foreigners should check early whether they need a visa, eTA, or work permit to avoid delays.

Chính phủ Canada thông qua IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) đã thiết lập một trang thông tin riêng nhằm hỗ trợ du khách và người lao động quốc tế tham dự sự kiện này.

1. What documents are needed to travel to Canada to watch the 2026 World Cup as a spectator?

Nếu đến Canada chỉ để xem các trận đấu, người nước ngoài có thể cần visitor visa (visa du lịch) hoặc eTA, tùy vào quốc tịch và cách nhập cảnh.

Visitor Visa (Visa du lịch Canada) là gì?

• It's a visa that's stamped directly into your passport.
• This applies to citizens of countries that require a visa to enter Canada.
• The processing time typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months.

What is eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)?

• It is an electronic entry permit.
• This applies to citizens of visa-exempt countries when flying into Canada by air.
• Processing time typically ranges from a few minutes to a few days.

IRCC recommends submitting applications as early as possible, as a significant increase in applications is expected ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

2. Who is exempt from visa and eTA requirements?

The following individuals do not require a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada:

• U.S. citizens.
• A person who holds a US Green Card.
• French citizens residing in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon who enter directly from this area.

However, the above subjects still need:

• Valid passport.
• Holders of U.S. green cards must present documentation proving their lawful residency in the United States.

3. Do I need a World Cup ticket to apply for a visa or eTA?

No

• Football tickets are not required to submit a visa or eTA application.
• Having a World Cup ticket does not guarantee application approval.

4. Should I state my purpose for attending the FIFA World Cup on my application?

IRCC encourages you to clearly state if the purpose of your trip is to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026:

• eTA profile: write “FIFA World Cup 26” in the section Background Questions.
• Hồ sơ visitor visa: ghi nội dung này trong mục Tell us more about what you'll do in Canada.

Important Note:

• This information is for statistical purposes only.
• This does not help prioritize the application process and does not waive entry requirements.

5. Working or volunteering at the FIFA World Cup 2026: Do I need a work permit?

These groups are exempt from work permit requirements.

The following individuals may not need a work permit if they receive an official invitation from FIFA:

• Players, coaches, referees, and technical staff.
• FIFA invited personnel from the media, press, and broadcasting departments.
• Volunteers are invited directly by FIFA.
• Workers who work at events officially organized by FIFA.

Even if exempt from work permit requirements, these individuals may still need a visitor visa or eTA, depending on their nationality.

6. In what cases is a work permit still required?

For whom:

• Not directly invited by FIFA, or
• Working for third-party entities, contractors, or external service providers outside of the main event.

A work permit may be required, depending on the specific type of work.

Even if you don't need a work permit, you may still need to apply for a visa or eTA.

7. Can someone with a criminal record enter Canada?

Canada has very strict entry regulations.

Foreign nationals may be denied entry if:

• Having a prior criminal record (including minor offenses in other countries).
• Currently under prosecution or having committed a crime, even if it occurred a long time ago.

Canada assesses criminal behavior based on Canadian law, not on its severity in other countries.

8. Other important things to note when going to Canada to watch the World Cup

• Visa, eTA, and work permit processing times vary by country.
• Certain items must be declared upon entry:
  • Cash amounts exceeding 10,000 CAD.
  • Alcohol and tobacco consumption exceeded permitted levels.
  • Animals, special foods.
• Whether you're traveling as a spectator, worker, or volunteer, you are required to have valid entry documents.
• Preparing early helps reduce the risk of late applications or rejection.

9. Conclusion

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is a global sporting event, resulting in a massive influx of people into Canada. Identifying the correct visa, eTA, or work permit is crucial for a smooth trip.

Those planning to attend should check their eligibility and prepare their application early, especially if they are coming to Canada for work or volunteer purposes.

Cơ chế xử lý nhanh này đến từ Global Talent Stream (GTS) – một nhánh đặc biệt của Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), được Chính phủ Canada thiết kế nhằm thu hút nhân lực chất lượng cao cho nền kinh tế.

What is Global Talent Stream (GTS)?

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a program that allows Canadian businesses to recruit highly skilled foreign workers with significantly reduced processing times for LMIA and Work Permit applications.

GTS currently has two main categories (Category A and Category B). Both categories can lead to faster work permit issuance; however, the target audience and conditions differ.

This article focuses on Category B, which has the most specific, clear, and common list of occupations.

List of occupations eligible for expedited Work Permit processing under GTS – Category B

Below are the eligible occupations under Category B of the Global Talent Stream. For approximately 80% of applications, IRCC will process the Work Permit within 2 weeks.

Important notes regarding Express Entry

Kinh nghiệm làm việc tại Canada trong một số ngành có dấu * trong danh sách trên có thể giúp ứng viên đủ điều kiện tham gia Express Entry – diện rút hồ sơ theo nhóm ngành STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

To be eligible for a STEM group draw:

• At least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or equivalent part-time experience).
• Experience in the qualifying profession
• Simultaneously meet the requirements of one of the Express Entry programs (CEC, FSW, or FST).

General conditions that must be met

In addition to the specific requirements of the Global Talent Stream, workers must also:

• Meeting the requirements for a Work Permit under Canadian immigration law.
• Not inadmissible due to medical, security, or criminal record issues.

The process for applying for a Work Permit through Global Talent Stream

The GTS process consists of two main steps:

Step 1: The employer applies for an LMIA under the GTS category.

• An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document that allows Canadian businesses to hire foreign workers.
• LMIA applications processed through GTS are typically handled within 10 business days, significantly faster than traditional LMIA applications (which can take several months).

Step 2: The employee submits the Work Permit application.

• After the LMIA is approved, the worker submits an application for a Work Permit to IRCC.
• When filing your application, you need to confirm that the LMIA was issued under the Global Talent Stream.
• Work Permit processing time: approximately 2 weeks
• Compared to a standard Work Permit (5–10 weeks), GTS significantly reduces the waiting time.

Thanks to the fast processing of both LMIA and Work Permit applications, workers can start working in Canada much sooner.

No job offer in my field – is there still a chance?

Yes. Workers may still be eligible under Category A – Unique and Specialized Talent of the Global Talent Stream.

A position is considered to have "exceptional talent" when it meets all of the following criteria:

• The minimum wage is CAD 38.46/hour (approximately CAD 80,000/year) or the prevailing industry wage, whichever is higher.
• Requires in-depth, specialized knowledge specific to the industry.
• Possess a relevant advanced degree and/or a minimum of 5 years of in-depth professional experience.

Besides:

• The job offer must come from a company operating in Canada.
• Businesses that are oriented towards innovation, growth, or expansion.
• Businesses must be introduced to GTS by a designated referral partner.

Conclusion

The Global Talent Stream is one of the fastest pathways to high-skilled employment:

• Come to Canada to work legally.
• Gaining Canadian experience
• Expand your opportunities to become a permanent resident (PR) through Express Entry or the PNP.

For candidates in technology, engineering, and STEM fields, this is a huge strategic advantage if their application is properly prepared from the start.