IRCC Policy Update — April 27, 2026
Monday, April 27, 2026
Canada introduced eight immigration changes effective April 1, 2026, including: higher passport fees (10-year adult passport now $163.50, 5-year $122.50), a new '30 business days or free' passport processing guarantee, and more flexible Super Visa income requirements.
IRCC published a temporary public policy on April 23, 2026 for Gaza nationals with approved Temporary Resident Visas seeking to enter Canada, and on April 21 for Quebec PR candidates seeking work permits — among several new temporary public policies issued in April.
On April 9, 2026, IRCC simplified co-op work permit requirements for post-secondary international students, and on April 8 deleted the internal Express Entry Invitation to Apply (ITA) program delivery page (content remains publicly accessible).
What You Should Do
- If you need to renew or apply for a Canadian passport, be aware fees increased as of March 31, 2026. Apply at canada.ca/passport — adults pay $163.50 for a 10-year passport. If processing exceeds 30 business days, you are entitled to a full fee refund under the new guarantee.
- If you are a Gaza national with an approved Canadian Temporary Resident Visa, review the temporary public policy published April 23, 2026 at canada.ca/public-policies to understand what measures are available to facilitate your entry to Canada.
- If you are an international post-secondary student in Canada enrolled in a co-op program, review the updated co-op work permit requirements published April 9, 2026 at canada.ca/co-op-work-permit to determine how the simplified rules affect your eligibility.
- If you are a prospective permanent residence candidate in Quebec currently on a work permit, check the April 21, 2026 temporary public policy at canada.ca/public-policies to see if you qualify for an open work permit under this new measure.
Sources
Topics Covered
Student Work Authorization Simplification: On April 9, 2026, IRCC simplified co-op work permit requirements for post-secondary international students, reducing administrative burden for this group.
2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan: The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan underpins multiple April 2026 policy changes including increased IMP targets, reduced TFWP targets, a lower international student cap, and a planned TR-to-PR pathway for up to 33,000 temporary residents over 2026–2027.
Service Fee Adjustments: Effective March 31, 2026, Canadian passport fees increased for the first time since 2013 — a 10-year adult passport now costs $163.50 (up from $160) — paired with a new 30-business-day processing guarantee with a full refund if the deadline is missed.
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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