Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, Trump says

🕐 Last Updated: EST

Live Immigration & Visa News

IMMIGRATION POLICY

Canada Launches New Express Entry Category-Based Draws for 2026

📅 July 31, 2026 | ⏰ 2 hours ago | 👁️ 1,245 views

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced major changes to the Express Entry system. The new category-based selection will prioritize candidates with strong French proficiency, healthcare experience, and STEM backgrounds. Minimum CRS scores expected to range between 480-520.

Read Full Story →

PERMANENT RESIDENCE

PR Processing Times Drop to Record Low: 6 Months Average

📅 July 31, 2026 | 4 hours ago | 🎥 Video

Canada has achieved a milestone in immigration processing. According to the latest IRCC data, Permanent Residence applications are now being processed in an average of 6 months, down from 11 months in 2025. This applies to Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Program.

Watch Video Analysis →

WORK PERMIT

New Global Talent Stream: Tech Workers Get 2-Week Processing

📅 July 31, 2026 | 6 hours ago

The Global Talent Stream has been expanded to include more tech occupations. Software developers, AI specialists, and cybersecurity experts can now receive work permits in as little as 2 weeks. LMIA requirements have been streamlined for designated employers.

Read Full Story →

STUDY VISA

Study Permit Changes 2026: New Financial Requirements Announced

📅 July 30, 2026 | ⏰ 1 day ago

International students applying for Canadian study permits must now show proof of $20,635 CAD (outside Quebec) for living expenses, in addition to tuition fees. This represents a 30% increase from previous requirements. The change aims to ensure students can support themselves adequately.

Read Full Story →

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

eTA System Upgrade: New Biometric Requirements for Visa-Exempt Travelers

📅 July 30, 2026 | ⏰ 1 day ago

Canada is implementing enhanced security measures for Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) applicants. Starting September 2026, biometric data collection will be mandatory for all visa-exempt foreign nationals. The new system integrates with border services for faster processing.

Read Full Story →

GLOBAL POLICY

Canada-India Immigration Agreement: New Pathways for Students & Workers

📅 July 29, 2026 | ⏰ 2 days ago

A bilateral agreement between Canada and India opens new immigration pathways. The deal includes recognition of Indian educational credentials, streamlined work permit processes, and a dedicated PR stream for Indian nationals in technology and healthcare sectors.

Read Full Story →

Feature	eToro	Binance	Wealthsimple	Questrade
Stock Trading Fees	$0	N/A	$0	$4.95-$9.95
Crypto Available	Yes (70+)	Yes (350+)	Yes (10+)	No
Copy Trading	Yes	No	No	No
Minimum Deposit	$50	$10	$0	$0
Mobile App	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good
Regulation	FCA, CySEC	Multiple	CIRO	CIRO

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, Trump says

April 18, 2026

NEWS ALERT

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire starting later today, Trump says

Thursday, April 16, 2026. 12:18 PM EDT

The U.S. president announced the pause in fighting on social media, saying it followed “excellent” conversations with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

READ MORE

If you’re not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing storyalertfeedback@thestar.ca. Or, if you’d prefer, you can unsubscribe from this newsletter by clicking the first link below.