The Way Immigration

⏳ Hiring Foreign Workers? Build Extra Time Into Your Plans

Recent reporting shows longer waits for employers applying for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

The LMIA processing period does not include the required recruitment and advertising before an application is submitted. Employers also need to account for any subsequent work permit processing.

Before setting a start date:

• Check the processing time for your LMIA stream
• Allow time to meet recruitment requirements
• Prepare a complete application
• Consider the worker’s current permit expiry date and work authorization

💬 Planning to hire or retain a foreign worker? Contact us to discuss the process and timing.

📊 Express Entry Pool Update – Where Does Your Score Stand?

IRCC’s September 13, 2026 snapshot shows 226,793 candidates in the Express Entry pool.

• 20,784 candidates had CRS scores between 501 and 600
• 574 candidates had scores above 600
• The number of candidates scoring above 500 increased by 1,257 compared with August 30

This snapshot predates the September 14 and 15 draws.

Pool numbers help show the competition, but they do not predict the next cut-off or guarantee an invitation. Your eligibility for specific programs and category-based draws also matters.

💬 Unsure how competitive your profile is? Contact us to review your score and immigration options.

📢 Alberta Immigration Update – 722 Invitations Issued

Alberta invited 722 workers with Alberta job offers to apply for provincial nomination between September 1 and 9, 2026.

• Alberta Opportunity Stream: 575 invitations on September 1; minimum score 56
• Accelerated Tech Pathway: 96 invitations on September 3; minimum score 60
• Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry: 51 invitations on September 9; minimum score 60

These are Alberta’s Worker Expression of Interest scores, not federal CRS scores.

An invitation allows you to apply for nomination. You must still meet the requirements of the applicable stream.

💬 Working in Alberta? Contact us to review your provincial nomination options.

📢 Alberta Immigration Update – Agriculture and Construction Workers

Alberta recently held two targeted AAIP draws for workers in priority sectors.

🚧 Construction:

• 53 invitations issued
• Minimum score: 65

🌾 Agriculture:

• 29 invitations issued
• Minimum score: 56

Both draws were held through the Alberta Express Entry Stream.

An invitation is not based on occupation alone. Candidates must meet the applicable AAIP and Express Entry requirements.

💬 Working in Alberta’s construction or agriculture sector? Contact us to review your options.

🎓 Back-to-School Reminder for International Students

Returning to class this fall? Remember that eligible international students can generally work up to 24 hours per week off campus while classes are in session.

Before accepting shifts, make sure:

• You have already started your studies
• Your study permit authorizes you to work
• You remain eligible to work off campus
• You track your hours carefully
• Your Social Insurance Number remains valid

Working more hours than permitted can violate the conditions of your study permit and affect future immigration applications.

💬 Unsure what your study permit allows? Contact us before you start working.

✈️ Coming to Canada for School This Fall?

Keep your immigration documents in your carry-on—not your checked luggage.

New international students should be prepared to present:

• A valid passport and visa or eTA, if required
• Port of entry letter of introduction
• Current letter of acceptance
• Provincial Attestation Letter or CAQ, if required
• Proof of funds and tuition payments
• Housing and Canadian contact information
• Any other documents requested by the visa office

Be ready to answer questions about your school, program, finances and plans in Canada. Your answers should be truthful and consistent with your study permit application.

Before leaving the airport, check that the information and conditions printed on your study permit are correct.

🚨 Alberta Permanent Residents: Don’t Wait Until Your Driver’s Licence Expires

When renewing your Alberta driver’s licence, you will need to provide valid proof of your status in Canada.

If your PR card is expiring—or you are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship—start the process well before your driver’s licence renewal date.

✅ Check your PR card expiry date
✅ Apply for your PR card renewal early
✅ If eligible, consider applying for Canadian citizenship
✅ Don’t leave it until your driver’s licence is about to expire

Both PR card renewals and citizenship applications take time. Planning ahead can help you avoid unnecessary problems when renewing your Alberta driver’s licence.

Need help with your PR card renewal or citizenship application? Contact The Way Immigration.

☀️ Summer Immigration Planning Reminder

Planning to study, work or visit Canada? Do not rely on last month’s processing time.

IRCC’s processing estimates can change frequently and are not guaranteed completion dates. Recent updates show longer waits in several temporary residence categories, including some study permit, work permit and Super Visa applications.

Before making non-refundable travel plans:

• Check the current processing estimate
• Apply as early as possible
• Submit a complete application
• Monitor your account and email for requests
• Wait for the required approval before travelling

💬 Need help planning your application? Contact us to discuss the timing and requirements.

🇫🇷 French-Language Express Entry Update

Canada issued 5,000 invitations in a French-language proficiency draw on August 6.

📊 CRS cut-off: 391
📨 Invitations issued: 5,000

Strong French-language results continue to provide a significant advantage for eligible Express Entry candidates.

Your language test results must be valid, and you must meet the minimum French-language requirements for the category.
💬 Speak French? Contact us to find out how your language skills may improve your permanent residence options.

📢 Express Entry Update – August 2026

Canada invited 3,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates to apply for permanent residence on August 5.

📊 CRS cut-off: 516
📨 Invitations issued: 3,000

This draw continues Canada’s focus on candidates who already have qualifying Canadian work experience.

Remember: receiving an invitation depends on more than meeting the cut-off score. Your Express Entry profile and supporting information must also be complete and accurate.

💬 Have Canadian work experience? Contact us to review your permanent residence options.