Canada Visa & Policy Updates
Canada is tightening entry requirements by mandating proof of foreign income for digital nomads and increasing permanent residency fees. Recent updates include a 90-day LMIA submission window for work permit renewals, a 365-day validity for interim work letters, and a new 419-day processing time for visitor records. While Ontario consolidated eight immigration pathways into one, federal targets now aim to reduce the temporary resident population to 5% by 2027.
Canada extends LMIA submission window to 90 days for work permit renewals
Canada extended the concurrent processing window for in-Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permit applications from 60 to 90 days. Foreign workers applying before receiving an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment now have additional time to submit required proof while holding maintained status. The policy gives employed expats more buffer against administrative processing delays.
Canada visitor record processing times jumped to 419 days following Aug. 19 update
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reported that onshore visitor visa extension processing times have surged to 419 days. Remote workers and long-stay travelers in Canada should prepare for extended waiting periods under maintained status while awaiting renewal decisions.
Canada clarifies which days abroad count toward 730 day residency rule
IRCC updated its official glossary to define how days spent outside Canada count toward residency obligations. The new terms clarify how employment with Canadian businesses abroad affects the calculation for maintaining permanent resident status.
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 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 Raises PR and Citizenship Fees Starting April 30
Canada raised permanent residence fees on April 30, 2026. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee rose from CAD 575 to CAD 600, and business class applicants now pay CAD 1,895.
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.
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 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.