320 policy changesin Canada since 2010
Last refreshed September 27, 2026 · 19:00 UTC
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Start-Up Business Class intake set to zero
Effective January 1, 2026, and until further notice, the number of new applications that will be accepted for processing in any calendar year for the Start-Up Business Class is set at zero in order to support the Department of Citizenship and Immigration in managing inventory pressures. Exceptions apply where complete applications are supported by a valid commitment certificate from a designated entity received by IRCC before 12:00 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026; applications supported by 10 other commitment certificates from that same designated entity were not accepted into processing during 2025 and 2026; and all applications associated with the commitment have been received by IRCC within six months following the date of commitment mentioned in the first valid version of the commitment certificate received by the Department, with the date of commitment not later than the date the certificate is submitted to IRCC.
Suspension of New Parents and Grandparents Permanent Resident Visa and Sponsorship Applications
As of January 1, 2026, no new permanent resident visa applications made by parents or grandparents and no related sponsorship applications are received for processing until further instructions are issued, while applications received in 2025 continue to be processed up to a maximum of 10,000.
Zero Intake Cap on Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) by Groups
The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration issued Ministerial Instructions setting the intake cap for new Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) applications submitted by 'Groups' to zero for the 2026 calendar year.
Temporary Extension of Status for Ukrainian Family Reunification Applicants
Ukrainian nationals with pending permanent residence applications under the family reunification pathway can apply for temporary extensions, new open work permits, or study permits within Canada while awaiting application processing.
Temporary immigration measures extension for Iranian work permit holders in Canada
Canada extended temporary immigration measures until March 31, 2027, allowing eligible Iranian work permit holders currently in Canada to extend their status and work permit, subject to specific criteria including having a valid work permit issued no later than February 28, 2025.
Quebec Temporary Work Permit Measure for PSTQ Candidates
IRCC implemented a temporary policy allowing skilled foreign workers who have applied for permanent selection under Quebec’s PSTQ program to obtain an employer-specific work permit under the International Mobility Program while awaiting provincial selection.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Provincial Nominee Program Assessment Roles): SOR/2026-63
Replaces IRPR subsections 87(2) to (4) to assign provincial and territorial governments the sole responsibility to evaluate a candidate's "ability to become economically established" and "intention to reside" in the nominating province, removing federal officer substitution/override on these specific criteria.
Pause of New Intakes for Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots
Effective March 31, 2026, the number of new applications accepted for processing in a year for the Home Care Worker Immigration (Home Support) and Home Care Worker Immigration (Child Care) classes is set at zero.
Super Visa Income Requirement Flexibility
IRCC introduced two flexible alternatives to the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) financial evaluation for the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa: an extended two-year income assessment period and the ability to include a visiting parent/grandparent's own income if the host meets a minimum percentage of the LICO threshold.
Elimination of Separate Co-op Work Permits for Post-Secondary International Students
Post-secondary international students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory, program-integrated work placements. Pending applications for this permit type are automatically withdrawn.
Biennial Increase of Permanent Residence Fees
The government implemented scheduled biennial increases to various permanent residence fees, including the Right of Permanent Residence Fee and specific class application fees, aligned with the Consumer Price Index.
Refugee Sponsorship Facilitation Public Policy for Cancelled SAH Agreements
To support refugee applicants affected by the cancellation of a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH), a temporary policy waives the requirement for UNHCR or host state Refugee Status Determination (RSD) documentation for replacement sponsorship applications submitted by Groups of Five or Community Sponsors.
Update to Study Permit Scholarship and Exchange Program Guidelines
IRCC updated operational guidelines for study permits related to scholarships. Scholarship letters for the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program and Study in Canada Scholarships must now be issued by the designated learning institution. The UMAP–Canada Scholarships program was removed from the recognized pathways list.
Temporary Public Policy Exempting Unaccompanied Minors from Certain Refugee Claim Ineligibility Grounds
Introduces a Ministerial Temporary Public Policy (TPP) under IRPA s. 25.2 that exempts unaccompanied minors seeking asylum from specific statutory refugee claim ineligibility provisions before referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
Spousal Open Work Permit (C41) Exemption for Quebec Health Sector
IRCC updated Program Delivery Instructions for administrative code C41, providing an exemption to the 16-month open work permit validity limit. Spouses of foreign-trained healthcare professionals undergoing licensing or credentialing in Quebec are now exempt from this restriction.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Electronic Travel Authorization): SOR/2026-87
Amends the table to subsection 7.01(1) of the IRPR to expand the partial visa exemption (eTA eligibility for air travel) to eligible citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years.
Temporary public policy to facilitate work permits for prospective permanent residence candidates in Quebec and their spouses and common-law partners
Introduces a temporary public policy pursuant to section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to facilitate access to short-term employer-specific work permits under the International Mobility Program for select temporary foreign workers in Quebec who have been invited to apply for permanent residence and have submitted a Demande de sélection permanente (DSP) under the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ), as well as open work permits for their spouses and common-law partners.
Temporary Work Permit Relief for Provincial Nominee Program Applicants
IRCC has introduced a measure allowing Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) permanent residence applicants to apply for bridging open work permits, spousal open work permits, or employer-specific extensions without an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) due to processing backlogs.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Transit Between International Flights): SOR/2026-149
Amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) to define a designated holding area and mandate that any person seeking to leave a sterile transit area or designated holding area at an airport during international transit appear immediately for examination by a border officer, while requiring commercial transporters to submit transit status and destination data. Phase scope: Registered and in force on the date of registration (June 22, 2026)
Update to LMIA Hourly Wage Thresholds
ESDC has updated the provincial and territorial hourly wage thresholds for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which determines the classification of applications between the High-Wage and Low-Wage streams.
Temporary public policy for foreign nationals of Palestine who will arrive in Canada as temporary residents on or before September 30, 2027
Grants statutory exemptions under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act enabling eligible Palestinian foreign nationals and eligible family members arriving in Canada with temporary resident status on or before September 30, 2027 to apply from within Canada for fee-exempt study permits, open work permits, temporary resident permits, and status extensions.
Hong Kong permanent residence pathways close to new applications
Canada stopped accepting new applications under the temporary Hong Kong permanent residence pathways after August 31, 2026, while continuing to process applications received on or before that date. The separate open work permit measure for pathway applicants remains in place until May 2029.
Work permit holders may study without a study permit for short-term courses or programs
A temporary public policy allows eligible foreign nationals holding a valid work permit to study without a study permit in a course or program of studies of durations of six months or less, and grants an exemption from the requirement in paragraphs 188 (1)(c) of the Regulations that the course or program of studies be completed within the period for stay that was authorized upon entry into Canada. The exemption applies until the work permit expires, or the expiry or revocation of this public policy, whichever comes first. Foreign nationals eligible under this public policy are subject to all other applicable eligibility and admissibility requirements not exempted under this, or another, public policy. The public policy comes into effect 30 days after the date of signature (August 5, 2026) and will expire on December 31, 2027, and may be revoked at any time without prior notice.
Study Permit Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter & Application Cap 2025 (MI)
Issues Ministerial Instructions pursuant to IRPA section 87.3 establishing that study permit applications within scope require a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) confirming allocation and caps the total intake of study permit applications accepted for processing at 550,162 for the period January 22, 2025, through December 31, 2025.
Cancellation of Immigration Documents (SOR/2025-11)
Amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) to establish explicit regulatory authority for immigration officers to cancel temporary resident documents—including Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs), Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), work permits, and study permits—on grounds of inadmissibility, failure to leave Canada at authorized stay expiration, or administrative error, and codifies automatic document cancellation upon acquisition of permanent residence.
Enhanced Protection Measures and Fee Exemptions for Victims of Human Trafficking and Family Violence
IRCC increased the initial Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) validity to at least 12 months and waived application and processing fees for subsequent TRPs, open work permits, study permits, and biometrics for victims of human trafficking and family violence.
Updated Public Policy for Iranian Nationals in Canada
The temporary public policy for Iranian nationals was extended, allowing eligible temporary residents in Canada as of February 28, 2025, to continue accessing fee-exempt study permits, open work permits, and extensions until February 28, 2026.
Elimination of Express Entry Arranged Employment (Job Offer) Points
IRCC has removed all Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points awarded for arranged employment (job offers) in the Express Entry system, effective March 25, 2025. While a valid job offer may remain an eligibility requirement for certain programs, it no longer grants bonus ranking points. This measure aims to combat fraud, such as the buying and selling of illegal LMIAs. Candidates with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) prior to the effective date are grandfathered.
Ministerial Instructions for Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot Programs (Child Care and Home Support)
Issued Ministerial Instructions pursuant to IRPA section 87.3 establishing application processing parameters, quotas, and stream splits for the Home Care Worker Immigration (Child Care) and (Home Support) classes starting March 31, 2025 (setting an intake limit of 2,610 applications for processing under the Child Care class in the 2025–2026 cycle).
Invalidity of Expired Refugee Protection Claimant Documents
Expired Refugee Protection Claimant Documents (RPCDs) are no longer valid as of April 1, 2025. Claimants must use the online IRCC web form to request replacements, as paper applications are no longer processed.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Removals Costs Modernization) (SOR/2024-284)
Modernizes the recoverable removal fee structure charged to foreign nationals who seek to return to Canada after having been removed at the expense of the Government of Canada, replacing geographic destination brackets with updated actual costs and fully exempting individuals who were minors when their removal order was issued.
Job-change work-authorisation policy adds alternative applications and removes its conditional pandemic biometrics waiver
From May 27, 2025, the replacement temporary job-mobility public policy expressly allowed a Department-provided alternative format for exemption requests by people unable to use electronic means; the May 6, 2020 predecessor specified electronic requests only. The replacement also omitted the predecessor’s exemption from biometric collection under IRPR paragraph 12.1(h), which had been limited to applicants living in areas where the serving Service Canada office was not collecting biometrics because of COVID-19. This did not establish that every applicant newly had to give biometrics: other applicable exemptions remained relevant. The core ability to obtain permission to begin a new job while a work-permit application was pending continued. Eligibility required valid temporary resident status in Canada, satisfaction of IRPR paragraph 199(a) or (b), an undecided qualifying new or renewal work-permit application for work described in IRPR 200(1)(c)(ii.1) or (iii), and an intention to work for the new employer or occupation in that application’s job offer. Applicants also had to request the public-policy exemption through the specified electronic or permitted alternative process and request its application until the work-permit decision. Delegated officers could grant exemptions from the listed work-authorisation and work-condition requirements; filing the work-permit application alone did not confer immediate permission to change jobs. Granted exemptions lasted until the work-permit decision or withdrawal of that application. Other unexempted eligibility and admissibility requirements remained. The policy was signed March 4, 2025 and took effect twelve weeks later, revoking and replacing the 2020 policy. Both policies were temporary and continued until ministerial revocation; the 2025 replacement did not make the arrangement permanent.
Emergency Public Policy for Foreign Wildfire Responders
A temporary public policy waives application fees and biometric service fees for foreign emergency services personnel and firefighters selected by designated agencies to support the 2025 wildfire season.
Extension and Intake Caps for the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)
Canada extended the federal stream of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) through December 31, 2025, and introduced a strict annual intake cap of 950 applications for Stream A (Job Offer Stream).
Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) Update for the Democratic Republic of Congo
IRCC waived the standard 12-month waiting period for DRC nationals who received a negative asylum decision between July 5, 2024, and July 4, 2025, to apply for a PRRA due to humanitarian conditions.
Reinstatement of PGWP Eligibility for 178 Educational Programs
IRCC reversed a June 25, 2025, decision to remove 178 educational programs from Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, restoring the previous list until early 2026.
Increase to Minimum Settlement Fund Requirements for Express Entry
IRCC updated the minimum settlement funds required for permanent residence applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs to $15,263 CAD for a single applicant.
Reopening of the Federal Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2025 Intake
IRCC has officially reopened the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025, accepting up to 10,000 complete sponsorship applications. Invitations are restricted to individuals who submitted an 'interest to sponsor' form in 2020 and have not yet been invited.
Permanent Medical Examination Exemption for In-Canada Protected Persons (SOR/2025-223)
Amends section 30 of the IRPR to formally exempt in-Canada protected persons and their accompanying family members applying for permanent residence from undergoing a second immigration medical examination, provided they previously completed a medical examination showing no public health/safety risk.
Updated FIFA 2026 Work Permit Exemptions
Revised temporary public policy exempting select FIFA-invited foreign nationals from work permit requirements for work performed during the 2026 FIFA Congress and World Cup.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Visa Exemption for Qatar) (SOR/2025-234)
Amends Schedule 1.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to add Qatar to the list of visa-exempt countries, allowing citizens of Qatar to travel to Canada by air using an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of requiring a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
Expiry of 2025 Wildfire Emergency Measures
Fee-exempt immigration, passport, and citizenship support measures for those impacted by the 2025 Canadian wildfires ended on November 30, 2025.
Certain Fees in Respect of the Issuance of Identity and Travel Documents (2025 Canada Wildfires) Remission Order
Grants remission of fees paid or payable for the replacement of identity and travel documents—including passports, certificates of citizenship, permanent resident cards, certificates of identity, and refugee travel documents—for any person who was in or had their residence in an area in Canada affected by a wildfire at some time between April 1, 2025, and November 30, 2025, on condition that the valid document was lost, damaged, destroyed, or rendered inaccessible as a result of the wildfire, an application to replace it was made during that period, the application included a required declaration regarding the loss and proof of residence or presence in the affected area, and the fees have not otherwise been remitted.
Certain Fees Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations Remission Order (SI/2025-126)
Remits the excess from the adjustment, by operation of section 17 of the Service Fees Act, of any fees payable under subsections 298(1) and 306(1) and sections 309 and 310 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations during the period beginning on December 1, 2019 and ending on November 30, 2023.
Fee Paid or Payable for the Acquisition of Permanent Resident Status (Certain Colombian, Haitian and Venezuelan Nationals) Remission Order
Remission of the right of permanent residence fee paid or payable under subsection 303(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to certain Colombian, Haitian, and Venezuelan nationals whose applications for permanent residency were approved under specific family-reunification public policies.
Fee Payable for the Right to be a Citizen Remission Order (SI/2025-125)
Remits the excess from the adjustment, by operation of section 17 of the Service Fees Act, of the fee payable under section 32 of the Citizenship Regulations during the period beginning on March 31, 2020 and ending on March 30, 2025.
An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Bill C-3)
Repeals the first-generation limit on Canadian citizenship by descent, retroactively restoring Canadian citizenship to persons born abroad before December 15, 2025 to a Canadian citizen parent across multiple generations, and introduces a substantial connection requirement (1,095 days of physical presence in Canada) for Canadian parents born abroad to pass citizenship to children born on or after December 15, 2025.
Removals Cost Historical Adjustment Remission Order (SI/2025-130)
Remits statutory debts totaling $210,225.73 owed to the Crown by foreign nationals removed from Canada between April 1, 2019, and October 31, 2024, arising from the Canada Border Services Agency's failure to apply annual Consumer Price Index adjustments to section 243 removal recovery fees prior to re-entering Canada. Phase scope: Full operative effect upon registration.
Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) 12-Month Bar Exemption for Iranian Nationals
Exempts nationals of Iran from the statutory 12-month waiting bar to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) or secondary PRRA if they received a final negative asylum decision from the IRB, Federal Court, or a previous PRRA refusal between December 20, 2024, and December 19, 2025. Phase scope: Applies to negative asylum and PRRA decisions rendered between December 20, 2024, and December 19, 2025.
Increase to International Student Cost-of-Living Financial Requirement
Increased the threshold of funds required to demonstrate financial sufficiency for new study permit applicants from $10,000 CAD (single applicant) to $20,635 CAD (representing 75% of Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off) to ensure students can cover realistic living costs.
Transition of Refugee Sponsor Groups to Online Permanent Residence Portal
IRCC mandated that private refugee sponsor group applications be submitted via the online Permanent Residence portal or by mail, ending email-based submissions effective January 1, 2024.
Recognized Employer Pilot phase-two application opening
On January 8, 2024, the Recognized Employer Pilot opened applications to employers for positions on its phase-two occupations list, following the earlier primary-agriculture phase. This expanded access to the existing pilot rather than creating a second set of LMIA benefits. The pilot serves employers that regularly use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for listed in-demand occupations and meet its standards for working and living conditions and worker protection. Recognized employers can access simplified LMIA applications when hiring additional workers and validity periods of up to 36 months for LMIA applications receiving a positive decision; phase-two application opening did not itself grant recognition or guarantee a positive LMIA.
Study Permit Intake Cap and Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirement
Requires most new post-secondary study permit applicants to submit a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming allocation space, and establishes a national processing intake cap of 606,250 study permit applications for a period of one year.
Extended Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Length for Master’s Degree Graduates
Modified PGWP eligibility rules allowing graduates of master’s degree programs (even those under 2 years) to receive a full 3-year post-graduation work permit, acknowledging their high potential for economic integration.
Launch of Permanent Residence Pathway for Family Members Fled from Conflict in Sudan
Launched a humanitarian public policy creating a permanent resident pathway for Sudanese foreign nationals residing in Sudan at the outbreak of the April 2023 conflict who have close Canadian citizen or permanent resident relatives willing to sponsor them.
Canada reimposes visitor-visa requirement for most Mexican citizens
Removes Mexico from the schedule of visa-exempt jurisdictions, invalidating general Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs) for Mexican nationals and restricting eTA access solely to Mexican air travelers who held a Canadian TRV in the past 10 years or hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa, with an exception preserving valid eTAs for Mexican nationals who hold a valid work or study permit at the time the regulations come into force.
Automatic Cancellation of Temporary Visas, eTAs, and TRPs upon Issuance of Removal Orders
Amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) to introduce section 243.1, providing that temporary resident visas (TRVs), Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs), and temporary resident permits (TRPs) held by a foreign national are automatically cancelled upon the making of a removal order.
Ministerial Instructions for Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) 2024
The Minister issued official instructions detailing the administrative intake caps and conditions for the Family Class Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2024, authorizing the processing of 2023 applications into the current year.
Updated temporary public policy to facilitate temporary resident visas for certain extended family affected by the crisis in Gaza
Establishes an updated temporary public policy pursuant to section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to facilitate temporary resident visas for certain extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents directly affected by the crisis in Gaza, providing exemptions from financial and intent requirements.
Biennial Permanent Residence Fee Adjustments
IRCC implemented biennial adjustments to permanent residence fees, increasing various fees including the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) and processing fees for economic and family class applicants to reflect CPI changes.
International Student Off-Campus Work Hours Update
The temporary public policy allowing eligible international students to work off-campus more than 20 hours per week ended on April 30, 2024, resulting in a return to the 20-hour weekly limit.
Rollback of TFWP Workforce Solutions Road Map Measures
Effective May 1, 2024, the government ended pandemic-era labor measures, reducing the LMIA validity period to 6 months, lowering the low-wage workforce cap to 20%, and enforcing mandatory local recruitment steps.
Designation of Canadian Architectural Certification Board for Educational Credential Assessments
IRCC designated the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) as the required organization for issuing Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for foreign-trained architects applying through economic immigration streams.
Expanded CBSA Regulatory Removal Order Authority for At-Border Inadmissibility (SOR/2024-86)
Amends IRPR section 228 to empower Minister's Delegates (CBSA officers) to directly issue enforceable exclusion orders at ports of entry without referral to the Immigration Division for three specific grounds: misrepresentation regarding visa exemption when applying for an eTA, failure to undergo a required medical examination, and failure to appear for examination when seeking entry. Phase scope: National border enforcement / ports of entry.
Open Work Permits for Hong Kong Permanent Residence Applicants
IRCC introduced a temporary public policy allowing Hong Kong nationals who applied for permanent residence under specific streams to obtain an Open Work Permit while their PR applications are processed, including status restoration.
Termination of In-Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Border Applications ("Flagpoling" Prohibition)
Issued ministerial instructions instructing Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and designated port of entry officers to cease processing applications for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) made at land border ports of entry upon entry to Canada under IRPR section 198 ("flagpoling"), requiring graduates to apply online from within Canada.
Enactment of Regulatory Removal Authority for Serious Border Inadmissibility
CBSA implemented operational guidance authorizing Minister's delegates to directly issue removal orders against foreign nationals determined to be inadmissible under specific non-compliance and security grounds, streamlining inland and port-of-entry enforcement without automatic tribunal referral.
Express Entry: class priority for applicants eligible under multiple classes
Effective August 9, 2024, Ministerial Instructions 2024-1 added section 5.1 to the Express Entry instructions. A foreign national eligible for an invitation under more than one of the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Class could apply for permanent residence only under the Canadian Experience Class if eligible for it, or otherwise under the Federal Skilled Worker Class. This priority rule did not apply to members of a class-specific invitation grouping established under IRPA subparagraph 10.3(1)(h.1)(ii), meaning a grouping of eligible foreign nationals eligible to belong to a class specified in the Minister’s instructions. The applicable class was determined from the information in the expression of interest. The instruction was given on August 9, 2024; its commencement clause specified April 15, 2024 or, if given later, the day it was given.
Temporary Open Work Permit Pathway for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates
Implemented a new ministerial public policy (replacing the June 26, 2024 measure) enabling foreign nationals residing in Canada who held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024, and have a provincial/territorial support letter confirming their Expression of Interest (EOI) or application inventory placement under a PNP, to apply for an open work permit valid through December 31, 2024.
Launch of the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot
A new pilot program facilitating study permit access for French-speaking international students, featuring exemptions from the national study permit cap and relaxed dual-intent/financial proof requirements.
Revocation of the 'Visitor to Work Permit' Inside-Canada Public Policy
IRCC terminated the COVID-19 pandemic temporary public policy that allowed foreign nationals in Canada on visitor visas/status to apply for an employer-specific work permit from within Canada without leaving the country; applications submitted on or after August 28, 2024, are refused processing under this exemption.
Elimination of Lawyer and Accountant Attestations for LMIA Business Legitimacy
Employers applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program are no longer permitted to submit attestation letters from lawyers or accountants as proof of business legitimacy, and must instead provide direct documentation such as business licenses.
Changing designated learning institutions requires a new study permit application
From November 8, 2024, study permit holders in Canada intending to attend a different designated learning institution had to apply for a new permit naming it. Students generally had to remain enrolled at the institution named in their permit. A specified exception permitted study at the new institution while the application was pending if the student remained in Canada after receiving its acceptance letter, complied with the other previous permit conditions, and the former institution closed, discontinued the programme, was suspended or lost designation before the student completed their studies.
High-Wage LMIA Stream 20% Wage Threshold Increase
ESDC increased the entry-level wage threshold for the high-wage LMIA stream by 20% above the prevailing median hourly wage of the province or territory, automatically reclassifying positions falling below this threshold into the more restrictive Low-Wage Stream.
Post-secondary institutions become subject to mandatory confirmation and compliance reporting
From November 8, 2024, post-secondary designated learning institutions became subject to regulatory duties to confirm acceptance electronically within 10 days of a request and report enrolment status within 60 days, with specified extensions. Acceptance confirmation became a study-permit processing and issuance condition, subject to the stated exceptions. The regime provided compliance verification, notice and an opportunity for submissions before an unjustified failure could lead to a warning or suspension for up to 12 consecutive months. New applications naming a suspended institution were returned with fees; renewals to complete the current course or programme were excluded from that suspension restriction.
Expansion of International Experience Canada Regulatory Authorities
Amended IRPR sections 185 and 204 to create explicit statutory authority to impose permit conditions limiting the duration of work for any single employer under International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits, and broadened LMIA-exempt work permit authority to encompass reciprocal youth mobility arrangements signed with foreign territories and organizations.
Temporary Pause on Refugee Sponsorship Intake (Groups of Five & Community Sponsors)
A temporary pause was implemented on accepting new applications for two specific Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) streams: Groups of Five and Community Sponsors, to manage backlogs.
TR-to-PR Pathway Work Permit Extension and Family Expansion
IRCC updated its temporary public policy allowing eligible TR-to-PR pathway applicants to obtain or extend Open Work Permits through December 31, 2026. This policy expands eligibility to allow accompanying family members (spouses, partners, and dependents 18+) to apply for open work permits to facilitate family reunification.
Certain Fees in Respect of the Issuance of Temporary Resident Visas for Certain Extended Family (Crisis in Gaza) Remission Order
Remission is granted of the fees paid or payable under subsection 296(1) or 315.1(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations in respect of temporary resident visa applications and biometric collection service fees for persons who, during the period beginning on January 9, 2024 and ending on April 22, 2025, submitted an application under either the Temporary public policy to facilitate temporary resident visas for certain extended family affected by the crisis in Gaza or the Updated temporary public policy. Fees paid before December 18, 2024 are remitted on that day, and fees paid from December 18, 2024 through April 22, 2025 are remitted on April 23, 2025.
Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) Rules 2022
New IAD rules were registered, streamlining administrative procedures by reducing timelines for the Minister to provide appeal records for sponsorship/residency appeals to 60 days and removal order appeals to 30 days.
2023 International Experience Canada (IEC) Program Launch and Cap Increase
The 2023 season of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program launched with a 20% increase in the intake cap, allowing nearly 90,000 international youth to apply for work and travel permits.
Hong Kong open work permits: graduation window expanded from five to ten years
From February 8, 2023, the Hong Kong open-work-permit policy expanded the qualifying graduation window from five to ten years before application and extended the scheme beyond its predecessor’s February 7, 2023 expiry to February 7, 2025. The policy permitted work permits of up to three years for eligible holders of either a passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China or a United Kingdom-issued British National (Overseas) passport for a person born, naturalized or registered in Hong Kong, as specified in IRPR paragraphs 190(2)(d) and (e). Qualifying graduation had to occur within ten years before the work-permit application: an eligible Canadian post-secondary degree or foreign equivalent; an eligible diploma from a program of at least two years or a foreign equivalent supported by an equivalency assessment; or an eligible graduate/post-graduate credential from a program of at least one year requiring a previous post-secondary degree or diploma, with a foreign equivalency assessment where required. For the graduate/post-graduate route, that prerequisite degree or diploma had to have been obtained no more than five years before the program began. Eligible family members of a qualifying applicant could apply if at least 18 when applying. Applicants had to request a work permit for no more than three years and apply electronically. Alternative means were allowed for applicants unable to use electronic means under the degree/two-year-diploma route; under the graduate/post-graduate and family routes, the exception required inability because of disability. Qualifying applicants in Canada also needed valid temporary resident status to receive the in-Canada application exemption. The policy exempted specified work-permit requirements, including certain prior unauthorised work or study restrictions, but excluded unauthorised work for an employer described in section 196.1; all other unexempted obligations and admissibility criteria remained. It also applied to undecided applications under the policy signed May 17, 2021, and applications received during the new policy’s validity, subject to earlier revocation.
Resumption of Biometrics Collection for Temporary Residence Applicants
IRCC ended the temporary COVID-19 pandemic exemption that waived biometrics collection for individuals applying for temporary residence from within Canada.
Temporary public policy for processing TRV applications in inventory
IRCC established a temporary policy to streamline visitor visa processing by waiving certain admissibility requirements (Section 39 and 179(b)) for applicants currently in the inventory.
Extension of CUAET Special Measures
The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) was extended, allowing free overseas applications until July 15, 2023, and travel/status adjustment for existing holders until March 31, 2024.
Expansion of the Canada–U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) across the Entire Land Border
Amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to implement the Additional Protocol to the STCA. Applies the safe third country principle across the entire 8,891 km Canada–U.S. land border and designated internal waterways, rendering claimants who enter Canada between official ports of entry and make an asylum claim within 14 days ineligible to refer the claim to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), subject to exceptions.
Special Immigration Measures for Turkish and Syrian Nationals
Temporary residents from earthquake-affected regions are eligible for fee-waived status extensions, open work permits, or stream changes. PR applicants are exempted from passport requirements, and priority processing is applied to applications from the region.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) 18-Month Extension
Implementation of a facilitative public policy allowing international graduates with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that expired or was expiring between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2023, to qualify for an additional open work permit of up to 18 months, including restoration options for those past the 90-day window.
Reduced work experience requirement for caregiver pilots
IRCC reduced the required Canadian work experience for foreign caregivers to qualify for permanent residence under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot from 24 months to 12 months.
Special Facilitative Measures for Family Members Fleeing Conflict in Sudan
Implementation of fee exemptions for Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs), and biometrics for family members fleeing conflict in Sudan, including eligibility for fee-exempt work and study permits.
Extension and Structural Expansion of the Agri-Food Pilot
The Agri-Food Pilot was extended until May 14, 2025. Key policy changes included the complete removal of occupational caps for candidates and a roadmap to expand OWP access to family members and simplify work experience documentation.
Extension of Electronic Travel Authorization to 13 Additional Countries
The Canadian government added 13 countries to its Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program. Eligible travellers from these countries who previously held a Canadian visa or have a current U.S. visa can apply for a digital eTA instead of a visitor visa.
Removal of the Biometrics Exemption for In-Canada Permanent Residence Applicants
Ended the temporary COVID-19 pandemic-era public policy that had exempted in-Canada permanent residence applicants from giving biometrics if they had previously submitted biometrics within the past 10 years. Re-established the mandatory collection of biometrics prior to the finalization of PR applications.
Expansion of the Francophone Mobility Program
Expanded the Francophone Mobility work permit program to include all National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill levels (excluding primary agriculture) and reduced French language proficiency requirements to CLB 5.
Study Permit Exemption for Temporary Foreign Workers
IRCC issued a temporary public policy authorizing eligible temporary foreign workers in Canada to enroll in full-time or part-time study programs of any duration without having to obtain a separate study permit. To be eligible, workers had to hold a valid work permit or have a pending work permit extension application submitted on or before June 7, 2023.
Temporary Public Policy for U.S. H-1B Visa Holders (Open Work Permit Stream)
Created a dedicated temporary pathway under section 25.2 of the IRPA allowing foreign nationals holding valid U.S. H-1B specialty occupation visas and living in the United States to apply for an open work permit of up to three years in Canada without an existing Canadian job offer. The policy was capped at 10,000 principal applicants.
Expansion of Refugee Stream for Human Rights Defenders
The Government-Assisted Refugees program increased the annual cap of resettlement spaces for at-risk human rights defenders and their family members from 250 to 500.
Temporary public policy for foreign nationals directly affected by the floods in Nova Scotia
IRCC enacted temporary measures to support foreign nationals directly impacted by the floods in Nova Scotia, including fee exemptions for document replacement, status extension and restoration, work or study permit renewals, and biometric collection, alongside restoration timeline flexibilities.
Federal post-graduation work permit access restricted for new students at affected Quebec institutions
From September 1, 2023, Canada restricted federal post-graduation work permit eligibility for new study at affected unsubsidized private learning institutions in Quebec. The policy aligned Quebec’s eligibility rules with those in other provinces. It was not a blanket removal of eligibility from all previous graduates: the official transitional guidance preserved a route to eligibility for earlier starters who met its programme-duration, credential and other PGWP criteria.
Extension of Afghan Resettlement for Extended Families of LCAs
Policy update extending the period for receiving permanent residence applications from extended family members of former Afghan Language and Cultural Advisors, with a cap of 380 principal applicants.
H-1B Open Work Permit Measures Expansion
IRCC enacted a policy to resolve processing backlogs by processing applications that exceeded the 10,000 cap, accepting late applications for accompanying family members, and waiving study permit fees for minor children of H-1B open work permit holders.
Extension of Afghan Special Immigration Measures (SIMs)
Extension of the Special Immigration Measures program for Afghan nationals with a significant and enduring relationship to Canada, extending the expiry to December 31, 2023, or until the 20,600 cap is reached.
Launch of the CAN Work Philippines Pilot Program
Introduction of a fast-track work permit pilot program for Canadian employers recruiting 50 or more workers from the Philippines, or those hiring for critical shortage occupations in agriculture, health care, and construction.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program LMIA Validity and Wage Review Updates
Reduced maximum Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) validity from 18 to 12 months, extended Workforce Solutions Road Map low-wage stream measures, and introduced mandatory annual wage reviews for temporary foreign workers.
Launch of Humanitarian Pathway for Colombian, Haitian, and Venezuelan Nationals
IRCC launched a dedicated family-based permanent residence pathway for nationals of Colombia, Haiti, and Venezuela currently residing in Central or South America, capped at 15,000 individuals.
IRPR Miscellaneous Program Amendments (Electronic Deemed Receipt & Sponsorship Redundancies)
Amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to establish explicit deemed receipt rules for electronic applications/claims (s. 9.3(1)), eliminate duplicate spousal under-18 restrictions, and update statutory cross-references to the Québec Immigration Regulation.
Acceptance of European Union Laissez-Passer as Valid Travel Document
Amends section 52(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to officially recognize the laissez-passer issued by the European Union as a valid travel document for foreign nationals seeking temporary entry to Canada.
Family Reunification Public Policy for Resettled Yazidis and Survivors of Daesh
A new temporary public policy was introduced allowing up to 400 principal applicants (plus family) to facilitate the reunification of resettled Yazidis and Daesh survivors.
Implementation of Letter of Acceptance (LOA) Verification System
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are now required to use a secure IT portal to verify international student Letters of Acceptance directly with IRCC before study permits are processed.
Inflationary Fee Adjustments for Inadmissibility and Restoration of Status
IRCC adjusted fees for Authorization to Return to Canada, Rehabilitation (Criminality), and Restoration of status to account for inflation, effective December 1, 2023.
Increase of the Immigration Loans Program Statutory Advance Limit
Amends subsection 290(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to increase the maximum statutory advance limit available under the Immigration Loans Program from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to $300,000,000 to ensure continuous funding for resettlement and transportation loans.
Temporary Special Measures for Foreign Family Members of Canadian Citizens and PRs Departing Israel or Palestinian Territories
IRCC enacted a temporary public policy to provide fee-exempt open work permits, study permits, and status authorizations to foreign national family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who departed Israel or the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023 (including Government of Canada-assisted departures).
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Atlantic Immigration Class) — SOR/2021-242
Formally amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) to establish the Atlantic Immigration Class (section 87.3) as a permanent economic class of persons who may become permanent residents, transitioning the successful Atlantic Immigration Pilot into a permanent statutory program and clarifying lock-in dates for dependent children.
Transition of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot to the Permanent Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The temporary Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) was replaced by the permanent Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). New regulations include clarified partner roles, mandatory intercultural competency training for employers, and a requirement for individualized settlement plans for principal applicants.
Mandatory Entry Vaccination Requirements for Previously Exempt Groups
Implementation of strict COVID-19 vaccination requirements for entry into Canada, covering multiple classes of foreign nationals previously exempt from border vaccine mandates.
Emergency Border and Entry Compliance Measures
Introduction of temporary enforcement rules under the Emergencies Act prohibiting entry to foreign nationals intending to participate in illegal blockades.
Phased Easing of COVID-19 Border Restrictions and Post-Arrival Testing Requirements
Relaxes federal border measures by allowing fully vaccinated travellers to use rapid antigen tests (RATs) taken within one day of arrival instead of molecular PCR tests, transitioning mandatory on-arrival testing to random surveillance selection, and eliminating mandatory quarantine while awaiting on-arrival test results.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Excessive Demand)
The regulations raise the cost threshold for excessive demand to three times the average Canadian per capita health and social services costs and exclude special education from the calculation. Officer roles are now bifurcated: medical officers evaluate medical evidence, while migration officers assess overall feasibility.
Expiry of Live-Action Film/TV Graphic Designer LMIA Exemption
The public policy allowing LMIA-exempt work permits for foreign graphic designers in live-action film or television (NOC 5241) expired, requiring applicants to revert to standard streams.
Mandatory Electronic Submission for Temporary Residence Applications (MI51)
Requires all foreign nationals outside Canada applying for a temporary resident visa, study permit, or work permit to submit their applications electronically via the online portal. Non-electronic applications received without meeting specific exemptions (such as disability accommodations, specific travel document holders, or seasonal agricultural workers) are rejected without processing and returned with fees refunded. Phase scope: single_phase
TFW Program Workforce Solutions Road Map: High-Wage and GTS Duration Extension
Maximum employment duration for the High-Wage Stream and Global Talent Stream was extended from two years to three years to assist with recruitment and permanent residency qualification.
Electronic Travel Authorization Exemption for US Lawful Permanent Residents (SOR/2022-80)
Amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to exempt lawful permanent residents of the United States (US LPRs) from the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) requirement for air travel to or transit through Canada, while simultaneously invalidating existing eTAs issued on the basis of US LPR status and requiring presentation of valid proof of US LPR status instead. Phase scope: Single-phase
Increase in Permanent Residence Fees
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) increased fees across all permanent residence (PR) applications, including economic, permit holder, family, and humanitarian classes, to adjust for inflation.
Increase to Immigration Loans Program Funding
The government amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to increase the maximum funding limit for the Immigration Loans Program from $126.6 million to $250 million, supporting refugee resettlement costs.
Legislative Authority for Targeted Express Entry Invitations
The Budget Implementation Act, 2022 (Bill C-19) amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, granting the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship the authority to issue Express Entry invitations based on specific target attributes—such as specialized work experience or language proficiency—to better meet regional and economic labor market goals, rather than relying solely on the CRS score.
Temporary Public Policy for Afghan Resettlement Update
Canada implemented an updated public policy for Afghan nationals, establishing a consolidated cap of 5,000 individuals and providing exemptions from specific financial inadmissibility provisions and certain medical exam requirements for family-reunification applicants.
Enhancements to Parent and Grandparent Super Visa Program
IRCC updated the Super Visa program for parents and grandparents, increasing the permissible stay length from 2 years to 5 years per entry, introducing the ability to request a 2-year extension while in Canada, and allowing the Minister to designate international medical insurance providers for coverage.
Express Entry Ministerial Instructions 2022-1: Online Studies Exclusion
IRCC provided temporary concessions for international students claiming CRS points for Canadian educational credentials, exempting programs undertaken between March 2020 and August 2022 from physical presence and in-person study requirements.
18-Month Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Extensions
IRCC provided facilitative measures for former international students whose PGWPs expired or were set to expire between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022, allowing them to obtain an additional 18-month open work permit. Interim work authorization was granted starting August 8, 2022, and restoration of status was permitted beyond the standard 90-day window.
Permanent Residence Pathway for Families of Air Disaster Victims
A public policy was established providing a permanent residence pathway for immediate and extended family members (limit of 2 extended members) of victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 who were residing outside Canada.
Resumption of Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD) Renewals
IRCC resumed the processing of renewals for expired Refugee Protection Claimant Documents (RPCDs) that expired on or after January 1, 2020, through mail-in submissions to the Winnipeg office.
Distance Learning policy transition for PGWP eligibility
IRCC updated distance learning rules where the temporary policy for online study from outside Canada changed as of September 1, 2022, establishing lock-in dates and percentage caps.
Transition Period and Scope Reduction for Distance Learning Measures (PGWP)
IRCC announced a transition plan to end pandemic-era distance learning accommodations for PGWP eligibility. Students applying by August 31, 2022, could complete 100% of programs online; subsequent programs (from Sept 2022) were limited to 50% online credit, and future study from Sept 2023 would be deducted from PGWP duration.
RNIP Work Experience Criteria Update
Amended work experience criteria for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), requiring one year of full-time work experience (or equivalent) in a NOC-listed occupation during the preceding three years, with a specific exemption for licensed medical practitioners.
Express Entry Eligibility Expansion for Physicians
Introduces an exemption for fee-for-service physicians from self-employment restrictions within the Express Entry system, allowing access to Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class pathways.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Temporary Foreign Workers) — SOR/2022-142
Introduction of 13 regulatory changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and International Mobility Program to enhance worker protections, including mandates for employment agreements, a ban on charging recruitment fees to workers, and expanded federal enforcement powers to verify compliance.
Conclusive Findings of Fact in Organized Criminality Inadmissibility Determinations (SOR/2022-198)
Added section 16.1 to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to establish that findings of fact made by Canadian criminal courts in specific organized crime prosecutions or sentencing decisions under the Criminal Code are conclusive findings of fact in immigration inadmissibility determinations under paragraphs 37(1)(a) and (b) of the IRPA, binding IRCC, CBSA, and IRB decision-makers. Phase scope: Single-phase
Temporary Public Policy for Afghan Refugee Sponsorship
A new public policy was enacted to facilitate the sponsorship of Afghan refugees by groups of five and community sponsors, aiming to expedite private sponsorship applications.
Streamlining Immigration Medical Examination (IME) Requirements
IRCC implemented a temporary public policy allowing eligible foreign nationals currently in Canada to reuse their previous Immigration Medical Examination (IME) results if they have been completed within the past 5 years and pose no public health risk, aiming to reduce backlogs.
Update to International Experience Canada (IEC) Bilateral Agreement with Italy
IRCC updated operational program delivery instructions regarding the bilateral youth mobility arrangements under the Canada-Italy agreement.
Temporary Policy for Refugee Claimants' Open Work Permits
Public policy allowing IRCC to issue open work permits to refugee claimants as soon as the claim is determined eligible for referral, bypassing the requirement for formal referral to the Refugee Protection Division.
Transition to National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021
Canada formally registered regulations to replace the legacy NOC 2016 Skill Type levels with the new TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) category framework.
Temporary Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) Waiver for Iranian Nationals
Due to humanitarian conditions in Iran, IRCC introduced a temporary waiver of the 12-month bar on applying for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) for eligible Iranian nationals.
Parents and Grandparents Program 2020 Income Requirement Relief
IRCC reduced the income requirement for the 2020 tax year for PGP sponsors, allowing them to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) rather than the standard MNI plus 30% to account for pandemic-related financial hardship.
Temporary public policy for former students in Canada with expired or expiring post-graduation work permits
A temporary public policy allowed foreign nationals in Canada with an expired or expiring post-graduation work permit to apply for an 18-month open work permit.
Ministerial Instructions on Mandatory Online Applications
New Ministerial Instructions mandate that all applications for Temporary Resident Visas, work permits, and study permits submitted by foreign nationals outside of Canada must be processed through electronic filing.
Enhanced COVID-19 Border Compliance and Quarantine Mandates
The CBSA implemented mandatory negative molecular test requirements for land border entries and established mandatory on-arrival testing, digital travel plan submission via ArriveCAN, and government-authorized hotel quarantine for air travelers.
Temporary public policy to exempt certain visitors in Canada from immigration requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Established an updated temporary public policy permitting eligible foreign nationals with valid temporary resident status to apply for a job offer-supported work permit from inside Canada.
Expansion of Education Requirements for Hong Kong Open Work Permit Pathway
IRCC expanded eligibility for the three-year open work permit for Hong Kong residents to include individuals who completed a graduate or post-graduate credential of at least 1 year in length in the preceding 5 years, provided they also held a prerequisite post-secondary degree completed no more than 5 years prior to starting the graduate program.
Rules Amending the Federal Courts Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection Rules (SOR/2021-149)
Amends procedural and service rules in citizenship and immigration judicial review proceedings before the Federal Court, including adding Rule 4.1 defining deemed receipt of documents sent by ordinary mail (10th day after mailing), registered mail/courier (day of delivery), or electronic transmission/fax, establishing procedures for anonymity orders (Rule 8.1 / Form IR-5), and updating definitions and forms under the Citizenship Act and IRPA.
Expansion of Travel Exemptions for Approved Permanent Residents
IRCC expanded travel exemptions to allow any foreign national holding a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) to travel to Canada to finalize their landing, moving beyond the previous March 18, 2020 approval cutoff.
Special PR Policy for Over-Cap International Graduate Applicants (TR to PR Pathway)
A corrective policy was enacted to allow the processing of 7,307 international graduate applications that were accepted in excess of the 40,000 application cap for the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway due to a system technical error.
Temporary public policy exempting some foreign nationals in Canada from requiring an immigration medical exam
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has put in place a temporary public policy that exempts some low-risk, in-Canada foreign nationals and their family members from having to complete an additional immigration medical exam as part of their application for permanent residence or for a permanent resident visa.
Express Entry Invitation to Apply (ITA) Submission Period Restored to 60 Days
IRCC reverted the Express Entry submission timeframe for the electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR) from 90 days back to the pre-pandemic standard of 60 calendar days.
Expansion of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) to Seven New Countries
IRCC expanded the Student Direct Stream (SDS) to legal residents of seven new countries in the Americas (Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago), enabling eligible post-secondary students to access expedited study permit processing via upfront documentation.
Launch of a Dedicated Refugee Stream for Human Rights Defenders
Canada implemented a permanent, dedicated refugee stream to provide safe haven for human rights defenders at risk, capped at 250 resettlements per year under the Government-Assisted Refugees Program.
Announcement and Criteria for 2021 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Intake
Sets the operational criteria and timeline for the 2021 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), issuing up to 30,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) to randomly selected potential sponsors who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in autumn 2020.
Updated Temporary Public Policy for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Extends and modifies the temporary public policy facilitating access to permanent resident status for up to 500 out-of-status construction workers (plus eligible family members) in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Seizure Provisions) — SOR/2021-202
Streamlines Part 16 (Seizures) of the IRPR, establishing revised notification requirements when immigration officers seize things (including documents/assets) under subsection 140(1) of IRPA, and repealing former cash security return provisions (section 254).
Establishment of the Special Afghan Resettlement Programs
Canada launched special resettlement programs for Afghan nationals who contributed to Canada's efforts or fall into specific vulnerable categories, offering expedited processing.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Eligibility Expansion to Quebec Economic Streams
Expands Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) eligibility under the International Mobility Program (code A75) to skilled worker permanent residence applicants destined for Quebec who hold a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
Expiration of Broad COVID-19 Restoration Public Policy
The temporary public policy which exempted out-of-status visitors, students, and workers from the standard 90-day restoration of status period expired.
Mandatory Electronic Filing for Temporary Resident Applications
Ministerial instructions mandate that all new applications for temporary resident visas (including a transit visa), work permits, and study permits submitted by foreign nationals who are outside Canada must be filed using electronic means, with specific exceptions.
Border Reopening and Quarantine Exemption for All Fully Vaccinated International Travelers
Opens Canadian borders for discretionary (non-essential) travel to all fully vaccinated foreign nationals from any country who received a Canada-approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to entry, eliminating mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Re-issuance of Exemption Policy for Excluded Family Members (IRPR 117(9)(d) and 125(1)(d))
IRCC re-issued a temporary public policy exempting sponsored family members from the lifetime bar regarding non-disclosure or non-examination during the sponsor's initial permanent residence application.
Temporary Public Policy for Resettlement of NATO's Afghan Locally Engaged Staff
Implementation of a temporary public policy granting exemptions under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) to facilitate the immediate immigration and permanent residency of certain NATO-affiliated Afghan locally engaged staff and their household members.
Resettlement Pathway for Afghan Human Rights Defenders
A temporary public policy was enacted to facilitate permanent residence pathways for vulnerable Afghan human rights defenders identified by Frontline Defenders and Protect Defenders.
Extension of In-Person Exemption for Inland Refugee Claimants
IRCC extended a temporary public policy that exempts prospective in-Canada refugee claimants from the requirement to make their claims in-person. This maintains the remote, digital-filing service model previously established during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Changes to the pre-removal risk assessment for Afghanistan
Individuals from Afghanistan who received a final negative decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada or the Federal Court, or a final PRRA decision from IRCC between October 19, 2020, and October 18, 2021, are exempt from the 12-month bar and may apply for a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA).
Afghan Families Resettlement Program Status Update
The government updated and subsequently archived the temporary public policy for the issuance of permanent resident visas for families of Afghan nationals who arrived under previous public policies.
Closure of Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway
The limited-time public policy pathway for temporary essential workers and international graduates to transition to permanent residence was closed to new applications.
Mandatory ArriveCAN Vaccine Disclosure for Essential Services
Exempt essential service providers entering Canada, including truck drivers and certain temporary foreign workers, must submit vaccine status and proof of vaccination via the ArriveCAN portal.
New Permanent Residence Pathway for Extended Family of Afghan Interpreters
A new pathway to permanent residence was introduced for extended family members, including children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and siblings, of Afghan interpreters previously relocated to Canada under special immigration measures.
Fee Exemptions and Status Extensions for Foreign Nationals Directly Affected by British Columbia Floods
IRCC established a temporary public policy exempting certain foreign nationals directly affected by the floods in British Columbia from application processing and related fees for document replacements, status extensions, restorations, work or study permit renewals, temporary resident permits, and biometrics collection, while providing extended timelines for status restoration.
Temporary Freeze on the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
IRCC implemented a complete freeze on the acceptance of new sponsorship applications and permanent resident visa applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) effective January 1, 2020, to allow for the development of a new intake management process.
Temporary Public Policy for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Implementation of a temporary public policy allowing up to 500 out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area to apply for permanent residence.
COVID-19 Border Restrictions and Essential Exemptions
Canada implemented strict border closures to non-essential travel while carving out specific exemptions for essential workers, international students with permits approved by March 18, 2020, and immediate family members of citizens or permanent residents.
Pandemic Protections for International Students and PGWP
Introduction of measures ensuring international students remain eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if forced to study online or take breaks due to the pandemic.
Parents and Grandparents Program 2020 Deferral
The 2020 Parents and Grandparents Program intake was delayed to refocus departmental resources on COVID-19 priorities.
Mandatory Electronic Application Submission and Visitor Processing Suspension
New Ministerial Instructions required all temporary resident applications submitted from outside Canada to be filed electronically, while concurrently suspending processing for non-essential visitor visa applications.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Emergencies Act and Quarantine Act)
Amends the IRPR to impose new requirements on foreign nationals and employers of temporary foreign workers to comply with the Emergencies Act and Quarantine Act, authorizing inadmissibility and removal orders for non-compliance.
Alignment and Factors for Immigration Performance Guarantees and Deposits
Established codified statutory criteria and factors that officers and the Immigration Division must evaluate when determining whether a person posting a financial guarantee for an individual subject to an admissibility hearing or detention has the capacity to ensure compliance.
Temporary Removal of Off-Campus Work Limit for International Students in Essential Services
Temporarily lifted the 20-hour-per-week work limit for international students working in essential services and functions (including health care, food supply, and critical infrastructure) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suspension of Non-Essential Visitor Visa Processing and Biometrics Extension
IRCC suspended processing for non-essential visitor visa and eTA applications to prioritize critical services. Additionally, the deadline for biometrics submission was extended from 30 to 90 days due to widespread facility closures.
Permanent Residence Application Fee Increases
IRCC implemented a significant increase to permanent residence application fees, raising processing fees for non-business and business economic classes by 50% and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) by 2%. The regulation also established a new biennial mechanism for automatic fee adjustments based on inflation.
Temporary Foreign Worker Expedited Work Permit and Job Change Public Policy
Allowed temporary foreign workers in Canada who held a valid work permit or authorization to quickly transition to a new employer before their official work permit application was finalized, providing interim work authorization.
Implementation of the Agri-Food Immigration Class (Agri-Food Pilot)
Commenced intake under the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, an economic permanent residence pathway authorized via Ministerial Instructions under IRPA s. 14.1 for experienced non-seasonal temporary foreign workers in specific agricultural and meat-processing occupations with eligible Canadian job offers.
Temporary Biometrics Exemption for Essential Sectors
Foreign workers in essential sectors, including agriculture, agri-food, health-care, and truck driving, were granted a temporary exemption from pre-arrival biometrics requirements if local collection sites were closed. Authorized workers could instead provide biometrics upon arrival at Canadian ports of entry.
Border Reopening and Entry Exemption for Immediate Family Members
The Government of Canada announced an exemption to the COVID-19 discretionary entry ban for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, provided they are asymptomatic and possess a 14-day quarantine plan.
Ministerial Instructions on Temporary Resident Processing Restrictions
Canada suspended processing for non-exempt visitor visa applications and mandated online-only submission for all out-of-country temporary resident applications due to reduced processing capacity.
Mandatory Online Submission for Temporary Resident Applications
Mandated that all applications for a temporary resident visa (including a transit visa), a work permit, or a study permit submitted by foreign nationals who are outside Canada at the time of application must be submitted using electronic means (apply online). Applications not submitted by electronic means will not be accepted and processing fees will be returned, except for foreign nationals who, because of a disability, are unable to meet a requirement to make an application, submit any document or provide a signature or information using electronic means, in which case they may do so by any other means made available or specified by the Minister. These instructions take effect on July 1, 2020, and expire on September 30, 2020.
Biometrics Collection Exemption for In-Canada Temporary Residence
IRCC exempted temporary residence applicants applying from within Canada from the requirement to provide biometrics due to Service Canada service limitations. This included a waiver and refund process for the associated biometric fee.
Temporary Public Policy Allowing In-Land Visitors to Apply for Employer-Specific Work Permits
Implemented a public policy allowing foreign nationals who held valid temporary resident status as visitors in Canada on August 24, 2020, to apply from inside Canada for an employer-specific work permit without leaving the country. It also allowed visitors who previously held a work permit in the preceding 12 months to request interim authorization to work while the permit was pending.
Expansion of 100% Online Distance Learning Facilitation for PGWP Eligibility
Enhanced PGWP flexibility by allowing international students whose designated learning institution moved programs online to complete up to 100% of their program online from abroad (if the program was between 8 and 12 months and started between May and September 2020) without reducing the length of their eventual Post-Graduation Work Permit, through April 30, 2021.
Express Entry Ministerial Instruction Amending ITA Application Submission Validity to 90 Days
Formally codified the temporary extension of the validity period of an Invitation to Apply (ITA) under the Express Entry system from 60 days to 90 days, giving candidates 90 calendar days to prepare and submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR).
Biometrics Exemption for Permanent Residence Applicants Who Previously Submitted Biometrics Within 10 Years
Enacted a public policy exempting foreign nationals applying for permanent residence from having to give biometrics if they had already submitted their biometrics in support of any Canadian immigration or visa application within the previous 10 years.
Re-Opening and Intake Rules for Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP 2020)
Lifted the moratorium, establishing a randomized lottery interest-to-sponsor process to accept up to 10,000 complete applications for the 2020 Parents and Grandparents family reunification stream.
Ministerial Instructions 42 (MI42): Mandatory Electronic Applications
Due to COVID-19 processing constraints, IRCC mandated that all new applications for Temporary Resident Visas, work permits, and study permits be submitted online.
Border Restriction Exemption for Extended Family Members and Compassionate Entry
The Government of Canada updated emergency border restriction orders to permit extended family members of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Indian Act (including dating partners of at least 1 year, adult children, grandchildren, siblings, and grandparents) to enter Canada with a statutory declaration and written IRCC authorization, and established an exemption mechanism for entry on compassionate grounds. Phase scope: Full national implementation across land and air ports of entry beginning October 8, 2020.
International Student Border Reopening for Approved DLIs
International students were permitted to enter Canada if enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan.
Increased Express Entry CRS Points for French-Speaking Candidates
IRCC increased the additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points awarded for French language proficiency outside Quebec. French-only speakers saw an increase from 15 to 25 points, while bilingual candidates (French and English) saw an increase from 30 to 50 points.
Relaxed Work Experience Requirements for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
IRCC modified the eligibility criteria for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot to allow cumulative work experience rather than requiring one year of continuous employment, addressing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Launch of Citizenship Grant Electronic Application (e-App)
IRCC launched the initial phase of the citizenship grant electronic application (e-application) pilot where approximately 10% of randomly determined citizenship grant applicants visiting the website see the option to complete an e-application.
Coming into Force of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) Act officially came into force, replacing the ICCRC with a new regulatory body and granting it enhanced compliance and enforcement powers.
Temporary Public Policy for Certain Refugee Claimants Working in the Health Care Sector (Rest of Canada)
Created a dedicated permanent residence pathway under IRPA s. 25.2 for pending and failed refugee claimants residing in Canada (outside Quebec) who provided direct patient care in designated health-care occupations (such as nurses, orderlies, and home support workers) during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, staying active removal orders upon approval in principle.
Temporary Public Policy for Health Care Workers Selected by Quebec During COVID-19
Created a parallel public policy under IRPA s. 25.2 in accordance with the Canada-Québec Accord, enabling pending and failed refugee claimants working in direct patient health-care roles who were selected by the Government of Quebec (holding a Certificat de sélection du Québec / CSQ) to obtain federal permanent residence.
Special Open Work Permit for Stranded Agricultural Workers from Trinidad and Tobago
Implementation of a temporary public policy allowing agricultural seasonal workers from Trinidad and Tobago, stranded in Canada due to pandemic travel restrictions, to transition to a 6-month open work permit to maintain status and seek alternative employment.
Interim Pathway for Caregivers Public Policy
Launched a dedicated temporary public policy pathway to permanent residence for in-home foreign national caregivers in Canada with qualifying temporary work experience under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program who were ineligible under existing caregiver pathways. Phase scope: Open for application intake from March 4, 2019 to June 4, 2019 (with a subsequent re-opening phase later in 2019)
Order Extending the Decision-Making Role of Citizenship Judges (SOR/2019-82)
Extended the decision-making role of citizenship judges under section 14 of the Citizenship Act for an additional five-year period to July 31, 2024, maintaining their statutory authority to determine physical presence requirements in citizenship grant applications. Phase scope: General application to citizenship physical presence adjudications
Order Repealing Designated Countries of Origin Orders Under the IRPA
Repealed the quantitative threshold and designation orders for Designated Countries of Origin (DCO), removing differentiated, accelerated asylum adjudication timelines and restrictions for refugee claimants from listed countries. Phase scope: All asylum claimants from previously designated origin countries
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Electronic Administration) (SOR/2019-174)
Added Division 1.1 (sections 9.1 through 9.6) to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, requiring that certain applications (such as in-Canada temporary resident status extensions, work/study permit applications and renewals, status restoration, and youth mobility applications), supporting documents, fees, and employer offers of employment under the International Mobility Program be submitted using electronic means specified by the Minister, subject to limited exemptions.
Direct Removal Orders for Human/International Rights Violations (SOR/2019-200)
Amends Section 228(1) and Paragraph 229(1)(b) of the IRPR to allow the Minister/CBSA officers at the administrative level to directly issue deportation orders against foreign nationals inadmissible under paragraphs 35(1)(d) or (e) of the Act (human or international rights violations) rather than requiring referral to the Immigration Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board. Phase scope: General application for inadmissible foreign nationals under paragraphs 35(1)(d) and (e) of the IRPA.
Clarification of Health Inadmissibility Excessive Demand Exemptions for Family Members
Amended section 24 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to clarify which family members are prescribed as exempt from the excessive demand on health or social services ground of inadmissibility under paragraph 38(1)(c) of the IRPA, specifically prescribing dependent children of spouses/common-law partners, conjugal partners, and their dependent children. Phase scope: Family class applicants and their dependent family members
Mandatory Consideration of the Best Interests of the Child in Immigration Detention (SOR/2019-213)
Amended IRPR Section 248 and added Section 248.1 to explicitly require immigration officers and Immigration Division members to evaluate the best interests of directly affected children (under age 18) when making decisions regarding detention or release, codifying specific factors including physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, and healthcare/educational needs.
Home Support Worker permanent-residence pilot opened
From June 18, 2019, the Home Support Worker Class provided an economic permanent-residence route for eligible applicants intending to live outside Quebec in occupations covered by NOC 4412, excluding housekeepers. Applicants with less than 24 months of qualifying Canadian work experience needed a qualifying full-time job offer, language proficiency of at least benchmark 5 in all four skills, and at least one year of post-secondary education or assessed foreign equivalent. They then had to demonstrate 24 months of qualifying experience in the preceding 36 months, within 36 months of issuance of their initial home support work permit. Applicants already holding 24 months of qualifying experience in the preceding 36 months could apply under a separate route, still subject to the language and education requirements. Qualifying work had to be authorized and performed with temporary resident status; full-time study and self-employment periods did not count. The original instructions specified an application period ending June 17, 2024.
Budget Implementation Act, 2019, No. 1
Amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to establish an ineligibility ground for refugee protection claims if the claimant previously made a claim in another country.
Public Policy to Reinstate an Interim Pathway for Caregivers
Reinstates the Interim Pathway for Caregivers for an additional three-month period from July 8, 2019 to October 8, 2019, providing a dedicated pathway to permanent residence for in-home temporary foreign worker caregivers who do not qualify under other existing caregiver pathways. Phase scope: Second three-month intake period from July 8, 2019 to October 8, 2019
Rural and Northern Community Immigration pilot class created
Canada established the Rural and Northern Community Immigration Class as part of the economic immigration class, creating a new permanent residence pathway for foreign nationals recommended by designated economic development organizations in participating rural and northern communities.
Public Policy Facilitating Immigration of Certain Sponsored Foreign Nationals Excluded under Paragraph 117(9)(d) or 125(1)(d)
Establishes a pilot project via public policy exempting certain vulnerable foreign nationals (resettled refugees, protected persons, and sponsored family members) from the lifetime sponsorship bar under IRPR paragraphs 117(9)(d) and 125(1)(d) when a non-accompanying family member was not declared or examined. Phase scope: Initial 2-year pilot project starting September 9, 2019
Modification of citizenship revocation decision-maker under Bill C-6
The Federal Court becomes the decision-maker in all revocation cases, unless the individual requests that the Minister make the decision.
Mandatory Refusal to Allow Application Withdrawal During Inadmissibility Reporting (SOR/2018-5)
Amends IRPR subsection 42(2) to explicitly mandate that border services officers must not allow a foreign national seeking entry to withdraw their application or leave Canada if an inadmissibility report under IRPA subsection 44(1) is being or has been prepared, unless the Minister decides not to make a removal order or not to refer the report to the Immigration Division. Phase scope: Entire
Moratorium on Farm Management Applications under the Federal Self-Employed Persons Class
Sets the annual intake number of new applications accepted for processing under the Federal Self-Employed Persons Class for individuals with experience in farm management to zero, creating an indefinite temporary moratorium. Phase scope: Entire
Clarification of End of Examination for Refugee Claimants (SOR/2018-60)
Amends section 37 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to define when the examination of a person who makes a claim for refugee protection ends, establishing that it terminates on the later of an eligibility determination under section 101 or determination by the Refugee Protection Division under section 107, and the completion of a decision under subsection 44(2). Phase scope: entire
Permanent Regulatory Repeal of the Cumulative Duration Rule for Temporary Foreign Workers (SOR/2018-61)
Formally repealed paragraph 200(3)(g) and subsection 200(4) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (the cumulative duration limit / 'four-in, four-out' rule), removing the prohibition on issuing work permits to temporary foreign workers who had accumulated four years of work in Canada. Phase scope: Entire
Transition of Start-up Business Class into Permanent Regulatory Program (SOR/2018-72)
Incorporates the Start-up Business Class into the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations as a permanent economic class immigration stream, establishing permanent eligibility requirements, language benchmark levels, settlement fund requirements, and compliance mechanisms for designated entities. Phase scope: Entire
Temporary Public Policy Regarding Excessive Demand on Health and Social Services
Canada established a temporary public policy under section 25.2 of the IRPA exempting certain foreign nationals applying for temporary or permanent residence from medical inadmissibility due to excessive demand under paragraph 38(1)(c) of the IRPA, effectively raising the cost threshold to three times the average Canadian per capita cost and excluding certain special education and personal support services from cost calculations.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
Exempted citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the temporary resident visa (TRV) requirement for entering Canada by adding the United Arab Emirates to Schedule 1.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Express Entry ITA Application Submission Window Reduction
Amends section 6 of the Ministerial Instructions for the Express Entry Application Management System to reduce the time candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) have to submit a complete permanent residence application from 90 days to 60 days. Phase scope: Entire
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2018-128)
Operationalizes mandatory collection of biometric information (fingerprints and photo) and sets an $85 fee, 10-year validity window ("1 in 10" rule), port-of-entry restrictions, and exemption categories for temporary resident visas, permits, permanent residence, and refugee claims.
Alignment of Inadmissibility Grounds with the Cannabis Act (SOR/2018-170)
Amends IRPR sections 19 and 246 to add the Cannabis Act to the list of prescribed Acts under which committing transborder offences creates criminal inadmissibility upon entering Canada, and specifies cannabis-related offences as factors in determining danger to the public for immigration detention. Phase scope: Entire
Streamlined Administrative Enforcement of Unenforced Removal Orders Abroad (SOR/2018-232)
Amends section 240 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to authorize CBSA officers in Canada to administratively enforce a removal order upon confirming a foreign national's departure, and allows officers outside Canada to enforce an unenforced removal order when the person applies for a visa, eTA, or ARC simply by confirming identity through examination, repealing prior requirements regarding lawful admission and non-inadmissibility. Phase scope: entire
Work Permit Exemption for Registered Indians (SOR/2018-249)
Amends section 186 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to add paragraph (x), explicitly exempting foreign nationals who are registered Indians under Canada's Indian Act from the requirement to obtain a work permit to work in Canada. Phase scope: entire
Regulations Amending the Citizenship Regulations (SOR/2018-264)
Establishes regulatory requirements for written notice, detention, and return procedures when the Minister seizes fraudulent documents under section 23.2 of the Citizenship Act, authorizes disclosure of seized documents to CBSA for IRPA enforcement, and aligns citizenship judge proceedings and revocation provisions by repealing obsolete terrorism revocation hearing rules.
Randomized Intake and Selection System for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
Establishes a new randomized selection and intake process under Ministerial Instructions pursuant to section 87.3 of the IRPA for parent and grandparent sponsorship applications under the Family Class, replacing the first-come, first-served paper submission model with an online interest-to-sponsor lottery mechanism within an annual 10,000 application cap. Phase scope: Applies to the 2017 calendar year application intake cycle.
Establishment of Formal Regulatory Application Process for Ministerial Relief (SOR/2017-38)
Amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to formalize the application process for Ministerial relief under subsection 42.1(1) of the IRPA for foreign nationals inadmissible on security, human/international rights violations, or organized crime grounds. Foreign nationals may only apply after an inadmissibility decision or removal order has been issued and judicial review avenues have been exhausted or expired, using the CBSA-prescribed form. Phase scope: Full operative implementation upon registration
Repeal of Conditional Permanent Residence for Sponsored Spouses and Partners (SOR/2017-56)
Repeals Division 8 of Part 5 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, eliminating the requirement that certain sponsored spouses and partners cohabit with their sponsor for two continuous years to maintain permanent resident status, and amends definitions of abuse in Part 11 (Workers). Phase scope: Full operative implementation upon registration; applies to pending applications and existing conditional statuses.
Expansion of Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to Select Low-Risk Nationals of Brazil, Bulgaria, and Romania (SOR/2017-53)
Amends the IRPR to allow citizens of Brazil, Bulgaria, and Romania who have held a Canadian temporary resident visa in the past 10 years or who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when traveling to Canada by air, rather than needing a Temporary Resident Visa. Phase scope: Operative phase 1 for Brazil, Bulgaria, and Romania visa facilitation.
Formal Regulatory Repeal of the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) and Enactment of Transitional Provisions (SOR/2017-78)
Repeals the regulatory provisions authorizing the federal Live-in Caregiver Program (including the definition under section 2 and Division 3 of Part 6 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations) while enacting transitional provisions ensuring that foreign nationals whose initial Live-in Caregiver work permit was based on an LMIA requested on or before November 30, 2014, maintain eligibility for permanent residence under the program. Phase scope: Full implementation upon registration
Regulatory Framework for Automated Information-Sharing with Five Country Conference Partners (SOR/2017-79)
Adds Division 3 to Part 20 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (sections 315.36 to 315.43), creating a domestic regulatory framework authorizing the automated sharing and disclosure of biometric queries (fingerprints) and immigration/refugee data between Canada and the governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Phase scope: Full operative effect from registration date (May 5, 2017).
Ministerial Instructions Amending the Ministerial Instructions Respecting the Express Entry System, 2017-1
Amends the Ministerial Instructions Respecting the Express Entry System by updating eligibility criteria, updating rules for expired results in the pool, and introducing or adjusting points for French and English language proficiency.
Regulations Amending the Citizenship Regulations, No. 2
Amends the Citizenship Regulations to update procedural and evidentiary requirements, including age ranges for language evidence and documentation for tax filings and physical presence, aligning with statutory changes.
Increasing the Maximum Age of Dependent Children under the IRPR (SOR/2017-60)
Amends the definition of 'dependent child' in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) by raising the maximum age limit from 'less than 19 years of age' to 'less than 22 years of age' (with corresponding adjustments to sponsorship undertakings, fee schedules, and residency obligations), allowing young adults aged 19 to 21 to qualify as dependants in family sponsorship and economic/refugee applications. Phase scope: Applies to permanent resident and sponsorship applications submitted on or after October 24, 2017.
Full Visa Exemption for Citizens of Bulgaria and Romania (SOR/2017-246)
Amends the IRPR to add Bulgaria and Romania to Schedule 1.1 of visa-exempt countries, granting all Romanian and Bulgarian citizens visa-free entry to Canada for temporary stays by obtaining an eTA when traveling by air. Phase scope: Operative phase 2 lifting visa requirement completely from 09:00 EST December 1, 2017.
Parents and grandparents sponsorship cap doubled for the 2016 intake year
Effective February 27, 2016, Canada increased the maximum number of new complete parents and grandparents sponsorship applications accepted for processing from 5,000 to 10,000 for the cap year that began on January 2, 2016. The same amendment changed that cap year’s end date from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2016. Other provisions of the earlier processing instructions remained in effect.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2016-37)
Expanded transporter liability definitions and prescribed classes of inadmissible persons under IRPA s. 148, mandating that commercial carriers do not transport foreign nationals subject to a declaration under s. 22.1 or who lack an Authorization to Return to Canada under s. 52(1), and established mandatory administration fee assessments against carriers for non-compliant passengers. Phase scope: Part 1 came into force on registration on March 11, 2016; Part 2 eTA transporter compliance effective September 30, 2016.
Revised passenger reservation information privacy regime
Effective March 11, 2016, SOR/2016-38 replaced the linked retention, access and disclosure regime for passenger name record (PNR) information supplied to CBSA under the immigration regulations, including information about persons expected to travel. It removed advance passenger information (API) from this PNR regulation; companion SOR/2016-37 placed API retention in IRPR269, permitting retention for three years and six months from departure and, if required in an investigation, for as long as required but at most six years from departure. API reporting and carrier liability are separate measures. For PNR, the replacement permits use only for Immigration and Refugee Protection Act purposes, retention for that Act or CBSA program legislation, and disclosure for that Act, national security, defence of Canada or international affairs, always subject to the following limits. Ordinary retention runs until three years and six months after departure rather than receipt; longer retention is allowed only while needed to identify persons reasonably suspected of defined terrorism offences or serious transnational crimes, and at most six years after departure. The former mandatory PAXIS storage/separation and enforcement-copy structure is removed. Access requires the official’s functions to require it and is limited to identifying persons who have or may have committed the defined offences, or related trend analysis/risk indicators. From 72 hours after departure through two years, access to a person’s name requires confirmation that it is necessary for the identification purpose; after two years through three-and-a-half years, access to identifying information requires CBSA President authorization to identify a person reasonably suspected of those offences. During extended retention after three-and-a-half years, access is only for the identification purpose. President-authorized access must be logged with the requesting official, reasons, subject, and request, authorization and access dates; logs are retained at least two years. If the Access to Information Act or Privacy Act requires longer retention, access during that extension is only for the purpose requiring retention. Domestic disclosure to a federal or provincial department or authority must be necessary and case by case, with reasonable grounds of relevance to preventing, investigating or prosecuting the defined offences, directly related recipient functions, equivalent protection, an undertaking not to redisclose without CBSA permission unless legally required, and only necessary information disclosed. Foreign disclosure is separately permitted case by case under an international agreement or arrangement, when necessary for the listed statutory/security/defence/international-affairs purposes, with reasonable grounds of relevance to preventing, investigating or prosecuting the defined offences, directly related recipient functions, an undertaking of equivalent regulatory or EU-negotiated PNR protection, and only necessary information disclosed. It replaces the prior separate EU/adequacy-covered PAXIS route and direct-evidence, on-request enforcement-database route. Compliance with a Canadian subpoena, warrant or compulsory disclosure order is expressly preserved. Disclosures under these domestic, foreign and compulsory routes must be logged with recipient/authority, reasons, subject and date for at least two years. The predecessor already had staged name/identifier access controls, President approval, a three-and-a-half-year normal limit and a six-year enforcement-copy limit; this measure changes their scope, triggers, clocks and structure rather than introducing all safeguards for the first time. All amendments in SOR/2016-38 commenced on registration; the deferred PNR collection amendments in SOR/2016-35 and37 are not part of this measure.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
Visa-exempt foreign nationals seeking to enter Canada by air on a temporary basis are required to obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA) prior to entry, effective March 15, 2016.
Canada restores equal basic, supplemental and prescription coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program
On April 1, 2016, Canada restored pre-2012 Interim Federal Health Program coverage for all eligible beneficiaries, replacing the six coverage types in place since November 2014 with basic physician and hospital services, supplemental services including limited vision and urgent dental care, and prescription drugs. Eligible groups included resettled refugees, other protected persons, asylum and rejected claimants, immigration detainees, trafficking victims and other ministerially identified groups. Existing coverage was updated automatically; the change was not retroactive, and previously delivered services remained subject to the earlier coverage level. Coverage remained temporary: most recipients ceased to qualify when covered provincially or territorially or when leaving Canada; resettled refugees retained supplemental and prescription coverage during government or private support, usually one year. Those whose coverage had expired before April 1 still needed renewal if otherwise eligible. This record covers the April 1 restoration; separate April 10 certificate/expiry changes and April 2017 pre-departure expansion are not included.
Employer-sanction grounds for work permit revocation updated
From May 7, 2016, replacement work permit revocation instructions included grounds where an employer was subject to a determination under subsection 203(5) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations within the preceding two years, was ineligible to employ foreign nationals under paragraph 209.95(1)(b), or was in default of an administrative monetary penalty, including a payment agreement. A transition preserved the former listed-employer ground for underlying facts occurring before December 1, 2015.
Ministerial Instructions Amending the Ministerial Instructions Respecting the Express Entry System, 2016-1
Amends the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) point allocations by awarding points for Canadian educational credentials and revising points awarded for qualifying offers of arranged employment.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Skilled Worker) (SOR/2016-298)
Amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to refine qualifying job offer definitions, language proficiency designations, and selection points across the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, and Canadian Experience Class, including awarding 5 points for accompanying spouse/partner language proficiency at benchmark level 4. Phase scope: Full national implementation
Temporary Resident Visa Exemption for Citizens of Mexico (SOR/2016-293)
Repealed the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) requirement for citizens of Mexico travelling to Canada by adding Mexico to the list of countries and territories whose citizens are exempt from the TRV requirement under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. Comes into force at 00:00:01 a.m. Eastern standard time on December 1, 2016.
Ministerial Instructions on Spousal and Dependent Child Sponsorship Application Intake Simplification
Introduced modernized intake completeness conditions and standardized document checklists under IRPA subsection 87.3 for Family Class spousal, common-law, conjugal partner, and dependent child permanent residence and sponsorship applications, returning non-conforming applications. Phase scope: Full national implementation for applications received on or after December 15, 2016
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2016-316)
Formally repealed the outdated federal Investor and Entrepreneur class regulatory provisions from the IRPR following their legislative termination, while establishing specific transitional rules to process applications with selection decisions before February 11, 2014, and preserving regulatory frameworks and age-lock-in rules for Quebec economic candidates. Phase scope: Full national implementation upon registration on December 16, 2016.
Ministerial Instructions Respecting the Express Entry System
Established the operational rules, Comprehensive Ranking System parameters, and pool submission processes for managing economic permanent residence applications under the Express Entry system.
Immigrant Investor Venture Capital economic immigration class established
Effective January 28, 2015, Canada established the Immigrant Investor Venture Capital economic immigration class for qualifying investors intending to reside outside Quebec. Key conditions included at least C$10 million in net worth lawfully acquired through business or investment, a C$2 million payment whose repayment was not guaranteed, and benchmark level 5 in each of the four language skills in either official language. Applicants needed a qualifying post-secondary credential or at least C$50 million in qualifying net worth. Permanent residence remained subject to the other class requirements and admissibility.
Employer compliance fee and direct job-offer submission introduced for LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permits
From February 21, 2015, employers making offers of employment for work described in IRPR sections 204 or 205, or to foreign nationals described in section 207, had to pay a $230 employer compliance fee before the foreign national applied for a work permit or renewal. Employers were exempt from the fee when the worker was exempt from the work-permit processing fee under subsection 299(2), except persons referred to in paragraph 299(2)(i). An employer making simultaneous offers to a group of three or more foreign nationals consisting of performing artists and their staff paid a maximum total fee of $690. The fee had to be repaid to its payer if the permit was refused, or the employer withdrew the offer and requested remission before the permit was issued. Before the work-permit application, employers also had to provide their name, address and telephone number, fax and email if any, business number if applicable, information demonstrating the applicable section 204, 205 or 207 category, and a copy of the job offer in the departmental form. Employers had to be able to demonstrate that the information supplied was accurate. Fee payment and information submission used the departmental electronic system, with payment and receipt deemed to occur at the recorded time. If physical or mental disability prevented electronic use, the Department could make alternative payment and submission means available, including a paper form for the information. Failure to pay the applicable fee or supply the required information before the application prevented issuance of the employer-specific work permit.
Separate open work permit privilege fee introduced
From February 21, 2015, a $100 fee for open-work-permit rights and privileges was payable by covered foreign nationals without an offer of employment under IRPR 204 or 205, persons described in 207(b) without an offer, and family members of the latter. It applied to initial work-permit and renewal applications. Exceptions covered people exempt from the work-permit processing fee other than paragraph 299(2)(i) participants; those participants were exempt from the new fee if an international agreement in force prohibited fees other than a participation fee. Permanent-residence applicants in the live-in caregiver class and family members included in that application were also exempt. The fee was remitted if the permit was refused, or the applicant withdrew the application and requested remission before issuance.
Investor-pilot intake switched from random selection to first complete applications
From May 25, 2015, the Immigrant Investor Venture Capital intake put the first 60 complete applications into processing, including complete applications from earlier intake periods, and retained up to 60 additional initially complete applications on a waiting list. This replaced the preceding intake process of random selection from up to 500 submissions. Intake would close once 60 permanent-resident visas or approvals were issued, once 60 complete applications were in processing and 60 were on the waiting list, or on December 30, 2015. Class eligibility and admissibility requirements continued to apply.
Prohibition of Non-Physically Present (Proxy, Telephone, Internet) Marriages and Raising Minimum Spousal Age
Raised the minimum age requirement for spousal sponsorship and temporary/permanent entry as a spouse or partner from 16 to 18 years. Ceased the legal recognition of marriages contracted abroad where one or both parties were not physically present (proxy, telephone, fax, Internet marriages) across all permanent and temporary immigration streams, with a narrow exception for Canadian Armed Forces members deployed abroad. Phase scope: All spousal and family reunification immigration streams, permanent and temporary resident applications received on or after June 10, 2015.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2015-138)
Amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to authorize the Minister to collect Social Insurance Numbers (SINs) from permanent resident card applicants, travel document applicants, and sponsors of parents and grandparents, and disclose them to the Canada Revenue Agency to verify compliance with residency and minimum necessary income requirements.
Order Fixing June 11, 2015 as the Day on which Certain Provisions of the Act Come into Force
Brought into force provisions of the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act requiring applicants to physically reside in Canada for four out of the previous six years, modifying language/knowledge testing age limits, and setting out new tax filing requirements.
Social insurance number collection and sharing authorised for citizenship eligibility verification
From June 11, 2015, the Minister could require applicants under Citizenship Act subsections 5(1) or 11(1) to provide their social insurance number, if they had one. Under an information-sharing arrangement with the Canada Revenue Agency, the Minister could disclose that number to verify compliance with the applicable residence and income-tax-filing requirements. This introduced authority to collect the number for that verification process; the underlying citizenship eligibility requirements are represented separately.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2015-77)
Enacts the regulatory framework establishing the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to or transiting Canada by air, introducing the online application portal, $7 fee, and 5-year maximum validity period under a voluntary enrolment scheme starting August 1, 2015.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Administrative Monetary Penalties and Ineligibility System for Employers)
Establishes administrative monetary penalties and periods of hiring ineligibility for employers who violate temporary foreign worker compliance conditions. Phase scope: National / all employers of temporary foreign workers and non-compliant sponsor employers under IRPR
Ebola-related visa-processing ministerial instructions repealed
On December 19, 2015, Canada repealed the October 31, 2014 ministerial instructions governing visa applications from people who had been in an Ebola-affected country. The repeal took effect on publication in the Canada Gazette. It applied to applications received on or before December 10, 2015 that had no final decision on that date, and to all applications received thereafter.
Parents and grandparents sponsorship intake resumed with a 5,000-application cap
From January 2, 2014, Canada accepted up to 5,000 new complete parents and grandparents sponsorship applications per year for processing. Applications had to reach the designated processing centre in Mississauga on or after that date, meet the current application-kit requirements, and fall within the cap according to receipt order. The first cap year ran from January 2, 2014 through January 1, 2015.
Order Fixing February 6, 2014 as the Day on which Sections 170 and 171 of the Act Come into Force
Brought into force sections 170 and 171 of the Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1, exempting citizenship fees from the User Fees Act and expanding regulatory authority over them.
Restructuring and Fee Revision of Temporary Resident Visa and Temporary Permit Applications
Repealed differential single-entry vs. multiple-entry visa pricing and standardized temporary resident visa (TRV) processing to make multiple-entry visas the standard option at a reduced fee of $100 (family maximum capped at $500). Increased processing fees for work permits from $150 to $155 (with group caps at $465) and study permits from $125 to $150, and increased the fee for extension of authorization to remain as a temporary resident from $75 to $100. Phase scope: Nationwide for all temporary resident visa, study permit, work permit, and extension applications.
Federal Skilled Worker Class application intake cap and stream criteria established (MI11)
Introduced an overall cap of 25,500 new complete permanent residence applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Class without an offer of arranged employment, consisting of a 25,000 cap across designated eligible occupations (sub-capped at 1,000 per occupation) and a 500 cap under a PhD student/graduate stream.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
Restricted study permit eligibility to students at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), required ongoing enrollment to maintain valid status, and granted eligible full-time international students automatic off-campus work authorization.
Automatic removal stay restored for a bounded group of refugee claimants denied an appeal
Effective June 19, 2014, SOR/2014-166 restored the pre-December 15, 2012 automatic removal-stay rule for judicial-review leave applications concerning Refugee Protection Division rejections that would have been appealable to the Refugee Appeal Division except for section 167 of the Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1. That cohort had claims referred after August 14 and before December 15, 2012, with rejection decisions taking effect after June 26, 2013. Applications for leave made before or after commencement qualify, but a pre-commencement application does not qualify if a specified event ending the stay had already occurred. Other independent appeal bars remain outside the cohort, including designated foreign nationals, designated-country cases, no-credible-basis or manifestly-unfounded claims, the statutory safe-third-country exception category, withdrawn or abandoned claims, and cessation or vacation decisions. The stay retains the serious-criminality and United States/St. Pierre and Miquelon entry-report exceptions, and does not apply to an application to extend the filing time. It lasts only until the earliest applicable refusal of leave or judicial review, expiry of a specified appeal period without an appeal, or dismissal/refusal at the Federal Court of Appeal or Supreme Court stages described in former section 231(1)(a)–(e). It does not restore Refugee Appeal Division appeal rights.
Economic Action Plan 2014 Act, No. 1
Terminated the federal Immigrant Investor and Entrepreneur programs by eliminating pending applications that had not been assessed before February 11, 2014, and provided for statutory refunds of fees and investments.
Performing-artist work-permit exemption extended to bars and restaurants
Effective June 20, 2014, SOR/2014-170 removed the exclusion for performances in a bar, restaurant or similar establishment from the performing-artist exemption in IRPR186(g). Qualifying foreign performing artists, alone or in a group, and staff integral to their artistic performance could therefore work without a work permit at those venues. The retained conditions require them to be part of a foreign production or group, or a guest artist in a Canadian production or group, performing a time-limited engagement, and not in an employment relationship with the Canadian organization or business contracting for their services. Performances primarily for film production or television or radio broadcast remain outside this exemption. The amendment changes the venue restriction; the other conditions already applied under the predecessor rule.
Order Fixing August 1, 2014 as the Day on which Certain Provisions of the Act Come into Force
Brought into force provisions of the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act that streamline the decision-making model by transferring authority for citizenship grants to the Minister, provide authority to declare applications abandoned, and establish a uniform system for judicial review.
Reduction of Dependent Child Age Limit and Age Lock-In Framework
Amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to reduce the maximum age of a dependent child from under 22 to under 19 years old, removed the general full-time student exception for older dependents (limiting older dependent coverage strictly to individuals unable to be financially self-supporting due to physical or mental conditions), and instituted formal regulatory lock-in dates for age determination across multi-step immigration categories. Phase scope: Nationwide for new applications submitted on or after August 1, 2014
Regulations Amending the Citizenship Regulations
Amended the Citizenship Regulations to align them with the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act (Bill C-24), updating administrative procedures and decision-making processes for citizenship applications, and strengthening abandonment authorities.
Streamlined Departure Orders for Cessation of Refugee Protection
Amended section 228 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to authorize the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (or delegates such as border services officers and inland enforcement officers) to issue a departure order against foreign nationals who are inadmissible to Canada upon a final determination that their refugee protection has ceased under section 40.1 of the IRPA. Phase scope: Full national operational implementation upon registration
Start-up Business Class education requirement removed
Effective November 22, 2014, the replacement Start-up Business Class instructions removed the requirement to have completed at least one year of post-secondary education in good standing, whether or not an educational credential was obtained. The associated requirement to submit written evidence of that education was also removed. The designated-entity commitment, language and settlement-funds requirements continued to apply.
Caregiver Program Reform and Establishment of Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs Classes
Ministerial Instructions closed intake under the legacy Live-in Caregiver Class (requiring an LMIA requested on or before November 30, 2014 to apply) and established two new economic pathway classes: the Caring for Children Class and the Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class, eliminating the live-in requirement and setting specific educational and language requirements. Phase scope: Nationwide for all foreign caregiver workers and permanent residence applications submitted on or after November 30, 2014.
Federal Skilled Trades Class created
Establishes the Federal Skilled Trades Class within the economic class under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, introducing criteria for qualifying trade experience, offers of employment or provincial/territorial qualification certificates, and language requirements.
Parents and grandparents sponsorship intake pause extended to January 2014
From June 15, 2013, ministerial instructions extended the existing pause on accepting new parents and grandparents sponsorship applications under the family class until January 1, 2014. The subsequent capped intake began under a separate provision on January 2, 2014 and is recorded separately.
Introduction of Labour Market Opinion (LMO) Employer Processing Fee
Amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations by adding section 315.2 to establish a $275 fee payable by employers for each position requested under an application for an opinion (LMO) from HRSDC, exempting primary agriculture and seasonal agricultural workers. Phase scope: entire_policy
Restriction of Official Language Requirements for Temporary Foreign Worker LMOs
Amends section 203 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to establish that employment of a foreign national is unlikely to have a positive or neutral effect on the Canadian labour market if the job offer requires communication in a language other than English or French, unless demonstrated as a bona fide job requirement or in primary agriculture. Phase scope: entire_policy
Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act
Brought into force sections 6 to 8 of the Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to declare that certain foreign nationals may not become temporary residents for a period of up to three years based on public policy considerations.
Ministerial Instructions Respecting the Start-up Business Class, 2013-2
Replaced the initial April 2013 Start-up Business Class instructions to expand eligible designated entities to include business incubators, permitting foreign entrepreneur applicants to qualify by securing acceptance into a designated business incubator program (in addition to venture capital funds and angel investor groups).
Ministerial Instructions Respecting the Canadian Experience Class (MI-10)
Established an annual cap of 12,000 complete applications for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), sub-caps of 200 per NOC Skill Level B occupation, and designated six NOC Skill Level B occupations as ineligible.
Lifting of Temporary Resident Visa Requirement for Citizens of the Czech Republic
Amends paragraph 190(1)(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to add the Czech Republic to the list of countries whose citizens are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. Phase scope: entire_policy
Ministerial Authority to Bar Temporary Entry on Public Policy Grounds Regulations
Amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) to bar immigration officers from issuing temporary resident visas or restoring temporary resident status to foreign nationals subject to a declaration by the Minister under IRPA subsection 22.1(1) on public policy grounds, and establishes procedures for affected foreign nationals to make written submissions within 60 days to request revocation or shortening of the declaration. Phase scope: entire_policy
Public-policy grounds for work permit revocation specified
From December 31, 2013, ministerial instructions specified grounds that could justify revoking a work permit. They covered a revoked underlying labour market opinion; specified employer-linked permits where new information showed that the employment had or would have a significantly greater negative effect than benefit for developing a strong Canadian economy, unless revocation would conflict with an international trade obligation; false, misleading or inaccurate employer information; employers added to the regulatory non-compliance list; and permits based on a relationship to another foreign national whose permit was being or had been revoked.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
Amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to establish stricter compliance requirements, inspection powers, and restrictions prohibiting temporary foreign workers from entering into employment agreements with non-compliant employers or employers in adult service sectors.
Work-permit application processing suspended when the underlying labour market opinion is suspended
From December 31, 2013, officers had to suspend processing of work-permit applications under IRPR subparagraph 200(1)(c)(iii) when ESDC suspended the relevant labour market opinion on the specified public-policy grounds. The instructions covered applications received on or after that date and earlier applications not yet processed or still pending. Applicants were to be informed that processing would not continue until the opinion suspension was no longer in effect.
Five-Year Sponsorship Bar for Previously Sponsored Spouses and Common-Law Partners
Amends section 130 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to bar any individual who became a permanent resident after being sponsored as a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner from sponsoring a subsequent spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for a period of at least five years. Phase scope: National application across spousal, common-law, and conjugal partner family class sponsorships.
Protecting Canada's Immigration System Act
Amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to expand the scope of the offence of human smuggling and institute mandatory minimum sentences and enhanced penalties for human smugglers.
Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act
Terminates applications for permanent resident visas under the Federal Skilled Worker Program submitted before February 27, 2008, if their selection criteria had not been established by an officer before March 29, 2012.
Order Respecting the Interim Federal Health Program, 2012
Under the Order Respecting the Interim Federal Health Program, 2012 (P.C. 2012-433 / SI/2012-26), the federal government repealed the 1957 IFHP framework and significantly curtailed healthcare coverage for rejected refugee claimants, restricting Minister-funded coverage to only public health or public safety health care coverage (treatment for contagious diseases posing public health risks or mental conditions posing public safety concerns) rather than comprehensive or supplemental medical care.
Updated Ministerial Instructions
Temporarily paused the intake of new applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Class (except PhD applicants and those with arranged employment) and the Federal Immigrant Investor Class starting July 1, 2012.
Imposition of Temporary Resident Visa Requirement for Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent
Amends subsection 190(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations by removing Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent from the list of countries whose citizens are exempt from obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. Phase scope: Applies immediately to all citizens of Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent traveling to Canada.
Application and Refugee Status Verification Requirements for Groups of Five and Community Sponsors
Amends the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program (PSRP) rules to require concurrent submission of the foreign national's permanent residence application and the sponsorship undertaking to the Case Processing Centre in Canada, and restricts Groups of Five and Community Sponsors to sponsoring individuals already recognized as refugees by UNHCR or a foreign state. Phase scope: National application to all Group of Five and Community Sponsor refugee sponsorships.
Conditional Permanent Residence for Sponsored Spouses and Partners
Introduces a condition under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations requiring sponsored spouses or common-law/conjugal partners in a relationship of two years or less without children in common to cohabit in a conjugal relationship with their sponsor for two continuous years following receipt of permanent residence, subject to certain exceptions.
Regulations Amending the Citizenship Regulations
Amended the Citizenship Regulations to require adult applicants for Canadian citizenship aged 18 to 54 to submit upfront objective evidence of language proficiency (such as third-party test results, secondary/post-secondary education transcripts in English or French, or completion of designated government language training programs) demonstrating basic competence in oral communication (Canadian Language Benchmark level 4).
Mandatory In-Person Reporting Requirements for Designated Foreign Nationals
Adds Division 4.1 to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations setting mandatory reporting conditions for designated foreign nationals (irregular arrivals) granted refugee protection, requiring in-person reporting within 30 days of status determination, annual reporting thereafter, and prompt notification of changes in address, employment, or travel outside Canada until permanent residence is obtained. Phase scope: Applies nationwide to all foreign nationals designated under the irregular arrival provisions who receive refugee protection.
Refugee Appeal Division appeal provisions commenced
Brought into force sections 73, 110, 111, 171, 194, and 195 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, establishing the operational appeal mechanism and procedures of the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD).
Expedited Asylum Claim Timelines and Work Permit Restrictions for Designated Countries of Origin
Establishes binding procedural time limits for refugee protection claims and appeals (including 15 days for port of entry Basis of Claim submission, 30 to 45 days for Designated Country of Origin hearings before the Refugee Protection Division, and 60 days for non-DCO hearings) and restricts issuance of work permits to DCO claimants until at least 180 days have passed without a decision. Phase scope: National scope governing all in-Canada refugee claimants with bifurcated timelines for DCO vs non-DCO applicants.
Mandatory Third-Party Language Testing for Economic Class Applicants
Amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) to remove the option of providing alternative written evidence of language proficiency, making designated third-party standardized language test results mandatory at the time of application for Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Business Immigrant applicants.
Exemption of Provincially Selected Entrepreneurs from Federal Post-Arrival Conditions
Amended sections 88 and 98 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to establish that foreign entrepreneurs selected by a province (such as Quebec under the Canada-Quebec Accord) are not subject to federal post-arrival business establishment and reporting conditions if no provincial conditions are imposed. Phase scope: Provincial stream / Quebec-selected entrepreneurs
Temporary Resident Visa Exemption for Holders of UK British Subject Passports with Right of Abode
Amended subsection 190(2) of the IRPR to exempt holders of British Subject passports issued by the United Kingdom who have the right of abode in the UK from the requirement to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) prior to entering Canada.
Designation of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC)
Designated the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) under IRPA paragraph 91(2)(c) as the body whose members in good standing are authorized to represent or advise a person for consideration in immigration applications and proceedings, replacing CSIC, with a 120-day fee-exempt transition for CSIC members in good standing.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2011-129) — Application Requirements and Representation for Consideration
Amends IRPR section 10 to require applicants to disclose contact and governing body membership information for any representative or advisor providing advice or representation for consideration at any stage of an application or proceeding, coordinating with Bill C-35's prohibition on unauthorized representatives. Phase scope: National; applies to all immigration and refugee applications and proceedings
Federal Skilled Worker Application Processing Intake Cap (MI-3)
Reduces the annual intake cap on Federal Skilled Worker applications without arranged employment to a maximum of 10,000 new applications per year, with a maximum limit of 500 applications per listed NOC code.
Immigrant Investor Class Annual Intake Cap (MI-3)
Imposes an annual intake cap of 700 new applications for the federal Immigrant Investor Class eligible to be considered for processing.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
Repealed sections 148 and 149 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, thereby eliminating the source country class under which persons residing inside their country of origin could be resettled to Canada as humanitarian-protected persons abroad.
Federal Skilled Worker Program PhD Eligibility Stream
Establishes a dedicated permanent resident intake stream under the Federal Skilled Worker Program for international students currently enrolled in or recently graduated from Canadian PhD programs, capped at 1,000 applications annually.
Temporary Pause on Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Applications
Imposes an intake pause of up to 24 months on new sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents under the Family Class, refusing new applications not received prior to November 5, 2011.
Barring Violent Offenders from Sponsoring Family Class Members
Amended paragraph 133(1)(e) of the IRPR to bar individuals convicted of indictable offences involving violence punishable by a maximum prison term of at least 10 years (or attempts thereof) against any person from acting as sponsors under the Family Class.
Ministerial Instructions regarding the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
Introduced the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, a multi-entry temporary resident visa valid for up to 10 years allowing eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to remain in Canada for up to 24 months per visit without renewing status.
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
Amends the requirements for the live-in caregiver class to apply for permanent residence, removing the medical examination requirement and adjusting the required employment duration to at least two years or 3,900 hours within the four years immediately following entry.
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act: Updated Ministerial Instructions
Introduced an annual cap of 20,000 applications for the Federal Skilled Worker stream for applicants applying under the eligible occupation list without arranged employment, with a maximum limit of 1,000 applications per eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) code.
Ministerial Instructions (MI-2)
Required all Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class applicants to submit valid third-party official language test results at the time of application for permanent residence, eliminating written alternative submissions for demonstrating proficiency.
Balanced Refugee Reform Act
Enacted statutory authority under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the Minister to designate countries of origin (or parts of countries / classes of nationals) that do not normally produce refugees in order to expedite the processing of asylum claims.