Canada immigration news
Plain-language updates on the changes that affect students, workers, and PR applicants — each linked to its official source. Verify anything time-sensitive against the primary source before you act.
Work permit holders can no longer study without a study permit
The temporary public policy that let certain work permit holders study without a separate study permit expired on June 27, 2026.
Ontario closes all 8 OINP streams and launches Workforce Priority
On June 26, 2026 Ontario closed its eight existing OINP streams and introduced a new Workforce Priority stream that requires a job offer.
Express Entry: healthcare draw invites 4,000 at CRS 475
IRCC issued 4,000 invitations in a Healthcare and Social Services category draw on June 25, 2026, with a CRS cut-off of 475.
IRCC tightens language-test integrity checks
IRCC updated its operational guidance in June 2026 to help officers verify language test results and detect fraud or misrepresentation.
Canada proposes a major overhaul of its asylum system
On June 19, 2026, the government published proposed regulations to modernize the asylum process, opening a 30-day public consultation.
BC PNP drops graduate and tech streams, refocuses on healthcare and trades
British Columbia restructured its PNP around a Care / Build / Innovate model, permanently closing the graduate, tech-priority and entry-level streams.
Alberta introduces a $135 Worker EOI fee
As of April 7, 2026, Alberta charges a $135 CAD fee to submit a Worker Expression of Interest to the AAIP.
Spousal open work permits narrowed again with a final-term rule
From March 4, 2026, a student’s spouse is refused an open work permit if the student is in the final term of their program — on top of the January 2025 eligibility cuts.
Master's and PhD students at public colleges/universities no longer need a PAL
As of January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) requirement.
Bill C-3 removes the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent
In force since December 15, 2025, Bill C-3 lets Canadians born abroad pass citizenship to children also born abroad, ending the first-generation limit.
2026–2028 Levels Plan: PR admissions stabilize at 380,000 a year
Canada’s new plan holds permanent-resident admissions at 380,000 per year through 2028 — about 20% below the 2024 record — while sharply cutting temporary residents.
International student intake nearly halved for 2026
New study permits for newly arriving students fall to about 155,000 in 2026 — a ~49% drop — with 309,670 total application spaces under the cap.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often — for your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer, and always confirm details on the official source linked in each item.