03/02/2026
📌 Most Common Immigration Issues We Handled in February
1️⃣🇺🇦 CUAET Extensions – Maintained Status vs. Restoration
⚠️ Common Issue: Many Ukrainians are unsure when they should apply to extend their status in Canada as their current status approaches expiry.
If an application is submitted before the temporary resident’s or their child’s status expires, maintained status applies, allowing to remain in Canada under the same conditions while it is processed. If submitted after expiry, including a child’s status, restoration is required. Missing a deadline even by one day can result in loss of legal status and other immigration implications.
✅ How We Help: We review your timeline and current status, identify the correct application type, and ensure extensions or restorations are submitted accurately and on time — keeping your legal status in Canada protected.
2️⃣📈 Express Entry Updates
⚠️ Common Issue: Many candidates still focus only on CRS scores. However, with the latest expansion of category-based selection and stricter work experience requirements under Express Entry, those who were once competitive may now miss opportunities without adjusting their immigration strategy.
🚨 Key changes we help navigating:
A broader set of category-based selection groups for 2026 — including French-language proficiency, healthcare & social services, STEM, trades, education — and new specialties such as physicians with Canadian work experience, senior managers, researchers, transport occupations, and skilled military recruits.
⏱ Work experience requirement increased: All category-based draws now require at least 12 months of qualifying work experience in the targeted occupation within the past 3 years, up from the previous 6-month threshold.
🎯 Multiple ways to be selected: Category-based draws are in addition to regular rounds (general, CEC, and PNP). So even if your CRS isn’t top-tier for a general draw, you may still get an ITA if you meet a category’s specific requirements.
✅ How We Help: We help you review your Express Entry profile against the latest category criteria and advise on best immigration pathway
📩 Reach out before you take the next step.
