Settlement Services Limit, New Express Entry Categories and Other March 2026 Canada Updates

Time Limit to be Placed on Settlement Services

Federally funded settlement services are to be time-limited for economic migrants, in a new move previously outlined in Budget 2025.

Currently, economic migrants are able to access settlement services at any time after obtaining permanent residence and before obtaining Canadian citizenship. However, from 1 April 2026, access to these services will be restricted to a total of up to 6 years after obtaining permanent residence, with a further reduction down to 5 years after 1 April 2027.

Settlement services offered by the Canadian government are designed to aid economic, social, and cultural integration throughout the country. The changes to the availability window for these services will apply to new and current economic class permanent residents, including principal applicants, their spouses and dependents.

The move is said to try and encourage “earlier use” of services offered while ensuring that services are kept for those who need them most.

New Express Entry Categories for 2026 Announced

IRCC have announced new preference categories for Express Entry routes in 2026, designed to address key labour shortages in certain sectors, as part of the Talent Attraction Strategy outlined in Budget 2025.

The new categories introduced are as follows:

• Medical doctors with Canadian work experience
• Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience
• Transport workers, including pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors
• Highly skilled foreign military staff recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces in key roles such as military doctors, nurses and pilots

Priority categories that were in place throughout 2025 will also continue to be invited to apply, including (but not limited to):

• Applicants with strong French-language skills
• Health care and social service workers, such as nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and chiropractors
• Tradespeople, such as carpenters, plumbers and machinists

Applicants should note that the minimum work experience threshold for certain categories has also increased from six months to one year, which may affect eligibility for certain candidates.

Canadian Passport Fees to Increase for First Time in 13 Years

Passport application and renewal fees are to see an incremental rise for the first time since 2013.

The new fees will apply from 31 March 2026, with the Canadian government citing rising inflation and the growing cost of production of official documents as reasons for the increases.

The new fees for applications made inside Canada are as follows:

• 10-year regular adult passport – from CAN$160 to CAN$163.50 (up CAN$3.50)
• 5-year regular adult passport – from CAN$120 to CAN$122.50 (up CAN$2.50)
• 5-year regular child passport – from CAN$57 to CAN$58.50 (up CAN$1.50)

In addition, the new fees for applications made outside Canada are as follows:

• 10-year regular adult passport – from CAN$260 to CAN$266.25 (up CAN$6.25)
• 5-year regular adult passport – from CAN$190 to CAN$194.25 (up CAN$4.25)
• 5-year regular child passport – from CAN$100 to CAN$102.50 (up CAN$2.50)

Fees for certain other products and services such as urgent pickup, adult refugee travel documents, weekend or statutory holiday services and interim passports will also see increases.

All applications submitted on or after 31 March 2026 will be subject to the new fees.

Changes to Income Calculations for Super Visa

IRCC have announced changes to the way that family income will be calculated when determining eligibility for the parents and grandparents super visa.

The changes mean that main applicants will now have two alternative ways to meet the minimum income requirement, which are as follows:

• Extending the income assessment period: Hosts and their co-signer (if applicable) may meet or exceed the income requirement in either one of the two taxation years preceding the time of application instead of just the year prior
• Allowing the income of the visiting parent or grandparent to be added: If the hosts and their co-signer (if applicable) meet the required minimum percentage of income, the income of the visiting parents and grandparents can be added to cover the remaining amount

The changes are due to come into place from 31 March 2026. According to an official statement, the changes have been implemented to ensure that the visa is “equitable and accessible to more families” while also ensuring that relevant family members are financially supported during their stay.

The super visa is a temporary visa that allows parents and grandparents of eligible Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit for longer periods of time. In order to be eligible for the new criteria coming into place on 31 March 2026, applicants must submit necessary documents and proof demonstrating that they meet the minimum income requirement for their family size.

Applicants who were already eligible under the old rules will still continue to be eligible for a super visa.

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.