IRCC has recently announced new rules for Canadian immigration, including updated Express Entry categories, stricter visa rules, updated work and study permit requirements, reduced immigration targets, etc. The new immigration rules aim to maintain immigration levels in the country.
Below is the list of the latest Canadian immigration updates:
- Canadian immigration officials will be given more authority to cancel or change visas, including work permits, student visas, and ETAs of visitors, workers, and international students, under specific conditions.
- The SDS Study Direct Stream (SDS) visa has been discontinued.
- Immigration officers have tightened the verification process at the port of entry. Individuals with a valid permit or visa may be denied entry if they do not meet the temporary residence requirements or fail to obey their terms of stay in Canada.
- Permits may now be canceled for security concerns, administrative errors, or misrepresentation of data.
- The list of categories for the Express Entry program was updated, adding a new category and prioritizing five categories for more targeted Express Entry draws.
- The number of SUV applications accepted this year is reduced to 2,000.
- The PR targets have been reduced for permanent and temporary resident admissions as per the Immigration Levels Plan (2025-2027).
- International student graduates and temporary workers in Canada may have stricter visa renewals and work visa policies.
- The IRCC has introduced four new PR pathways.