Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released a series of significant regulatory updates and public policy announcements that will affect skilled workers, international students, employers, and Iranian nationals currently in Canada. Here is a plain-language breakdown of each change and what it may mean for you.
1. A New Federal High-Skilled Immigration Class Is Being Created
Canada is planning to overhaul how it selects skilled workers for permanent residence.
IRCC is proposing to introduce a new federal high-skilled immigration class with streamlined eligibility requirements, and to repeal the existing Federal Skilled Worker Class, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Class. In other words, the three separate streams that currently feed into Express Entry would be consolidated into a single, modernized class.
The proposed changes are intended to create a more diverse pool of international talent to fill a variety of labour market needs, while making the system easier for clients, employers, and partners to understand and navigate.
What this means for you: If you are currently in the Express Entry pool or planning to apply for permanent residence as a skilled worker, the criteria you qualify under today may change. Public consultations are planned for Spring 2026, and the new regulations are expected to follow shortly after. We strongly recommend speaking with an immigration lawyer before submitting an application or making any decisions based on your current eligibility.
2. Study and Work Authorizations Are Being Streamlined for International Students and Apprentices
IRCC is also proposing changes that would reduce red tape for international students and foreign apprentices in Canada.
The proposed amendments would remove the co-op work permit requirement for international students, and remove the study permit requirement for foreign apprentices who meet certain conditions — reducing the administrative burden of requiring foreign nationals to obtain both a study permit and a work permit to complete a single educational program.
Additionally, existing authorizations to work without a work permit would be extended to international students waiting for a decision on their study permit extension, and to international graduates waiting for a decision on their post-graduation work permit application.
Other amendments would standardize work authorization for international students during scheduled academic breaks and clarify study permit and designated learning institution requirements.
What this means for you: These changes could significantly simplify the path for international students enrolled in co-op programs and for foreign apprentices. However, the new rules have not yet come into force. If you are currently navigating a work or study permit situation, it is important to understand what rules apply today while the new framework is being finalized.
3. Employer Compliance Inspections Under the International Mobility Program Are Moving to a New Department
A structural change is coming to how the government oversees employers who hire workers through the International Mobility Program (IMP).
Budget 2025 directed IRCC to transfer its responsibility for conducting employer compliance inspections related to the IMP to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Currently, both departments conduct similar inspections under different programs — IRCC under the IMP and ESDC under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program — which has resulted in duplication of effort and oversight.
The aim of the transfer is to simplify the compliance landscape for employers, support more coherent federal oversight under a single department, and ensure worker protection.
The proposed regulatory change is expected to have minimal impact on employers and temporary foreign workers using the IMP, and is not anticipated to increase employer obligations or adversely impact temporary foreign workers.
What this means for you: If your business hires workers through the International Mobility Program, your compliance obligations are not expected to increase — but the department conducting inspections will change. Employers should ensure their records are current and that they are meeting all conditions of the IMP, as ESDC already has significant inspection experience through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
4. Temporary Work Permit Relief Extended for Iranian Nationals in Canada
For Iranian nationals currently living and working in Canada, an important public policy measure has been renewed.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the situation in Iran continues to be unstable due to a combination of factors, including a recent wave of protests against the current Iranian regime. In response, Canada has extended a temporary public policy to help affected individuals maintain their work authorization.
The measures outlined in this public policy facilitate continued access to work permit extensions from within Canada for Iranian nationals who currently hold work permits that were issued on or before February 28, 2025.
To be eligible, a foreign national must be a national of Iran in Canada with valid temporary resident status, hold a valid work permit issued on or before February 28, 2025, have applied for a work permit renewal from within Canada, and not have already been granted an exemption under this public policy
This public policy came into effect on March 1, 2026 and expires on March 31, 2027, and may be revoked at any time without prior notice.
What this means for you: If you are an Iranian national in Canada whose work permit is expiring or has recently expired, you may qualify for this exemption to renew your work permit from within Canada. Given the strict eligibility conditions and the policy’s expiry date, we encourage you to consult with an immigration lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you apply correctly and on time.
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Legal Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific; individual circumstances vary significantly. Reading this article does not create a lawyer-client relationship. If you are facing a removal order or believe you may be eligible for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment, please consult a qualified Canadian immigration lawyer or authorized immigration consultant as soon a
