Charlene Abellar-Gonciarz, RCIC

10/12/2026

Abellar Immigration friends and families: Reminder of our closure October 12th (Monday). Have a great Thanksgiving and save some room for that extra slice of pie! 🥧🦃🍁

This Thanksgiving, we’re taking a moment to appreciate the people who make what we do meaningful.. our clients who trust us with their immigration journeys, the families working toward a future together, and everyone who continues to support our small business.

We know that behind every application is a person, a family, a dream, and often a lot of sacrifice. We’re truly grateful to be a small part of those journeys. ❤️

From our family to yours, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with love, good food, and time with the people who matter most. May we always find something to be thankful for, even on the difficult days. 🙏🏻

📢 HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSURE

Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026, in observance of Thanksgiving Day. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, October 13.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 🍁🦃

Much love from the Abellar Immigration

10/10/2026

LMIA UPDATE: Major Cities Where Low-Wage LMIAs May Still Be Processed

Employers planning to hire foreign workers, take note!

Effective October 9, 2026, to January 7, 2027, certain low-wage LMIA applications in census metropolitan areas (CMAs) with unemployment rates of 6% or higher will not be processed, subject to exemptions. Canada

📍 Major cities with unemployment rates below 6%:
• Winnipeg, Manitoba — 5.9%
• Victoria, British Columbia — 5.8%
• Chilliwack, British Columbia — 5.6%
• Saint John, New Brunswick — 5.5%
• Kamloops, British Columbia — 3.6%

These locations remain below the 6% threshold for this period, meaning qualifying low-wage LMIA applications may still be processed.

⚠️ Important: Being below 6% does not guarantee LMIA approval. Employers must still meet all other program requirements, and the actual work location must be checked against the applicable CMA.

🔗 Check the official government list:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/refusal.html

Planning to hire a foreign worker? Check the current rules before submitting an LMIA.

Together, we can reach new heights.

📞 780-710-5012 | 🌐 abellarimmigration.com

10/09/2026

This Thanksgiving, we’re taking a moment to appreciate the people who make what we do meaningful.. our clients who trust us with their immigration journeys, the families working toward a future together, and everyone who continues to support our small business.

We know that behind every application is a person, a family, a dream, and often a lot of sacrifice. We’re truly grateful to be a small part of those journeys. ❤️

From our family to yours, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with love, good food, and time with the people who matter most. May we always find something to be thankful for, even on the difficult days. 🙏🏻

📢 HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSURE

Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026, in observance of Thanksgiving Day. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, October 13.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 🍁🦃

Much love from the Abellar Immigration

10/07/2026

TRV FAQ 🇨🇦

One of the most common questions I get: “My visitor visa is valid for several years, so can I stay in Canada until it expires?”

Short answer: No.

Your TRV’s validity and the length of time you’re allowed to stay in Canada are two different things.

Save this post and share it with someone who needs to know. 🇨🇦

Together, we can reach new heights.

📞 780-710-5012 | 🌐 abellarimmigration.com

10/06/2026

Our client came to Canada as a Temporary Foreign Worker in 2021. Since then, he’s worked hard, built a life here, and stayed focused on the future he was trying to create.

But that future came with a sacrifice. He had to leave behind the woman who is now his wife and spend years apart from her while he worked toward a better life for both of them. That part doesn’t always show up in an immigration application, but it’s often the hardest part of the journey.

Today, he came into our office to pick up his PR card. 🇨🇦 And in just a few weeks, his wife will finally be joining him in Canada.

Everything he worked and waited for is slowly falling into place. Sometimes, after all the waiting, uncertainty, and time apart, you get to a moment like this and think, “Okay… it was worth it.” ❤️

So happy for you, Jack. Here’s to finally getting to enjoy the life you worked so hard to build. 🇨🇦

Together, we can reach new heights.

📞 780-710-5012 | 🌐 abellarimmigration.com

09/28/2026

Studying under the new temporary public policy? Don’t miss these two important details!

🎓 Co-op placement: You may need a new employer-specific work permit if your co-op employer or occupation is different from your current one. Open work permit holders don’t need a new work permit.

🇨🇦 Express Entry: If you study full-time under this policy, the work experience you gain while studying won’t count toward Canadian Experience Class eligibility or Canadian work experience points under CRS.

Small details that can make a big difference, so know the rules before you start.

Together, we can reach new heights.

📞 780-710-5012 | 🌐 abellarimmigration.com

09/15/2026

Fyi!

Express Entry round of invitations:
• Round type: Canadian Experience Class
• Number of invitations issued: 2,000
• CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 519

Learn how Express Entry works and calculate your CRS score: https://bit.ly/4qMwf52

09/09/2026

IRCC has introduced a temporary measure allowing eligible work permit holders in Canada to study for a short period without applying for a study permit.

IRCC will begin notifying eligible work permit holders this week.

What does this mean?
This could give temporary workers more flexibility to pursue short-term education, training or skills upgrading that may help them in their careers.

For example, this may be useful for workers looking to obtain additional training or credentials in areas such as:
✔️ Trades
✔️ Healthcare
✔️ Laboratory services
✔️ Other skills-related training

Important things to know:
•You must be an eligible work permit holder in Canada.
•The studies must be 6 months or less.
•You can study only until the earlier of 6 months or the expiry of your work permit.
•This measure does not mean that all programs or courses are automatically eligible. Make sure your specific program qualifies before enrolling.
•If your studies require a study permit, you will still need to apply for one.
•This is a temporary measure currently in place until December 31, 2027.
•This is not a new pathway to obtain a work permit or permanent residence.

The purpose of this temporary measure is to give eligible temporary workers already in Canada more opportunities to gain skills and education while continuing to participate in Canada’s workforce.

If you’re a temporary worker considering a short course or training program, don’t assume you’re automatically covered. Check the eligibility requirements first.

Read the official IRCC announcement here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/economic-growth-public-services-contributions-temporary-workers.html

09/08/2026

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) are regulated by the CICC, ensuring they meet and follow high standards of education, competence and professional ethics.

Use the Public Register to verify if someone is a College licensee, if they are in good standing, if they have been subject to Disciplinary Actions and any associated Disciplinary details.

https://register.college-ic.ca/

09/05/2026

Our office will be closed on Monday, September 7 for Labour Day.

We’ll be back on Tuesday, September 8 and will respond to messages as soon as we can.

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing long weekend!

Together, we can reach new heights.

📞 780-710-5012 | 🌐 abellarimmigration.com