Canadian immigration policy continues to evolve throughout the year. This living guide, updated monthly, tracks the most significant regulatory, operational and program changes affecting individuals, families, employers and immigration practitioners.
January 2026 Changes
Protected Persons Permanent Residence Identity Requirements Update
IRCC has updated its guidance on identity documents for protected persons applying for permanent residence.
The instructions clarify that while protected persons may submit a valid passport if they have one, officers must not advise or instruct applicants to approach their embassy or national authorities to obtain identity documents.
Where a protected person cannot obtain a passport or other travel document, they may submit identity documents issued before arriving in Canada. If country conditions make it impossible to obtain such documents, statutory declarations may be accepted as evidence of identity.
Officers must assess whether documents or declarations are genuine, consistent with previous information provided to IRCC or the Immigration and Refugee Board and credible. Applicants must be given an opportunity to explain inconsistencies before a negative decision is made.
Sudan Permanent Residence Public Policy Change
The temporary public policy facilitating permanent residence for certain individuals affected by the conflict in Sudan officially ended on February 16, 2026. While new applications are no longer being accepted, IRCC has released detailed processing guidance that will govern how existing files are assessed and finalized.
The instructions outline how officers are reviewing eligibility, financial requirements for Canadian anchors, admissibility assessments, family composition changes and final decision steps. Applicants remain exempt from financial inadmissibility and certain fees, but must still meet standard criminality, security and medical requirements.
Family Class Interview Process Update
IRCC has added new guidance on how interviews are handled in family class and spouse or common-law partner in Canada applications.
The update clarifies what happens when an overseas family class applicant is physically in Canada and cannot attend an interview at the visa office abroad.
If an interview is required, the visa office will first issue a convocation letter asking whether the applicant can attend overseas. If the applicant indicates they are residing in Canada and cannot attend, the officer must now assess whether the concerns on file require an in-person overseas interview or whether the interview can be conducted from within Canada.
For spouse or common-law partner in Canada applications, files requiring further review or possible interviews will be assessed within the Humanitarian and Identity Operations Branch.
Rural Community Immigration Pilot Update
IRCC released new instructions for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, a permanent residence pathway designed to help rural communities address ongoing labour shortages.
Local organizations will identify critical labour gaps, designate employers and recommend eligible candidates to IRCC. Communities will announce their own timelines for when employers and candidates can apply.
To qualify, candidates must have a valid community recommendation, a genuine job offer within the community and meet minimum education, language, work experience and settlement funds requirements. They must also intend to reside in the recommending community.
New Francophone Community Immigration Pilot for Permanent Residence
IRCC released new guidance for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, a permanent residence pathway for French-speaking candidates who plan to settle in Francophone minority communities outside Quebec.
The pilot is community-driven. Local economic development organizations will designate employers, identify labour needs and recommend eligible candidates to IRCC. Each community will publish its own timelines for when employers and applicants can participate.
If you are an employer looking to hire French-speaking talent or a candidate open to settling outside Quebec, this pilot may be worth watching closely in 2026.
New Temporary Measures for Eligible Indigenous Persons
IRCC released processing guidance for temporary measures supporting eligible Indigenous persons from the United States and certain family members.
These measures, which came into effect on October 10, 2024, facilitate cross-border mobility for members of Federally Recognized Tribes in the United States and citizens of the Manitoba Métis Federation who have qualifying family members in Canada.
Eligible applicants may receive:
- Open work permits valid for up to three years
- Study permits
- Visitor status
- Fee exemptions for temporary residence and biometrics
- Exemptions from medical and financial admissibility requirements
- Relief from certain non-compliance and misrepresentation findings
Applicants must have an “anchor” family member in Canada who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act.
First Generation Limit Interim Citizenship Measure Expired
In January 2026, IRCC confirmed that the interim measure addressing citizenship applications affected by the first-generation limit (FGL) officially expired on December 15, 2025.
The FGL generally limits citizenship by descent to the first generation born abroad to a Canadian parent, leaving some children born or adopted outside Canada ineligible for automatic citizenship.
While the interim measure has ended, applications submitted under it will continue to be processed under legislative changes introduced through Bill C-3.
2026 Excessive Demand Cost Threshold Increased
IRCC has updated the excessive demand cost threshold used to assess medical inadmissibility for health and social services. As of January 2, 2026, the new threshold is $144,390 over five years or $28,878 per year.
If an applicant’s projected health or social service costs exceed this amount, IRCC may find them medically inadmissible on excessive demand grounds. Before making a final decision, IRCC will issue a procedural fairness letter and provide 90 days to respond, which may include submitting updated medical evidence or a mitigation plan.
This threshold does not apply to refugees, protected persons or certain family class sponsorships such as spouses, common law partners and dependent children. However, it remains highly relevant for many economic immigration applicants and their dependants.
