Canada and the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon share strong travel, tourism and economic ties, particularly in Atlantic Canada. We work closely to support safe, efficient travel while strengthening the security and integrity of our shared travel routes. As of 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time on June 5, 2026, most visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada … Read more
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab (Halifax West, N.S.) announced new regulations to enhance the oversight of immigration and citizenship consultants in Canada. These measures will reinforce the role of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants and help applicants obtain more reliable, transparent and accountable services throughout their immigration or citizenship … Read more
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab (Halifax West, N.S.) issued a statement: “Citizenship Week is an opportunity for people across Canada to reflect on what unites us as Canadians. As Minister, and a proud Canadian of Lebanese origin, I am especially pleased to recognize and celebrate our newest citizens this week. Canada is … Read more
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab (Halifax West, N.S.) announced that Ukrainians who arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) on or before March 31, 2024, will have an additional year to apply to extend their work permit. People who were issued work permits under CUAET and related measures now have … Read more
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab (Halifax West, N.S.) announced that, effective April 1, 2026, applicants will receive a full refund of their passport or travel document fee if it takes more than 30 business days to process their application. If processing exceeds 30 business days, refunds will be issued automatically. Processing time starts when a … Read more
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab (Halifax West, N.S.) announced the 2026 categories under the Express Entry system. In addition to a new category for foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience, Canada will introduce new categories for researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience candidates with work experience in transport occupations, including … Read more
Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025), is in effect as of Dec. 15. Moving forward, people born before Dec. 15, 2025, who would have been citizens if not for the first-generation limit or other outdated rules, will be Canadian and can now apply for proof of citizenship. The full release is available online. Contact Lauralee.Blondeau@cic.gc.ca.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab (Halifax West, N.S.) and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health Maggie Chi (Don Valley North, Ont.) announced that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will create a new Express Entry category for international doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience in an … Read more
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab (Halifax West, N.S.) announced that Canada has lifted the visa requirement for citizens of Qatar. The full release is available online. Contact Lauralee.Blondeau@cic.gc.ca.
Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), has received royal assent. This represents an important milestone in making the Citizenship Act more inclusive, while maintaining the value of Canadian citizenship. Once the new law comes into force, Canadian citizenship will be provided to people born before the bill comes into force, who would have … Read more