Canada is set to implement significant immigration reforms in 2026 as the federal government moves to tighten policies and reduce the number of temporary residents. The changes—announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government—will affect international students, foreign-trained doctors seeking permanent residence, and certain individuals eligible for Canadian citizenship.
Officials say the measures are aimed at bringing immigration to what the government calls “sustainable levels” while continuing to address critical labour shortages.
Sharp reduction in international student permits
One of the most significant changes will be a steep cut to international student permits.
In November, the federal government confirmed it plans to reduce the number of new study permits issued in 2026 to 155,000, down from a previously projected 305,900. The cap will fall further to 150,000 in both 2027 and 2028.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the move is part of a broader effort to rebalance immigration levels.
“We are taking back control over immigration in Canada and putting Canada back on a trajectory to bring immigration back to sustainable levels,” Champagne said in November.
The federal government has since outlined how the reduced number of permits will be distributed among provinces, with some regions allocated larger shares than others.
New Express Entry pathway for international doctors
Ottawa is also introducing a targeted immigration stream to address shortages in the health-care system.
In December, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new Express Entry category specifically for international doctors.
To qualify, applicants must have at least one year of Canadian work experience in an eligible medical occupation within the past three years. The government says the new category will provide a clearer route to permanent residence for physicians already contributing to Canada’s health-care system.
IRCC says invitations to apply under this category are expected to begin in early 2026.
Expanded citizenship by descent under new law
A third major change affects Canadian citizenship rules.
Legislation known as Bill C-3, often referred to as the “Lost Canadians” bill, came into force in December after receiving royal assent on Nov. 20. The law removes the long-standing first-generation limit on citizenship by descent.
Under the new rules, Canadian parents who were themselves born or adopted abroad may pass on citizenship to children born or adopted outside Canada on or after Dec. 15, 2025, provided the parent has a “substantial connection” to Canada. This is defined as at least 1,095 cumulative days (three years) of physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.
The government says the change is intended to correct historical gaps in citizenship law and expand eligibility to families previously excluded.
What it means going forward
Together, the three measures signal a shift in Canada’s immigration strategy—tightening overall intake while prioritizing specific economic and social needs. International students will face tougher competition for permits, foreign-trained doctors may see an easier path to permanent residence, and more families will become eligible for Canadian citizenship under the revised rules.
Federal officials say further details and implementation guidance will be released as 2026 approaches.