At least 1,309 PNP Invitations. New study rules for workers

Hi Reader,

Happy Sunday!

Summer is winding down, and it’s back-to-school season here in Canada.
Whether you’re heading to class or settling back into your work routine, I hope you’re finding time to enjoy the last few summer days.

There were no new Express Entry draws this week, but several provinces issued invitations, and IRCC announced new study options for eligible work permit holders.

Grab a cup of coffee. Let’s go through it together.

⚡ This Week in Canadian Immigration: 30-second summary

No new Express Entry draws were posted from September 7 to 11, 2026.
IRCC announced that eligible work permit holders can undertake studies of up to six months without a study permit, subject to conditions.
Updated LMIA processing figures show averages of 90 business days for high-wage applications and 82 for low-wage applications.
BC issued 429 invitations across childcare, healthcare and construction, plus fewer than five for veterinary care.
Alberta issued 51 invitations through its Dedicated Health Care Pathway.
Manitoba issued 793 Letters of Advice to Apply on September 10.
Newfoundland and Labrador issued 36 provincial nomination invitations on September 10.
Yukon launched a consultation on its nominee program.

IRCC Updates

Short-term study options for work permit holders

On September 9, IRCC announced a temporary measure, effective September 4, allowing eligible work permit holders to study for up to six months without a study permit. Your study program must be six months or less, and authorization ends when your work permit expires if that comes first. The announced measure runs until December 31, 2027.

There’s an important detail to check before enrolling full-time. IRCC’s announcement says full-time studies still require a study permit. Its detailed guidance also discusses full-time study under the policy, so the two pages are not fully aligned.

The detailed guidance warns that work gained during full-time studies does not count towards Canadian Experience Class eligibility or Canadian work experience points under Express Entry.

📌 If you’re considering a course while building qualifying work experience, confirm both your study authorization and the effect on your PR plan before enrolling.

Read IRCC’s September 9 announcement | Check eligibility and conditions

Updated LMIA processing times

ESDC’s September 10 update reports these August averages:

✅ High-wage stream: 90 business days
✅ Low-wage stream: 82 business days
✅ Permanent resident stream: 156 business days

📌 These are averages, not promised timelines. Employer advertising and the subsequent work permit application require additional time. If your employer is supporting an LMIA, review the whole sequence against your permit expiry.

Check official LMIA processing times

PNP Updates

British Columbia | September 10

✅ Early childhood educators: 182 invitations, minimum score 99
✅ Healthcare: 143 invitations, minimum score 76
✅ Construction trades: 104 invitations, minimum score 94
✅ Veterinary care: fewer than five invitations, minimum score 90

📌 These were targeted selections. Working somewhere in healthcare, childcare or construction does not automatically mean you meet the occupation, registration and program requirements.

Read BC’s official draw results

Alberta | September 9

✅ Dedicated Health Care Pathway, Express Entry: 51 invitations
✅ Minimum Worker Expression of Interest score: 60

📌 You may have seen reports of 722 Alberta invitations. That total includes draws held on September 1 and 3. Only the 51 healthcare invitations fall within this week’s reporting window.

Read Alberta’s official draw results

Manitoba | September 10

✅ Draw #279: 793 Letters of Advice to Apply
✅ Of these, 272 went to candidates declaring a valid Express Entry profile and job seeker validation code.

📌 A provincial invitation is an invitation to submit an application. It is not a nomination or PR approval.

Read Manitoba’s official draw notice

Newfoundland and Labrador | September 10

✅ 36 invitations, all through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program.

Read the province’s official invitation update

Yukon | September 9

Yukon opened public consultation on its nominee program until October 8. Feedback will inform potential improvements, with changes expected to begin in 2027. This consultation does not itself change current eligibility.

Read Yukon’s announcement

What You Should Do This Week

If your work permit is approaching expiry → Review your status plan and any employer-supported application timelines now.
If you’re considering studying while working → Check the course length, full-time status and immigration implications before paying tuition.
If you received a provincial invitation → Read your invitation carefully and work backwards from its submission deadline.
If you’re waiting in Express Entry → Keep your profile and supporting documents current.
If you’re exploring French → Start by assessing whether regular study fits your schedule. Our French Prep demo recording lets you explore the learning platform and live sessions.