Latest Canadian immigration news, policy changes, program updates and Federal Court decisions, with practical context from authoritative sources.
In a work permit financial capacity decision, the Federal Court set aside six refusals affecting an Ivorian family after finding that an officer did not address the principal applicant’s spouse’s proposed $60,000 annual salary. The applications have been returned to IRCC for redetermination by another officer.
The Federal Court granted judicial review of a visitor visa refusal and sent the application back to IRCC for a new decision by a different officer. In Baghdadi v. Canada, the Court found the reasons did not meaningfully address evidence of the applicant’s family ties in Iran or clearly explain the officer’s conclusions.
To apply for Canada study permit for a 2027 program, first secure admission from a designated learning institution, obtain a provincial attestation letter or Quebec Acceptance Certificate if required, and apply online with credible financial and identity documents. Canada’s study-permit intake controls are expected to continue in 2027, so applicants should start with their school well before the intake deadline.
IRCC has updated its permit holder class eligibility instructions to clarify that foreign nationals issued a temporary resident permit (TRP) for not meeting the requirements of the Act cannot apply for permanent residence through this class. The update concerns TRPs issued for reasons such as lacking a valid passport or temporary resident visa.
The Federal Court dismissed a Belgian Roma family’s application for judicial review on October 29, 2026, upholding the Refugee Appeal Division’s finding that they had not rebutted the presumption of adequate Belgian state protection. The Belgian State Protection finding meant their refugee claim remained refused.
IRCC updated its H&C intake instructions to reflect changes to A25 after Bill C-12 came into force on November 3, 2026. The revised program delivery instructions guide officers on intake and which foreign nationals’ humanitarian and compassionate considerations may be assessed.
New rules for Canada’s asylum system took effect on November 3, 2026. They introduce a single online application process for claims made inside Canada or at a port of entry and change how claims are screened before referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
The Federal Court dismissed a Mexican refugee claimant’s judicial review application after finding the Refugee Appeal Division’s internal flight alternative analysis was reasonable. The Court held that the applicant had not shown a serious possibility of persecution in the proposed alternative location or that relocation there would be unreasonable.
On November 3, 2026, Canada changes how it awards CRS Points Express Entry applicants can earn through Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation. Under the new Labour Market Integration factor, only the higher of the two scores counts.
The Federal Court allowed a sponsored refugee resettlement delay application by Abdulmouien Mashhadi, ordering IRCC to complete processing within 30 days of the October 28, 2026 judgment. The Court found the unexplained delay unreasonable and awarded $2,000 in costs.