Weekly Digest | September 13, 2026

Key Highlights:

Recent Case Law

Mandamus – Provincial Nominee Program – Kavarizadeh v. Canada, 2026 FC 1133: Permanent residence application remained pending while the principal applicant underwent security screening for more than 2.5 years. No evidence showed the application was non-routine or justified the lengthy delay; simply stating that security screening continued was insufficient. Mandamus granted requiring a decision within 90 days, subject to receipt of outstanding military information; damages denied. Read more

LMIA Work Permit – Towsif v. Canada, 2026 FC 1137: Applicant had an approved LMIA as a cook, but the LMIA was not binding on the Officer and the evidence did not establish experience performing all relevant NOC duties, including inventory management, hiring and training staff, and kitchen management. Officer incorrectly stated the applicant had no work experience, but the error did not undermine the overall assessment. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Temporary Resident Visa – Kumar v. Canada, 2026 FC 1138: TRV refused over finances, family ties and temporary purpose despite bank records showing ongoing deposits and source of funds, business and rental income evidence, financial support from the applicant’s sister, and evidence of her mother and brother in India. Officer failed to engage with evidence directly contradicting the refusal grounds, rendering the decision unreasonable. Judicial review granted. Read more

Permanent Resident Card – Yilbas v. Canada, 2026 FC 1139: IRCC mailed the applicant’s PR card, it was returned as undeliverable, and the card was destroyed after more than 180 days without a new address being provided. Officer failed to explain how the notice requirement under IRPR s. 58(3) was satisfied despite knowing the mailing was not received. Decision unreasonable; matter remitted to a different officer to determine whether to issue a PR card. Read more

Work Permit – Singh v. Canada, 2026 FC 1147: Refusal based on ability to perform the proposed work and whether the applicant would leave Canada at the end of his authorized stay. Although the first ground was unreasonable, the second was independently determinative: the applicant had no assets or funds in his own name and relied on assumptions about future inheritance and responsibility for his elderly father without supporting evidence. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Study Without a Study Permit – September 9, 2026: IRCC introduced a temporary public policy allowing eligible foreign nationals with valid work permits to study in courses or programs of 6 months or less without a study permit, until their work permit expires or the policy ends, whichever comes first. The measure supports short-term licensing, education and training and remains in effect until December 31, 2027; full-time studies still require a study permit. Read more Temporary Policy: Read more

Sponsorship Default – Group of Five and Community Sponsors – September 9, 2026: IRCC introduced new instructions on how sponsorship default by Community Sponsors or Group of Five members affects future applications, submitted applications, and applications already in process. Read more

CBSA Fraud Investigation – September 9, 2026: CBSA laid criminal charges following an investigation involving 250 blank cards resembling Canadian permanent resident cards, matching holograms, forged identity documents, and equipment used to produce counterfeit documents, including false Canadian passports and permanent resident cards. Read more

Yukon Nominee Program Public Engagement – September 9, 2026: Yukon launched a 30-day public engagement as part of a comprehensive review of the Yukon Nominee Program, with feedback from the public, employers and participating foreign nationals to inform program changes expected to begin in 2027. The engagement closes October 8, 2026. Read more

September 14, 2026: Deadline to respond to the public consultation on proposed amendments to immigration detention regulations concerning gender-based violence. Read more

September 17, 2026: Deadline for feedback on Prince Edward Island’s proposed temporary foreign worker protection regulations. Read more

September 22, 2026: Deadline to submit an Expression of Interest profile for the final Northwest Territories Employer-Driven Stream draw of 2026. Read more

September 25, 2026: Final scheduled Northwest Territories Employer-Driven Stream Expression of Interest draw for 2026. Read more

September 25, 2026: Scheduled Northwest Territories Employer-Driven Stream Expression of Interest draw. Read more

September 28, 2026: Expiry of Canada’s temporary Ebola-related border measures affecting travellers and immigration processing linked to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. Read more

October 7, 2026: Extended registration deadline for British Columbia’s Temporary Rural/Remote Health Support Initiative. Read more

October 27, 2026: Expiry of IRCC’s temporary measures for individuals affected by the conflict in Sudan. Read more Sudan Nationals Public Policy: Read more Sudan Family Members Public Policy: Read more

October 31, 2026: Closing date for Quebec’s temporary reopening of the Quebec Experience Program for eligible Quebec graduates and temporary foreign workers. Read more