IRCC Policy Update — August 31, 2026
Monday, August 31, 2026
Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets 380,000 new permanent residents annually, with economic immigration as the top priority (244,700 spots in 2026), while temporary resident arrivals are being reduced to 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in 2027-2028 to bring Canada's temporary population below 5% of total population by end of 2027.
As of April 1, 2026, Canadian passport fees increased for the first time since 2013 — adults applying for a 10-year passport from within Canada now pay $163.50 (up from $160) — and a new '30 days or free' processing guarantee came into effect, providing automatic full refunds if processing exceeds 30 business days.
Canada's study permit proof-of-funds requirement is rising to $23,448 for a single applicant effective September 1, 2026, impacting international students submitting new applications on or after that date.
What You Should Do
- If you are planning to sponsor parents or grandparents for a super visa, review the updated flexible income requirements that took effect April 1, 2026 at canada.ca/super-visa before submitting your application.
- If you are applying for or renewing a Canadian passport, confirm you are paying the new fee ($163.50 for a 10-year adult passport from within Canada) and note that applications submitted after April 1, 2026 are covered by the '30 business days or free' guarantee — keep your submission receipt as proof of your application date.
- If you are an international student planning to apply for a study permit on or after September 1, 2026, ensure you can demonstrate proof of funds of at least $23,448 for a single applicant before submitting your application.
- If you are applying under economic immigration streams, note that the 2026 economic class target is 244,700 admissions — check your eligibility and current CRS score at canada.ca/express-entry to assess your chances under this year's levels.
Sources
Topics Covered
2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan: Canada has finalized its 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, targeting 380,000 new permanent residents annually with economic immigration as the priority at 244,700 spots in 2026. Temporary resident arrivals are being cut to 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in 2027-2028 to reduce Canada's temporary population below 5% of total population by end of 2027.
International Student Cap Reduction: The 2026-2028 Levels Plan includes reduced targets for new international student arrivals as part of the broader plan to shrink Canada's temporary population below 5% of total population by end of 2027. Additionally, proof-of-funds for study permits is rising to $23,448 effective September 1, 2026.
Service Fee Adjustments: Canadian passport fees increased on March 31, 2026 for the first time since 2013, with a 10-year adult passport now costing $163.50 from within Canada. A new '30 business days or free' processing guarantee also took effect April 1, 2026.
How these topics connect
Canada's comprehensive immigration strategy is using study permit caps as a key lever to achieve its temporary population reduction targets.
More IRCC Policy Updates
IRCC Policy Update — August 27, 2026
Aug 27, 2026
IRCC Policy Update — August 24, 2026
Aug 24, 2026
IRCC Policy Update — August 17, 2026
Aug 17, 2026
Get immigration updates in your inbox
Weekly analysis. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.