How Canada with its Visa Rules and Fees Can be Important for Travellers to Take Note in 2026 – What You Need to Know Now!

Canada, a top destination for travelers, students, and immigrants alike, is set to introduce key updates to its visa, passport, and immigration policies starting in 2026. These changes will directly impact visa fees, work and study permits, and immigration levels, making it crucial for those planning to travel or move to Canada to stay informed. Here’s an in-depth look at what’s to come in 2026 and beyond.

Visa and Passport Fees for 2026

As of December 2025, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has increased certain visa-related fees, which will be applicable to 2026 applications. The temporary resident visa (TRV), which is the visa required for visitors, will cost CAD $100 per person for single or multiple entry visas. This is in addition to the biometrics fee, which is CAD $85 per person, or CAD $170 for a family applying together. These fees are consistent with previous years but are subject to annual changes based on administrative costs.

For those applying for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program (commonly known as the working holiday visa), the processing fee is CAD $184.75. This increase, alongside others in the fee schedule, reflects a 3% rise that was implemented at the close of 2025. To understand the full impact of these updates, travelers must consult the IRCC website as fees are subject to adjustments each year.

Work Permits and Study Permits Changes

For individuals applying for work permits or study permits in Canada, 2026 brings significant policy updates. The work permit fee remains at CAD $155 per person, while those looking to extend their stay as a visitor or apply for a study permit will also be required to pay similar fees. Canada’s immigration policy has become increasingly focused on attracting skilled workers and international students, ensuring that there are sufficient pathways to work and study in the country.

Starting January 1, 2026, Canada has introduced new study permit rules that focus on caps and allocation windows for certain programs. This will affect how international students apply for study permits and maintain their student status while in Canada. These changes are designed to streamline the process and help the Canadian government better manage the influx of students from around the world.

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan outlines the targets for the number of immigrants the country intends to admit over the next several years. From 2026 to 2028, the government plans to admit around 380,000 new immigrants per year across various immigration categories, including the economic class, family class, and humanitarian and refugee categories. This plan will significantly impact temporary residents, including those coming for work or study purposes, with a target of 385,000 temporary workers and students in 2026 alone.

With this plan, Canada continues its emphasis on attracting high-skilled labor and those who can contribute to the country’s economic development. Additionally, it reflects Canada’s commitment to maintaining a diverse and inclusive society by welcoming applicants from around the world.

Changes to Passport and Travel Authorization

Canada’s passport strength remains among the highest globally, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 187 countries. This is especially important for Canadians who travel frequently for business or leisure. While passport fees have historically been around CAD $120 for a 5-year passport and CAD $160 for a 10-year passport, updates for 2026 have not yet been widely published.

It’s essential for Canadian citizens and residents to check for any passport fee updates on the official Canada.ca site closer to the application date. The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is required for visa-exempt travelers entering Canada by air, will likely remain in effect in 2026 with a nominal fee of around CAD $7.

Policy Updates Impacting Canada’s Immigration Pathways

Canada’s immigration pathways will experience several important policy changes starting in 2026. One of the most significant changes is the temporary pause on the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot. This program, which had allowed certain workers in the home care sector to apply for permanent residence, will no longer accept new applicants starting in 2026. This move is a response to backlogs in processing and a high demand for workers in this sector.

Canada’s government is also introducing new guidelines for visa officers to ensure more consistent and fair assessments across all types of applications. This includes visitor, work, and study visas. The goal is to speed up the decision-making process and make visa issuance more predictable for applicants.

Impact of International Travel Changes on Canada

In addition to internal immigration changes, international travel to Canada will be influenced by new policies from the U.S. and other neighboring countries. As the U.S. has announced stricter visa requirements and enhanced vetting procedures, travelers from Canada, particularly those holding Canadian visitor visas, might face additional scrutiny when entering the U.S. or other regions. These changes will likely also affect the visa process for those traveling from other countries to Canada, as border authorities coordinate with international security agencies.

Conclusion: Preparing for Canada’s 2026 Immigration and Visa Changes

For anyone planning to visit, work, or study in Canada in 2026, it is essential to stay updated on the visa fees and policy changes outlined above. Whether applying for a temporary resident visa, a study permit, or planning to enter Canada on a working holiday, these changes will affect how individuals engage with the Canadian immigration system. By staying informed and consulting official resources like the IRCC and Passport Canada websites, applicants can ensure that they are prepared for a smooth immigration process into Canada.

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