IRCC Policy Update — June 11, 2026
Thursday, June 11, 2026
IRCC's 2026–27 Departmental Plan identifies three key priorities: sustainable managed migration aligned to regional needs, simplified and digitally modernized programs, and improved newcomer outcomes through collaboration with provinces and industries.
Eight immigration changes took effect April 1, 2026, including increased Canadian passport fees (adult 10-year passport now $163.50), a new 30-day passport processing guarantee, and flexible income requirements for super visa sponsors of parents and grandparents.
IRCC introduced new Express Entry categories in 2026 as part of the International Talent Attraction Strategy (Budget 2025), increasing minimum work experience for renewed priority categories from six months to one year gained within the previous three years.
What You Should Do
- If you are applying for or renewing a Canadian passport, note the new fee of $163.50 for a 10-year adult passport (inside Canada) and the new 30-day processing guarantee effective April 1, 2026 — apply at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports.
- If you are applying to sponsor a parent or grandparent for a super visa, review the updated flexible income requirements effective April 1, 2026 at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/parent-grandparent-super-visa/apply.html.
- If you are targeting a renewed Express Entry priority category (e.g., healthcare, STEM, trades), confirm you now have at least 12 months of qualifying work experience in the past 3 years — up from the previous 6-month minimum — before submitting your Express Entry profile.
- Review the full list of new and updated Express Entry categories for 2026 on the IRCC category-based selection page at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/works/category-based-selection.html to identify which category, if any, you qualify for.
Sources
Topics Covered
Category-Based Selection System: IRCC introduced new Express Entry categories in 2026 under the International Talent Attraction Strategy and raised the minimum work experience threshold for renewed priority categories from 6 months to 1 year within the past 3 years.
Service Fee Adjustments: Effective March 31–April 1, 2026, Canadian passport fees increased for the first time since 2013 (10-year adult passport now $163.50) and a 30-day processing guarantee was introduced.
2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan: IRCC's 2026–27 Departmental Plan confirms the department's overarching priorities of managed migration, digital modernization, and regional alignment with provinces, consistent with the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan framework.
More IRCC Policy Updates
IRCC Policy Update — June 8, 2026
Jun 8, 2026
IRCC Policy Update — June 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
IRCC Policy Update — June 1, 2026
Jun 1, 2026
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