Several changes across Canada’s immigration system and labour rules came into force at the start of 2026. Some measures apply nationally through federal policy, while others reflect provincial legislation and immigration pathway updates.

Permanent resident targets lowered for 2026

Canada’s target for new permanent residents in 2026 is set at 380,000. This is down from 395,000 accepted in 2025 and a notable change from 2024, when more than 483,000 were welcomed.

The annual target is expected to remain at 380,000 through 2028. The 2026 plan prioritizes economic immigration, including skilled workers, with a target of 239,800 admissions in 2026 and 244,700 in both 2027 and 2028.

The plan continues to emphasize occupations linked to identified shortages and government priorities, including healthcare, social services, skilled trades, agriculture, education and STEM fields.

Caps on temporary workers and temporary residents

Canada is reducing the number of new temporary workers it admits in 2026. The target for new temporary workers is 230,000 in 2026, down from 367,750 in 2025.

The target is expected to decrease to 220,000 in 2027 and remain at that level in 2028. Ottawa has also stated a goal of reducing the temporary resident population to below five per cent of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.

Separate employer-related measures introduced earlier include stricter limits on low-wage temporary foreign worker hiring in certain regions and sectors.

International student admissions reduced — with a key graduate exemption

Canada plans to issue only 155,000 new study permits in 2026 and 150,000 in both 2027 and 2028. That is down from earlier caps of 360,000 in 2024 and 437,000 in 2025, after new international student admissions peaked at more than 650,000 in 2023.

A major change that took effect on January 1, 2026: master’s and doctoral students enrolled at a public designated learning institution (DLI) no longer need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) when applying for a study permit, and they are not counted within the study permit cap. (Official guidance: Study permit as a graduate student)

Financial proof requirements for students have also increased. As of September 1, 2025, the minimum required amount for a single applicant is $22,895 per year, with roughly $6,000 added for each accompanying family member.

Start-Up Visa closed to most new applications

Canada’s Start-Up Visa program stopped accepting new applications for most people at the end of 2025 as the government transitions toward a new entrepreneur pathway expected to be announced in 2026.

A limited exception applies to applicants who already have a valid 2025 commitment certificate from a designated organization: those applicants have until June 30, 2026 to submit their permanent residence application. (Official details: Start-Up Visa commitment certificate timelines)

IRCC has also stopped accepting new work permit applications issued under this program, though existing permit holders may be able to extend while their permanent residence application is processed.

Ontario: faster mobility for regulated professionals

Ontario has introduced changes aimed at speeding up work authorization for regulated professionals coming from other provinces. Under the province’s “As of Right” framework, eligible professionals can work in Ontario within 10 business days after credentials are validated, for up to six months while Ontario-based authorization is completed.

The framework applies to a wide range of regulated bodies and certifications, including occupations such as architects, engineers, electricians and select healthcare roles.

Ontario: new job-posting rules, including a Canadian experience ban

New job-posting requirements in Ontario took effect on January 1, 2026. One of the most significant changes is a ban on employers requiring “Canadian work experience” in publicly advertised job postings or associated application forms.

Additional measures under Ontario’s reforms include requirements related to transparency in hiring, including disclosures in certain circumstances where artificial intelligence is used in the screening or selection process.

Alberta: Rural Renewal Stream requirements tightened

Alberta’s Rural Renewal Stream has introduced tightened criteria effective January 1, 2026. Key changes include:

• In-Canada applicants must hold a valid work permit when applying and at the time of assessment (maintained status is not accepted).
• Applicants in lower-skilled occupations (TEER 4 or 5) must be residing in Alberta to qualify.
• Community endorsement allocations are capped.
• Endorsement letters are valid for 12 months.

The pathway relies on a designated rural community endorsing a candidate with a local job offer, allowing Alberta to nominate them for permanent residence.

Asylum proposals under Bill C-2

The federal government has also proposed changes linked to Bill C-2 (the Strong Borders Act). Proposed measures include new ineligibility rules for certain asylum claims based on timing thresholds after arrival in Canada or after an irregular U.S. land-border crossing. These proposals were not described as fully in force at the time of reporting and would depend on legislative progress.

Together, these changes reshape how Canada manages permanent and temporary immigration in 2026 and add new provincial rules affecting hiring practices and worker mobility. Applicants and employers are advised to check program-specific requirements before applying.