New Passport Processing Guarantees, PR Fee Increases and Other April 2026 Canada Updates

Canada Introduces “30 Day or Free” Guarantee for Passport Applications

The Canadian government have announced a new money-back guarantee scheme for passport applications that take more than 30 days to process.

As of April 2026, applications for Canadian passports or travel documents that take over 30 days to be processed will have their application fee refunded to the original applicant. These refunds will be issued automatically.

Processing time officially starts when a complete application is received and ends when the passport or travel document is fully printed and verified. It does not include time it takes for the passport or travel document to be posted.

The new policy does not apply to certain administrative services such as replacement, transfer, or true certified copy fees, or to child refugee travel documents and child certificates of identity.

The new policy comes in the wake of Canadian passport fees having been increased for the first time in 13 years. In a press release, IRCC have stated that this new policy should deliver “a clear and consistent standard for applicants” when applying for passports.

Permanent Residence Fees to Increase

IRCC have announced the increase of some permanent residence fees, effective from 30 April 2026.

The affected fees and the increase amounts are as follows:

• Right of permanent residence fee – increase by $25 from $575 to $600
• Provincial Nominee Program – increase by $40 from $950 to $990
• Business – increase by $85 from $1,810 to $1,895
• Family class – increase by $25 from $545 to $570
• Protected persons – increase by $25 from $635 to $660
• Humanitarian and compassionate grounds or public policy measures – increase by $25 from $635 to $660
• Permit holders – increase by $15 from $375 to $390

IRCC have stated that the price increases have been implemented in order to maintain timely, reliable services and to keep up with current inflation.

These new fees will apply to all new applications submitted on or after 30 April 2026.

Work Permit Requirements Simplified for Post-Secondary Students

Requirements for post-secondary international students to work in Canada as part of their course have been simplified by IRCC.

As part of the new changes, eligible post-secondary international students will no longer have to apply for a separate work permit in order to participate in student placements required by their program, such as co-op placements and internships.

Students will typically only be able to work for employers that have been pre-approved by their designated learning institution as part of program requirements.

International students with pending work permit applications will not need to take any action as IRCC will withdraw all eligible and active co-op work permit applications.

How Can IAS Help With Your Canadian Immigration Application?

IAS have a team of immigration consultants and caseworkers experienced in the field of Canadian immigration.

Our CICC-qualified immigration consultants can help you with numerous facets of Canadian immigration, including skilled worker, family, student or provincial-based immigration.

We can also give close guidance and support on Express Entry and the CRS, helping you to maximise your chances of being accepted for one of Canada’s prestigious immigration programmes.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help on your situation today. Call us on +1 844 290 6312 or reach out to us online.