5 Major Canada Immigration Changes That Took Effect From January 1, 2026

Lakshmi

Updated On Jan 5, 2026

Canada has implemented several important immigration & labour policy changes in January 2026, impacting international students, entrepreneurs, & job seekers. From relaxed study permit rules to stricter provincial schemes, here's what's new.

5 Major Canada Immigration Changes That Took Effect From January 1, 2026

On New Year's Day, several important policy changes came into force across Canada, which spanned from updates to provincial labour laws to the closure of a key immigration pathway for entrepreneurs

The detailed background of the newly implemented measures in Canada immigration and the group who would be affected by them is what we will delve into further in this news article.

1. Graduate Students No Longer Require a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter

Who would this update affect? International students planning to pursue a masters or PhD in Canada.

Starting from January 1, 2026 international students who are enrolled in a masters or doctoral programs at public Designated Learning Institutions DLI Canada are no longer required to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter PAL or TAL when applying for a Canadian study permit.

The PAL or TAL system was introduced in 2024, to ensure that study permit applicants were counted within a province or territory's international student cap and now, with this new update, graduate level students are now excluded from the cap altogether.

As a result, more international students can pursue advanced degrees in Canada with doctoral candidates also becoming eligible for faster study permit processing which could be in as little as 2 weeks.

Since these students are no longer subject to IRCC study permit limits, they can apply even if the overall cap has already been reached. This new change also lowers upfront costs as PAL or tal often requires students to pay a deposit to their chosen institution to confirm enrollment.

2. Canada Startup Visa Program Closed to New Applicants

Who would this update affect? Foreign entrepreneurs seeking permanent residence in Canada.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stopped accepting new applications under their Startup Visa Program. From December 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM. However, an exception applies, to applicants who already secured a commitment letter from a designated organisation in 2025 and these individuals have time until June 30 2026 to submit their PR applications.

IRCC has also ended the issuance of new work permits linked to the Startup Visa Program, however, entrepreneurs who already hold such permits may still be eligible to extend them while their permanent residents applications are under review.

The federal government has also stated that these changes are part of a transition towards a new, more targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs. The further details about this pilot are expected to be announced in later months of 2026.

3. Ontario Enhances Labour Mobility for Out-of-Province Regulated Professionals

Who would this update affect? Workers certified in other Canadian provinces, planning to move to Ontario.

Starting from January 1, 2026, Ontario's new as-of-right framework allows professionals certified outside the province to begin working in Ontario more quickly. Under this system, eligible workers can start practising their profession within 10 business days of having their credentials validated by the relevant regulatory body, and the applicant is eligible to work for up to 6 months while completing Ontario-specific licensing requirements

Previously, the authorisation process often took several months and this new framework applies to more than 50 regulatory bodies and over 300 certifications, which include professions such as engineers, architects, electricians and certain health care roles

Also Read: Ontario Proposed A Two Phased Approach For Provincial Pathways to Permanent Residence

4. Ontario Bans Canadian Work Experience Requirement in Job Postings

Who would this update affect? Job seekers in Ontario without prior Canadian work experience.

Amendments to Ontario's Employment Standards Act that took effect on January 1, 2026, introduced new rules for publicly advertised job postings. One of the most significant changes is the ban on employers requiring “Canadian work experience” in job ads or application forms.

This requirement has long been criticised for limiting employment opportunities for newcomers who lack local experience despite being qualified. Now the new rule introduces additional transparency measures, including mandatory disclosure when artificial intelligence is used in the hiring or screening process.

5. Alberta Tightens Eligibility Rules for the Rural Renewal Stream

Who would this update affect? Foreign nationals planning to settle in rural Alberta with a job offer.

Alberta has implemented stricter eligibility criteria for its Rural Renewal Stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, starting from January 1, 2026. The highlights of the changes include:

Applicants within Canada must hold a valid work permit at the time of application and assessment.
Candidates in lower-skilled occupations TEER 4 or 5 must already be residing in Alberta.
Community endorsement allocations are now capped
Endorsement Will be valid for a minimum of 12 months

The Rural Renewal Stream, allows designated rural communities to endorse foreign workers with local job offers, enabling Alberta to nominate them for permanent residence.

New Year, Updated Opportunites. Explore Your Canada PR Eligibility With GetGIS

These new changes signal Canada's continued focus on attracting skilled talent, supporting international students and improving labour market access while refining its immigration pathways in 2026.

Aspiring applicants. Can reach out for Trusted expert guidance from GetGIS. Our team provides personalised Canada immigration assistance to ensure your smoother and seamless application process in 2026

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