Official announcements
These are official announcements from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), summarised by Jacinth in plain language. Every item links to the source on canada.ca.
Canada is refocusing its Express Entry program on top talent to drive economic growth. The government aims to restore confidence in the immigration system by attracting and retaining skilled workers who complement the Canadian workforce.
Source: IRCCExpress Entry
Effective November 3, 2026, Express Entry will award points for eligible Canadian work experience or qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations. The changes will also remove labour market impact assessment requirements for qualifying job offers used to establish program eligibility and obtain Comprehensive Ranking System points.
Source: IRCCExpress Entry
Canada is supporting new projects to promote Francophone immigration and strengthen Francophone minority communities. The government is collaborating with partners to address workforce needs and respond to the realities facing these communities.
Source: IRCCFrancophone
The Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration aims to integrate Francophone perspectives into Canadian immigration programs and supports the growth of Francophone minority communities. It offers funding for projects that promote these communities internationally, recruit French-speaking candidates, and facilitate their path to permanent residence.
Source: IRCCFrancophone
The governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories are collaborating to support the demographic and economic development of communities in the territory. This partnership aims to promote Francophone immigration and ensure the retention of qualified Francophone and bilingual talent.
Source: IRCCFrancophone
The governments of Canada and Manitoba are collaborating to strengthen official language minority communities by addressing their labour needs and fostering economic and linguistic vitality. This partnership aims to support Francophone immigration and attract talent to help communities facing demographic and economic challenges.
Source: IRCCFrancophone
Federal, provincial, and territorial immigration ministers met to advance collaboration on the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan and discuss shared priorities. The discussions focused on returning immigration to sustainable levels, addressing labour shortages, and determining the role of Provincial Nominee Programs in supporting communities across the country.
Source: IRCC
Canada is marking World Refugee Day by recognizing the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the international refugee protection system it established. This milestone highlights the principle that people have the right to seek safety from persecution.
Source: IRCCRefugees
Canada is proposing new regulations to modernize the asylum process and support timely decisions. These measures aim to improve the asylum system so that it remains fair, transparent, and sustainable over the long term.
Source: IRCCRefugees
Canada and the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon maintain strong travel, tourism, and economic ties, particularly in Atlantic Canada. The two parties collaborate to support safe and efficient travel while enhancing the security and integrity of their shared travel routes.
Source: IRCC
Canada will change visa requirements for eligible citizens from Indonesia and Malaysia starting May 26, 2026, at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time. This announcement by Minister Lena Metlege Diab aims to strengthen trade, investment, and strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
Source: IRCC
The government outlined a plan to build Canada Strong in Budget 2025. This plan focuses on building the workforce needed to deliver more homes in Halifax.
Source: IRCC
Canada is investing in international projects to improve global migration management, support the integration of newcomers, and expand safe and regular pathways for people moving between countries. These efforts include supporting better migration systems and training officials to facilitate safe, orderly, and regular migration.
Source: IRCC
Canada is collaborating with international partners to enhance migration systems and tackle common challenges. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab led the Canadian delegation to the International Migration Review Forum 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Source: IRCC
The Government of Canada has introduced new regulations to enhance the oversight of immigration and citizenship consultants. These measures aim to strengthen protections for individuals seeking advice by improving access to trustworthy and quality representation.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
Canada is accelerating permanent residence for 33,000 workers to fill labour gaps in smaller communities. This measure supports rural and remote communities experiencing labour shortages in key economic sectors while bringing the immigration system to sustainable levels.
Source: IRCC
The In-Canada Workers Initiative accelerates permanent residence applications for individuals already contributing to Canada’s economy in in-demand sectors, including rural areas and communities with labour gaps. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will continue to process applications for workers who are not eligible under this initiative within existing levels space.
Source: IRCC
Minister Diab concluded Citizenship Week 2026 by welcoming new Canadians. The event serves to reflect on Canadian identity, celebrate those who choose to call Canada home, and recognize Indigenous Peoples who have lived on the land since time immemorial.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
Citizenship Week provides an opportunity for people across Canada to reflect on what unites them as Canadians. The Minister, who is of Lebanese origin, expressed pleasure in recognizing and celebrating the country's newest citizens during this week.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
Canada is extending specific work permit measures for Ukrainians while Russia's illegal war against Ukraine continues. The government states it continues to support Ukrainian people who are contributing to Canadian communities and the labour market.
Source: IRCCWork permits
Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, has received royal assent and become law. The legislation strengthens Canada’s immigration and asylum systems in four key areas.
Source: IRCCRefugees
Minister Metlege Diab thanked the Office of the Auditor General for its audit of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s reforms to the International Student Program.
Source: IRCCStudy permits
The Government of Canada has prioritized supporting Francophone and Acadian minority communities outside Quebec by investing in new initiatives to promote Francophone immigration. The objective is to attract and integrate skilled French-speaking and bilingual immigrants to boost population growth, meet labour needs, and support economic development in these communities.
Source: IRCCFrancophone
Immigration responsibility in Canada is shared between the federal and provincial or territorial governments under the constitution. The federal government sets overall immigration levels, issues visas, and manages permanent residence and temporary foreign worker programs.
Source: IRCC
The Government of Canada is restoring control of its immigration system while attracting and retaining individuals with the skills and experience needed to drive economic growth. This new measure aims to support Quebec workers and employers.
Source: IRCC
March is designated as Fraud Prevention Month to emphasize the need to protect people and safeguard the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
Source: IRCC
Immigration helps fill critical labour gaps in priority industries where there is not enough domestic talent. This supports a resilient Canadian economy that depends on a highly skilled workforce.
Source: IRCC
Canada is adjusting its immigration levels to ensure sustainability while continuing to support the economy. The country is focusing on attracting and retaining highly skilled immigrants through the International Talent Attraction Strategy as global competition for workers intensifies.
Source: IRCCExpress Entry
Canada met its 2025 target for Francophone immigration. This immigration supports the economy, culture, and French language vitality of Francophone and Acadian minority communities outside Quebec while addressing labour needs.
Source: IRCCFrancophone
The government recognizes the courage and contributions of migrants who help strengthen Canada’s communities and economy. Their skills, resilience, and determination enrich the country and support key sectors that rely on global talent.
Source: IRCC
New citizenship rules for Canadians born or adopted abroad are now in effect. The Government of Canada states it is committed to making citizenship law fair, clear, and reflective of how Canadian families live today.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
Bill C-3 amending the Citizenship Act came into effect in 2025. Previously, the Act restricted the passing on of citizenship to the first generation for people born or adopted abroad, requiring the parent to be born or naturalized in Canada before the child's birth or adoption.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
The Minister of Immigration and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health announced new measures to simplify the path to permanent residence for international doctors. These targeted actions support the Budget 2025 commitment to fill critical labour gaps with high-skilled talent to strengthen Canada’s health care system.
Source: IRCC
The Government of Canada is prioritizing Francophone immigration outside Quebec to strengthen minority communities and attract top global talent. This approach aims to fill labour gaps and support key economic sectors across the country.
Source: IRCCFrancophone
Canada has lifted the visa requirement for citizens of Qatar, a change announced by Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab. This new policy took effect at 5:30 a.m. EST this morning.
Source: IRCC
Canada has taken a step to modernize its citizenship laws by providing a fair and clear way for Canadians excluded under outdated rules to pass citizenship to their children born or adopted outside the country.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab issued a statement to recognize National Francophone Immigration Week.
Source: IRCCFrancophone
Canada is investing in services to support economic integration and address labour market shortages. The new government aims to build a strong economy by attracting top global talent and filling key labour gaps.
Source: IRCC
Canada reaffirmed its commitment to meeting humanitarian needs, addressing the root causes of forced displacement, and finding lasting solutions for refugees and other displaced people. The country also honoured the strength and resilience of these individuals while recognizing their important contributions to the communities that welcome them.
Source: IRCCRefugees
The Government of Canada has introduced legislation regarding citizenship by descent for Canadians. The government states that citizenship is central to national identity and is committed to making the citizenship process fair and transparent for newcomers.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
Bill C-3 proposes amendments to Canada's Citizenship Act, which currently limits citizenship by descent for individuals born abroad to cases where the Canadian parent was born or naturalized in Canada. The legislation also allows Canadians who were born or naturalized in Canada to apply for a direct grant of citizenship for a child they adopt abroad.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab issued a statement to mark the start of Citizenship Week. The event runs from May 26 to June 1, 2025.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
The Government of Canada is investing more than $9.3 million to support Francophone minority communities. Francophone immigration helps grow the Canadian economy, promotes the vitality of these communities, and meets labour needs across the country.
Source: IRCCFrancophone
Canada will request an additional extension to keep the limit on Canadian citizenship by descent to the first generation. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship stated a commitment to making the citizenship process fair and transparent.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
Canada has introduced new immigration measures to support the housing sector. These actions aim to strengthen the construction and skilled trades workforce by leveraging the vital role of immigrants.
Source: IRCC
March is designated as Fraud Prevention Month to highlight the negative impacts of immigration fraud on individuals and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system.
Source: IRCC
Canada has announced its 2025 Express Entry category-based draws and plans for additional in-Canada draws to address labour shortages. The government states that immigration is essential for economic growth and that the system must remain nimble and responsive to evolving labour requirements in key sectors.
Source: IRCCExpress Entry
Rural and Francophone minority communities contribute to Canada’s economy and culture but face labour market and demographic challenges as most Canadians and newcomers settle in urban centres. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot successfully connected businesses and employers in remote communities with the skilled newcomers they need.
Source: IRCCFrancophone
The Government of Canada is implementing measures to strengthen border security and the country's immigration system.
Source: IRCC
The Ministers of Public Safety and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship provided updates on measures to reinforce the integrity of the border with the United States and the immigration system. These ongoing efforts include Canada’s Border Plan, which was released in December 2024.
Source: IRCC
The Government of Canada is taking action to reduce fraud in the Express Entry system. The government is committed to strengthening the integrity of the immigration system and bringing top talent to work in Canada.
Source: IRCCExpress Entry
The Government of Canada acknowledges that migrants and refugees contribute skills, innovation, and cultural diversity that enrich communities and strengthen economies. International Migrants Day serves as a time to reflect on these contributions and reaffirm the commitment to protecting migrants' rights, fostering inclusion, and building connections within new communities.
Source: IRCC
New regulations for the International Student Program have taken effect in Canada. The government states that the program must be sustainable and that students must be protected from abuse within the system.
Source: IRCCStudy permits
Minister Marc Miller issued a statement to celebrate National Francophone Immigration Week. He highlighted the vital importance of Francophone immigration to Canada.
Source: IRCCFrancophone
Canada is committed to supporting those affected by the tragic event involving Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. A new pathway to permanent residence is being established for the families of the victims of this flight.
Source: IRCC
The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tables the Immigration Levels Plan each year to provide a forward-looking snapshot of targets. This plan outlines immigration goals for the next three years.
Source: IRCC
The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan to pause population growth in the short term for sustainable long-term growth. This plan introduces controlled targets for international students, foreign workers, and permanent residents for the first time.
Source: IRCC
The government has taken actions to strengthen Canada’s temporary residence programs and migration pathways. These measures aim to support a well-managed, sustainable immigration system that balances community capacity, humanitarian responsibilities, and economic objectives while prioritizing the health, safety, and security of Canadians.
Source: IRCC
Canada honours and shows solidarity with refugees worldwide.
Source: IRCCRefugees
Bill C-71 amends the Citizenship Act, which currently limits citizenship by descent to the first generation for children born outside Canada. The Act allows Canadians born or naturalized in Canada to apply for a direct grant of citizenship for an adopted child born abroad.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
Minister Marc Miller issued a statement to mark the start of Citizenship Week, which runs from May 13 to 19, 2024. The minister engaged with communities across Canada during this period.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
Minister Marc Miller issued a statement regarding international student allocations for provinces and territories.
Source: IRCCStudy permits
Minister Miller celebrated the International Day of La Francophonie by highlighting the importance of linguistic duality to Canada's national identity. He also emphasized the essential role of French-speaking newcomers in the economic, cultural, and linguistic development of their new communities.
Source: IRCC
The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship stated that Canada will not appeal the decision striking down the first generation limit to Canadian citizenship by descent.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
Canada aims to maintain the benefits of international students by addressing vulnerabilities and integrity issues within the program. The government will manage student numbers sustainably while penalizing individuals who threaten the system.
Source: IRCCStudy permits
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller made and endorsed pledges at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum. These commitments aim to provide more support to refugees and the people who host them.
Source: IRCCRefugees
Immigration Canada is providing a pathway for Colombian, Haitian and Venezuelan nationals who have family in Canada.
Source: IRCC
Minister Miller marked the 11th edition of National Francophone Immigration Week with the theme “A welcoming land” to highlight the importance of Francophone immigration to Canada. The event serves as an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and express appreciation for the contributions of French-speaking immigrants to the country’s cultural, demographic, and economic richness.
Source: IRCCFrancophone
Minister Miller welcomed the Office of the Auditor General’s report on the processing of permanent residence applications. The 2022 audit examined how Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada processes applications and addresses backlogs.
Source: IRCCProcessing
Summaries are drafted from the announcement text and do not add facts or advice. For how a change affects your own case, see our guides or talk to a consultant. Canonical page: https://www.jacinthimmigration.ca/news.
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