The rules have also been made stricter for Indian students going to Canada.
The Canadian government has made a major change in its immigration policy in 2026. Now instead of inviting more people, the government’s focus is on such people who can immediately contribute to the country’s economy.
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According to the new policy, if people already living in Canada and earning around Rs 70 lakh annually apply for PR (Permanent Residency), they can get PR within just 1 week. Whereas people who came illegally will be deported immediately.
The government has also reduced the total quota of PR to be given between 2025 and 2027. Now priority is being given to those who are already living in Canada on work permit or study permit. The government aims to make around 40% of such people permanent by giving them PR from there.
This means that if you are already working or studying in Canada, it may now be easier for you to get a PR. At the same time, the pace of inviting new people from outside has been reduced. These rules are applicable from March 26. Now changes are being made in the administrative structure.
Also, people who have high-skilled and well-paid job offers are getting priority in visas. Especially the professions related to healthcare (doctor, nurse), engineering and construction sector (plumber, electrician) are being given more importance.
Those already working in Canada will get PR soon (file photo)
Know what is special in the new bill?
- Pressure on Canada to overcome growing housing crisis: Major changes have been made in Canada’s new Immigration Bill C-12 and Citizenship Act C-3. The Government of Canada is now focusing on quality rather than quantity. Under the new law, the fixed PR targets for the next 3 years have been drastically reduced. The aim of the government is to reduce the growing housing crisis in the country and the pressure on infrastructure.
- Now you will have to ask for asylum within 1 year after going to Canada: According to the new Bill C-12, the rules for seeking asylum have now become very strict. If a person does not file a claim within one year of entering Canada or within 14 days of crossing the border, he or she may be deported. This is to prevent fraud.
- 40 percent temporary people will be made permanent: For PR, now priority will be given to those people who are already living and working in Canada. The government has made it clear that instead of inviting new people from outside, it will insist on making only 40 percent of the temporary residents already present there permanent residents.
- High-skill now required for visa and work permit: Now, high-skill and well-salary courses are being given importance for visa and work permit. Now it will not be easy to get a work permit after every college or ordinary course. Only those courses which are related to important areas like health or construction will be given priority.
- Canadian parents will be able to pass citizenship on to their children: There has been a major change in Citizenship Act C-3. Canadian parents born abroad will now be able to pass on citizenship to their children, provided they have spent at least 3 years in Canada themselves. This change has been brought to provide relief to those lost Canadian families.
Government’s focus is more on doctors and nurses.
PR easy for high salary workers
According to the information, the most direct route to get PR for high salary workers is Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The government is now holding such draws which are only for those who have job offers. People who are already working at a high-wage in Canada will receive additional points when applying under the Canadian Experience Class.
The higher your salary, the better your financial contribution will be considered and the chances of PR will increase. The Immigration Department will give priority to those professionals whose annual income is around Rs 70 lakh or more.
Revised rules for student visa
Canada has now made the rules stricter than ever in the new immigration bill for students going from Punjab to Canada. Now it is not certain to get a work permit after completing every college or every course. The government has prepared the list of courses. Only those who study in those fields will get permission to work further, which will be in demand in the market.
C-12 bill to stop illegal immigrants
Talking about the new law Bill C-12, it is mainly for those people who try to enter Canada wrongly. Now the rules for seeking asylum have been made very strict. If a person adopts a shortcut instead of the legal method, the government has taken the right to immediately deport him.
Earlier these were with the Refugee Board. For PR, relief has also been given to those people whose parents are Canadian, but they themselves were born outside. Now they will also be able to pass on Canadian citizenship to their children, provided they themselves have spent at least 3 years in Canada.