Canada is preparing for major legal and policy changes in 2026, especially around citizenship and immigration.
From fixing long-standing citizenship gaps to cutting immigration numbers and tightening application processing, these updates will affect students, workers, families, and skilled professionals planning a move to Canada.
Here’s a clear and simple breakdown of what’s changing and why it matters.
New Citizenship Rules for “Lost Canadians”
Canada will fix past citizenship gaps that affected people born outside the country.
These individuals are often called “Lost Canadians.”
From 2026, children born or adopted abroad to Canadian parents will be eligible for citizenship, even if the parents were also born outside Canada.
This change is part of Bill C-3.
Parents must pass a “connection test.”
This means they must have lived in Canada for at least three years before the child’s birth or adoption.
The law will also grant citizenship to people born before the bill takes effect who were excluded due to outdated rules.
This corrects problems created by a 2009 citizenship law that was later ruled unconstitutional.
Canada to Cut Immigration Numbers in 2026
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028 shows sharp reductions across most categories.
The goal is to better manage housing, services, and processing delays.
Permanent residents will be capped at 380,000 in 2026, down from 395,000 in 2025 and far below 483,000 in 2024.
Economic immigration will form a larger share, while family and refugee categories will see cuts.
Temporary foreign worker admissions will drop to 230,000, compared to over 367,000 in 2025.
Refugee and protected person targets will fall to 56,200.
International student visas will reduce sharply to 155,000 in 2026, compared to 437,000 in 2025.
Overall temporary resident admissions will fall from more than 670,000 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026.
One-Time Pathways to Permanent Residency
Despite the cuts, Canada will open limited transition programs.
Up to 33,000 temporary workers in high-demand sectors like healthcare and skilled trades will be allowed to become permanent residents in 2026 and 2027.
Another special program will help around 115,000 protected persons already living in Canada gain permanent residency over the next two years.
Stronger Powers Under Bill C-12
Bill C-12 brings a major shift in how immigration applications are handled.
For the first time, immigration officials can pause, cancel, or terminate applications that are already in process.
This applies under specific conditions linked to security, fraud, or system integrity.
This means an application being “under review” no longer guarantees a final decision.
The government says the law strengthens border security and helps fight organized crime and illegal activity.
Express Entry Gets a New Category for Doctors
Canada is expanding Express Entry to address healthcare shortages.
From 2026, a new category will be created specifically for doctors, including family physicians, surgeons, and medical specialists.
Applicants must have at least 12 months of Canadian work experience to qualify.
Faster Route for US H-1B Visa Holders
Canada has introduced an accelerated immigration option for H-1B visa holders in the US.
Eligible applicants could receive an open work permit valid for up to three years.
This pathway targets highly skilled professionals already screened under the US system.
However, the initial cap of 10,000 applications has already been reached, and the program is currently closed.
Major Changes for International Students
Study permit numbers will continue to fall in 2026.
Canada plans to issue up to 408,000 study permits in total, including 155,000 for new students and the rest for extensions.
Some graduate-level students at public institutions will be exempt from PAL/TAL requirements from January 1, 2026.
Provinces will receive fixed allocation targets, with Ontario and Quebec taking the largest shares.
Home Care Worker Pilot Remains Paused
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot will not reopen in March 2026.
IRCC has confirmed the pause will continue with no new intake planned.
Business Immigration and New Entrepreneur Pilot
Canada is tightening existing business immigration programs to reduce backlogs.
At the same time, a new entrepreneur pilot is being prepared.
This program will be more selective and focused on businesses that bring clear economic benefits to Canada.
What This Means Going Forward
Canada’s 2026 reforms signal a more controlled and selective immigration system.
While pathways still exist for skilled workers and families, competition will increase and processing rules will be stricter.
Anyone planning to study, work, or settle in Canada should prepare early, keep documents in order, and stay updated as these changes roll out.
