Immigration News in April 2026

Hello everyone! In this post, We will be summarizing the latest announcements and updates regarding Canadian immigration policies that you need to know.

1. Important Changes to LMIA Applications

As of April 2026, the following changes have been implemented for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):

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Employers submitting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for low-wage positions.

Extended Recruitment Period: Employers must now advertise the job offer for at least 8 consecutive weeks within the 3 months prior to submitting the application. This is double the previous requirement of 4 weeks. Additionally, records of recruitment activities must now be kept for 6 years.
Focus on Youth Recruitment: Employers are now required to target youth (ages 15 to 30) in their recruitment efforts. While full details are still being rolled out, this is a mandatory new component of the process.
Temporary Measures for Regions with High Unemployment: Measures regarding the hiring of foreign workers in regions with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher remain in effect (currently scheduled until July 9, 2026). As noted in our previous blog, unemployment rates in major metropolitan areas continue to rise. You can check the latest unemployment rate list here.
Special Measures for Rural Areas: Starting April 1, 2026, employers in rural areas (located outside Census Metropolitan Areas within participating provinces/territories) may be eligible for temporary measures regarding the proportion of temporary foreign workers they can hire for certain low-wage positions. You can check the details here.

For the official government announcement regarding these changes, please visit: ESDC Foreign Worker Program Official Link

2.Removal of Work Permit Requirements for Co-op Programs

As of April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary international students no longer need to apply for a separate Work Permit to participate in work placements required by their program, such as Co-op placements or internships.

Students can now work for employers approved by their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) if they meet the following criteria:

The Study Permit must include a condition authorizing on-campus work.
The student must have documentation confirming the placement is a requirement of the academic program.
The student must hold a valid Study Permit (or have applied for an extension before expiry).
The program must be at least 6 months long, at the college/university/graduate level, and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
The work component must not exceed 50% of the total program of study.

Detailed information can be found here.

3.Increase in Immigration Application Fees

Effective April 30, 2026, the following application fees have increased:

Category (Principal Applicant)	Previous Fee	New Fee (Starting April 30)
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)	$575	$600
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)	$950	$990
Business Immigration (Self-Employed / Start-up)	$1,810	$1,895
Family Class Sponsorship	$545	$570
Protected Persons (Refugees, etc.)	$635	$660
Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) / Public Policy	$635	$660
Permit Holders	$375	$390

Please ensure you verify the latest fees on the official IRCC website before submitting your application.

As Canada’s immigration policies continue to evolve frequently, strategic preparation is more important than ever to achieve your goals.

While full details have yet to be released, changes to Express Entry—the primary pathway for permanent residency—have already been hinted at for the near future. It is crucial to stay updated and prepare your application based on the most current information.

If you have questions or would like to consult regarding your immigration or study plans in Canada, please feel free to contact us via [this form].

“You are one step closer to Canada!”