Recent Immigration and Labor Rule Changes in Canada

Canada implemented several significant immigration and labor rule changes effective January 1, 2026. These updates impact various groups, including international students, entrepreneurs, job seekers, and provincial immigration applicants. The changes reflect a combination of stricter intake controls and adjustments to the labor market.

Key Changes:

• Graduate Students Exempt from Study Permit Caps: Master’s and doctoral students enrolled at public designated learning institutions no longer require a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter to apply for a study permit. They are now excluded from the national study permit cap, allowing applications even when limits are reached. Doctoral candidates may also experience faster processing times, and the removal of attestation letters reduces upfront costs associated with enrollment deposits.
• Start-Up Visa Program Closure: Canada ceased accepting new Start-Up Visa applications as of December 31, 2025. Applicants who obtained a commitment certificate in 2025 can still submit their applications until June 30, 2026. While new work permits under the program are no longer available, existing permit holders may qualify for extensions. The government plans to introduce a more targeted entrepreneur pilot program in 2026.
• Ontario Facilitates Licensing for Out-of-Province Professionals: Ontario introduced new labor mobility regulations that enable professionals licensed in other provinces to commence work within 10 business days after credential verification. These professionals can practice for up to six months while completing the registration process in Ontario, significantly reducing previous delays that could last for months.
• Ontario Prohibits “Canadian Experience” Requirement in Job Postings: Employers in Ontario are now prohibited from mandating Canadian work experience in publicly advertised job postings. This change aims to eliminate barriers for newcomers entering the labor market. Additionally, employers must disclose the use of artificial intelligence in their hiring decisions.
• Alberta Strengthens Rural Immigration Stream: Alberta implemented stricter eligibility criteria for its Rural Renewal Stream. In-Canada applicants must possess a valid work permit during both the application and assessment stages, with maintained status no longer being accepted. Lower-skilled applicants are now required to already reside in Alberta, community endorsements are limited, and endorsement letters are valid for a maximum of 12 months.