Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly updates its policies, processing procedures, and program rules. Staying current on these changes is important for anyone with a pending application or planning to apply in the near future. Here are the most notable developments so far in 2026.
Express Entry Updates
IRCC has continued to conduct category-based selection rounds alongside general draws. This means that candidates with specific work experience in areas like healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture may receive invitations to apply at lower Comprehensive Ranking System scores than the general pool. If your occupation falls into one of these categories, your chances of receiving an invitation may be stronger than your overall CRS score suggests.
The temporary cap on study permit approvals, first introduced in 2024, remains in effect. Each province and territory has been allocated a limited number of attestation letters, and applicants must include a provincial attestation letter with their study permit application. This has made early planning and institutional selection even more critical for international students.
Processing times for work permits have fluctuated throughout the year. IRCC has expanded online application options and introduced improvements to employer portal processing for LMIA-based applications. However, some categories — particularly open work permits tied to spousal sponsorship — have experienced longer wait times.
Family Sponsorship
Processing standards for spousal sponsorship remain a stated priority for IRCC, with the department targeting 12-month processing for most straightforward applications. However, cases involving complex relationship evidence, criminal inadmissibility, or overseas applicants in high-volume regions may still take longer.
Policy changes can affect your eligibility, timing, and strategy. If you have a pending application or are planning to apply, reviewing your file against the latest requirements is a worthwhile step. Modelaw stays current on IRCC policy changes and can advise on how they affect your specific situation.
