L.J. Immigration Weekly Newsletter - January 10-17, 2026

📊 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

🔹 Ukraine Family Reunification Extension: New measures to extend temporary residence for eligible Ukrainians until March 31, 2027 🔹 Francophone Communities Policy: IRCC Minister to announce new immigration policy for Francophone minority communities (January 19, 2026) 🔹 Nova Scotia EOI Process Formalized: Expression of Interest process now official for all NSNP and AIP streams 🔹 Quebec LMIA Policy Update: Advertisement requirements reinstated for primary agriculture positions; low-wage LMIA suspended in Montreal/Laval until December 31, 2026

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🇺🇦 UKRAINE FAMILY REUNIFICATION UPDATES

Canada has announced new measures to make it easier for Ukrainians who applied under the family reunification pathway and their family members to apply to extend their stay in Canada while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application. Eligible Ukrainians will have until March 31, 2027, to apply from within Canada for temporary residence extension.

This initiative demonstrates Canada's continued commitment to supporting Ukrainian nationals and their families as they navigate the immigration process during this challenging period.

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📢 FEDERAL POLICY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Minister's Announcement on Francophone Communities Immigration

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will make an announcement regarding immigration in Francophone minority communities outside Quebec. The announcement is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. AT in Moncton, New Brunswick.

This policy announcement signals the federal government's focus on supporting Francophone communities across Canada and strengthening immigration pathways that benefit minority language speakers.

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🍁 PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAMS

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is formalizing an expression of interest (EOI) process for all streams of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and for Designations and Endorsements under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

This formalized EOI process provides clearer pathways and better organization for applicants seeking to immigrate through Nova Scotia's provincial streams. The structured approach helps candidates understand requirements upfront and improves the application experience.

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🇨🇦 QUEBEC IMMIGRATION UPDATES

LMIA Policy Changes - Effective January 1, 2026

As of January 1, 2026, significant changes to Quebec's Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) policy have taken effect:

Primary Agriculture Positions: - The requirement to provide proof of advertisement when submitting an LMIA application has been reinstated - Employers must now provide records of recruitment efforts demonstrating good faith job search activities

Low-Wage LMIA Suspension: - LMIA applications for low-wage positions in the Montreal and Laval economic regions are suspended - This suspension remains in effect until December 31, 2026

These changes reflect Quebec's updated approach to labor market protection and employer accountability in the recruitment process.

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📞 NEED ASSISTANCE?

For professional guidance on any of these Canadian immigration updates or to discuss your immigration options, contact L.J. Immigration Consulting today.

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📋 DISCLAIMER & DATA SOURCES

This weekly newsletter provides summaries of immigration policy updates and announcements from official Canadian government sources. The information is compiled for informational purposes to help you stay informed about immigration changes and opportunities.

Official Sources: - Government of Canada (canada.ca) - Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - Nova Scotia Office of Immigration - Quebec Ministry of Immigration

*Last Updated: January 17, 2026*

Note: Immigration policies are subject to change. Please visit official government websites or consult with qualified immigration professionals for the most current information and personalized advice.