IRCC Policy Update — June 29, 2026
Monday, June 29, 2026
Canada published proposed regulations on June 19, 2026 to reform the asylum system, including clearer timelines, faster processing, earlier work permit access for eligible claimants, and stronger protections for vulnerable claimants — with a 30-day public consultation period open now.
The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets new temporary resident arrivals at 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in both 2027 and 2028, aiming to reduce Canada's temporary population to under 5% of the total population by end of 2027.
As of April 1, 2026, Canadian passport fees increased (adult 10-year passport now $163.50), and a new '30 days or free' processing guarantee took effect, automatically refunding fees if processing exceeds 30 business days.
What You Should Do
- If you are an asylum claimant or advocate, review the proposed asylum regulations published June 19, 2026 on Canada.ca and submit feedback during the 30-day consultation window (closing approximately July 19, 2026) at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/06/canada-proposes-new-regulations-to-modernize-the-asylum-process-and-support-timely-decisions0.html
- If you are an asylum claimant whose refugee claim was deemed ineligible, check whether you qualify for an open work permit under the March 26, 2026 temporary public policy at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies.html
- If you are applying for or renewing a Canadian passport, budget for the new fees ($163.50 for a 10-year adult passport from within Canada) and note that if processing takes longer than 30 business days from receipt of a complete application, you are entitled to a full fee refund — no action needed to claim it, it is automatic.
- If you are a prospective PR candidate in Quebec or their spouse, check your eligibility for the June 5, 2026 temporary public policy facilitating work permits at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies.html
- If you are an employer or worker in agriculture or fish processing, monitor IRCC announcements for the new foreign labour stream and work permit type expected to launch within the 2025-2026 departmental plan period at cicnews.com/2025/06/major-changes-announced-in-irccs-2025-2026-departmental-plan-0657047.html
Sources
Topics Covered
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Expansion: IRCC's 2025-2026 Departmental Plan announced plans to create a new foreign labour stream and work permit type for the agriculture and fish processing sector, and to expand LMIA-exempt pathways via new free trade agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador.
2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan: The 2026-2028 Levels Plan sets new temporary resident arrival targets of 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in 2027 and 2028, with a stated goal of reducing Canada's temporary population to below 5% of the total population by end of 2027.
Service Fee Adjustments: Canadian passport fees rose as of March 31, 2026 for the first time since 2013, with a 10-year adult passport now costing $163.50. A new 30-business-day processing guarantee with automatic refunds also took effect April 1, 2026.
More IRCC Policy Updates
IRCC Policy Update — June 25, 2026
Jun 25, 2026
IRCC Policy Update — June 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
IRCC Policy Update — June 18, 2026
Jun 18, 2026
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