Can I apply for an open work permit after my PGWP expires?

Yes, in certain cases you can apply for an open work permit after your PGWP expires, such as through a Spousal Open Work Permit or if you qualify under a temporary IRCC public policy. You must restore your status within 90 days of PGWP expiry to remain in Canada legally.

How to get Canada visa refusal notes?

For temporary resident applications (Visitor, Study, Work Permits), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now often includes the 'Officer Decision Notes' automatically with the refusal letter. For the complete internal file, you must submit an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request for your GCMS notes, which can be done by a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or a representative on your behalf.

What is the processing time for temporary resident visa in Canada?

Processing time varies depending on where you apply. For a Visitor Visa (TRV) applied from inside Canada, a recent benchmark is around 16 days (as of October 20, 2025). This is an estimate and actual times may be longer if your case is complex.

How long can you stay in Canada on a temporary resident visa?

Most visitors can stay in Canada for up to 6 months per entry unless an immigration officer indicates a different length of stay on the entry stamp or visitor record. Multiple-entry TRVs may be valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry.

Can parents apply for H&C in Canada?

Yes. Parents in Canada without valid status or ineligible for sponsorship can apply for permanent residence through an H&C application if removal would cause undue hardship.

How long does it take for an H&C parent application?

Parental H&C applications typically take 30–42 months from submission to final decision, depending on case complexity.

What factors matter in a parent's H&C case?

Officers consider medical needs, emotional dependency on Canadian family, length of stay in Canada, and hardship if returned home.

What is the success rate for H&C parent applications?

As of 2025, parental H&C applications have an average success rate of around 42–45%, slightly higher than general H&C cases.

What documents strengthen a parent's H&C application?

Medical records, proof of family dependency, community letters, country condition reports, and establishment evidence in Canada help strengthen the application.

How to apply for Canada visa for H-1B holders?

The temporary Open Work Permit stream for H-1B principal applicants is closed. However, eligible family members (spouses and dependents) of H-1B holders who successfully applied in 2023 can still apply for their own OWP until September 26, 2024. For a long-term route, H-1B holders should prepare their profiles for the Express Entry system (Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class) and the upcoming Accelerated PR Pathway in 2025.

How long does it take to get H-1B work permit in Canada?

The Open Work Permit (OWP) under the H-1B policy provided temporary status quickly, but that program is closed for new principal applicants. For the ultimate goal, Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) via the Express Entry system generally takes between 5 to 8 months after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), making it one of the fastest permanent residency pathways globally.

Can H-1B holders go to Canada?

Yes. H-1B holders and their families can move to Canada. If they missed the 2023 Open Work Permit deadline, they should pursue permanent immigration pathways like Express Entry or wait for the 2025 Accelerated PR Pathway. The OWP allowed immediate labor market access for both the H-1B holder and their spouse.

What is the 100k fee for H-1B? Who pays 100k for an H-1B visa?

The $100,000 fee was proposed by the U.S. government for certain new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, as a condition of eligibility. This fee would be paid by the U.S. employer (petitioner). This measure, which signals high regulatory uncertainty, is a major factor driving skilled workers to Canada.

Can I stamp my H-1B visa in Canada?

Yes, Third-Country Nationals (TCNs)—individuals who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens—can apply for an H-1B visa stamp at a U.S. consulate in Canada. However, TCN processing is discretionary and carries the risk of administrative delays, which could temporarily prevent return to the U.S.

How long is an H-1B visa valid?

The H-1B status is typically granted for an initial period of three years and can be extended for an additional three years, for a total standard duration of six years.

What happens after 6 years of H-1B?

Generally, the holder must leave the U.S. or change status. However, exceptions allow extensions beyond six years in 1-year or 3-year increments if the U.S. employer has initiated the Green Card process (Form I-140 or labor certification) at least 365 days prior to the requested extension start date.

What is the minimum salary for H-1B?

The U.S. employer must pay the H-1B worker a wage that is no less than the 'actual wage' paid to similarly qualified workers, or the 'prevailing wage' for that occupation in the geographic area, whichever amount is higher.

What is the 3 to 1 rule for H-1B visa? / What is the 3 for 1 rule for H-1B?

The '3 to 1' or '3 for 1' reference is related to the H-1B Dependent Employer rule. An employer with 51 or more full-time equivalent employees is considered H-1B dependent if 15% or more of its workforce are H-1B workers. This classification triggers additional regulatory requirements and non-displacement attestations.

Is it better to live in the US or Canada?

The decision is subjective. The U.S. typically offers higher nominal salaries, but Canada offers greater immigration certainty (PR in 5-8 months), universal public healthcare, and better work rights for dependent spouses (immediate Open Work Permit), leading many skilled workers to prioritize Canadian stability over the U.S. salary advantage.

Is Canada rejecting 80% Indian visas? / Is Canada suspending Indian visas?

Canada is not suspending visas, but student visa applications from Indian nationals faced a significant tightening, resulting in a rejection rate of approximately 74% in August 2025. This high scrutiny is tied to fraud concerns and an international student cap. The H-1B Accelerated Pathway, however, is a targeted stream for high-credibility, skilled workers and is not subject to the same generalized scrutiny.

Can Canadians get H-1B visas?

Yes, Canadian citizens are eligible to apply for an H-1B visa like any other nationality. Crucially, Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa stamp requirement entirely; they only need to present their approved I-797 Notice of Action and passport when entering the U.S. in H-1B status.

What is the fastest work permit in Canada?

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is often considered the fastest route, offering 2-week processing for the associated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The H-1B Open Work Permit (OWP) was also a very fast temporary option for principal applicants, but is currently closed.

Which province gives the fastest PR in Canada?

The fastest route to PR is through any province offering an Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream, which is aligned with Express Entry. A nomination through an Enhanced PNP grants an applicant 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR, which is then processed quickly (6-8 months).

Can I get Canada PR in 3 months?

No. While Canada’s Express Entry system is extremely fast, the average processing time for a Permanent Residence application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is 5 to 8 months. Starting the process to enter the pool and receive an ITA takes additional time.

How many years of H-1B until green card?

There is no fixed time. The wait for a U.S. Green Card depends on the applicant’s country of chargeability and visa availability, which can result in backlogs that last for years or even decades, despite having H-1B status.

What are the disadvantages of an H-1B visa?

Key disadvantages include the six-year status limit, the required dependence on a single sponsoring employer, the lack of automatic work authorization for spouses (H-4 EAD is separate), the high regulatory costs for the employer, and general policy uncertainty (like the $100k fee proposal).

Who pays for an H-1B visa?

The U.S. employer is responsible for paying most of the required H-1B fees, particularly the mandatory Labor Condition Application (LCA) compliance costs. Employers are prohibited from requiring the employee to pay the fraud prevention and detection fee or the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) fee.

Is a H-1B visa risky?

Yes, in comparison to Canadian Permanent Residence, the H-1B is considered risky. The risk stems from the temporary nature (6-year limit), the cap-restricted annual lottery, dependency on employer sponsorship, and the continuous threat of status expiration if the Green Card process stalls.

Is hiring H-1B cheaper?

No. U.S. law requires the employer to pay the prevailing wage or actual wage (whichever is higher), ensuring H-1B workers are not hired at below-market rates. Furthermore, high compliance costs and the proposed $100k fee for certain petitions make H-1B hiring expensive for U.S. companies.

Is H-1B high skilled?

Yes. The H-1B visa is designated for 'Specialty Occupations,' which are defined as requiring a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in the specific specialized field. These roles generally cover high-skilled occupations in fields like technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.

Which USA visa is hardest to get?

While many U.S. visas are challenging, the H-1B is notoriously difficult due to the annual cap lottery, which often results in hundreds of thousands of applicants vying for just 85,000 slots, making selection highly competitive and unpredictable.

Who hires the most H-1B visas?

Based on Department of Labor disclosure data, the highest volume of H-1B applications historically comes from large technology and consulting firms. This public disclosure data is available for researchers and the public.

Did Elon Musk have an H-1B?

There is no public record indicating Elon Musk held an H-1B visa. As a South African-born Canadian citizen, he would have been eligible to enter the U.S. using other visa categories, such as the TN professional visa (as a Canadian) or an investment-based visa, before becoming a U.S. citizen.

Which Big 4 sponsor H-1B?

All major 'Big 4' accounting and consulting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG) sponsor H-1B visas. Due to their global nature and need for specialized talent, these firms are consistently among the top H-1B petitioners documented in U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data.

How to get 100% Canada visa?

There is no method to guarantee 100% approval for any Canadian visa or permanent residence application. The best way to maximize success is by meeting all eligibility requirements, submitting a fully complete application, and clearly demonstrating strong ties to the country if applying for a temporary visa, or high credentials if applying for PR via Express Entry.

Can I get PR after 1 year study in Canada?

Completing a one-year study program in Canada can lead to eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). After gaining one year of skilled work experience in Canada on the PGWP, the individual becomes eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a top PR pathway within Express Entry.

Is it hard to get PR in Canada?

For highly skilled professionals, particularly those moving from H-1B status, securing Canadian PR is considered manageable and predictable. The Express Entry system offers clear, points-based criteria and fast processing times (5-8 months), making it a reliable path compared to the long, uncertain process of obtaining a U.S. Green Card.

What jobs are in demand in Canada?

Canada's immigration strategy, including the upcoming H-1B Accelerated Pathway, explicitly targets labor shortages in several high-demand areas. These include: Technology (AI, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity), Healthcare (Registered Nurses, Physicians), Research, and Advanced Industries.

Can I work in Canada with a temporary resident visa?

No. A temporary resident visa (TRV) alone does not permit work. To work legally you must obtain the appropriate work permit or be otherwise exempt.

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an Express Entry immigration stream for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. It allows temporary workers and graduates to apply for permanent residency faster.

What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a federal immigration pathway under Express Entry for skilled professionals abroad who have at least one year of continuous work experience in a skilled occupation and meet the eligibility points requirement.

Which program is faster: CEC or FSWP?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is typically faster, averaging 4–6 months compared to 6–8 months for FSWP, due to simplified documentation and domestic processing.

Do I need proof of funds for CEC?

No, proof of funds is not required for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). It is required only under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs, unless you have a valid job offer.

Can I apply for both CEC and FSWP?

Yes. You can qualify for more than one program under Express Entry. IRCC will automatically consider you under the stream where you have the best chance of success.

Can I get PR with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

Yes, PGWP holders can gain Canadian work experience and apply for PR through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). One year of skilled full-time work experience is required.

What are the benefits of CEC compared to FSWP?

CEC applicants enjoy faster processing, no proof of funds, and generally higher acceptance rates because they already have Canadian work experience and integration.

Can I apply for PR while on a work permit?

Yes, many applicants apply for PR through CEC while working in Canada on an open or employer-specific work permit. This is a common and encouraged pathway.

What documents are required for FSWP proof of funds?

You must provide official bank letters showing account numbers, current and average balances, account opening dates, and 6 months of statements. Only liquid, accessible funds are accepted.

What is the approval rate for CEC in 2025?

As of 2025, the CEC approval rate exceeds 90%, making it one of the most successful immigration streams in Canada.

What's the difference between TR and PR?

A Temporary Resident (TR) is in Canada for a limited time (visitor, worker, student) while a Permanent Resident (PR) has the right to live and work in Canada indefinitely and access benefits such as healthcare and a path to citizenship.

How long does a temporary resident permit take in Canada?

Processing times for Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) vary by case complexity and visa office. Check IRCC's processing times tool for live estimates. TRPs are discretionary and may take longer than standard TRV decisions.

Last Updated Apr 13, 2026

Express Entry Draw April 13, 2026: 324 PNP Candidates Invited

By Vineet Tiwari

Canadian Immigration

Executive Summary: April 13, 2026 Draw

Hello! I am RCIC Vineet. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just executed the second Express Entry draw of April 2026. This highly targeted draw continues the government's strategy of prioritizing candidates who already hold a provincial nomination.

Total ITAs: 324 Invitations to Apply were issued.
Targeted Group: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates only.
Minimum CRS Score: 786.
The Trend: PNP draws remain the most frequent selection type in 2026, accounting for 8 of the 21 draws held this year.

Express Entry Draw: 324 Provincial Nominees Invited on April 13, 2026

IRCC is showing no signs of slowing down its aggressive targeting of provincially nominated candidates. On April 13, 2026, the department conducted its second Express Entry draw of the month, issuing 324 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively to candidates who had already secured a provincial nomination.

As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), I am closely tracking the 2026 immigration trends. What is abundantly clear is that Canada is leaning heavily on the provinces to select immigrants who can immediately fill specific local labor shortages. Here is a complete breakdown of the latest draw and what it means for your Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) strategy.

Is Your CRS Score High Enough? Book a Profile Assessment Today

1. Draw Breakdown: April 13, 2026 Results

This specific Express Entry draw was a program-specific round, meaning candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) were not considered unless they also held a PNP certificate.

Draw Criteria	Results
Draw Type	Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Number of ITAs Issued	324
CRS Cut-Off Score	786
Tie-Breaking Rule	November 19, 2025 at 6:53 p.m. UTC

Why is the CRS Score So High?
A cut-off score of 786 seems impossible until you remember how the PNP works. When a candidate receives an "enhanced" provincial nomination through an Express Entry-aligned stream, they are automatically awarded 600 bonus CRS points. Therefore, the lowest-scoring candidate in this draw only needed a base human capital score of 186 before their PNP bonus was applied.

2. The 2026 Express Entry Landscape So Far

The April 13 selection marks the 21st Express Entry draw of 2026. This year, IRCC's strategy has overwhelmingly favored domestic candidates—specifically those with Canadian work experience or provincial backing.

Let's look at the distribution of draws held in 2026 to understand where IRCC's priorities lie:

Draw Type (2026)	Number of Draws Held	Total ITAs Issued
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)	8	3,263
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	6	30,250
French-Language Proficiency	3	18,000
Healthcare & Social Services	1	4,000
Trades	1	3,000
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience	1	391
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience	1	250
Federal Skilled Worker Program (General)	0	0

As the data shows, IRCC has issued 59,154 ITAs so far in 2026. Notably, there has not been a single general, "no program specified" draw this year. If you are an offshore candidate without French skills, a trade, or a provincial nomination, you have essentially been locked out of the system.

Don't Wait in the Pool Indefinitely

If you are trapped in the Express Entry pool with a low CRS score, hoping for a general draw is a failing strategy. Let our licensed RCIC team identify your best Provincial Nominee Program pathway to secure those 600 bonus points.

Consult With a PNP Expert Today

3. Top 15 FAQs: Express Entry Draws in 2026

Navigating the Express Entry system during a year of highly targeted draws is confusing. Here are the 15 most common questions regarding the Express Entry draw process answered for 2026.

1. What is an Express Entry draw?

An Express Entry draw is a selection round where the Canadian government (IRCC) issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to the highest-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool.

2. What was the CRS cut-off in the April 13 draw?

The CRS cut-off score for the April 13, 2026 draw was 786. However, because this was a PNP-only draw, every invited candidate already had 600 bonus points, meaning their base score was actually 186.

3. Who was invited in the latest Express Entry draw?

Only candidates who had successfully obtained a provincial nomination certificate through an "enhanced" Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream were considered in this draw.

4. How often does Canada hold an Express Entry draw?

IRCC does not have a strict schedule, but historically they hold draws every two weeks. In 2026, they have been conducting draws much more frequently, holding 21 draws by mid-April alone.

5. What is the tie-breaking rule?

If multiple candidates have the exact cut-off score (e.g., 786), IRCC uses the tie-breaking rule. Only candidates who submitted their Express Entry profile before the specified date and time (Nov 19, 2025) will receive an ITA.

6. Why are there no general draws in 2026?

IRCC is focusing heavily on "category-based selection" and domestic candidates to address specific labor shortages and transition temporary residents (like students and workers) to permanent residents.

7. What is a category-based Express Entry draw?

Instead of inviting the highest-scoring candidates across all professions, IRCC targets candidates with work experience in specific sectors (like healthcare, trades, STEM) or those with strong French language skills.

8. How many points does a PNP give?

An "enhanced" provincial nomination linked to your Express Entry profile automatically awards you 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, practically guaranteeing you an ITA in the next draw.

9. How do I get a provincial nomination?

You must apply directly to a Canadian province or territory. Each province has its own unique streams, criteria, and selection systems. Once approved, the province sends the nomination to your Express Entry profile.

10. Can I get an ITA without Canadian experience in 2026?

Yes, but it is much harder. To get an ITA without Canadian experience right now, you must be selected in a category-based draw (like French proficiency or Trades) or secure a provincial nomination.

11. What happens after I receive an ITA?

After receiving an Invitation to Apply, you have exactly 60 days to submit your complete Electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR), upload all supporting documents, and pay the required fees.

12. Can IRCC revoke my ITA?

Yes. If you cannot prove the claims you made in your profile (e.g., you cannot provide a valid reference letter for your work experience, or your language test expired), your application will be refused and the ITA canceled.

13. Are Express Entry rules changing soon?

Yes. IRCC has proposed a massive overhaul of the Express Entry system, which would merge the CEC, FSWP, and FSTP, and introduce new CRS points for candidates in high-wage occupations.

14. What happens if I miss the 60-day ITA deadline?

If you fail to submit your complete eAPR within 60 days, your ITA expires. Your profile will be returned to the Express Entry pool (if still valid), and you must wait to be invited again.

15. Should I hire an RCIC after getting an ITA?

Yes. The post-ITA stage is the most critical part of the process. An RCIC will ensure your employment letters, police certificates, and medical exams meet IRCC's strict legal standards to prevent an R10 refusal.

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Written By

Vineet Tiwari

Vineet is a caring and creative leader who has lived in India, Oman, UAE, and Canada, giving him a rich multicultural perspective. His commitment to physical fitness keeps him energetic and focused. Vineet's dedication to his clients is evident as he often takes calls on weekends, ensuring they always feel supported and valued. His diverse background and unwavering availability help build strong, trusting relationships with our clients.