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Canada makes immigration easier but costlier—key changes explained

Canada raises passport fees, makes super visas easier, extends immigrant support, and lets provinces manage immigration more.

By Srijoni Dutta

Apr 07, 2026 14:22 IST

Starting April 1, 2026, Canada has made several changes to its immigration rules for citizens, permanent residents, and visa applicants. These changes are meant to make immigration processes faster and easier to handle.

Passport and citizenship fees have gone up, but families can now benefit from longer stays through relaxed super visa rules. The government is also giving provinces more power to decide who can settle locally.

Also Read | Why Indian student share in Canada dropped from 50% to under 10% in two years : Report

Rural work permits are easier to get, and immigrants can get help settling for longer. These changes make immigration simpler and fairer.

Passport and citizenship fees rise with a 30-day refund guarantee

One of the most noticeable updates is the increase in passport and citizenship fees, reported The Times of India. A 10-year adult passport now costs CAD $163.50, up from CAD $160, while a 5-year passport is priced at CAD $122.50.

Citizenship fees have also increased slightly, with the right of citizenship fee now set at CAD $123. Canada has now raised passport and citizenship fees in April 2026. They promise to process passports in 30 days, or else you will get your money back. This makes the process faster and fair for everyone.

Super visa rules eased to let parents, grandparents stay longer

Canada has made super visas easier so parents and grandparents can visit. Sponsors can use income from the past two years, and visitors’ income can count too. The visa lets them stay up to five years, giving families more time together and less worry about renewing.

Provinces now have more power to decide if immigrants will live and work in their area. Before, the federal government made these decisions. This change helps regions choose immigrants who fit local jobs and community needs.

Also Read | Canada offers LNG to India amid Iran–Israel war: Here's how it could cut reliance on Middle East gas

Rural work permits eased, Saskatchewan immigration fees updated

Rural employers can now hire more foreign workers, up to 15% of their staff instead of 10%, until March 2027 depending on the province. People applying under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) must pay a CAD $500 application fee, and CAD $250 if they appeal a rejected application. These changes help rural areas get the workers they need while keeping immigration organized.

Canada’s 2026 immigration changes make the system faster and easier. Super visas are simpler, provinces have more control, and families and workers get more support.

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