🇨🇦 Canada Immigration & Policy Developments
IRCC Introduces Temporary Resident (TR) Targets for the First Time
- TR Targets: 673,650 (2025) → 516,600 (2026) → 543,600 (2027)
- PR Targets: 395,000 (2025) → 380,000 (2026) → 365,000 (2027)
- Goal: Reduce the TR population to 5% of Canada’s total population by end of 2026.
Why this matters:
- Marks the first time Canada has introduced explicit TR targets alongside PR goals.
- Focus on creating a more sustainable pace of immigration tied to housing, infrastructure, and labour capacity.
- Expect caps on study and work permits and stronger PR transition pathways for in-Canada workers and students.
- Increased emphasis on Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
What to Expect:
- Adjusted caps for international students and work permit holders.
- Streamlined PR pathways (CEC, French, Healthcare/Social).
- More predictable immigration planning and better alignment with housing and service capacity.
Bill C-3: Key Citizenship Amendments ("Lost Canadians")
- Adults (18–55) applying under Bill C-3 must now show language proficiency, citizenship knowledge, and pass security/criminal checks
- Children born or adopted abroad to Canadian parents must now show 1,095 days physical presence in Canada within 5 years before birth/adoption.
Impact: Second-generation Canadians abroad should review eligibility now to avoid future complications.
2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan (Coming Soon)
- IRCC will release the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan by November 1, 2025.
- Expect continued focus on reducing TR inflows and stabilizing PR intake.
Action: Monitor announcements closely—policy shifts will affect business immigration, LMIA quotas, and international hiring programs.
Increased Removals & Compliance Actions
- Nearly 2,000 Indian nationals were deported from Canada in 2024 as part of a tightening of immigration enforcement and document review.
Impact: Reinforces IRCC’s focus on valid enrolment and work eligibility. Clients should ensure full compliance with study/work permit conditions.
🇺🇸 United States Immigration & Business Policy Updates
New $100,000 Fee for H-1B Petitions
- Effective September 21, 2025, a $100,000 filing fee applies to new H-1B petitions (not renewals).
- Business groups have filed lawsuits challenging the fee’s legality.
Impact: Employers must budget for the new cost or explore alternative visas (TN, L-1, O-1, E-2) for professional transfers.
Consular Interview Waiver Policy Tightened
- As of October 1, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants must attend in-person interviews.
- Limited waivers remain for low-risk renewals or diplomatic categories.
Impact: Expect longer appointment wait times and earlier pre-planning for business and employee travel.
Increased ESTA & I-94 Fees
- ESTA fee: Raised to US$40.
- I-94 (land entry): Increased to US$30.
Impact: Marginally higher costs for cross-border business travellers. Update travel budget templates accordingly.
USCIS Transition to Electronic Fee Payments
- Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS will require electronic payments for most filings.
Action: Employers and law firms should phase out checks and update payment SOPs.
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