IMMIGRATION NEWS

Current information, without the noise.

Our newsroom follows primary government sources and translates new developments into the questions applicants should ask next.

August 1, 2026United States · Visa availability

August 2026 U.S. Visa Bulletin

The Department of State published August final-action and filing dates for family, employment and diversity immigrant visa categories.

Canada updates temporary measures for Palestinians

IRCC extended and adjusted temporary measures for eligible Palestinians in Canada and certain people affected by the conflict in Gaza.

Passport client experience survey announced

Selected people who received a Canadian passport during the first half of 2026 may receive a voluntary survey invitation.

Reviewer selection launched for representative penalties

IRCC relaunched a process to identify independent reviewers for the forthcoming administrative-penalty system governing paid representatives.

New Parents and Grandparents Program intake paused

IRCC said it would continue processing existing PGP applications but would not accept new interest-to-sponsor forms or issue invitations until further notice.

Pre-removal risk assessment rules adjusted for Uganda

IRCC temporarily lifted the usual PRRA waiting period for some Ugandan nationals and former residents following specified negative decisions.

Canada proposes regulations to modernize asylum processing

The federal government published proposed regulations intended to implement recent asylum reforms and clarify application requirements and timelines.

Open work permit measure expanded for spouses of certain Quebec workers

IRCC expanded a temporary measure so certain spouses or partners of eligible Quebec skilled-worker applicants may seek open work permits.

IRCC surveys clients about immigration representation

IRCC invited selected clients to provide confidential feedback about immigration and citizenship representation and advice.

Indigenous name-reclamation document fee waiver nears end

IRCC reminded eligible people that the fee waiver for replacing specified identity documents to reclaim an Indigenous name was ending.

Canada strengthens regulation of immigration consultants

New regulations came into force to enhance oversight of immigration and citizenship consultants and reinforce the College’s regulatory role.

In-Canada Workers Initiative targets up to 33,000 transitions

IRCC reported progress on a one-time initiative intended to accelerate permanent residence for eligible workers already contributing in smaller communities.

Co-op work permit requirement simplified for post-secondary students

IRCC announced a simplified approach to the co-op work permit requirement for eligible international post-secondary students.

Permanent residence fees increased April 30, 2026

IRCC announced revised permanent residence fees taking effect at the end of April.

Right of citizenship fee increased

IRCC announced an increase to the right of citizenship fee and explained when the new amount would apply.

Bill C-12 immigration and asylum measures became law

The Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act received royal assent, introducing changes concerning asylum eligibility, processing, information sharing and document authorities.

IRCC responds to audit of international student reforms

The immigration minister responded to the Auditor General’s report on reforms to the International Student Program and committed to stronger compliance follow-up.

Super visa income calculation changed

IRCC changed how host family income is calculated for super visa eligibility beginning March 31, 2026.

Settlement-service eligibility window changed for economic immigrants

Federally funded settlement-service access for economic-class permanent residents began moving to a time-limited model.

College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants board appointments

The federal government announced appointments to the College’s board of directors.

Temporary special measures extended for certain Iranian nationals

IRCC extended specified temporary measures for eligible Iranian nationals in Canada.

Passport and travel-document fees increased

IRCC announced revised fees for Canadian passports and certain travel documents.

IRCC highlights immigration fraud prevention

IRCC’s Fraud Prevention Month statement emphasized verifying official information, recognizing pressure tactics and confirming that paid representatives are authorized.

Canada announced 2026 Express Entry categories

IRCC identified continuing and new category-based priorities, including French ability and experience in selected health, trade, research, leadership, transport and other occupations.

Interim Federal Health Program changes announced

IRCC announced changes to health-coverage arrangements under the Interim Federal Health Program.

Canada exceeded its 2025 Francophone immigration target

IRCC reported that French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec exceeded the 2025 target and described higher targets through 2028.

Temporary-residence access extended for Ukrainian family pathway applicants

IRCC extended temporary-residence access for certain people who applied under the Ukrainian family reunification permanent-residence pathway.

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