Canada plans a major overhaul of its Express Entry system by consolidating three existing immigration programs into one streamlined pathway. Officials say the move will simplify eligibility rules and better match economic immigration to real labor market needs. Consultations are expected in Spring 2026, with final decisions coming after feedback.
Canada will raise permanent residence and citizenship application fees effective March 31 and April 30, 2026, impacting multiple immigration routes including Express Entry, family sponsorship, and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee. People who submitted and paid online before the respective deadlines will be unaffected, making timing crucial for applicants planning to apply in 2026.
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Canada’s immigration backlog dipped below one million by January 2026 for the first time since October 2025. Processing for work permits improved, easing delays for many applicants, but study permit waits jumped sharply. Visitor visa delays eased slightly, while permanent residence inventory rose and Express Entry backlogs declined—signaling uneven progress across visa categories.
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