Canada Visa & Policy Updates
Canada has implemented stricter income verification for digital nomads, raised permanent residency fees, and increased high-wage LMIA salary thresholds. New rules limit C20 work permits to existing employees and require job offers for most Ontario provincial pathways. While processing times for the Canadian Experience Class have dropped to six months, the government is capping permanent resident targets at 380,000 and tightening fraud oversight for immigration consultants and language test results.
Canada limits C20 work permits to existing employees after July 29 shift
Canada has updated its International Mobility Program to require that C20 reciprocal work permit applicants be already employed by their company abroad. This change prevents foreign nationals from using the LMIA-exempt pathway to start new employment immediately upon arrival in Canada.
Canada holds permanent resident targets at 380,000 as economic share hits 64%
Canada's new Immigration Levels Plan stabilizes permanent residency targets and aims to reduce the temporary resident population to 5% by late 2027. These changes signal a more restrictive environment for digital nomads and temporary workers seeking to transition to long-term status.
Canada raises high-wage LMIA thresholds by up to $3 per hour starting July 17
Canada is increasing the minimum salary requirements for Labour Market Impact Assessment applications, affecting employers hiring foreign talent. Expats and foreign workers on employer-sponsored permits may face stricter eligibility criteria or higher salary floors to qualify for work authorization.
Canada cuts Canadian Experience Class processing to 6 months
Processing times for the Canadian Experience Class and base Provincial Nominee Program have decreased by up to two months as of July 7. This acceleration benefits expats and skilled workers currently in Canada who are transitioning to permanent residency.
Canada opens PSTQ spouse work permits and waives prior breach rules
Quebec has introduced a temporary policy allowing spouses of certain temporary residents to apply for open work permits through the end of 2026. Additionally, new federal regulations for licensed immigration consultants take effect July 15 to increase oversight and consumer protection.
Canada fines dishonest immigration consultants up to 50,000 dollars
New regulations for the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants will take effect to strengthen oversight and protect applicants from fraud. While the update also includes a 60-day window for asylum claims, the consultant reforms directly impact expats and nomads using third-party services for residency applications.
Ontario Workforce Priority stream replaces 8 Canada immigration pathways
Ontario has overhauled its provincial nominee program, consolidating eight immigration streams into one. Most applicants now require a formal job offer from an eligible employer, significantly narrowing the path for independent remote workers and freelancers.
Quebec raises Canada family sponsorship cap to 15,700 undertakings through June
Quebec has reopened its family reunification program with a strict intake limit to manage processing backlogs. The cap applies to sponsorship applications for spouses, common-law partners, and children over a two-year period starting July 2.
Canada allows Parents and Grandparents Super Visa hosts 2 paths to qualify
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada released updated wait times for various permits, showing faster processing for Super Visas but longer delays for citizenship certificates. Digital nomads and expats should check the latest IRCC data as timelines for work and study permits continue to fluctuate.
Canada mandates photo checks for Express Entry and study permit files
IRCC has implemented stricter verification protocols for IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, and TCF results to combat fraud. Applicants for work and study permits should expect potential processing delays if their language scores are flagged for additional review.
Canada issues 9,000 Express Entry invitations to healthcare and CEC workers
Canada conducted two major Express Entry draws between June 22 and June 25, issuing 4,000 invitations each to Canadian Experience Class and healthcare sector candidates. This trend favors expats already working in-country and those with specialized skills in high-demand industries.
Canada requires proof of foreign income for Digital nomads under May 26 rules
Remote workers entering Canada as visitors must now provide documentation proving all income is earned from employers or clients with no financial ties to the country. Border officials will require foreign employment contracts, tax records, and bank statements to verify eligibility for the work permit exemption.
Canada doubles validity of WP-EXT letters to 365 days for online applicants
Doubling the validity of interim work authorizations to 365 days provides significantly more security and legal continuity for expats awaiting permit renewals in Canada.
Canada’s IEC and study-permit rules shift for nomads
Between March 28 and April 10, 2026 (with reporting and updates circulating in mid-April, including around April 17), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 9,407 Invitations to Apply under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program for youth mobility/work-and-travel opportunities. Year-to-date totals reached 62,714 ITAs (about 55% of the 2026 quota), with large allocations to partners like Japan, UK, South Korea, and Australia. Additionally, new rules clarified that eligible international students in post-secondary programs no longer need a separate work permit for mandatory work-integrated learning (e.g., co-ops or internships) if approved by their designated learning institution.
Canada Keeps Shifting the Rules on French Entry, Visitor Stays and Fees
On April 15, 2026, Canada conducted an Express Entry draw targeting French-language proficiency candidates, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a CRS cut-off score of 419. This continues emphasis on language skills in the immigration system.
Canada Raises PR and Citizenship Fees Starting April 30
Recent hikes to permanent residence (PR) and citizenship fees were highlighted in updates around this period (with some deadlines tied to late March/early April 2026 changes taking effect or being noted). Express Entry and PNP principal applicants face increases (e.g., from $950 to $990 in some categories), with the Right of Permanent Residence Fee rising to $600. Deferred payments may incur the new rate.
Alberta's Bill 26 Puts Employers, Recruiters Under Provincial Watch
On April 10, 2026, a new immigration oversight framework was proposed in Alberta, potentially affecting provincial immigration programs relevant to expats and workers.
Canada Updates Rules for Suspending Immigration Applications
New legislation allows the Canadian government to suspend or cancel immigration applications and documents for broad public interest, fraud, or security reasons. The law also introduces stricter asylum eligibility, specifically targeting irregular border crossers and claims made more than one year after entry.
Canada Updates Provincial Nominee and Settlement Rules
New regulations grant provinces more power to assess the 'intent to reside' for provincial nominees, potentially tightening residency requirements. Additionally, access to federally funded settlement services for economic immigrants is now capped at six years after obtaining permanent residency.
Canada Updates Super Visa Income Rules
Starting March 31, 2026, IRCC will allow hosts to use income from either of the two preceding tax years to meet Super Visa requirements. Additionally, hosts can now combine their income with that of the visiting parents or grandparents to meet the minimum threshold.
Understanding Canada's Updated Rules for Work and Study Permits
The proposed legislation grants the Canadian government new powers to suspend or cancel work and study permits for 'public interest' reasons, including security and fraud. It also implements stricter timelines for asylum claims and increases information sharing regarding immigration status.
Canada Updates Reciprocal Work Permit Rules
IRCC has clarified guidelines for LMIA-exempt work permits, now allowing Canadian permanent residents' opportunities abroad to count toward reciprocity assessments. The update also permits foreign workers to maintain their existing positions in their home country while working in Canada under this program.
Canada Updates Rules for Immigration Document Cancellation
New legislation grants the Canadian cabinet expanded authority to cancel immigration documents in the public interest and introduces stricter information-sharing rules. The bill also imposes a one-year limit on refugee claims after entry, signaling a tightening of administrative immigration controls.
Canada Expands Express Entry for Specialized Professionals
Canada has introduced new Express Entry streams targeting researchers, senior managers, and transport workers. The expansion also includes a pathway for foreign military recruits, specifically doctors and nurses, to join the Canadian Armed Forces.