10 New Canada Immigration Changes In April 2026

April 2026 is proving to be a significant month for Canadian immigration, with several federal and provincial changes already in effect and more anticipated throughout the month. These changes will impact temporary foreign workers, asylum seekers, permanent residency applicants, passport holders, and Canadian citizens, thereby reshaping their immigration plans.

This month is unique due to the introduction of a landmark federal law, the establishment of a new permanent residence pathway, tighter asylum enforcement measures, substantial fee increases, extended humanitarian provisions for Ukrainians, and new regulations concerning the rural workforce. These adjustments signify a comprehensive overhaul of Canada’s immigration selection process, asylum claim handling, temporary resident management, and passport service delivery.

This article outlines the confirmed and expected changes that will take place in April 2026, enabling individuals to prepare ahead of the deadlines.

Bill C-12 Becomes Law and Reshapes Canada’s Immigration System

The most significant change this month is the passing of Bill C-12, officially titled the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act. This legislation received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026, marking a rapid progression in immigration policy.

Bill C-12 introduces major reforms affecting various aspects of the immigration system:

• • New asylum eligibility rules apply retroactively to anyone who entered Canada after June 24, 2020. If a refugee claim is filed more than one year after first entry, it will not be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

• • Irregular border crossers who file claims more than 14 days after entry will also face ineligibility under the new rules.

• • The federal government now has enhanced authority to share personal information between departments, including data from the Canada Border Services Agency and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

• • The law empowers the government to cancel, suspend, or modify large groups of immigration documents, such as work permits and visas, in public interest scenarios.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has begun enforcing the new asylum provisions, with applicants receiving procedural fairness letters within 72 hours of Royal Assent. This rapid implementation indicates the government’s intent to exercise these powers actively.

New Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway for 33,000 Workers

Another anticipated change is the introduction of a new pathway allowing up to 33,000 temporary foreign workers to obtain permanent residence over 2026 and 2027. This initiative was confirmed by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab and has already been soft-launched.

While complete eligibility criteria and application details are expected to be released soon, this program aims to assist temporary foreign workers currently in Canada, particularly in sectors facing long-term labor shortages, including:

• • Healthcare

• • Construction

• • Advanced manufacturing

• • Agriculture

• • Transportation

• • Essential services

The program will allocate spots across two intake windows over the two years, with unused spaces rolling over. Interested workers are advised to prepare necessary documentation promptly, as prior similar programs reached capacity quickly.

New Passport Fee Increases and Processing Guarantee

Effective March 31, 2026, passport fees have increased, marking the first adjustment in 13 years. This change reflects rising production costs and inflation.

A new 30-business-day processing guarantee is now in place, requiring that complete passport applications be processed within this timeframe or a full refund will be issued. This guarantee applies to all methods of submission, including mail.

Permanent Residence Application Fees Rising on April 30

On March 27, 2026, the government confirmed that permanent residence fees will increase across all categories on April 30, 2026. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee will rise from $575 to $600. Individuals planning to submit their applications should consider doing so before the end of April to benefit from the current fee structure.

Citizenship Application Fee Increase Effective March 31

As of March 31, 2026, the Right of Citizenship fee has increased from $119.75 to $123 for adult applicants. This change applies to all citizenship applications submitted on or after this date.

Super Visa Income Rules Become More Flexible

Changes effective March 31, 2026, allow families applying for the Super Visa to meet the income requirement more easily. Hosts and their cosigners can now qualify based on income from either of the two preceding taxation years. Additionally, the income of visiting parents or grandparents can help meet any income shortfall.

Provinces and Territories Gain More Power Over Nominee Assessments

As of March 30, 2026, provinces and territories have increased authority in assessing provincial nominee candidates. This change shifts the responsibility for evaluating a candidate’s intent to reside and economic establishment from federal officers to provincial authorities.

Canada Extends Work Permit Measures for Ukrainians Until 2027

The deadline for Ukrainians who arrived under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel to extend their work permits has been extended to March 31, 2027. Eligible individuals can apply for a single extension of up to three years, provided they arrived in Canada before March 31, 2024.

Settlement Services for Economic Immigrants Now Time-Limited

Starting April 1, 2026, economic class permanent residents will have access to federally funded settlement services for a maximum of six years after landing. This limit is the first of its kind and applies to all economic class permanent residents, regardless of their landing date.

Rural Low-Wage TFW Flexibility Expanded But Province Participation Varies

New measures for rural employers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program allow retention of low-wage workers and an increase in the allowable share of the workforce from 10% to 15%. However, these changes require provincial approval and participation varies across provinces.

What Is Still Pending or Coming Later in April 2026

Further changes are expected to be announced throughout April, including updated regulations for asylum processing and additional uses of powers under Bill C-12. The 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan includes provisions for processing additional permanent residence applications for protected persons already in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can temporary foreign workers apply for the TR to PR pathway right now even though full details have not been released?

The program is active and workers should prepare their documents now, including language tests and employment records, to apply as soon as the application portal opens in May 2026.

Does the new 30 business day passport guarantee apply to passport renewals submitted by mail?

Yes, the processing guarantee applies to all complete passport applications, including those submitted by mail.

Does the new settlement services time limit apply to economic class permanent residents who landed before April 1, 2026?

Yes, the six-year limit applies to all economic class permanent residents, regardless of their landing date.

What happens if my asylum claim was filed more than one year after my entry into Canada but before Bill C-12 became law?

The new asylum provisions apply retroactively. Claims filed after June 3, 2025, will be subject to the new rules, including the one-year deadline.

I arrived in Canada under CUAET. How many times can I extend my work permit under the new measures?

Eligible Ukrainians can apply for one work permit extension of up to three years, with applications due by March 31, 2027.

Reality Check

The April 2026 changes represent a substantial shift in Canada’s immigration landscape. Prospective applicants and current residents should understand the implications of these updates. The introduction of strict deadlines for asylum claims and increased scrutiny for provincial nominees may affect many individuals.

As the immigration environment evolves, it is crucial for applicants to stay informed through official sources, such as the Government of Canada website. Changes may occur without prior notice, so regular consultation with official resources is advisable.