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Connecting Ottawa Communique
4 juin 2026

We are pleased to provide this information for frontline workers to support the information and referral needs of clients. Connecting Ottawa education sessions that may be of interest to workers are listed following Connecting Ottawa News.  After reviewing Connecting Ottawa’s education sessions, you will find information and updates from our lawyers and partners related to services and programs relevant to clients who have a communication barrier due to language or sensory disability. Please feel free to share this email widely among your networks.

Connecting Ottawa News
Reminder: Connecting Ottawa Information Sheet: Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit
Connecting Ottawa has a new information sheet on the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). The CGEB will replace the GST/HST credit in July 2026. As part of this change, an additional one-time GST/HST credit top up payment will be issued on June 5, 2026. This payment will go to people who filed a 2024 tax return and were eligible for the GST/HST credit in January 2026. The one-time top up payment will be equal to 50% of the GST/HST credit for the 2025 to 2026 benefit year. At this time, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services has not provided guidance on whether the CGEB will be treated as exempt income for people receiving social assistance. You can view the CGEB here:  https://connexionottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/INFORMATION-SHEET-Canada-Groceries-and-Essentials-Benefit-May-2026.pdf.

Connecting Ottawa’s One Year Window (OYW) Clinic
Connecting Ottawa is running a pilot project to support frontline workers assisting clients who are applying to bring family members to Canada through the One Year Window (OYW) Program. The OYW program allows resettled refugees to reunite with certain family members, provided they apply within one year of arriving in Canada and the family members meet eligibility requirements. Through Connecting Ottawa’s OYW project, law students – under the supervision of Connecting Ottawa lawyers – will review OYW applications, provide advice on how to strengthen them, and assist with drafting affidavits and letters of explanation where needed. To learn about eligibility, the scope of the OYW clinic, and process, please visit: https://connexionottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Connecting-Ottawa-OYW-Clinic-What-It-Is-How-It-Works-and-Eligiblity-Criteria-1.pdf.  The project intake form is available here: https://connexionottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Connecting-Ottawa-OYW-Clinic-Intake-Form.pdf.  Connecting Ottawa is hosting an information session to provide more details on the project on June 17, 2026.  Details about the information session are included below under the heading « Upcoming Connecting Ottawa Education Sessions. »

Connecting Ottawa Communiqué Sign up
In Connecting Ottawa’s bi-weekly Communiqué, we share information about our upcoming education sessions, valuable resources, and timely information and updates on local, provincial, and federal legal and social service programs of interest to frontline workers serving clients in our target populations.  If you are a frontline worker who wants to receive Connecting Ottawa’s Communiqué directly to your inbox, we encourage you to sign up here: https://connectingottawa.com/connecting-ottawa-communique/sign-up-for-communque/.

Upcoming Connecting Ottawa Education Sessions
CLEO and Connecting Ottawa Webinar: Working with Lawyers Retained with a Legal Aid Ontario Certificate
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) and Connecting Ottawa are collaborating on a webinar on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on exploring the ins and outs of working with lawyers retained through Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) certificates.  During this session, Connecting Ottawa Staff Lawyers will cover how to find an LAO lawyer, what a typical consultation and retainer look like, the limitations on lawyers working under LAO certificates, common communication expectations, and how to change lawyers when needed. The goal is to help frontline workers better understand the lawyer-client relationship in the LAO context, so they can support their clients by setting expectations, explaining common practices, and identifying potential red flags where a change of lawyer may be necessary. Please join us if you have clients in this situation! To learn more and register, visit: https://outreach.cleo.on.ca/en/civicrm/?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fmailing%2Fview&reset=1&id=2392.

Family Reunification Through the One Year Window Program: Introducing Connecting Ottawa’s New OYW Clinic
Speakers: Connecting Ottawa Staff Lawyers and students
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81022826680?pwd=78p6lE7FjNZLau1zwscREFLS2DYP9J.1
Meeting ID: 810 2282 6680
Passcode: 866720
Are you supporting clients applying to reunite with family members through the One Year Window of Opportunity (OYW) program? Join Connecting Ottawa for an information session introducing our new One Year Window Clinic, a free service designed to support frontline workers assisting clients with OYW applications. During the information session, we will review what an OYW application is, common eligibility requirements and challenges, how the clinic can support frontline workers and clients, and how to refer clients to the clinic. The session will also cover important timelines, required documents, the role of frontline workers in the process, and the limits of the clinic’s services. If you are a frontline worker helping resettled refugees navigate family reunification applications, this session will provide practical tools and guidance to better support your clients.  

Family Law 101: Parenting Time, Decision-Making, and Support
Speaker: Representatives from the Family Justice Centre
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zoom meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82625280369?pwd=DaOTE5Tx7b1q9tLT87BIDAEBChOJ8t.1
Meeting ID: 826 2528 0369
Passcode: 161952
Frontline workers regularly support clients navigating family law issues, often in high-stress situations and without access to legal representation.  This can include questions about parenting arrangements, decision-making responsibilities, and financial support following a separation. In this information session, with speakers from the Family Justice Centre, we will provide a practical introduction to key family law concepts, including parenting time, decision-making, child support, and spousal support. The session will focus on helping frontline workers understand the basic legal framework, identify common issues, and better support clients who may be self-represented or facing barriers to accessing legal services. If you are a frontline worker looking to build your confidence in supporting clients with family law concerns and to better understand when and how to refer for legal assistance, please join us!  You can learn more about the Family Justice Centre and how it can help you support your clients with certain family law issues here: https://www.probonostudents.ca/family-justice-centre.

Family Violence and Family Law: Protection Orders, Safety, and Legal Options
Speakers: Kaja Marinic (Family Justice Centre) and students
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84239037523?pwd=zOftf6DUDIivw6FoALMkG4Unwq5j8q.1
Meeting ID: 842 3903 7523
Passcode: 009578
Frontline workers often support clients experiencing family violence, coercive control, or unsafe family situations, helping them navigate urgent legal and practical concerns. Clients may have questions about protection orders, emergency safety planning, parenting issues, housing, police involvement, or how to safely leave a relationship. In this information session, delivered by the Family Justice Centre, we will provide a practical introduction to key family law tools and protections available in situations involving family violence, including restraining orders, peace bonds, exclusive possession of the home, and emergency motions. The session will focus on helping frontline workers recognize common legal issues, understand the limits of their role, and better support clients who may be self-represented or facing barriers to accessing legal services. If you are a frontline worker looking to build your confidence in supporting clients experiencing family violence and to better understand when and how to refer for legal assistance, please join us!   

Misrepresentation in Immigration Law: Common Issues, Risks, and Responses
Speaker: Julie Dodwell (Dodwell Immigration Law)
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84007596552?pwd=MHSOen9aZqvDk4X7cGI4LCDJCofuAG.1
Meeting ID: 840 0759 6552
Passcode: 688121
Providing incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can have serious implications, including an application being refused, loss of immigration status, removal from Canada, and more. This session will explain what « misrepresentation » is and review common situations where it arises. Importantly, a person can be found to have misrepresented even if there was no intent to deceive – errors, omissions, and misunderstandings can still lead to a finding of misrepresentation. We will discuss issues such as inaccurate forms, undisclosed family members, errors made by legal counsel, and inconsistent information and fake documents. Participants will also learn what happens when IRCC raises concerns about possible misrepresentation and what options may be available in response. This session is intended for frontline workers supporting newcomers and will include an opportunity for questions and discussion.

Legal Information and Updates
Ontario has revoked all existing OINP permanent residence pathways
Ontario has announced that regulatory amendments to Ontario Regulation 421/17 under the Ontario Immigration Act will come into force on May 30, 2026. These amendments were originally announced in the March 16, 2026 program update and are available on Ontario’s e‑Laws site: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2026-ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-updates#march16-0. The purpose of these changes is to prepare for the redesign of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). For more information please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2026-ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-updates.

Canada Expands Visa‑Free Air Travel for Eligible Travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia
Canada has announced a significant change to its entry requirements for eligible citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia, marking a new step in the country’s broader strategy to strengthen economic and strategic ties across the Indo‑Pacific region. Beginning May 26, 2026, at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time, qualifying travellers from both countries will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a traditional temporary resident visa (TRV) when travelling to Canada by air. The announcement was made by the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, as part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to deepen engagement with Indo‑Pacific partners. The policy shift is expected to streamline travel, reduce processing times, and lower costs for eligible visitors, while maintaining Canada’s security standards.

A Targeted Expansion of Visa‑Free Travel
Under the new rules, Indonesian and Malaysian nationals may qualify for an eTA if they meet one of the following conditions:

  • They have held a Canadian TRV within the last 10 years, or
  • They currently hold a valid U.S. non‑immigrant visa.

These criteria apply only to air travel to or through Canada. Travellers who already possess a valid TRV may continue to use it without interruption.

IRCC emphasized that the eligibility conditions are designed to ensure that travellers have previously undergone security screening by either Canada or the United States, allowing the government to facilitate travel while upholding border safety. For more information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/05/canada-strengthens-indo-pacific-ties-through-changes-to-visa-requirements-for-eligible-travellers-from-indonesia-and-malaysia.html

Program delivery update: Spouses or common-law partners of foreign nationals authorized to work in high-skilled occupations TEER 0 or 1, or select occupations TEER 2 or 3 – [R205(c)(ii) – C41] – Canadian interests – International Mobility Program (IMP)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its program delivery instructions for the International Mobility Program (IMP), specifically those relating to work categories designated by the Minister under R205(c)(ii), administrative code C41. These updates modify the guidance originally implemented on January 21, 2026.

Key Change: New Exemption to the 16‑Month Restriction
IRCC has added new instructions introducing an exemption from the open work permit restrictions associated with the 16‑month rule for a specific group:

  • Spouses of foreign‑trained health care professionals in Quebec.

Under the general C41 framework, open work permits issued to spouses of certain foreign workers are subject to a 16‑month validity restriction tied to the principal applicant’s licensing or credentialing timeline. The newly added exemption recognizes the unique regulatory and labour‑market context in Quebec’s health care sector. See: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/exemption-codes/public-policy-competitiveness-economy/spouses-common-law-authorized-work-high-skilled-occupations.html

For more information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/updates/2026-spouses-health-quebec.html.

IRCC Program Delivery Update: Digital Nomads (May 26, 2026)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its program delivery instructions to clarify the requirements applicable to digital nomads — foreign nationals who perform remote work for an employer or business located outside Canada while staying temporarily in Canada. The update signals that IRCC has refined the operational guidance used by officers when assessing temporary residents who enter Canada for remote work purposes. The update appears under the Temporary residents – Digital nomads section of the Program Delivery Instructions and reflects IRCC’s ongoing effort to distinguish remote work that does not require a work permit from activities that may constitute work in Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/updates/2026-digital-nomads.html.

Social Security Tribunal (SST) launches new portal
The SST, which hears appeals about Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Canada Disability Benefits, or Employment Insurance, has a brand-new platform where you can manage appeal documents online, including:

  • filling in and submitting appeal forms
  • submitting supporting documents
  • receiving documents from the SST
  • keeping all your appeal documents organized
  • communicating with the SST through the portal

Representatives can also create an account and use the portal to support appellants: https://portal-portail.sst-tss.gc.ca/.

University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic (UOCLC): Open for Intakes
The UOCLC is currently conducting intakes for eligible clients:  

  • Clinic intakes: May 19 – August 10, 2026 (inclusive)
  • Courthouse intakes:  Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., May 20 – August 12, 2026 (inclusive) (Courthouse intakes reserved for people facing criminal charges and/or provincial offences)

An online Application for Services Form is available here: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/common-law/student-centre/courses/clinics/community-legal-clinic/clients/information-clients.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Clinic at 613-562-5600 or uoclc@uottawa.ca.

To learn more about how the UOCLC can help your clients with legal issues, visit: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/common-law/student-centre/courses/clinics/community-legal-clinic/clients/information-clients.

Notarial and commissioning services will continue by appointment only for uOttawa and Carleton University students.  For more information, please see the poster: https://connexionottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Clinic-Leaflet-Community-BIL-FINAL-1.pdf.  

Family Justice Centre new website
The Family Justice Centre offers limited scope services for people in Ontario facing family law issues who can’t afford a lawyer and don’t qualify for legal aid. We encourage you to check out their new website, which contains an educational video library, where common questions about family law are answered in clear, accessible language: https://www.probonostudents.ca/family-justice-centre/resources.

Information and hotline from Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking operates the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline, a confidential, multilingual, and trauma-informed service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hotline connects victims, survivors, family members, service providers, and members of the public with information, supports, and local services across Canada. Additional information and resources are available through their website: https://ccteht.ca/labour-trafficking/.

Guided Pathway from Steps to Justice: Applying for a section 810 peace bond
Community Legal Education Ontario offers a free Guided Pathway to help people learn about or apply for a section 810 peace bond, which is a court order to protect you or your family from harm, property damage, or non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The pathway asks questions about your situation, helps complete forms, and provides instructions for submitting them to the court: https://stepstojustice.ca/guided-pathways/guided-pathways-guided-pathway-for-applying-for-a-peace-bond/.

CLEO Connect:  Housing Law Virtual Conference – June 17 and 18, 2026
Community workers in Ontario who help clients with housing-related problems are invited to a free, virtual conference on housing law. Topics include:

  • tenant rights and organizing,
  • repairs and maintenance,
  • human rights in housing, and
  • renovictions.

To learn more and register, please visit: https://outreach.cleo.on.ca/en/civicrm/mailing/view/?reset=1&id=2384.

Muslim Legal Support Centre Virtual Information Sessions in June
The Muslim Legal Support Centre is hosting a variety of information sessions in June on important topics.  Learn more and register at the links provided below:

Online Information Session: Open Work Permits – Guidance for Refugee Claimants
On June 17th, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., YMCA Ottawa will be hosting an online information session in partnership with Luis Alberto Vasquez, Immigration Lawyer (Notary Public, Ontario) to provide information about the work permit renewal application process. Sign up can be completed at the following link: https://www.ymcaottawa-nic.ca/event-details/open-work-permits-guidance-for-refugee-claimants-2.

YMCA Language Assessment and Referral Centre Information Session
On June 22, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., YMCA Ottawa will be hosting an upcoming session to provide information about the YMCA Language Assessment and Referral Centre. This online workshop will include details on how to navigate language classes, and provide insight on tools, resources and supports. Sign up can be completed at the following link: https://www.ymcaottawa-nic.ca/event-details/language-assessment-and-language-class-navigation-en.

Reminder: Temporary Public Policy: Exception to New Refugee Claim Ineligibilities for Unaccompanied Minors
Recent amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) introduced through Bill C‑12 came into force on March 26, 2026, creating two new ineligibility provisions for refugee protection claims. These measures aim to manage sudden increases in claims, reduce pressure on the asylum system, and discourage the use of the refugee process to bypass regular immigration pathways.

New Ineligibility Rules

  • One‑year rule: Claims made more than one year after a person first entered Canada (after June 24, 2020) are ineligible for referral to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD). This applies to all foreign nationals, including workers, students, and visitors.
  • 14‑day rule for irregular entry: Individuals who enter Canada irregularly from the United States and make a claim 14 days or more after entry are also ineligible for referral to the RPD.

Exception for Unaccompanied Minors
During the parliamentary review of Bill C‑12, the Government committed to exempting unaccompanied minors from these new ineligibility provisions, recognizing the challenges they face in navigating the asylum process without a parent or legal guardian.

A Temporary Public Policy has now been implemented to ensure this exemption applies until a permanent solution is established.

Eligibility Under the Public Policy
Delegated officers may grant an exemption where the claimant:

  • Has made a refugee protection claim under subsection 99(3) of IRPA; and
  • Is under 18 years of age at the time of the claim and does not have a parent or legally responsible adult in Canada.

This policy ensures that unaccompanied minors retain access to the refugee determination system despite the new ineligibility rules. For more information please check: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/unaccompanied-minors-asylum.html.

Reminder: Program Delivery Update: Study Permits – Final Decisions May 20, 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the instructions for officers under the section “Determining validity periods.” The revision adds information about individuals who, under subsection 52(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, are not required to hold a passport or other travel document valid for the full period authorized for their stay in order to enter Canada. See: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/study-permits/final-decisions.html#validity.

This clarification guides officers on how to assess study permit validity when the applicant falls under this regulatory exemption: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/updates/2026-students-final-decisions.html.

Reminder: Program Delivery Update: Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Consideration Pages
On May 12, 2026, IRCC made minor adjustments to the Program Delivery Instructions (PDIs) related to humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) considerations. These updates provide additional guidance to officers when assessing and processing applications or requests involving H&C factors: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/updates/2026-updates-to-humanitarian-and-compassionate-hc-consideration-pages.html.

Updated Instructions

  • Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) considerations: Administrative law principles – Guidelines to H&C decision‑making
  • Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) considerations: Guidelines for note‑taking

New Instructions

  • Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C): Assessing, researching and recording a decision

Deleted Instructions

  • Humanitarian and Compassionate: Conducting Research
  • Humanitarian and Compassionate: Recording the reasons for an H&C decision

Reminder: ODSP rate increase effective July 2026
The provincial government announced that people receiving Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) income support benefits will see an inflation-based increase of 1.9% in July to:

  • Basic needs and shelter maximum amounts for individuals and families
  • Board and lodge amounts for individuals and families
  • The amount provided for a couple if both people have disabilities
  • Amounts for services provided by a long-term care home or a specialized care residence

Ontario Works rates remain unchanged. For more information on the rate increase, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program.

Reminder: Steps to Justice shares updated Employment Insurance (EI) appeal information
Steps to Justice has new information on the updated EI appeal process, including how to appeal to the Employment Insurance Board of Appeal and Social Security Tribunal – Appeal Division: https://stepstojustice.ca/legal-topic/employment-and-work/employment-insurance/applying-and-getting-decision/all/.

Reminder: Upcoming Employment Standards Act (ESA) information sessions
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, in partnership with organizations across Ontario, is offering a free information session on the ESA. Sessions are led by ministry experts and cover topics such as hours of work, public holidays, leaves of absence, vacation time, and vacation pay. Upcoming webinars include:

  • June 4, 2026, 1:30–3 p.m. – Vacation Time and Vacation Pay Overview

To register, contact the host directly via Microsoft Teams registration: https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/educational-resources.

Reminder: OCDSB Speaker Series: Vaping and substance use: Signs, symptoms and strategies
The Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is hosting a webinar on vaping and substance use on June 4, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  The webinar is designed to help parents, caregivers, and educators navigate the complexities of youth substance use. Presented by Ryan Fahey of PHE Canada, this webinar provides practical tools to recognize early warning signs, understand underlying behaviors, and support children through proactive strategies.  For more information and the registration link, visit: https://www.ocdsb.ca/news-events/news/post/ocdsb-speaker-series-vaping-and-substance-use-signs-symptoms-and-strategies-june-4th.

Reminder:  Connecting Ottawa’s Infographics, « Connecting Ottawa – Who We Are » and « When Should I Contact Connecting Ottawa »
Connecting Ottawa has infographics that provide a clear, visual overview of who we are, the services we offer, and when and how frontline workers can contact us for support. They’re designed to provide quick, accessible information that can help frontline workers better support their clients with legal issues.

The infographics in French and English can be accessed here:

In case you missed it … (we think the following information bears repeating):
Updated Connecting Ottawa information sheets
The following resources have been produced by Connecting Ottawa lawyers to provide frontline workers and community members with information and referral resources for common legal issues. Please feel free to share with your clients and networks.  More resources on a variety of topics are available on our website here: https://connectingottawa.com/about-us/connecting-ottawa-resources/.

Clarifications to R186(u) and Continued Work Authorization While Awaiting Work Permit Renewal
Effective April 27, 2026: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released updated guidance clarifying how foreign nationals may continue working under R186(u) while their work permit renewal application under R201(1) is in progress. These updates reorganize the instructions, add new explanations, and address common scenarios faced by employers, workers, and representatives.

IRCC has confirmed that the interim proof of work letter—issued to applicants who are eligible to keep working under R186(u)—is valid for 365 days.

If the work permit application is not finalized by the date shown on the letter, the individual may continue working under R186(u) until IRCC makes a decision, provided they continue to meet all R186(u) requirements. Importantly, no second letter is required. The authorization flows directly from the regulation, not from the letter itself.

New Guidance on Multiple Work Permit Applications
A new section has been added to address situations where a foreign national submits another work permit application while their first application is still being processed. The updated instructions clarify how R186(u) applies in these circumstances and how continued work authorization is assessed when multiple applications overlap.

Temporary Resident Status vs. Authorization to Work
The update reiterates a key principle in Canadian immigration law: temporary resident status and authorization to work are separate legal concepts.

  • A22(1) governs the ability to enter and remain in Canada as a temporary resident.
  • Work authorization may be granted without a work permit (R186) or with a work permit (R200 or R201).

Extending temporary resident status under R183(5) does not grant permission to continue working. Only R186(u) provides continued work authorization while a renewal application is in process.

Requirements Under R186(u)
To work without a permit under R186(u), a foreign national must:

  • have applied to renew their work permit under R201 before the original permit expired
  • have remained in Canada (no travel outside the country)
  • continue to follow all conditions of the expired work permit, except for the expiry date

This authorization remains in place until IRCC issues a decision on the renewal application.

For the full update please review: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/work-without-permit/authorization-work-without-work-permit-implied-status.html.

Summary of the May 1, 2026 IRCC Update on Restoration of Status
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its program delivery instructions to confirm that foreign nationals who lose their temporary resident status may now choose to restore only their temporary resident status, even if they previously held a work permit or study permit. This flexibility is reflected in the operational guidance.

Key points from the IRCC page:

  • A foreign national who has lost status may apply to restore their temporary resident status under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) s. 182.
  • Someone who previously held authorization to work or study may:
    • restore that authorization, or
    • restore their status as a visitor if they no longer qualify for or need a work or study permit.
  • Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) holders are not eligible for restoration of status and must apply for a new TRP instead.
  • A worker or student who simply wishes to restore temporary resident status (without restoring work or study authorization) may do so if they meet the requirements under R179.

For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/updates/2026-restoration-of-temporary-resident-status.html.

New Details Released on the In‑Canada Workers Initiative
In a press release issued on May 4, 2026, the federal government released the first concrete details of the newly named In‑Canada Workers Initiative, a one‑time measure first announced in Budget 2025. The initiative aims to transition up to 33,000 temporary resident workers to permanent residence over 2026–2027.

According to the announcement, part of the initiative involves accelerating eligible permanent residence applications already in IRCC’s inventory. This applies to work permit holders who have applied through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the community immigration pilots, the caregiver pilots, or the Agri‑Food Pilot. To qualify for accelerated processing, applicants must have been living in a smaller Canadian community for at least two years. The update indicates that the initiative is limited to expediting permanent residence applications already submitted under existing programs. It does not establish a new temporary permanent residence pathway similar to the 2021 TR to PR program. The May 4 release did not introduce any new application streams or mechanisms for workers who do not already have a permanent residence application in process.

No additional program details were provided beyond confirmation that progress is being tracked on the government’s temporary resident webpage. As of the latest update, 3,600 workers have obtained permanent residence toward the 20,000‑person target for 2026. For more information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/04/filling-labour-gaps-in-smaller-communities-by-accelerating-permanent-residence-for-33000-workers.html.

Rental Housing Basics: Now available in Tamil and Tagalog
This printable resource from the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights explains how Ontario laws, including the Residential Tenancies Act and the Human Rights Code, protect the rights of most renters. It is now available in multiple languages, including Tamil and Tagalog: https://housingrightscanada.com/resources/know-your-rights-printable-resources-for-ontario-renters/.

Key changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 coming in 2026 (corrected information in brackets)
Recent provincial orders have set the dates when several changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, will take effect. Certain amendments from Bill 60 will come into force on July 1, 2026. These changes include new rules for notices of termination and for how the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) reviews its decisions. Starting July 1, 2026, requests to review a decision must generally be filed within 15 days instead of 30 days, although the LTB may extend the deadline where it is fair to do so. The Attorney General (not the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, as stated in our previous Communique) will also be able to set rules about the LTB’s review powers and prescribe official notice of termination forms, although no specific details have been released yet.

Additional changes from Bill 60 will take effect on September 21, 2026. These include removing the requirement for landlords to compensate tenants in certain N12 notices where at least 120 days notice is given, and reducing the notice period for N4 rent arrears notices from 14 days to 7 days.

Resource Spotlight: Pro Bono Ontario Free Legal Advice Hotline
The Pro Bono Ontario Free Legal Advice Hotline is a valuable resource for individuals in Ontario facing civil legal issues who do not otherwise have access to legal support. Eligible callers can receive up to 30 minutes of free legal advice from a lawyer on matters such as housing, employment, debt, consumer issues, and civil court proceedings. Frontline workers can play an important role in helping clients identify when the hotline may be useful, prepare for calls, and access free legal information and advice. To learn more about the services offered, eligibility criteria, and more, please visit the Pro Bono Ontario Hotline website:  https://www.probonoontario.org/hotline/.

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Connecting Ottawa is available to support front-line workers in Ottawa to provide appropriate legal information and referrals to clients with communication barriers as a result of language or sensory disability. If you have a question or require a consultation, please complete our request for legal information/consultation form: https://connectingottawa.com/request-for-information-consultation/.  Along with your completed request for legal information/consultation, please send any documents related to your client’s legal issue by email to info@connectingottawa.com. This will ensure the most efficient response to your request.  As a reminder, we do not provide direct legal services to individuals.