Canada has implemented a set of immigration and travel-related changes from March 31 and April 1, 2026, affecting passport fees, citizenship costs, visa rules, and work permits. The measures will impact citizens, permanent residents, visa applicants, and foreign workers, with updates ranging from higher fees to new eligibility rules and processing timelines.

The changes include a hike in passport and citizenship fees, a new 30-day passport processing guarantee, relaxed income rules for the super visa, and expanded hiring flexibility for rural employers. Provinces have also been given a larger role in assessing immigration candidates.

Higher fees and faster passport processing

From March 31, Canadian passport fees have increased for the first time since 2013. A 10-year adult passport applied for within Canada will now cost $163.50, up from $160, while a five-year passport will cost $122.50, up from $120. The increase applies to all travel documents and related services in Canada and abroad.

From April 1, applicants will also benefit from a new processing rule. Passport applications will be processed within 30 business days, or the fee will be refunded. The processing timeline starts after submission of a complete application and ends when the document is printed and verified. Mailing time is not included, and refunds will be issued automatically if delays occur.

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Citizenship fee revised, PR costs to rise later

The right of citizenship fee has been increased to $123 from $119.75. The processing fee for adult citizenship applications remains unchanged at $530. Authorities said the fee is adjusted annually to maintain service delivery.

The cost of applying for permanent residence is also set to increase later in April.

Super visa rules eased for families

Changes to the super visa programme now make it easier for applicants to meet income requirements. Sponsors can qualify by meeting the income threshold in either of the two previous tax years.

In addition, if there is a shortfall, the income of the visiting parent or grandparent can be added to meet the requirement. The super visa allows parents and grandparents of citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit.

Provinces get more control over nominations

From March 30, provinces and territories have been given greater authority in assessing immigration candidates under provincial nominee programmes. They will now decide whether applicants intend to live in the region and whether they can establish themselves economically.

Federal officers will no longer independently assess these factors but may consult provinces if concerns arise. The change shifts more responsibility to provincial governments during the nomination stage.

Changes to settlement services and work permits

Economic immigrants can now access federally funded settlement services for up to six years after becoming permanent residents. Earlier, there was no time limit before citizenship. This will be reduced further to five years starting April 2027.

For rural areas, employers will be allowed to hire more foreign workers under the low-wage stream. The cap has been raised from 10% to 15% of the workforce for a limited period until March 2027, depending on provincial participation.

Saskatchewan fee expanded to all worker applicants

From April 1, Saskatchewan has extended its application fee structure to all worker immigration streams. Applicants will need to pay a $500 application fee and a $250 fee for a second review, if requested. Applications submitted before April 1 will not be affected.

Overall, the changes reflect a mix of cost revisions, administrative reforms, and targeted relaxations aimed at managing demand and improving processing across Canada’s immigration system.