IRCC Policy Update — July 13, 2026

What You Should Do

• -If you are a temporary resident (student or worker), check whether your status contributes to the 5% population cap target. Review your permit expiry date and assess whether you need to transition to PR before 2027. Use the IRCC processing times tool at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html.
• -If you are a skilled refugee worker, monitor the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) for its transition to a permanent PR program before end of 2025. Check for announcements at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news.html.
• -If you hold or are applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), watch for IRCC's updated field-of-study eligibility framework. Check canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation.html for updates.
• -If you are applying for a Canadian passport, note the new fees effective March 31, 2026 (e.g., $163.50 for a 10-year adult passport from within Canada). Submit applications at a Service Canada or passport office and know that if processing exceeds 30 business days from receipt of a complete application, you are entitled to a full fee refund under the '30 days or free' guarantee.
• -If you use a licensed immigration consultant, verify their registration with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) at cicc-ccic.ca before July 15, 2026, when new disciplinary and compensation rules take effect for dishonest conduct.