Canada has introduced significant changes to its visa and immigration rules affecting international students, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs seeking to study, work, or settle in the country. The new policies are designed to simplify access for qualified applicants while tightening some existing pathways.
Canada will no longer accept new permanent residence applications under the Start-Up Visa Programme. Applicants who already hold a valid commitment certificate from a designated organisation can still apply until June 2026. Work permits under the programme are now restricted to existing holders only.
Foreign-trained professionals are no longer required to present Canadian work experience under the Ontario Employment Standards Act. The policy, effective from January 1, 2026, removes barriers for applicants without prior work experience in Canada.
Under Ontario’s “As of Right” framework, qualified professionals including healthcare workers, engineers, electricians, and architects can begin working within ten business days once their credentials are approved by the relevant regulatory body.
Foreign workers aiming to settle in Alberta can now benefit from the Rural Renewal Stream, which allows rural communities to endorse candidates for local job offers. Successful applicants may also be nominated for permanent residence.
International students enrolled in master’s or doctoral programmes at public institutions are now exempt from providing a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter when applying for a study permit. The requirement was initially introduced to regulate study permit applications.
Officials say the changes are intended to make Canada more accessible for education and skilled migration while maintaining regulatory safeguards for specific programmes.
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