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.
The Government of Canada is extending federal fuel excise tax relief on gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels. This action is taken in response to new United States tariffs and global conflicts that are driving up prices.
Source: IRCC
Minister Metlege Diab highlighted the extension of federal fuel excise tax relief on gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels for Canadians. This measure is part of the government's response to new U.S. tariffs and global conflicts that are driving up prices.
Source: IRCC
The Government of Canada is expanding online passport renewal to all eligible adults. This modern passport program aims to provide secure digital services that save time and reduce the need for in-person visits.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
The Government of Canada is expanding online passport renewal to all eligible adults. This initiative aims to simplify the process by providing secure digital services that save time and reduce the need for in-person visits.
Source: IRCCCitizenship
Minister Metlege Diab highlighted that Canada Child Benefit payments will increase in 2026–2027. The Government of Canada is strengthening the Canada Child Benefit, a monthly tax-free payment, to lower costs for families raising children.
Source: IRCC
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 innovative projects that reduce immigration obstacles, promote these communities internationally, and facilitate the recruitment and selection of French-speaking candidates for 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 Government of Canada is focused on building a stronger economy and making life more affordable for Canadians. Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, highlighted the launch of the National Food Security Strategy on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Source: IRCC
The Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration aims to integrate Francophone perspectives into Canadian immigration programs by supporting the growth of Francophone minority communities. It offers funding for projects that reduce immigration obstacles, promote these communities internationally, and facilitate the recruitment and selection of French-speaking candidates for permanent residence.
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
Minister Metlege Diab stated that Canada Day is a time to reflect on the country's diversity, shared values, and official languages. He described the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate community unity and look forward to building a better Canada for future generations.
Source: IRCC
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
The Government of Canada is proposing new regulations to modernize the asylum process and support timely decisions. This action aims to maintain a fair, orderly, and well-managed asylum system following recent decreases in asylum claim volumes.
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 has strengthened border screening, information sharing, and fraud detection to identify non-genuine travellers and protect the integrity of its immigration and asylum systems. In 2025, authorities were also strengthened to cancel eTAs, visas, and work or study permits in specific circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
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 of Canada is changing visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia to strengthen Indo-Pacific ties. These measures aim to diversify trade partners and support a stronger, more resilient economy by safely increasing mobility.
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 highlighted sport investments from the Spring Economic Update 2026 under the Canada Strong for All initiative to build stronger and safer communities. The Government of Canada stated that it has moved fast to build major infrastructure, homes, and industries to grow the economy and create lasting prosperity.
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 launching measures to support people impacted by domestic natural disasters as extreme weather conditions become more frequent and severe. The Government of Canada remains committed to assisting communities that are responding to the growing impacts of climate change.
Source: IRCC
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
The Government of Canada is introducing a new guarantee for passport services to strengthen accountability for processing. This initiative establishes a "30 days or free" standard for passport handling.
Source: IRCCCitizenshipProcessing
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
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is celebrating Canada's role as a co-host of the FIFA World Cup 26 with the United States and Mexico. The department encourages visitors to apply early for their travel.
Source: IRCCVisitor visas
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
The Government of Canada has introduced a new Climate Competitiveness Strategy. The announcement states that climate action is both a moral responsibility and an economic necessity.
Source: IRCC
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab issued a statement to recognize National Francophone Immigration Week.
Source: IRCCFrancophone
Canada is extending temporary measures for Palestinians in the country.
Source: IRCC
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
The Government of Canada is launching measures to support people and communities affected by 2025 wildfires. These actions address the threats to health, safety, and economic stability posed by increasing drought and wildfire risks in a warming climate.
Source: IRCC
Minister Diab stated that Canada Day is a time to reflect on the country's identity and celebrate the people, cultures, and values that unite Canadians. He noted that Canadians can mark the day with pride in their shared commitment to democracy, equality, and building a better future.
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
Canada is extending certain temporary measures for Ukrainians and their family members who have sought a safe haven in the country. This action reflects Canada's ongoing commitment to supporting these individuals while Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues.
Source: IRCC
Canada has renewed its commitment to welcoming people affected by the conflict in Sudan as part of its humanitarian responsibilities. This approach to immigration supports community needs, economic objectives, and the protection of the world's most vulnerable.
Source: IRCC
The International Experience Canada program is launching an immersive marketing campaign to inspire Canadian youth to explore the world. The program provides young Canadians with international opportunities to gain skills, broaden their horizons, and prepare for the global job market.
Source: IRCC
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
Canada is providing financial assistance to Gazans as they arrive in the country. The government states that necessary supports are in place for these individuals while expressing deep concern about the catastrophic conditions in Gaza.
Source: IRCC
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
The Government of Canada is focused on the safety and security of Canadians in Lebanon, where the situation remains volatile due to violent clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. These clashes include daily rocket and missile fire as well as air strikes that are causing conditions to worsen.
Source: IRCC
Canada is committed to supporting those affected by the tragic event involving Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (PS752).
Source: IRCC
Each year, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tables the Immigration Levels Plan, a forward-looking snapshot of immigration targets for the next three years.
Source: IRCC
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan: a plan that will pause population growth in the short term to achieve well-managed, sustainable growth in the long term. For the first time ever, the levels plan includes controlled targets for temporary residents, specifically international students and foreign workers, as well as for permanent residents.
Source: IRCC
Immigration must be responsive to our country’s needs. Setting goals and targets for immigration is a critical part of how we support a well-managed, sustainable immigration system built on community capacity, humanitarian responsibilities and economic objectives, while prioritizing the health, safety and security of Canadians.
Source: IRCC
“By celebrating our strengths and differences, we create a community where everyone feels included and valued. With the exception of Indigenous Peoples, all of us trace our stories back to immigration. Whether your family has been here for generations or you have recently arrived, we can all benefit from a welcoming community.”
Source: IRCC
On Canada Day, we celebrate our freedoms and reflect on our rights and responsibilities as Canadian citizens. We remember and honour the shared history, symbols and values that define us as Canadians. A critical part of being Canadian is understanding the histories and realities of Indigenous Peoples, who have been caretakers of this land since time immemorial, and recognizing their integral role in this country’s past, present and future.
Source: IRCC
Canada honours and shows solidarity with refugees worldwide
Source: IRCCRefugees
We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza. Many people are worried about their loved ones and have expressed significant interest in the temporary special measures we introduced for their extended family in Gaza. That is why, as part of our humanitarian response, we have increased the number of temporary resident visa applications that will be accepted into processing as part of these measures from 1,000 to 5,000. Over the past few weeks, we have been issuing more web codes so that clients can apply for a temporary resident visa.
Source: IRCC
The Citizenship Act contains a first-generation limit to citizenship by descent, which means that a Canadian citizen parent can pass on citizenship to a child born outside Canada if the parent was either born in Canada or naturalized before the birth of the child. Canadians born or naturalized in Canada before adopting a child born abroad can apply for a direct grant of citizenship for the adopted child
Source: IRCCCitizenship
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement to mark the start of Citizenship Week, which runs from May 13 to 19, 2024:
Source: IRCCCitizenship
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement
Source: IRCCStudy permits
“Today, we are proud to celebrate the International Day of La Francophonie. This day is an opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate the linguistic duality that is at the heart of our national identity, and to reflect on the importance of the French language that links us to so many communities around the world. It’s also an opportunity to highlight the importance of Frenchspeaking newcomers who choose to settle in Canada, and who are essential to the economic, cultural and linguistic development of their new communities."
Source: IRCC
“Canada is a top choice for people around the world who want to come here to work, study and build a life with their families. As we welcome these newcomers who bring the skills our economy needs to grow, we must continue to take meaningful action to tackle immigration fraud and protect Canadians and those who wish to come here in good faith."
Source: IRCC
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement:
Source: IRCCCitizenship
Canada values the significant social, cultural and economic benefits that international students bring to Canada. For those benefits to continue and to ensure international students who arrive in Canada are set up for success, we must tackle issues that have made some students vulnerable and have challenged the integrity of the International Student Program. This includes making sure we can manage the number of international students coming to Canada in a sustainable manner, while punishing any bad actors who pose a threat to the system.
Source: IRCCStudy permits
"Newcomers, including refugees, play a vital role in shaping Canada. They enrich our society and communities, and contribute to our long-term economic prosperity."
Source: IRCC
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, made and endorsed a number of pledges at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum.
Source: IRCCRefugees
Immigration pathway for Colombian, Haitian and Venezuelan nationals with family in Canada
Source: IRCC
“Today, we are celebrating the 11th edition of National Francophone Immigration Week under the theme ‘A welcoming land.’ This week allows us to highlight the importance of Francophone immigration to Canada. It is an opportunity for everyone in Canada to celebrate the cultural diversity that makes our country shine. This is also the time to express our appreciation for the extraordinary contribution of French-speaking immigrants to Canada’s cultural, demographic and economic richness."
Source: IRCCFrancophone
“On behalf of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, I welcome the Office of the Auditor General’s report on processing applications for permanent residence. The audit was conducted in 2022 and examined how IRCC processes applications as well as methods for addressing backlogs, which highlight critical aspects of our nation’s immigration policies and procedures."
Source: IRCCProcessing
“Earlier this year, we announced that we will welcome 15,000 migrants on a humanitarian basis from the Western Hemisphere. We are providing a path to economic opportunities to help address forced displacement, as an alternative to irregular migration. Through this initiative, we are providing regular migration pathways to people in the Americas by leveraging permanent resident humanitarian and economic pathways, and temporary work programs.”
Source: IRCC
“By opening our doors to those seeking a better life, we open our communities to those wanting to build a stronger Canada. Other than Indigenous peoples, who have been here since time immemorial, all Canadians can trace their stories back to immigration. Whether your family has been here for many generations, like mine, or has just joined Canada, we can all celebrate the benefits of an inclusive welcoming community."
Source: IRCC
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement:
Source: IRCCRefugees
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement today
Source: IRCC
On June 28, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the first invitations under Express Entry for skilled newcomers with work experience in health care fields.
Source: IRCC
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.
Ready when you are
Take the first step towards your new life in Canada. Book a consultation with our licensed immigration consultants today.
