Policy changes, court decisions, skills list updates, and draw results — reviewed and summarised by our practitioners.
The Department of Home Affairs has published the updated Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL), effective 1 April 2026. Key additions include software engineers, registered nurses (aged care specialisations), civil engineers, and construction project managers.
If your occupation was previously off-list, it is worth re-checking now. The SOL addition opens Subclass 189 (independent) pathways that were previously unavailable. Some occupations have new ANZSCO codes — your skills assessment authority may require updated documentation if applying under the new code.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
IRCC held a general round of invitations from the Express Entry pool on 5 March 2026. The minimum CRS score was 485 and 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued. The tie-breaking rule applied to applications submitted before 14 January 2026 at 14:25:33 UTC.
The cutoff continues to trend upward from Q4 2025 levels (468–472). If your CRS is below 485, focus on score-building strategies: improving language scores, securing a qualifying job offer, or seeking a Provincial Nominee Certificate (+600 points). Use our CRS Calculator to model scenarios.
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase from $70,000 to $73,150 per annum, effective 1 July 2026. All Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) nominations lodged from that date must meet the new threshold.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
The Full Federal Court handed down its decision in SZTAL v Minister for Immigration, clarifying the Minister's discretion in character cancellation matters under s501 of the Migration Act. The Court ruled that prior rehabilitation evidence must be considered as part of the public interest assessment, even where a mandatory cancellation threshold has been triggered.
Source: Federal Court of Australia
IRCC has updated its published processing time benchmarks for in-Canada spousal sponsorship applications. The current average stands at 12 months for applications submitted at Mississauga CPC. Applications submitted prior to October 2024 are experiencing extended delays due to volume and biometric processing requirements.
Source: IRCC
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 1,200 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) under the Human Capital Priorities stream. The minimum CRS score for this round was 472. Candidates in the Express Entry pool who received a NOI have 45 days to submit a complete application to the OINP.
Source: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
Content is reviewed by our registered practitioners but is general in nature. Always seek professional advice before taking action on your immigration matter.
Our practitioners review every consultation. Book your free initial assessment and ask us directly.
Book a Free Consultation →