Canada Visa & Policy Updates
Canada is tightening entry requirements by mandating photo verification for language tests and requiring digital nomads to prove foreign income source as of May 2026. Recent updates include doubling work permit extension letters to 365 days, increasing permanent residence fees on April 30, and allowing hosts to use two years of tax history for Super Visas. New legislation also grants the government expanded authority to cancel permits for public interest or fraud.
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.