Noon Roundup: Our guide to Pride

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Noon Roundup: Our guide to Pride

July 06, 2026

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Hello from the LFP digital desk, where we have the latest figures on London's real estate market. Here's your Monday roundup.

THE VERY LATEST: Our Beatriz Baleeiro reports that the family of a woman who was trapped beneath an SUV after it crashed into a GoodLife Fitness gym in northwest London last month has released a statement. Barbara Lauckner, 82, of London, was trapped under the vehicle during the crash, suffering what her family described as critical injuries. In a statement to The Free Press, her family expressed gratitude to those involved in her rescue and care.

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FORECAST: The heat wave has broken. Environment Canada is calling for daily highs of about 25 C today and tomorrow.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE: A new bonus for subscribers only, delivered to your inbox each Saturday, The LFP Extra is a sprightly recap of the week's top stories and a conversation between readers and the newsroom about key headlines and issues in the London area. Sign up for it here.

STORY+PHOTO: Our Allison Young has a detailed guide to the Pride London Summer Festival, which is set to kick off this Friday and end 10 days later with the city's 30th Pride parade. Robyn Hodgson is the president of London Pride. (Geoff Robins/The London Free Press)

BEST-READ SO FAR:

City hall reporter Jack Moulton examines why downtown will be a hot topic in London's civic election this fall. This story is for subscribers only -- and you can sign up for a subscription here.

Our Brian Williams reports that a London doctor has created an AI app that aims to reduce physician paperwork and ease burnout.

Our Norman De Bono reports on the next London luminary who will be honoured at the Forest City Film Festival.

PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY: London's first Pride parade was held in 1995 (with two years missed due to COVID, this year marks No. 30). And it wasn't until 2011 when a London mayor participated -- Joe Fontana, as shown here in an LFP Archives photo.