Last Updated On 17 November 2022, 9:24 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Ontario PNP known as Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) provided an update that e-filing system will be temporarily closed to new activity between November 16 and November 21, 2022. This is because of the implementation of new TEER system under NOC 2021. It will now be used among all the OINP streams.
Furthermore, they informed that expression of interest (EOI) profiles submitted before November 16, 2022 will need to re-submit their EOIs after November 21, 2022. Applications already submitted after receiving the EOI can still access their profile to check status, but will not be able to make any new changes.
New TEER system will affect scoring matrix as well as new codes will be assigned to occupations under In-Demand stream. Furthermore, new draw under Human Capital Priorities stream and Skilled Trades Stream will also be indicating New TEER codes in upcoming draws.
- You may also like:
- New NOC Codes: Step-Wise Guide To Find Your NOC
- 16 NOC C Occupations To Become Eligible For Express Entry!
- More Than 4400 LMIA Approved Jobs In Canada – Here Is How To Find One
- Canada PNPs That Invite Express Entry Profiles With Low CRS Score
- Canada To Start Targeted Draws For Skilled Workers Next Year
New NOC Codes For In-Demand Skills stream
Below is the list of occupations with new NOC codes under the TEER system for OINP In-Demand Skills stream.
The job position offered in any location in Ontario including Greater Toronto Area must be in one of the following occupations:
- NOC 44101 – Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations
- NOC 75110 – Construction trades helpers and labourers
- NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
- NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
- NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers
- NOC 85103 – Nursery and greenhouse labourers
- NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
- NOC 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale
The job position offered outside the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto, Durham, Halton, York, and Peel regions) in one of the following occupations:
- NOC 94100 – Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
- NOC 94105 – Metalworking and forging machine operators
- NOC 94106 – Machining tool operators
- NOC 94107 – Machine operators of other metal products
- NOC 94110 – Chemical plant machine operators
- NOC 95102 – Labourers in chemical products processing and utilities
- NOC 94111 – Plastics processing machine operators
- NOC 94124 – Woodworking machine operators
- NOC 94132 – Industrial sewing machine operators
- NOC 94140 – Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing
- NOC 94201 – Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers
- NOC 94204 – Mechanical assemblers and inspectors
- NOC 94213 – Industrial painters, coaters and metal finishing process operators
- NOC 94219 – Other products assemblers, finishers and inspectors
Affect on OINP EOI Scoring
Job offer: NOC TEER
- NOC TEER category 0 or 1 – 10 Points
- NOC TEER category 2 or 3 – 8 Points
- NOC TEER category 4 – 0 Points
- NOC TEER category 5 – 0 Points
Job offer: broad occupational category
- Occupational Category 0, 2, 3 – 10 points
- Occupational Category 7 – 7 points
- Occupational Category 1,9 – 5 points
- Occupational Category 4,8 – 4 points
- Occupational Category 5,6 – 3 points
Click here for Step-Wise Guide To Find Your New NOC code with TEER system.
- 10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
September 2026 brings a slate of Canadian immigration developments that touch nearly every category of applicant, from international students and temporary foreign workers to permanent residence seekers and employers.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is moving ahead with compliance investigations targeting higher-risk study permit extension cases linked to the former Student Direct Stream while also implementing a centralized Letter of Acceptance fraud-detection function that had been in development since early 2026.
The study permit proof-of-funds requirement rises to $23,448 for a single applicant, and Canada’s special permanent residence pathways for eligible Hong Kong residents are no longer accepting new applications.
At the provincial level, Nova Scotia introduces application fees for its nominee program for the first time, Manitoba makes its updated temporary foreign worker employer-registration form mandatory, and Saskatchewan opens one of its two remaining capped-sector intake windows.
British Columbia’s West Kootenay region holds its final 2026 Rural Community Immigration Pilot intake, the Northwest Territories schedules its last Employer-Driven Stream draw of the year, and Canada extends its Ebola-related immigration and travel restrictions.
Advanced federally funded language training under the LINC and CLIC programs also continues its phase-out, concentrating Settlement Program resources on foundational instruction.
Table of Contents
IRCC Begins Higher-Risk Study Permit Compliance Investigations
IRCC’s official management response and action plan, presented to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration on April 20, 2026, outlines a timeline for launching compliance investigations on study permit extension applications identified as higher risk.
The department’s planning documents specifically reference cases where the initial study permit was processed under the now-cancelled Student Direct Stream.
The Student Direct Stream, which ended on November 8, 2024, had previously offered expedited processing for applicants from 14 countries.
A 2026 audit linked the former SDS to a disproportionate share of confirmed fraud cases in the study permit system.
Under the action plan timeline, IRCC was scheduled to identify volumes for higher-risk investigations by June 2026 and launch those investigations by September 2026.
This does not mean that every international student or every study permit extension is being investigated.
The department is using an advanced analytics model, launched in November 2025, to triage study permit extension applications by risk and complexity and assign them to officers with the appropriate level of expertise.
Separately, IRCC is implementing a centralized Letter of Acceptance verification function.
By September 2026, the department planned to update standard operating procedures, implement the centralized verification unit, and begin monitoring results.
The centralized function is responsible for issuing procedural fairness letters in cases where the LoA verification returns a “no match” result, which may lead to a refusal on misrepresentation grounds.
IRCC has stated that it entered over 1,274 information alerts on immigration files as of the action plan’s publication date, with case reviews underway and scheduled for completion by September 2026.
The department also committed to publishing new Program Delivery Instructions on misrepresentation by September 2026.
For international students, the practical takeaway is that compliance enforcement is intensifying, particularly for those who originally entered through the Student Direct Stream.
Designated learning institutions should expect continued engagement with IRCC’s LoA verification system.
Applicants who received a procedural fairness letter related to LoA verification should respond within the stated deadline with supporting documentation, as failing to do so can result in a finding of misrepresentation with serious immigration consequences.
Study Permit Proof-of-Funds Increases
Study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, are subject to a higher minimum financial requirement for living expenses.
A single applicant applying to study outside Quebec must now demonstrate at least $23,448 in available funds for living costs, up from the previous $22,895 threshold.
This represents an increase of $553.
IRCC ties the study permit financial requirement to 75% of Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off, a measure that is recalculated annually each spring and applied to study permit applications each September 1.
The updated amounts by family size are as follows:
Family Size Minimum Living Expense Requirement 1 person $23,448 2 people $29,192 3 people $35,888 4 people $43,572 5 people $49,419 6 people $55,736 7 people $62,054 Each additional family member Add $6,318 These amounts cover living expenses only and are separate from tuition fees and transportation costs.
Applicants must show sufficient funds to cover all three categories: tuition, living expenses, and transportation to and from Canada.
The application submission date determines which threshold applies.
If you submit your study permit application before September 1, the previous $22,895 amount applies.
If you submit on or after September 1, the new $23,448 threshold applies.
Quebec maintains its own separate financial requirements through the Certificat d’acceptation du Québec system, and the figures above do not apply to applicants studying in that province.
Hong Kong Permanent Residence Pathways Closed
Canada’s special temporary permanent residence pathways for eligible Hong Kong residents stopped accepting new applications after August 31, 2026.
IRCC confirmed this in an official notice published on August 28, 2026, reaffirming the previously communicated deadline.
The two pathways, Stream A for in-Canada graduates and Stream B for applicants with Canadian work experience, were introduced in 2021 under a public policy that recognized the contributions of Hong Kong residents while supporting democratic values.
The policy was extended and expanded in 2023 to reach additional eligible applicants.
As of June 30, 2026, IRCC had received approximately 30,315 applications representing 48,560 people under the public policy.
More than 8,600 applications covering 13,485 people had been approved, and approximately 13,370 people had obtained permanent residence status.
Applications submitted on or before August 31 will continue to be processed under normal procedures.
The August 31 date was the submission deadline, not a decision deadline.
Applicants who filed before the pathways closed can apply for open work permits under a separate public policy that took effect on May 27, 2024, and remains in effect until May 2029, allowing them to maintain status and work while awaiting a decision.
This closure does not automatically end every Canadian immigration measure relating to Hong Kong residents.
The open work permit policy and ongoing processing of already-submitted applications both continue.
Advanced LINC and CLIC Language Training Is Being Phased Out
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has been scaling back Stage Two federally funded language instruction under the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program and its French-language counterpart, Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada.
Stage Two covers Canadian Language Benchmark levels 5 through 8, corresponding to higher-intermediate and advanced instruction.
Multiple service providers across Canada have confirmed that IRCC announced, earlier in 2026, that LINC Stage II classes would no longer be offered, with registrations ceasing after April 2026 at some locations.
Federal Settlement Program resources are being concentrated more heavily on Stage One programming, which covers foundational and lower-intermediate language skills at CLB levels 1 through 4.
Canada’s entire LINC and CLIC program is not ending.
Beginner and lower-intermediate classes remain available to eligible newcomers, including permanent residents and protected persons.
However, newcomers seeking advanced federally funded English or French instruction will find fewer options available through the Settlement Program.
Those affected may need to explore alternative language-training pathways, including provincially funded programs, community college ESL offerings, or self-funded courses.
Manitoba Makes Its New Temporary Foreign Worker Employer Form Mandatory
As of September 16, 2026, Manitoba’s Employment Standards Division will no longer accept the previous version of the employer-registration application form required under the Worker Recruitment and Protection Act.
Employers recruiting temporary foreign workers in Manitoba must use the updated form from that date forward.
Manitoba’s WRAPA requires employers recruiting foreign workers to register with Employment Standards and obtain a Certificate of Registration before recruiting internationally, including before applying for an LMIA or making a job offer as part of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program process.
Submitting a Labour Market Impact Assessment application to the federal government without a valid Certificate of Registration will result in a referral back to Manitoba Employment Standards.
Recruiting without registering can result in fines of up to $25,000 for an individual and $50,000 for a corporation.
This is a provincial compliance requirement under Manitoba law, not a change to the federal LMIA process itself.
Employers currently holding a valid Certificate of Registration should confirm that their registration is current and should use the new form for any future applications or renewals after September 16.
Nova Scotia Introduces New PNP Application Fees
Nova Scotia is introducing application fees for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program for the first time, effective September 1, 2026.
The Government of Nova Scotia announced the new fee structure on August 6, 2026, through its NSNP updates page.
$1,000 applies to the NSNP worker streams, which include the Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate, and Nova Scotia Express Entry pathways.
$2,000 applies to entrepreneur-stream applicants, including candidates starting a new business, purchasing an existing business, and eligible International Graduate Entrepreneur applicants.
There is no fee to submit an Expression of Interest. Fees apply only after a candidate’s EOI is selected for assessment.
Worker-stream candidates must pay within seven calendar days of receiving their selection notification.
Entrepreneur-stream candidates have longer payment windows, ranging from 90 to 180 calendar days depending on the specific pathway.
Candidates who received their selection letter before September 1, 2026, are not required to pay the new fee, regardless of when they submitted their EOI.
Candidates whose EOI is selected on or after September 1 must pay, even if the EOI itself was submitted before that date.
The fees are non-refundable except where required by law or in cases of administrative error.
The Atlantic Immigration Program is separate from the NSNP and is not affected by these provincial application fees.
Saskatchewan Opens Its Next Restricted SINP Intake
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program has scheduled its next capped-sector intake window for September 14, 2026.
This is one of only two remaining intake opportunities in 2026 for employers and workers in Saskatchewan’s three capped sectors: accommodation and food services, retail trade, and trucking.
Saskatchewan restructured the SINP in late 2025, introducing a three-tier system that limits capped sectors to a maximum of 25% of the province’s total nomination allocation of 4,761 for 2026.
Demand has been strong throughout 2026, with several capped-sector intake limits filling quickly. During the July intake, all available position limits were reached on their respective opening days.
Employers in capped sectors can only submit Employer Position Assessment applications during scheduled intake windows.
Workers applying through these intakes must hold a valid work permit with six months or less remaining before its expiry date.
This restriction is designed to prioritize workers at the most immediate risk of losing their status.
This is not a reopening of the entire Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program.
Priority-sector and other-sector applications remain open year-round with no work-permit timing restrictions.
The final 2026 capped-sector intake is scheduled for November 2.
West Kootenay, B.C. RCIP Opens Its Final 2026 Intake
The West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot is opening its final scheduled 2026 intake on September 2 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
The intake window closes on September 7 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
West Kootenay RCIP received 200 community recommendation allocations from IRCC for 2026. Following the June intake, the community had issued 123 recommendations in 2026, including 70 approved from the June pool.
The program had previously indicated that approximately 75 community recommendations may be issued per major intake, subject to remaining allocations, application quality and program priorities.
Applications from the June 2026 pool that were not selected will automatically remain in the pool for the September intake.
Employers wishing to submit an updated application for the same candidate must first withdraw the existing one.
Applicants need a genuine, full-time, non-seasonal, permanent job offer from a designated employer in a locally needed occupation.
Priority sectors include health, trades and transport, manufacturing and utilities, education and community services, sales and service, and business, finance and administration.
Being in the applicant pool does not guarantee assessment or a community recommendation.
The RCIP Steering Committee has final decision-making authority, and applications are ranked by verified scores using the official scoring grid.
The September intake is significant because the community has indicated it is the final scheduled intake for 2026, and changes to the program are anticipated for 2027.
The federal Rural Community Immigration Pilot itself is not ending, but the West Kootenay community’s intake schedule and application pool structure may change.
Northwest Territories Holds Its Final 2026 PNP Draw
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program has scheduled its final 2026 Expression of Interest draw under the Employer-Driven Stream for September 25, 2026.
Candidates must have their EOI profiles submitted to the pool by September 22, 2026, to be considered.
The territory’s 2026 nomination allocation was increased to 300 in August 2026 after IRCC granted 103 additional spaces, up from the initial 197.
Following this increase, the NTNP added a supplementary draw on August 26 and confirmed that the September 25 draw would proceed as the final scheduled selection round of the year.
Under the EOI system introduced in late February 2026, candidates receive a score based on skills and experience, connections to the Northwest Territories, and likelihood of settling in the territory on a scale of up to 845 points.
Only invited employers can submit a full nomination application. Scores for the inaugural March 2026 draw ranged from 417 to 597.
Cutoff scores vary for each draw depending on the composition of the candidate pool.
The Francophone Stream and Business Stream continue to operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are not part of the EOI draw schedule.
This represents the last scheduled opportunity in 2026 for Employer-Driven Stream candidates in the Northwest Territories.
Canada Extends Ebola-Related Immigration and Travel Restrictions
Canada has extended its existing Ebola-related border measures and immigration restrictions until September 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
This is an extension of measures that were previously in effect, not a newly introduced September restriction.
The Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed the extension on August 28, 2026.
The immigration-document suspension applies to foreign nationals who listed the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan as their last country of residence on their immigration application.
Affected temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorizations, temporary resident permit counterfoils, and permanent resident visas remain temporarily suspended, preventing those documents from being used to travel to Canada.
IRCC continues processing new and existing applications from people affected by the measures but will not finalize those applications while the restrictions remain in place.
Separate border rules also apply based on recent travel history.
Foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the previous twenty-one days are generally prohibited from entering Canada, while eligible travellers arriving after recent presence in the affected countries remain subject to health screening and applicable quarantine or isolation requirements.
Transit and refuelling in an affected country count as presence for these border measures.
September 28 is the currently scheduled expiry date following this extension. It does not guarantee that the federal government will lift the measures on that date.
The government may extend, modify, or end the restrictions before or after September 28 depending on the evolving public health situation.
Summary Of September 2026 Canada Immigration Changes
September 2026 Immigration Change Effective Date or Key Date Who Is Affected IRCC higher-risk study permit compliance investigations and LoA fraud enforcement By September 2026 (per IRCC action plan) International students, designated learning institutions, study permit applicants Study permit proof-of-funds increase September 1, 2026 All study permit applicants outside Quebec Hong Kong PR pathways closed to new applications After August 31, 2026 Eligible Hong Kong residents seeking Canadian permanent residence Advanced LINC and CLIC language training phase-out By September 2026 Newcomers seeking higher-level federally funded language instruction Manitoba’s mandatory new TFW employer-registration form September 16, 2026 Manitoba employers hiring temporary foreign workers Nova Scotia PNP application fees introduced September 1, 2026 NSNP worker-stream and entrepreneur-stream applicants Saskatchewan capped-sector SINP intake September 14, 2026 Employers and workers in accommodation and food services, retail trade, and trucking West Kootenay RCIP final 2026 intake September 2–7, 2026 Employers and candidates in BC’s West Kootenay region Northwest Territories’ final 2026 PNP draw September 25, 2026 (EOI deadline: Sept 22) Employer-Driven Stream candidates in the NWT Ebola-related immigration and travel restrictions extended Until September 28, 2026 Affected foreign nationals/residents and travellers linked to the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan September 2026 reflects several intersecting trends in Canadian immigration policy.
Compliance and enforcement are tightening in the student stream, with IRCC moving from audit findings to active investigations and centralized fraud detection.
The department’s focus on study permits originally processed under the Student Direct Stream signals that past processing gaps are being addressed retroactively.
Financial requirements continue their annual upward adjustment, and while the $553 increase to the study permit proof-of-funds threshold is modest in isolation, it compounds the doubling that occurred in 2024 and adds to the overall cost burden for prospective international students.
The closure of the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways marks the end of a five-year policy chapter, although application processing and supporting measures continue for those who filed before the deadline.
Provincial nominee programs are evolving in different directions simultaneously.
Nova Scotia is introducing fees that bring it in line with most other provinces, while Saskatchewan continues to manage intense demand for its capped-sector nominations through tightly controlled intake windows.
The Northwest Territories wraps up its first full year of EOI-based draws, and the West Kootenay region holds what may be its final intake under the current program structure.
For employers, Manitoba’s updated registration form is a straightforward compliance requirement, but the penalty for non-compliance is severe enough to warrant attention.
The extension of Ebola-related restrictions continues to affect applicants and travellers connected to three African countries, with no certainty about whether September 28 will bring an end to the measures.
Applicants across all categories should verify their eligibility against the most current official sources before the relevant September deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What immigration changes take effect in Canada in September 2026?
Ten confirmed or officially scheduled immigration developments take effect or reach key milestones in September 2026, including IRCC study permit compliance investigations, a higher proof-of-funds requirement starting September 1, the closure of the Hong Kong PR pathways to new applications, new Nova Scotia PNP fees, a mandatory Manitoba employer-registration form, the Saskatchewan SINP capped-sector intake on September 14, the West Kootenay RCIP final intake starting September 2, the Northwest Territories final PNP draw on September 25, advanced LINC/CLIC language training phase-out, and the extension of Ebola-related travel restrictions until September 28.
How much money do I need for a Canadian study permit after September 1, 2026?
A single applicant studying outside Quebec must show at least $23,448 in living-expense funds for applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026. This amount is separate from tuition and travel costs. Family sizes of two through seven require $29,192, $35,888, $43,572, $49,419, $55,736, and $62,054, respectively, with $6,318 added for each additional family member beyond seven.
Are Canada’s Hong Kong permanent residence pathways still open?
No, the temporary pathways stopped accepting new applications after August 31, 2026. Applications submitted on or before that date continue to be processed. Applicants who filed before the deadline can apply for open work permits under a separate policy that remains in effect until May 2029.
What are the new Nova Scotia PNP fees?
Nova Scotia is charging $1,000 for worker-stream applications and $2,000 for entrepreneur-stream applications, effective September 1, 2026. Submitting an Expression of Interest remains free. The fee applies only once a candidate’s EOI is selected for assessment. Candidates who received a selection letter before September 1 are exempt.
Is Saskatchewan opening the SINP in September 2026?
Saskatchewan is opening a capped-sector intake window on September 14, 2026, for employers and workers in the accommodation and food services, retail trade, and trucking sectors. This is a restricted intake with limited spaces, not a reopening of the entire SINP. Priority-sector and other-sector applications are accepted year-round.
Is Canada ending the Ebola immigration restrictions on September 28?
September 28, 2026, is the current scheduled expiry date following the most recent extension of Canada’s Ebola-related border and immigration measures. The federal government may extend, modify, or end the measures before or after September 28 depending on the public health situation. There is no guarantee the restrictions will be lifted on that date.
What is the West Kootenay RCIP September 2026 intake?
The West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot opens its final scheduled 2026 intake on September 2 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time and closes on September 7 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Applicants need a genuine, full-time, non-seasonal, permanent job offer from a designated employer in a locally needed occupation. Approximately 75 community recommendations are expected to be available, and applications not selected from the June pool will carry over automatically.
Fact-Checked: This article was fact-checked against primary federal, provincial, territorial, and community-level official sources current as of September 1, 2026. Where IRCC had not yet published an updated figure, corroborating institutional sources and IRCC’s stated methodology were used and clearly identified.
Disclaimer: Immigration News Canada provides independent reporting on Canadian immigration policy and programs. This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, immigration advice, or a substitute for consultation with a licensed immigration professional. Readers should verify all deadlines and requirements directly with the relevant government authority before acting.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- Latest Express Entry Draw On August 31 Sent 562 Invitations For PR
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 562 invitations to apply for permanent residence through a Provincial Nominee Program Express Entry draw on August 31, 2026.
The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 697 points.
That score marks the lowest PNP cutoff recorded in any Express Entry draw conducted in 2026.
The previous lowest PNP threshold this year was 708, recorded in the first Express Entry draw of July on July 6.
A CRS cutoff of 697 means the lowest-ranked invited candidate held a base score of approximately 97 before the 600-point provincial nomination bonus was applied.
This is the third PNP draw of August 2026, following the August 4 PNP round at CRS 768 and the August 17 PNP round at CRS 760.
The cutoff has now fallen 71 points from the August 4 round and 63 points from the previous PNP draw on August 17.
Table of Contents
August 31 Express Entry Draw Results
The table below presents the complete details of the latest Express Entry draw conducted by IRCC on August 31, 2026.
Detail Value Draw Category Provincial Nominee Program Date and Time of Draw August 31, 2026, at 10:42:13 UTC Number of Invitations Issued 562 CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate 697 Rank Required 562 or above Tie-Breaking Rule April 12, 2026 at 04:32:26 UTC IRCC conducted this draw at 10:42:13 UTC on August 31, 2026, selecting 562 candidates who held valid provincial nominations in their Express Entry profiles.
How The Tie-Breaking Rule Determined This Draw
When multiple candidates share the same lowest Comprehensive Ranking System score at the cutoff, IRCC uses profile submission timestamps to determine who receives an invitation.
For this draw, candidates with exactly 697 points only received invitations if they submitted their Express Entry profiles before April 12, 2026, at 04:32:26 UTC.
Anyone with a CRS score above 697 received an invitation regardless of when their profile was submitted.
Why A CRS Cutoff Of 697 Changes The PNP Picture In 2026
Every candidate who holds a provincial nomination receives an automatic 600-point boost to their Express Entry CRS score.
A cutoff of 697 means the lowest-ranked invited candidate needed only 97 base CRS points before that bonus was applied.
For context, PNP cutoffs in 2026 have ranged from a high of 805 on May 25 down to today’s record low of 697.
The June 22 PNP draw stood out earlier this year by issuing 955 invitations at CRS 730, which was then the lowest PNP cutoff since late 2024.
Today’s draw surpasses that milestone by 33 points, setting a new floor for PNP competitiveness in the current invitation cycle.
This shift likely reflects a surge in fresh provincial nominations entering the Express Entry pool, driven in part by Ontario’s new Workforce Priority stream that opened its expression of interest portal on August 4.
Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan have also remained active with nomination allocations throughout the summer, as tracked in the mid-2026 review of provincial nominee programs.
When provinces release a larger batch of nominations between draws, more candidates hold scores above 601 in the Express Entry pool.
That increased supply allows IRCC to fill the invitation round at a lower CRS threshold, which is exactly what happened today.
All Provincial Nominee Program Express Entry Draws In 2026
The following table shows every PNP Express Entry draw conducted in 2026 through August 31, illustrating how both invitation volumes and CRS cutoffs have shifted throughout the year.
# Date Invitations issued CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited 438 August 31, 2026 562 697 435 August 17, 2026 442 760 431 August 4, 2026 507 768 427 July 20, 2026 511 744 423 July 6, 2026 534 708 419 June 22, 2026 955 730 416 May 25, 2026 334 805 415 May 11, 2026 380 798 412 April 27, 2026 473 795 409 April 13, 2026 324 786 406 March 30, 2026 356 802 403 March 16, 2026 362 742 399 March 2, 2026 264 710 395 February 16, 2026 279 789 393 February 3, 2026 423 749 391 January 20, 2026 681 746 389 January 5, 2026 574 711 The trend across this year reveals two distinct phases for PNP Express Entry draws.
The spring period from March through May saw CRS cutoffs climb steadily from 710 to a peak of 805, as provinces processed their early-year nomination allocations at a measured pace.
The summer reversal began in June, when a large batch of nominations pushed the cutoff down to 730 and invitation volumes rose sharply.
The August 31 draw confirms that this downward trajectory in cutoffs has accelerated, with 697 now sitting 108 points below the May 25 peak.
Latest CRS Score Distribution In The Express Entry Pool
The table below presents the full CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of August 30, 2026, one day before this draw was conducted.
The numbers reflect the total number of candidates in the pool overall, captured a few days before this invitation round.
CRS Score Range Number of Candidates 601-1,200 559 501-600 19,542 451-500 74,105 491-500 12,952 481-490 13,273 471-480 16,981 461-470 16,099 451-460 14,800 401-450 60,413 441-450 13,463 431-440 13,233 421-430 11,811 411-420 11,183 401-410 10,723 351-400 46,824 301-350 17,495 0-300 7,735 Total 226,673 What The Pool Numbers Reveal
The Express Entry pool contained 226,673 candidates as of August 30, 2026.
That figure represents a net decline from the 229,100 recorded on August 3, continuing the gradual pool contraction that has been underway since mid-summer.
The 601-1,200 CRS band held 559 candidates as of August 30, yet IRCC issued 562 invitations in this draw.
That discrepancy indicates that at least 3 new nominations entered the pool between the August 30 snapshot and the August 31 draw itself.
Candidates in the 501-600 range number 19,542, a band that primarily determines cutoffs for Canadian Experience Class rounds.
The 451-500 range remains the most populated bracket in the pool with 74,105 profiles, a concentration that has been consistent across multiple pool snapshots throughout 2026.
For PNP candidates specifically, the key metric is the 601-1,200 band because it reflects how many nominees are actively waiting in the pool at any given time.
When this band is smaller relative to the number of invitations IRCC issues, the CRS cutoff drops because IRCC reaches candidates with lower base scores to fill the round.
What Draws Are Expected After This Round
IRCC has followed a consistent cluster-based invitation strategy throughout 2026, typically opening each cluster with a PNP draw and following up with a Canadian Experience Class round within one or two business days.
Based on that pattern, a CEC draw is likely to follow within the first few days of September if the trend holds.
IRCC may also conduct a category-based draw targeting French-language proficiency, healthcare occupations, or other priority groups, as the department has done in previous draw clusters this year.
The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan set the annual permanent residence admission target at 380,000, and IRCC has been issuing invitations at an aggressive pace to stay on track.
New IRCC data released in August confirmed that Canada admitted approximately 155,800 permanent residents from January through June 2026, leaving roughly 224,200 admissions to reach the annual target of 380,000.
How The Provincial Nominee Program Works Inside Express Entry
The Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet their specific labour market and economic priorities for permanent residence.
When a candidate receives a provincial nomination and adds it to their Express Entry profile, IRCC automatically applies a 600-point CRS boost.
That boost has been sufficient to receive an invitation in every PNP Express Entry draw conducted in 2026.
Provinces across Canada operate their own selection streams with independent eligibility criteria, as detailed in the mid-2026 review of provincial nominee programs.
Ontario launched its redesigned Workforce Priority stream this summer, replacing all eight former OINP streams with a single unified pathway.
Alberta and British Columbia have both conducted active PNP draw schedules throughout 2026, with remaining nomination allocations available for the second half of the year.
Candidates exploring the PNP pathway should review eligible provincial streams carefully because each province sets its own occupation targets, minimum score thresholds, and intake windows.
What Invited Candidates Need To Do Now
Candidates who received an invitation to apply through this Express Entry draw have exactly 60 calendar days to submit a complete permanent residence application to IRCC.
The 60-day deadline is firm and cannot be extended under any circumstances.
Log in to your IRCC account and check your Express Entry profile status immediately.
If you received an invitation, your status will display as “Invited to Apply” and a countdown timer will appear showing the remaining days to submit.
Gather all required supporting documents, including police certificates, medical examination results, proof of funds, educational credential assessments, and language test results.
Ensure that your language test results and any other expiring documents remain valid through the date you submit your application.
Incomplete applications or submissions made after the 60-day window will result in the invitation being forfeited.
IRCC’s public consultations for the 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan closed on June 30, 2026, and the new plan is expected to be tabled in fall 2026.
The department is expected to table the new plan before November 2026.
PNP admission targets increased from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026 under the current plan, and how the next plan adjusts those allocations will directly shape the volume and frequency of future PNP Express Entry draws.
Follow Immigration News Canada for verified draw results, CRS score analysis, and provincial nominee program updates as they are released by IRCC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a CRS cutoff of 697 mean for PNP candidates?
A CRS cutoff of 697 means that candidates who held a valid provincial nomination and a base CRS score of at least 97 before the 600-point nomination boost were eligible for an invitation in this draw. This is the lowest base score required of any PNP nominee in a 2026 Express Entry draw, which means the barrier to entry through the PNP pathway is currently at its most accessible point this year.
Can candidates apply to multiple provincial nominee programs at the same time?
Candidates can submit expressions of interest or applications to multiple provincial nominee programs across different provinces simultaneously. Each province operates its own independent selection criteria and nomination process, so there is no restriction on exploring several provinces at once. However, a candidate can only accept and hold one provincial nomination at a time in their Express Entry profile.
Why did the PNP CRS cutoff drop from 760 to 697 in just two weeks?
PNP cutoffs are driven by the volume and timing of provincial nominations entering the Express Entry pool rather than by changes in individual candidate quality. When provinces release a larger batch of new nominations between draws, more candidates in the 601-1,200 CRS band become available for selection. The increased supply of nominees allows IRCC to fill the draw at a lower threshold, which explains the significant drop observed between August 17 and August 31.
How many Express Entry invitations has IRCC issued in 2026 so far?
IRCC has issued 120,427 Express Entry invitations across 50 draws in 2026 as of August 31. That total has already surpassed the 113,998 invitations issued across all 58 Express Entry draws conducted in 2025.
What happens if multiple candidates have the same CRS score at the cutoff?
IRCC uses the date and time each candidate submitted their Express Entry profile to break ties among candidates who share the same lowest CRS score. In this draw, the tie-breaking timestamp was April 12, 2026, at 04:32:26 UTC. Candidates with exactly 697 points who submitted their profiles after that timestamp were not selected in this round and remain in the pool for future draws.
Fact-Checked: All data in this article has been verified against the official Express Entry rounds of invitations page published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on August 31, 2026, the CRS score distribution data released by IRCC for the pool snapshot dated August 30, 2026, and the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan published by IRCC.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. Immigration rules, draw patterns, and provincial program criteria can change without notice. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or licensed immigration lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
September 2026 brings three CRA-administered benefit payments to Canadian households on three separate dates throughout the month.
The Ontario Trillium Benefit arrives on September 10, the Canada Child Benefit is scheduled for September 18, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit will be paid on September 25.
September falls within the new 2026–27 benefit period that began in July with a wave of CRA benefit increases.
Canada Child Benefit and Ontario Trillium Benefit amounts increased beginning in July, while the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit remains capped at $400 per month.
Income-tested amounts are generally calculated using 2025 tax-return information.
This guide covers every CRA-administered benefit arriving this month, including updated maximum amounts, eligibility requirements, how each payment is calculated, and confirmed payment dates through June 2027.
Table of Contents
All The CRA Benefit Payments In September 2026
The following table summarizes the three CRA-administered benefits being paid in September, as confirmed on the official Government of Canada benefits payment calendar.
CRA Benefit Program September 2026 Payment Date Maximum Amount (Annual) Frequency Canada Child Benefit (CCB) September 18, 2026 $8,157 (under 6) / $6,883 (6-17) Monthly Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) September 10, 2026 Up to $1,488 combined Monthly NL Disability Benefit (NLDB) September 25, 2026 $400/month ($4,800/yr) per qualifying person Monthly Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) No September payment. Next: October 5 $679 single / $890 couple Quarterly Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) No September payment. Next: October 9 $1,633 single / $2,813 family 3x per year Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) No September payment. Next: November 27 Up to $5,882 Quarterly Ontario Trillium Benefit
The Ontario Trillium Benefit payment for September lands on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
The OTB is a tax-free monthly payment that the federal revenue agency administers on behalf of the Province of Ontario to help eligible low- and moderate-income residents manage energy, property tax, and sales tax costs.
It combines three separate provincial tax credits into a single deposit: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit.
Component amounts increased for the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year, and all September OTB payments are calculated using 2025 tax-return data, as covered in our July 2026 OTB payment guide.
Maximum OTB Credit Amounts for 2026–27
OTB Component Maximum Annual Amount Key Eligibility Detail Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) Up to $378 per adult and child Automatic when you file your tax return Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) Up to $1,307 (non-seniors) Up to $1,488 (seniors) Must have paid rent, property tax, or energy costs in Ontario Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) Up to $189 single / $290 family Must reside in Northern Ontario A qualifying single senior living in Northern Ontario who receives the maximum of all three components could receive up to $2,055 annually.
That combined figure does not apply to every household and depends on age, location, and qualifying expenses.
Your total OTB equals the sum of whichever credits you qualify for, and each component has its own income phase-out threshold.
The Ontario Sales Tax Credit starts to reduce once adjusted income exceeds approximately $29,047 for a single person with no children or $36,309 for single parents and married or common-law families.
A special seniors’ threshold of $37,273 may apply in qualifying circumstances.
OTB Payment Rules
If your annual OTB entitlement exceeds $500, the CRA divides it by 12 and issues monthly payments on the 10th of each month.
If your annual entitlement is $500 or less, you receive the entire amount as a single lump-sum payment in July.
You can also choose to defer your full annual OTB to a single payment in June 2027 by selecting box 61060 on Form ON‑BEN when filing your 2025 tax return.
OTB Eligibility
OTB eligibility depends on the component.
The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit and Northern Ontario Energy Credit use prior-year Ontario or Northern Ontario residency and qualifying housing or energy costs.
The Ontario Sales Tax Credit is based on Ontario residency and applicable age or family conditions.
Ontario residents do not need to submit a separate application, but you must complete Form ON‑BEN as part of your annual tax return to claim the energy and property tax credit components.
OTB Payment Dates 2026–2027
- September 2026: September 10, 2026
- October 2026: October 9, 2026
- November 2026: November 10, 2026
- December 2026: December 10, 2026
- January 2027: January 8, 2027
- February 2027: February 10, 2027
- March 2027: March 10, 2027
- April 2027: April 9, 2027
- May 2027: May 10, 2027
- June 2027: June 10, 2027
Canada Child Benefit
The next Canada Child Benefit deposit is scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026, marking the third CCB payment of the 2026–27 benefit year.
This is a tax-free monthly payment from the federal revenue agency designed to help eligible families cover the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.
The CRA confirmed a 2% inflation indexation that raised maximum CCB amounts starting with the July 20 deposit, and September payments continue at these higher rates.
Amounts for the current benefit year are calculated using your 2025 adjusted family net income.
Maximum CCB Amounts for July 2026 to June 2027
Child’s Age Maximum Per Year Maximum Per Month Under 6 years $8,157 $679.75 6 to 17 years $6,883 $573.58 Child Disability Benefit (per DTC-eligible child) $3,480 $290.00 The maximum base Canada Child Benefit generally applies where adjusted family net income is $38,237 or less.
The Child Disability Benefit uses a different threshold, with the maximum generally available up to adjusted family net income of $82,847 for 2026–27.
Families with a child approved for the Disability Tax Credit receive the Child Disability Benefit automatically on top of the base CCB amount.
How the CCB Is Calculated
The CRA uses a two-tier reduction formula once your adjusted family net income exceeds $38,237.
The first tier applies a percentage reduction on income between $38,237 and $82,847.
Number of Children Reduction Rate ($38,237–$82,847) 1 child 7% 2 children 13.5% 3 children 19% 4 or more children 23% For adjusted family net income above $82,847, the reduction is a fixed base amount plus a percentage of income above $82,847.
Number of Children Base Reduction Plus Rate on Income Above $82,847 1 child $3,123 3.2% 2 children $6,022 5.7% 3 children $8,476 8% 4 or more children $10,260 9.5% There is no single CCB income cutoff because the point at which payments reach zero depends on the number and ages of eligible children.
For example, a family with one child under six and an adjusted family net income of $60,000 would see their annual CCB reduced by 7% of $21,763 (the gap between $60,000 and $38,237), as explained in our CCB increase guide.
Who Is Eligible for the Canada Child Benefit
- You must live with the child and be the parent or guardian primarily responsible for their care and upbringing.
- You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- You or your spouse or common-law partner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or an individual registered under the Indian Act.
Temporary residents can generally qualify after living in Canada for the previous 18 consecutive months and holding a qualifying valid permit in the nineteenth month.
The valid permit must not state “does not confer status” or “does not confer temporary resident status.”
You and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, must file annual income tax returns so the revenue agency can continue calculating the benefit.
Parents in shared custody arrangements generally each receive 50% of the CCB calculated at their respective household income levels.
How to Apply for the CCB
New parents can apply through the automated birth registration process in participating provinces when registering the birth of a child.
Alternatively, you can apply online through CRA My Account or by completing Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application, and mailing it to your regional tax centre.
Newcomers to Canada can use the online application tool for benefit and credit payments, which allows new residents to apply for the CCB and related provincial programs in a single submission.
CCB Payment Dates 2026-2027
- September 2026: September 18, 2026
- October 2026: October 20, 2026
- November 2026: November 20, 2026
- December 2026: December 11, 2026
- January 2027: January 20, 2027
- February 2027: February 19, 2027
- March 2027: March 19, 2027
- April 2027: April 20, 2027
- May 2027: May 20, 2027
- June 2027: June 18, 2027
Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit
The next Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit payment is scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026.
The NLDB is a provincial benefit administered by the CRA on behalf of the Newfoundland and Labrador government, providing up to $400 per month to eligible residents with disabilities.
It was launched in July 2025 as one of the first provincial disability benefits delivered through the CRA’s existing payment infrastructure.
The NLDB did not receive an increase for the 2026–27 benefit year and remains capped at $400 per month per qualifying individual.
Maximum NLDB Amounts
Recipient Type Maximum Per Month Maximum Per Year Single individual with DTC $400 $4,800 Couple (one spouse with DTC) $400 for qualifying spouse $4,800 Couple (both spouses with DTC) Up to $400 each ($800 household) Up to $9,600 The full $400 monthly benefit is paid to individuals and families with an adjusted family net income at or below $29,402.
The benefit gradually reduces for those with income between $29,402 and $42,404, where one individual qualifies for the DTC.
For couples where both spouses or common-law partners qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, the upper income threshold extends to $55,404.
If both spouses or common-law partners qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, each may receive their own NLDB payment.
A household can therefore receive up to $800 per month when both individuals qualify for the maximum amount.
NLDB Eligibility
You must be a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador and between 18 and 64 years of age.
You must hold a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate on file with the Canada Revenue Agency.
You must have filed your federal income tax return for the applicable tax year.
The NLDB requires Newfoundland and Labrador residency, a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, qualifying income, and annual tax filing.
No separate application is required beyond meeting these criteria.
The NLDB is available to eligible residents aged 18 through 64, and eligibility ends once the recipient reaches age 65.
NLDB Payment Dates 2026-2027
- September 2026: September 25, 2026
- October 2026: October 23, 2026
- November 2026: November 25, 2026
- December 2026: December 24, 2026
- January 2027: January 25, 2027
- February 2027: February 25, 2027
- March 2027: March 25, 2027
- April 2027: April 23, 2027
- May 2027: May 25, 2027
- June 2027: June 25, 2027
How to Check Your CRA Benefit Payments
CRA My Account allows recipients to review personalized benefit information and expected payment details.
CRA also offers a separate benefit and credit payment reminder subscription that can send an email approximately one week before scheduled payments.
Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your benefit payments, and you can set it up or update your banking information directly through CRA My Account.
CRA’s recommended waiting period depends on the benefit.
CCB recipients should generally wait five working days after the scheduled payment date, while OTB and NLDB recipients should wait ten working days before contacting the CRA.
Why Your September Payment May Be Different Than Expected
September falls within the 2026–27 benefit year, and the CRA recalculated all income-tested benefits in July using your 2025 tax return, as outlined in our July 2026 CRA benefit payments guide.
If your household income changed between 2024 and 2025, your current payments could be noticeably higher or lower than what you received before July.
A change in marital status, the birth of a child, a child turning 6 or 18, or an updated custody arrangement can all trigger a recalculation mid-year.
If one spouse or common-law partner has not yet filed their 2025 tax return, the CRA may reduce or pause benefit payments until both returns are assessed.
Reassessments by the CRA that change your reported net income on line 23600 will also result in adjusted benefit amounts going forward.
Eligibility for Newcomers to Canada
Newcomers who meet the applicable eligibility requirements can apply for certain CRA benefits before filing their first Canadian income tax return.
New permanent residents may apply for the CCB after establishing Canadian tax residency and providing CRA with the required family and income information through the official online benefit application tool for newcomers.
Temporary residents generally need to have lived in Canada for the previous 18 consecutive months and hold a qualifying valid permit in the nineteenth month.
Annual tax returns are subsequently necessary for CRA to continue calculating income-tested benefits each year.
OTB eligibility depends on the component, with each credit using its own Ontario residency and qualifying expense requirements from the prior tax year.
The NLDB requires Newfoundland and Labrador residency, a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, qualifying income, and annual tax filing.
Filing your Canadian tax return every year remains essential for maintaining eligibility and calculating amounts for many income-tested CRA-administered federal and provincial benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens to my CRA benefit payments if I move to a different province during the benefit year?
Moving to a different province can affect province-specific benefits like the Ontario Trillium Benefit and the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit.
If you move out of Ontario, your OTB payments will stop once CRA updates your province of residence, because the benefit requires Ontario residency under the applicable component rules, as covered in our OTB payment guide.
Similarly, NLDB payments stop if you leave Newfoundland and Labrador, since provincial residency is a core eligibility requirement.
The Canada Child Benefit is a federal program, so the base CCB continues when you move between provinces as long as you remain eligible.
However, related provincial or territorial child benefits may change after CRA updates your province of residence.
You must notify the CRA of your new address as soon as possible after moving to avoid payment interruptions or overpayments that would need to be repaid.Can I receive the Ontario Trillium Benefit and the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit at the same time?
No, because each benefit requires residency in a different province.
The OTB is available only to Ontario residents, while the NLDB is available only to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Since you can only be a resident of one province at a time for tax purposes, you cannot receive both benefits simultaneously.
If you move from one province to the other during a benefit year, you would stop receiving the benefit tied to your former province and may become eligible for the benefit in your new province once CRA processes the change.Will my Canada Child Benefit payment change if I have a new baby after July 2026?
Yes, having a new child during the benefit year will increase your CCB payment once the CRA processes the application or birth registration.
The additional amount is calculated based on the child’s age category and your existing adjusted family net income on file with the CRA.
In most provinces, registering the birth through the provincial vital statistics office automatically triggers a CCB application, but parents can also apply directly through CRA My Account or by submitting Form RC66.
When parents apply through the Automated Benefits Application while registering a birth, CRA generally sends a notice or payment within eight weeks.
Processing times for other CCB application methods can vary.How do I set up or change my direct deposit information with the CRA?
You can set up or update CRA direct deposit through CRA My Account or through a participating Canadian bank or credit union.
If you cannot use an online method, you can submit the Canada direct deposit enrolment form by mail.
Keeping your banking details up to date helps prevent payment delays caused by outdated account information.
If you close a bank account before updating your CRA records, your payment may be returned to the CRA and reissued by cheque, which can add several weeks to the delivery time.What is the difference between the Canada Disability Benefit and the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit?
The Canada Disability Benefit is a federal program administered by Service Canada that pays up to $204.20 per month to eligible Canadians with disabilities aged 18 to 64 in every province and territory.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit is a provincial program administered by the CRA that pays up to $400 per month exclusively to qualifying residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The two programs are separate and have different income thresholds, payment schedules, and administering agencies.
Eligible residents of Newfoundland and Labrador may potentially receive both benefits if they meet the requirements of each program, as the CDB and NLDB are calculated independently.Fact-Checked: All payment dates, maximum benefit amounts, income thresholds, and eligibility requirements in this article have been verified against official Government of Canada sources, including the CRA benefits payment calendar and the canada.ca program pages for each benefit, as of the date of publication.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Actual payment amounts vary based on individual circumstances, and readers should consult the CRA or a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- 10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Canada Laws and Rules in September 2026: Next month brings one of the heaviest clusters of federal changes Canadians have seen in a single month.
New counter-tariffs on American goods, the return of gasoline taxes, an expanded disability benefit, and modernized rules for broadcasting and controlled substances all arrive within the same four weeks.
Whether you fill up at the pump, run a small business, manage a farm, or drive a truck across the border, many Canadians will be affected by at least one of these changes.
Here is a breakdown of 10 major federal laws, rules, program changes, and deadlines taking effect in September 2026.
Table of Contents
1. New Canadian Counter-Tariffs on U.S. Goods
Canada will impose new counter-tariffs on approximately $27.6 billion worth of goods imported from the United States starting September 8, 2026.
The federal government announced the measures on August 25, 2026, in direct response to U.S. tariffs of 50% on Canadian exports that took effect on August 22 under U.S. Section 338 and Section 232 authorities.
The Canadian counter-tariffs will apply at three rates: 15%, 25%, and 50%. Each product’s rate matches the corresponding U.S. tariff on that same good.
The Department of Finance has published a complete product list at the tariff-item level, covering more than 700 individual items across multiple sectors.
The highest rate of 50% will apply to categories including steel and aluminum products, furniture, and clothing and apparel.
A 25% rate covers appliances, dairy products such as cheese, fish and seafood, and certain steel and aluminum derivatives.
A 15% rate applies to additional product categories drawn from the U.S. Section 338 tariff schedule.
Consumer prices could rise across several categories if importers and retailers pass the new tariff costs through to Canadian buyers.
American-made appliances such as washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators may see significant price increases at retail.
Steel and aluminium products used in construction and manufacturing could become more costly for Canadian businesses, potentially flowing through to finished goods.
Imported American furniture, clothing, dairy items, and seafood may also carry higher shelf prices depending on how supply chains adjust.
The counter-tariffs do not apply to U.S. goods already in transit to Canada on September 8.
Importers uncertain about classification or remission eligibility should consult with their customs broker before the effective date.
The government has stated that the tariff selections were made, where possible, to target goods for which Canadian alternatives are available.
The counter-tariffs were announced alongside a $7.5 billion federal support package for workers and businesses affected by the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade disruption.
2. Canada Disability Benefit Regulations and $150 Supplemental Payment
Amendments to the Canada Disability Benefit Regulations take legal effect on September 1, 2026, establishing a new supplemental-payment framework for CDB recipients.
The amended regulations were published in Part II of the Canada Gazette on July 1, 2026, following commitments made in Budget 2025.
The core change creates a $150 supplemental payment that the government will issue to eligible CDB recipients.
This payment is designed to help offset out-of-pocket costs associated with obtaining or renewing the Disability Tax Credit certificate, a prerequisite for receiving the monthly benefit.
The $150 supplement is a fixed amount paid as a one-time lump sum. It is not income-tested, meaning every eligible recipient receives the full $150 regardless of their regular monthly benefit amount.
The supplemental payment is separate from the regular monthly CDB payment, which has a maximum of $204.20 per month for the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year.
Eligibility is automatic for anyone who holds an approved DTC certificate and is entitled to receive any amount of the CDB.
This includes individuals whose monthly benefit amount is $20 or less and who receive their benefit as a lump-sum payment. The eligibility also extends retroactively.
Anyone who received a CDB payment before September 2026 remains eligible for the supplement, even if they no longer receive regular monthly payments.
Canadians do not need to submit a separate application for the supplemental payment. Service Canada will deliver the supplement automatically once it begins distributing the payments.
The next regular monthly CDB deposit is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, per the official benefits payment calendar.
However, the government has indicated the $150 supplemental payment will begin in fall 2026 and has not confirmed whether it will be included with the September 17 deposit or issued on a separate date.
Budget 2025 allocated $115.7 million over four years and $10.1 million per year ongoing to fund the supplement.
3. Federal Fuel Excise Tax Suspension Ends
The federal fuel excise tax holiday that has been in place since April 20, 2026, is scheduled to end after Labour Day.
The suspension remains in effect through and including September 7, 2026.
Starting September 8, 2026, the federal excise tax on gasoline is scheduled to return to its full rate of 10 cents per litre.
Diesel fuel is set to return to 4 cents per litre.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the temporary suspension on April 14, 2026, in response to global oil supply disruptions connected to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Bill C-30, which contains the legislative amendments to the Excise Tax Act, received Royal Assent on June 19, 2026.
The suspension has also covered unleaded aviation gasoline, aviation fuel, and, following a June 18 expansion, leaded aviation gasoline.
The government estimated the tax holiday would provide over $2.4 billion in total relief to Canadian consumers and businesses.
When the full excise tax returns on September 8, the statutory increase will be 10 cents per litre on gasoline and 4 cents per litre on diesel.
Actual pump-price movements will also depend on wholesale fuel costs, retailer inventory, local competition, and applicable GST/HST recalculations.
The GST/HST is calculated on top of the excise tax, so the total retail impact could be slightly more than the face value of the excise tax alone.
There is significant political pressure to extend the suspension.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has publicly asked the Prime Minister to extend the pause until at least January 1, 2027, or to consider making it permanent.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has also called for an extension.
As of this article’s publication date, the federal government has not officially confirmed whether it will table legislation to extend the zero rate beyond September 7.
A last-minute extension remains possible given the sustained public and political pressure and the fact that fuel prices remain elevated due to ongoing geopolitical instability.
4. New Federal Chemicals Reporting Requirements Take Effect
New mandatory information-gathering notices under Section 71 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, took effect on August 29, 2026.
This technically launched during the final days of August, but it is one of the newest federal regulatory requirements that Canadian businesses enter September with.
Phase 1 of the notice covers 184 substances identified as priorities under the federal Chemicals Management Plan.
The notice applies to qualifying manufacturers, importers, and users who meet the specific federal thresholds and criteria set out in the notice.
This is not a blanket requirement for every Canadian business that handles chemicals. Only those who meet the defined reporting triggers for the listed substances are legally required to respond.
Covered businesses may need to report information concerning quantities manufactured, imported, or used in Canada, along with details about commercial activities, facilities, products, uses, and other prescribed data.
Phase 1 submissions are due by March 3, 2027.
All responses must be submitted through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Single Window online reporting system.
The information collected will support Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada in making prioritization decisions, conducting risk assessments, and developing risk management measures where warranted.
A separate Phase 2 covers 16 additional substances and begins on a later timeline.
Businesses that manufacture, import, or use chemical substances commercially in Canada should review the full notice in the Canada Gazette to determine whether they meet the reporting criteria for any of the 184 listed substances.
5. New CRTC Canadian-Content Rules
New regulations governing what qualifies as a certified Canadian program in the audio-visual sector are scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026, or on the day they are registered if registration occurs after that date.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission published the proposed regulations following Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2025-299.
That policy established a modernized definition of Canadian content and an updated certification framework for both traditional broadcasters and online streaming platforms.
The updated framework is part of the CRTC’s broader effort to modernize Canada’s broadcasting system following the Online Streaming Act, which amended the Broadcasting Act.
Key changes include an expanded list of key creative positions that earn production points toward Canadian-content certification.
The new system also introduces bonus points for productions that include Canadian cultural elements and a more flexible copyright-ownership policy.
Under the previous system, productions needed to earn 6 out of 10 points based on Canadians in key creative roles.
The new system uses a percentage-based threshold that ranges from 60% to 80% depending on the level of Canadian copyright ownership in the production.
Where Canadians hold more than 50% of copyright, the minimum threshold is generally 60% of total possible creative-role points.
Where Canadian copyright ownership falls between 20% and 50%, the threshold rises to 80%, with additional Canadian creative requirements.
The CRTC has also addressed the use of artificial intelligence in production.
While it recognizes AI as a legitimate production tool, key creative positions must be filled by human beings for a production to qualify for Canadian-content certification.
Programs already certified as Canadian under the previous framework will continue to qualify after the new rules take effect.
The modernized framework applies to all new certification applications received after the regulations come into force.
Applicants who submitted their applications before the effective date will be assessed under the older framework unless they specifically request assessment under the new rules.
Broadcasting undertakings with annual Canadian broadcasting revenue of $25 million or more will also be required to publicly disclose certain financial information.
6. Health Canada Section 56 Controlled-Substances Exemption Expires
A temporary class exemption issued by Health Canada under subsection 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act will expire on September 30, 2026.
The exemption has been in place since March 2020, when it was first introduced as a pandemic-era measure to reduce regulatory barriers and ensure continuity of care for patients relying on controlled substances.
It was extended in 2021 with a new expiry date of September 30, 2026.
The exemption has allowed pharmacists and practitioners expanded flexibility in prescribing and providing controlled substances.
This includes the ability for pharmacists to extend and transfer prescriptions for narcotics, controlled drugs, and targeted substances such as benzodiazepines.
The expiry is not a gap in coverage but rather a planned transition.
On October 1, 2026, Health Canada’s new consolidated Controlled Substances Regulations will come into force.
Published in Part II of the Canada Gazette in December 2025 following public consultations in 2024, the new framework merges multiple existing federal regulations and exemptions into a single modernized set of rules.
The authorities currently granted by the temporary exemption will be permanently established under the new regulations.
For patients, this transition should be seamless.
However, pharmacists and health-care practitioners should familiarize themselves with the new regulatory framework before October 1 to ensure their dispensing and prescribing practices align with the consolidated rules.
7. CBSA Ends the Commercial Driver Registration Program
The Canada Border Services Agency will discontinue the Commercial Driver Registration Program on September 1, 2026.
The agency cited low participation and duplication with the Free and Secure Trade program as the reasons for the decision, announced on July 30, 2026.
The CDRP was a Canada-only trusted-trader program that allowed pre-approved commercial drivers to receive expedited processing when entering Canada.
It was designed primarily for drivers working for carriers in the Customs Self-Assessment program.
In the 2025-26 fiscal year, the CDRP received just 158 applications, compared with roughly 12,000 annual applications for the FAST program.
Applications submitted on or before September 1, 2026, will continue to be processed.
Existing CDRP membership cards remain valid until their printed expiry date, so current cardholders do not need to take immediate action.
Commercial drivers who wish to continue receiving trusted-trader benefits after their CDRP cards expire are being encouraged to apply for FAST.
FAST is jointly administered by the CBSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, giving approved members access to dedicated lanes and faster border clearance at participating ports of entry in both countries.
Approved FAST applicants pay a one-time fee of $50 USD, and membership is valid for five years.
The key practical difference is that CDRP offered expedited entry only into Canada, while FAST provides benefits in both directions.
Drivers who previously used CDRP because they could not qualify for FAST due to U.S. admissibility issues should be aware that FAST membership requires approval from both countries.
8. Regional Tariff Response Initiative Expands
The federal government will add $1.5 billion in new funding to the Regional Tariff Response Initiative beginning in September 2026.
This expansion is part of the broader $7.5 billion support package announced on August 25, 2026, in response to the escalating Canada-U.S. trade conflict.
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative is delivered through Canada’s seven Regional Development Agencies and is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises adapt to tariff pressures.
The program was already in operation before September, but the new funding significantly expands its scope and the size of individual contributions available.
Under the expanded terms, the maximum non-repayable contribution available to eligible businesses will increase from $1 million to $3 million.
This higher cap now includes support for demonstrated liquidity needs, in addition to existing support for capital investment plans or business-pivot strategies.
Separately, businesses may access liquidity support of up to $2 million.
This is a program expansion, not a new law or regulation.
Specific eligibility criteria and application procedures for the expanded funding are expected to be released by the Regional Development Agencies in the coming weeks.
Overall, the Regional Tariff Response Initiative is backed by $3.45 billion over four years.
Businesses directly affected by U.S. tariffs and looking for support to adapt operations, invest in new equipment, or manage short-term cash-flow challenges should monitor their Regional Development Agency’s website for updated application details.
9. AgriInvest Final Filing Deadline
September 30, 2026, is the final deadline for agricultural producers to submit their 2025 AgriInvest program forms and file their 2025 Canadian income tax returns reporting eligible farming income or losses.
This is a program deadline, not a new law, but it reflects a significant change to the AgriInvest filing calendar that took effect starting with the 2025 program year.
Previously, the AgriInvest initial deadline was September 30 of the year following the program year, and the final deadline with penalty was December 31.
Starting with the 2025 program year, both deadlines moved earlier. The new initial deadline to file without penalty was June 30, 2026.
The final deadline to file with penalty is September 30, 2026, which is now the absolute last day to participate in AgriInvest for the 2025 year.
Producers who file after June 30 but before September 30 face a 5% reduction to their matchable deposit for each month or partial month that their form is submitted late.
Filing after September 30 means the producer will not be eligible for AgriInvest participation for the 2025 program year.
AgriInvest is a self-managed producer-government savings account under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Eligible producers can deposit up to 100% of their Allowable Net Sales into an AgriInvest account, and the government matches the first 1%.
The maximum annual government contribution is $10,000.
An additional requirement for 2025 is that farms with average Allowable Net Sales of $1 million or more for the previous three program years must have a valid agri-environmental risk assessment in place.
Producers who have not yet filed should visit their My AAFC Account or contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at 1-866-367-8506.
10. Canada-U.K. CPTPP Trade Rules Enter Into Force
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership officially enters into force between Canada and the United Kingdom on September 1, 2026.
Canada ratified the U.K.’s CPTPP Accession Protocol on July 3, 2026, completing the process that began when the U.K. signed the protocol at the 7th CPTPP Commission Meeting in July 2023.
The U.K. officially became a CPTPP party on December 15, 2024. It is the first economy to successfully complete the CPTPP accession process.
With the agreement fully implemented in the U.K., the CPTPP bloc will encompass over 598 million people and represent 14.4% of global GDP.
Canada and the U.K. already trade under the Canada-U.K. Trade Continuity Agreement, which eliminates tariffs on 99% of U.K. tariff lines.
The TCA will remain in force alongside the CPTPP.
Canadian businesses will be able to choose which agreement to trade under depending on which set of rules best suits their needs for any given transaction.
The CPTPP adds several trade benefits that the TCA does not provide.
These include additional duty-free tariff rate quota volumes for certain Canadian meat exports and immediate duty-free, quota-free access for sweetcorn.
Canadian exporters can also qualify for preferential tariff treatment using the CPTPP’s broader rules of origin.
Under CPTPP rules, inputs from any CPTPP member country can count toward originating status for duty-free imports, creating more flexible supply-chain options than the bilateral TCA allows.
The agreement also extends enforceable investment protections and access to investor-state dispute settlement arbitration mechanisms.
The U.K. was Canada’s largest trading partner in Europe and fourth-largest merchandise trading partner globally in 2025, with bilateral merchandise trade valued at approximately $56.6 billion.
The U.K. is also the second-largest source of foreign direct investment in Canada, and total bilateral direct investment stock reached $97 billion in 2024.
Summary of All September 2026 Changes
Change Type Effective Date Who Is Affected Counter-tariffs on U.S. goods (15%, 25%, 50%) New tariff regulation September 8, 2026 Importers, businesses, consumers buying U.S. products Canada Disability Benefit $150 supplemental-payment framework Regulatory amendment September 1, 2026 CDB recipients with approved Disability Tax Credit Federal fuel excise tax suspension ends Scheduled tax return September 8, 2026 All drivers and fuel consumers Federal chemicals reporting requirements (Phase 1) New Section 71 CEPA notice August 29, 2026 Qualifying manufacturers, importers, and users of listed substances CRTC Canadian-content certification framework Scheduled new regulation September 1, 2026, or registration date if later Broadcasters, streaming platforms, producers Health Canada Section 56 controlled-substances exemption expires Exemption expiry September 30, 2026 Pharmacists, practitioners, patients on controlled substances CBSA ends Commercial Driver Registration Program Program discontinuation September 1, 2026 Commercial drivers using CDRP for border crossings Regional Tariff Response Initiative expansion Program expansion September 2026 Tariff-affected small and medium-sized enterprises AgriInvest final filing deadline Program deadline September 30, 2026 Agricultural producers enrolled in AgriInvest Canada-U.K. CPTPP trade rules Trade agreement entry into force September 1, 2026 Exporters, importers, and investors trading with the U.K. September 2026 is a month that touches nearly every corner of Canadian economic life.
The combined effect of new counter-tariffs and the return of fuel taxes could increase costs for households and businesses alike.
Expanded support programs and new trade agreements aim to cushion the impact and open new opportunities.
Canadians should review how these changes apply to their personal finances, business operations, or professional obligations and take action before the relevant effective dates.
Staying informed about evolving federal policy will be essential as Ottawa continues to respond to a rapidly shifting trade and geopolitical environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the new counter-tariffs on U.S. goods apply to items already in transit before September 8?
The federal government has confirmed that the new counter-tariffs will not apply to U.S. goods already in transit to Canada when the measures take effect on September 8, 2026. Importers and consumers with shipments moving around the implementation date should consult the latest CBSA guidance for detailed customs administration and tariff treatment.
If the federal fuel excise tax comes back on September 8, how will it affect gas prices?
The statutory change is the return of the 10-cent-per-litre federal excise tax on gasoline and the 4-cent-per-litre tax on diesel, effective September 8. However, actual retail pump-price movements depend on several factors beyond the excise tax alone. Wholesale fuel costs, existing retailer inventory purchased at the zero-rate, local competition, and applicable GST/HST recalculations all play a role. The excise tax is levied at the wholesale or distributor level, not directly at the pump. Gas stations set retail prices based on the wholesale cost of fuel they receive, so the timing of any price adjustment will vary by station and region.
Can I receive the $150 Canada Disability Benefit supplement more than once?
Yes, in certain circumstances. The $150 supplemental payment is issued for each approved Disability Tax Credit certificate that qualifies you for a monthly CDB payment. If your DTC certificate has an expiry date and you need to reapply and are re-approved, you would be eligible for another $150 supplement at that time. If your DTC certificate does not have an expiry date, you will not need to reapply unless the federal government specifically asks you to, meaning the supplement would be issued once. The payment is entirely separate from your regular monthly CDB amount and does not reduce it.
How does the CPTPP with the U.K. differ from the existing Canada-U.K. Trade Continuity Agreement for exporters?
The TCA already eliminates tariffs on 99% of U.K. tariff lines, so the CPTPP does not replace it. Instead, it adds a parallel set of rules that may be more advantageous for certain products or supply-chain configurations. The most significant practical difference is in accumulation of origin. The CPTPP provides broader accumulation across all CPTPP member economies, meaning materials sourced from Japan, Australia, Mexico, and other members can contribute toward originating status for Canadian goods exported to the U.K. Global Affairs Canada explicitly identifies this broader CPTPP accumulation as an important new supply-chain advantage over the bilateral TCA framework. A Canadian exporter who sources components from multiple CPTPP countries may find it easier to qualify for preferential U.K. access under the CPTPP than under the TCA alone. The CPTPP also provides new tariff-rate quotas for certain meat products that the TCA does not cover.
What happens to pharmacists’ ability to transfer and extend controlled-substance prescriptions after September 30?
The authorities granted under the temporary Section 56 exemption will not disappear on September 30. They will be permanently established under Health Canada’s new consolidated Controlled Substances Regulations, which come into force on October 1, 2026. The new regulations consolidate multiple existing federal regulations and exemptions into a single framework. Pharmacists will continue to be able to extend, renew, and transfer prescriptions for controlled substances under the new permanent rules. The transition is designed to be seamless for both practitioners and patients. Pharmacists should review the new regulatory text to confirm their specific practices are fully covered under the consolidated framework.
Fact-Checked: All information verified against official Government of Canada sources including canada.ca releases, the Canada Gazette, CBSA, CRTC, Global Affairs Canada, ESDC, Health Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada publications as of August 29, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers should verify all details with the relevant federal department or agency before making decisions based on this information.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- New Ontario ODSP Payments Coming On August 31
Ontario Disability Support Program recipients across the province will receive their next ODSP payments on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The August payment lands on the last business day of the month, following the standard provincial schedule that governs all ODSP deposits.
Single recipients continue to collect up to $1,436 per month under the updated rates that took effect on July 1, 2026.
This is the second consecutive ODSP deposit at the higher amount after the 1.9% annual inflation adjustment raised payments by $28 per month.
What makes the August 31 deposit especially significant is a mid-month regulatory change that narrowed who can access ODSP going forward.
On August 13, 2026, the Ontario government amended regulations under the ODSP Act and the Ontario Works Act to exclude individuals without legal immigration status.
The amended rules also generally exclude temporary residents, including study permit and work permit holders, subject to limited exceptions.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, and convention refugees remain fully eligible if they meet all other program requirements.
The eligibility change applies immediately, and local ODSP offices have already begun contacting affected individuals about their file status.
Here is everything recipients need to know about the August 31 ODSP deposit, the new eligibility restrictions, current rates by household type, how employment income is treated, the remaining 2026 payment schedule, and the benefits that stack on top of ODSP heading into September.
Table of Contents
Ontario Amended ODSP Eligibility Rules In August 2026
The provincial government announced the regulatory change through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services on August 13, 2026.
Under the amended regulations, individuals who are in Canada without legal authorization can no longer receive Ontario Works or ODSP.
The restrictions extend beyond undocumented individuals to include anyone authorized to remain in Canada only on a temporary basis.
That means holders of temporary work permits, study permits, visitor visas, and tourist authorizations are now explicitly ineligible.
The change followed a widely reported Ontario Social Benefits Tribunal ruling that awarded Ontario Works to an individual whose temporary work permit had expired.
Premier Doug Ford publicly committed to closing what his government called a gap in the existing regulatory framework.
The revised regulations took effect immediately on August 13 with no grace period or transition timeline for affected applicants.
The Income Security Advocacy Centre noted that ODSP offices have already started contacting some recipients to verify their immigration documentation under the new rules.
The following table summarizes which immigration status categories remain eligible and which are now excluded under the August 13 amendments.
Immigration Status Category ODSP Eligibility (as of Aug 13, 2026) Canadian citizens Eligible (if financially qualified) Permanent residents Eligible (if financially qualified) Protected persons / refugees Eligible (if financially qualified) Convention refugees Eligible (if financially qualified) Temporary work permit holders Generally ineligible, subject to exceptions Study permit holders Generally ineligible, subject to exceptions Visitors and tourists Generally ineligible, subject to exceptions Persons without legal status Generally ineligible, subject to exceptions Exceptions can apply to certain people who have filed a refugee claim or submitted an application for permanent residence.
The August 13 amendments do not change benefit amounts, payment dates, or the $1,000 earnings exemption for people who continue to meet all eligibility criteria.
Current ODSP Rates After the 2026 Increase
Every ODSP payment issued since July 31 reflects the 1.9% inflation-based adjustment that Ontario applied to core rates on July 1, 2026.
The single-person maximum rose from $1,408 to $1,436, split between $825 in basic needs and $611 in maximum shelter.
The shelter component is capped at your actual housing costs, so recipients paying less than $611 in rent or mortgage receive only the amount they actually pay.
The Ontario government’s ODSP program page confirms these figures as of June 30, 2026, and they remain in effect through June 30, 2027.
This is the fifth annual increase since Ontario began indexing ODSP to inflation in September 2022, lifting rates by a cumulative 22% over that span.
Household Type Basic Needs Max Shelter Total Maximum Single recipient $825 $611 $1,436 Couple (one disabled spouse) $1,189 $959 $2,148 Couple (both spouses disabled) Varies Varies $2,416 (capped) Single parent, one child (ODSP + OCB) Varies Varies $2,073.66 Single parent, two children (ODSP + OCB) Varies Varies $2,299.32 Couple, one child (ODSP + OCB) Varies Varies $2,373.66 Couple, two children (ODSP + OCB) Varies Varies $2,608.32 Amounts for families with children include the Ontario Child Benefit, which also rose modestly by approximately $3 per month per child in July 2026.
Several supplementary ODSP allowances, including the Special Diet Allowance and the pregnancy nutritional allowance, remain frozen at previous levels.
Recipients who depend on those frozen supplements will see less than a full 1.9% increase in their total monthly deposit.
How Employment Income Affects Your ODSP Payment
ODSP allows recipients to earn employment income without losing their entire benefit, thanks to one of the most generous exemptions in Canadian social assistance.
The program exempts the first $1,000 of net monthly employment earnings from any clawback whatsoever.
For every dollar earned above $1,000, ODSP reduces your payment by 75 cents while you retain the remaining 25 cents.
Students attending high school or an approved post-secondary program full-time can have their employment earnings fully exempt from the ODSP income calculation.
The table below illustrates how the exemption works at different earning levels for a single recipient receiving the $1,436 maximum.
Monthly Net Earnings ODSP Deduction You Keep $0 – $1,000/month $0 $1,000 + full ODSP $1,200/month $150 (75% of $200) $1,050 + reduced ODSP $1,500/month $375 (75% of $500) $1,125 + reduced ODSP $2,000/month $750 (75% of $1,000) $1,250 + reduced ODSP Full-time student (any amount) $0 Full earnings + full ODSP Ontario Works applies a much steeper clawback, exempting only $200 per month with a 50% reduction above that threshold.
The $1,000 ODSP exemption has been in place since February 2023 and was not changed by the August 13, 2026, regulatory amendments or the broader July 2026 benefit increases that raised several other federal programs.
Canada Disability Benefit Now Stacks With ODSP
Ontario confirmed in May 2025 that the Canada Disability Benefit is fully exempt as income for ODSP calculations.
That exemption means a qualifying ODSP recipient collects both programs at their full amounts without either payment reducing the other.
The CDB maximum rose from $200 to $204.20 per month under a 2.1% CPI adjustment effective with the July 16 deposit, the first indexation since the program launched in mid-2025.
A single ODSP recipient who also qualifies for the maximum CDB can now receive up to $1,640.20 per month from those two programs alone.
To qualify for the CDB, you must hold a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and be aged 18 to 64 with adjusted family net income below the phase-out threshold.
The August CDB payment was issued on August 20, 2026, and the next regular CDB deposit is scheduled for September 17, 2026.
Benefit Program Maximum Amount ODSP basic needs + shelter Up to $1,436/month Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) Up to $204.20/month Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) Varies by income and credits Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Varies by household type Combined monthly potential (ODSP + CDB) Up to $1,640.20/month Remaining ODSP Payment Dates for 2026
After the August 31 deposit, four more ODSP payments are confirmed for the remainder of 2026.
Ontario has scheduled the September ODSP payment for Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Ontario has not yet confirmed the December deposit date, though it is typically released earlier in the month to avoid holiday banking delays.
Benefit Month Deposit Date Note August Monday, August 31, 2026 This Monday September Tuesday, September 29, 2026 Confirmed by Ontario October Friday, October 30, 2026 Last business day November Monday, November 30, 2026 Last business day December To be confirmed Usually issued early Direct deposit recipients generally see funds posted between midnight and 6:00 AM on the scheduled date, though posting times vary by financial institution.
Cheque recipients should allow two to three additional business days for Canada Post delivery after the official payment date.
Asset Limits and What Is Exempt for ODSP in 2026
The liquid asset ceiling stands at $40,000 for a single applicant and $50,000 for a couple, with additional room for each dependent child.
Those figures are four times the $10,000 and $15,000 limits imposed by Ontario Works, giving ODSP recipients substantially more financial flexibility.
Your principal residence, one primary motor vehicle, Registered Disability Savings Plan assets, and qualifying prepaid funeral arrangements are among the assets exempt from the ODSP asset limit.
RDSP withdrawals are also exempt from the ODSP income test, making the RDSP the single most tax-efficient savings vehicle available to recipients.
An unexpected inheritance, legal settlement, or insurance payout can push liquid assets above the $40,000 threshold and suspend benefits without warning.
What to Do if Your August 31 Payment Does Not Arrive
Bank processing times can vary, and deposits occasionally post a few hours later than expected on statutory deposit dates.
If funds do not appear by the end of Monday, log into your MyBenefits account to verify whether a payment was issued and check for any holds on your file.
Payment issues can result from outdated banking information, a hold or review on the ODSP file, or recent changes in the recipient’s circumstances.
Recipients still receiving cheques by mail should switch to direct deposit through their caseworker or MyBenefits portal to avoid Canada Post delays and receive ODSP payments on the scheduled date.
If the deposit has not arrived after two to three business days, contact your assigned ODSP caseworker directly for a file review.
The next ODSP deposit after August 31 arrives on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, as confirmed by Ontario’s published payment schedule.
September also marks the start of Phase 1 of the new $150 CDB supplemental payment, although Service Canada has not yet confirmed the exact deposit date.
The Monday, August 31 ODSP deposit delivers the second payment at the post-July rates for more than 500,000 eligible Ontario recipients.
With the August 13 eligibility amendments now in force, the Ontario Budget 2026 commitment to higher ODSP rates and inflation indexing continues alongside stricter immigration-status verification.
Set up direct deposit, confirm your immigration documentation is current, and always file your annual tax return on time to maintain eligibility for income-tested federal benefits such as the CDB, OTB, and CCB.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a permanent resident who recently landed in Ontario apply for ODSP immediately?
Yes, permanent residents are eligible for ODSP regardless of how recently they received their landing status. There is no minimum residency period within Ontario before you can submit an ODSP application. However, you must still meet the financial eligibility criteria, asset limits, and disability determination requirements. Once a completed Disability Determination Package is submitted, a disability eligibility decision is generally issued within 90 business days, although the overall application timeline can vary. You may qualify for Ontario Works as interim support while waiting.
Does the August 13 eligibility change affect people whose immigration applications are still being processed by IRCC?
The regulatory amendments target individuals currently on temporary authorization or without legal status. If your permanent residence application is pending and you hold a valid temporary document such as a work permit or bridging open work permit, your eligibility depends on how your current status is classified under the new regulations. Local ODSP offices are contacting affected recipients individually, and the Income Security Advocacy Centre recommends seeking legal advice if you receive a notice questioning your eligibility.
How does receiving ODSP affect eligibility for federal programs like CPP Disability or Old Age Security?
ODSP is a provincial program and does not affect your eligibility for federal benefits. However, the reverse interaction matters: CPP Disability counts as unearned income for ODSP purposes and reduces your provincial payment dollar-for-dollar. OAS and GIS are available at age 65, and ODSP recipients typically transition off provincial support and onto federal retirement benefits at that point. The Canada Disability Benefit does not reduce ODSP because Ontario has formally exempted it.
Is there a maximum number of years a person can receive ODSP income support?
No, ODSP does not impose a lifetime limit on how long you can receive income support. As long as you continue to meet the disability determination, financial eligibility, and residency criteria, payments continue indefinitely. Periodic medical reviews are scheduled based on your specific condition, and a financial review occurs when circumstances change or when ODSP requests updated documentation. The program is designed as long-term support, unlike Ontario Works which is intended as temporary assistance.
What happens to ODSP if a recipient moves from Ontario to another province?
ODSP is an Ontario-only program, and your eligibility ends when you establish residence in another province. Each province operates its own disability assistance program with separate rates, application processes, and eligibility criteria. British Columbia provides up to $1,483.50 per month under its PWD designation, while Alberta pays up to $1,940 per month under AISH or ADAP. You would need to apply fresh in your new province, and there is no automatic transfer of your ODSP file or disability determination between jurisdictions.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- New Canada Study Permit Proof of Funds Increase Effective September 1
Canada’s study permit proof of funds requirement is rising to $23,448 for a single applicant effective September 1, 2026.
The increase means international students submitting applications on or after that date must show at least $553 more in living-expense funds than the current $22,895 threshold.
The University of Toronto now explicitly tells prospective international students that applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, will require a minimum of $23,448 CAD for first-year living expenses.
The University of Windsor has also updated its official international-student guidance to reflect the same figure, stating that students with no dependants need proof of at least $23,448 in addition to tuition and other costs.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has previously confirmed that the international-student financial requirement is tied to 75% of Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off, known as LICO.
IRCC has also confirmed that another annual increase to the study permit financial requirement takes effect on September 1, 2026.
As of the time of writing, IRCC’s main public proof of financial support page still displays the previous $22,895 amount for one applicant. The department has not yet published its complete updated family-size table on that page.
Table of Contents
New Canada Study Permit Funds Requirement From September 1
The new $23,448 living-expense threshold applies to all study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026.
This amount covers living expenses only and does not include tuition or transportation costs.
A study permit applicant must demonstrate enough funds, without relying on employment in Canada, to cover three separate categories.
Those three categories are first-year tuition, the required living-expense amount for the student and any accompanying family members, and transportation to and from Canada.
A single applicant submitting on or after September 1 does not simply need $23,448 in total financial resources.
They generally need first-year tuition plus at least $23,448 in living expenses plus return transportation costs.
For most international students, the combined total will be well above $40,000 depending on the institution and program.
This distinction matters because study permit refusal for insufficient funds remains one of the most common reasons IRCC declines applications.
The national proof of funds table applies to all provinces and territories except Quebec.
Quebec has its own financial-capacity requirements for study permit applicants through the Certificat d’acceptation du Québec process.
Major Canadian Universities Already Showing $23,448
Two of Canada’s most prominent institutions have already incorporated the new September 2026 amount into their official student guidance.
The University of Toronto’s Centre for International Experience states that applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, require minimum first-year living-expense funds of $23,448 CAD.
U of T’s guidance also notes that additional funds are required for applicants bringing a spouse, common-law partner or children.
The university has incorporated the $23,448 amount across several immigration-related pages, including guidance for study permit applications, study permit extensions and information for students entering Canada.
The University of Windsor’s official guidance, updated on August 21, 2026, also reflects the new threshold.
Windsor states that international students with no dependants require proof of at least CAD $23,448 in addition to tuition, books, health insurance and compulsory incidentals.
The fact that major designated learning institutions are already publishing the $23,448 amount shows that Canadian universities are preparing international students for the September 1 change even though IRCC’s main public table has not yet been updated.
New Canada Study Permit Proof Of Funds Table For September 2026
The table below shows the current study permit living-expense requirement alongside the calculated requirement taking effect September 1, 2026.
The $23,448 single-applicant figure is already corroborated by major Canadian universities.
The remaining family-size figures are calculated using IRCC’s officially stated 75% LICO methodology and Statistics Canada’s latest LICO table released on April 29, 2026.
Number of family members including applicant Current requirement from September 1, 2025 Calculated requirement from September 1, 2026 Increase 1 $22,895 $23,448 +$553 2 $28,502 $29,192 +$690 3 $35,040 $35,888 +$848 4 $42,543 $43,572 +$1,029 5 $48,252 $49,419 +$1,167 6 $54,420 $55,736 +$1,316 7 $60,589 $62,054 +$1,465 Each additional family member beyond 7 $6,170 $6,318 +$148 *Important: The $23,448 single-applicant requirement is already being published by major Canadian universities for applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026. The family-size amounts above are Immigration News Canada calculations using IRCC’s stated 75% LICO methodology and Statistics Canada’s latest LICO figures released April 29, 2026. IRCC had not yet published its complete updated family-size table at the time of writing.
How The New $23,448 Requirement Is Calculated
IRCC ties the study permit cost-of-living financial requirement to 75% of Statistics Canada’s LICO.
Statistics Canada released the latest LICO figures on April 29, 2026. The LICO amount for one person in a large urban centre in the latest table is $31,264.
Multiplying $31,264 by 75% produces $23,448, which matches the amount now appearing on U of T and Windsor guidance pages. This same formula applies across all family sizes.
For two family members, the latest LICO of $38,922 multiplied by 75% gives $29,192 after rounding to the nearest whole dollar.
For seven family members, the latest LICO of $82,739 multiplied by 75% gives $62,054. The increment between the six-person and seven-person LICO amounts is $8,424.
Applying the same $8,424 increment for each additional family member beyond seven and then applying the 75% factor produces $6,318 per additional person.
IRCC sets the living-expense threshold at 75% of LICO. Applicants must separately demonstrate that they can cover first-year tuition and transportation expenses.
An IRCC parliamentary briefing from April 2026 confirmed that the financial requirement reflects 75% of LICO.
How Much More International Students Will Need
The dollar increase varies by family size, ranging from $553 for a single applicant to $1,465 for a family of seven.
A single student who applied under the current requirement needed $22,895 in living-expense funds on top of tuition and transportation.
From September 1, that same student will need $23,448, a 2.4% increase.
For a student bringing a spouse and one child, the living-expense threshold rises from $35,040 to $35,888, an increase of $848.
The largest absolute increase applies to the seven-member family category, which jumps by $1,465 from $60,589 to $62,054.
These increases are modest on a percentage basis but still add to the growing financial burden facing international students in Canada.
Students who are still gathering their financial documents should target the September 2026 amounts to avoid complications at the application stage.
Tuition Is Not Included In The $23,448 Requirement
The $23,448 amount covers living expenses only and is entirely separate from tuition obligations.
International tuition fees at Canadian universities and colleges vary widely but commonly range from $20,000 to $45,000 per year depending on the institution and program.
A single applicant attending a program with $30,000 in annual tuition would need to demonstrate at least $53,448 in combined resources, plus transportation costs, for a September 2026 application.
That total does not account for books, supplies, health insurance premiums or other mandatory institutional fees that some schools charge separately.
Students who rely on a Guaranteed Investment Certificate to satisfy the living-expense component should ensure the GIC amount meets or exceeds the new $23,448 threshold.
International students preparing to arrive in Canada for the first time should also review our guide for new international students for practical preparation advice beyond the financial requirements.
A GIC alone will not satisfy the full funds requirement because tuition and transportation evidence must also be provided.
Applicants should review their specific institution’s cost estimates and add the living-expense minimum on top of those figures.
What Counts As Proof Of Financial Support
IRCC accepts several forms of documentation to demonstrate that an applicant has enough financial resources.
Acceptable proof includes a GIC from a participating Canadian financial institution or documentation of a Canadian bank account in the applicant’s name with transferred funds.
A bank statement from a financial institution outside Canada showing liquid and available funds is also accepted.
Other acceptable forms include a letter from a person or institution providing the applicant with money, proof of a student loan from a bank, evidence of a scholarship or funding from a Canadian institution, and funds paid from within Canada if the applicant holds a Canadian-funded scholarship.
All financial documents should clearly show the account holder’s name, the balance and the currency. Documents must be in English or French, or the applicant must provide certified translations.
IRCC does not access or use these funds directly. The money is intended for the student’s own use after arriving in Canada to cover basic living costs.
Applicants Bringing A Spouse Or Children Need More Funds
Applicants who plan to bring a spouse, common-law partner or dependent children must demonstrate additional living-expense funds for each family member.
The study permit funds table calculates the total required amount based on the number of family members including the principal applicant.
A student arriving with a spouse would fall into the two-person category, which rises from $28,502 to $29,192 on September 1, 2026.
A student with a spouse and two children would need the four-person threshold of $43,572 in living-expense funds, plus first-year tuition and travel costs for the entire family.
Applicants must include accompanying family members in the proof-of-funds calculation.
A student arriving with a spouse, common-law partner or dependent children must therefore use the applicable family-size amount.
Understanding these requirements before applying is especially important given the heightened refusal rates that have marked the international student program in recent years.
Does The New Requirement Apply To Study Permit Extensions?
Yes, the updated living-expense threshold also applies to study permit extension applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026.
Students who are already studying in Canada and need to extend their study permit must meet the financial requirements in effect at the time they submit their extension application.
If a student submits an extension application on September 2, 2026, the $23,448 living-expense amount applies to that submission.
An extension submitted before September 1 would be assessed against the current $22,895 requirement.
Students planning to extend should check IRCC’s proof of financial support page close to their submission date to confirm the amount in effect.
The University of Toronto has already updated its study permit extension guidance to reflect the $23,448 figure for applications submitted from September 1 onward.
Does The New Requirement Apply In Quebec?
No, the national study permit funds proof table does not apply to applicants studying in Quebec.
Quebec operates its own financial-capacity assessment for international students through the Certificat d’acceptation du Québec process.
Applicants to Quebec institutions must satisfy the province’s separate financial requirements, which are set independently from the federal LICO-based table.
Students applying to institutions in any other province or territory are subject to the national proof of funds amounts outlined in this article.
If a student transfers from a non-Quebec institution to a Quebec institution, they would need to obtain a CAQ and meet Quebec’s financial standards for their new program.
What Happens If You Apply Before September 1, 2026?
Applications submitted before September 1, 2026 are assessed against the current $22,895 living-expense requirement for a single applicant.
The date that matters is when IRCC receives the completed study permit application, not the program start date or the date of the letter of acceptance.
A student who submits their application on August 31, 2026 would need to meet the $22,895 threshold.
The same student submitting one day later on September 1 would need to meet the higher $23,448 threshold.
Students who are ready to apply and have sufficient funds under the current requirement may want to submit before September 1 to lock in the lower amount.
However, submitting early should not come at the cost of application quality, since incomplete or weak applications carry a high refusal risk regardless of when they are filed.
Why Canada Increases Study Permit Funds Every Year
IRCC changed its methodology for the study permit cost-of-living requirement in January 2024 because the previous fixed amount had failed to keep pace with actual living costs in Canada.
Before 2024, the living-expense threshold had been set at $10,000 for roughly two decades, a figure that bore no resemblance to the real cost of housing, food and transportation in Canadian cities.
In late 2023, IRCC announced a major overhaul that more than doubled the requirement to $20,635 effective January 1, 2024.
At the same time, IRCC announced it would tie the requirement to 75% of Statistics Canada’s LICO going forward and update the amount annually.
IRCC uses 75% of LICO for the living-expense threshold, while tuition and transportation must be demonstrated separately.
The annual update mechanism means the threshold automatically adjusts as Statistics Canada publishes new LICO figures each spring.
Since the overhaul, the living-expense requirement has risen from $20,635 in 2024 to $22,895 in September 2025 and now to $23,448 from September 2026.
IRCC has stated that these annual increases are intended to protect international students by ensuring they arrive in Canada with realistic financial resources.
The department’s April 2026 parliamentary briefing confirmed this approach by stating that the financial requirements reflect 75% of LICO.
Preparing Your Study Permit Application For September 2026
Students planning to apply for a Canadian study permit on or after September 1 should budget based on the higher $23,448 living-expense minimum.
The total financial package should include first-year tuition as quoted by the institution, at least $23,448 in accessible living-expense funds and documented return transportation costs.
If bringing family members, use the applicable figure from the September 2026 proof of funds table above.
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate from a participating financial institution is one of the most straightforward ways to demonstrate the living-expense component.
Bank statements should show consistent account activity over the previous four months and clearly indicate the account holder’s name and available balance.
Applicants relying on a financial sponsor should include the sponsor’s bank statements, a signed letter of support and evidence of the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant.
All documents must be in English or French, with certified translations where necessary.
Students should also confirm they are applying to a designated learning institution that is eligible to host international students under IRCC’s rules.
IRCC is expected to update its public proof of financial support page with the complete September 2026 table before the new amounts take effect.
Applicants should check that page directly before submitting to confirm the exact figures in effect on their application date.
The funds increase arrives during a period of significant change for international students in Canada.
Study permit caps introduced in 2024 and reduced further for 2026 mean that fewer new study permits are being issued than in previous years.
IRCC’s 2026 national allocation allows for approximately 408,000 study permits in total, including both new arrivals and extensions for current students.
Approval rates have declined sharply, and IRCC is applying greater scrutiny to financial documentation, academic intent and ties to the applicant’s home country.
Students who are exploring pathways to permanent residence after graduation should familiarize themselves with the latest PGWP to PR options available in 2026.
The co-op work permit exemption that took effect on April 1, 2026 is one of the few recent simplifications in the international student program.
Students already in Canada should also be aware of the latest IRCC compliance rules affecting study permits and post-graduation work permit eligibility.
Those considering study options with a built-in permanent residence pathway may want to explore the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot intake that opened in August 2026.
Maintaining valid immigration status throughout a study program remains essential, and tips for maintaining student status can help avoid costly compliance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If I submit my study permit application before September 1 but IRCC processes it after September 1, which amount applies?
The amount in effect on the date IRCC receives your completed application is the one that applies.
IRCC assesses financial eligibility based on the submission date, not the date an officer reviews or decides the application.
An application received on August 31, 2026 is assessed against $22,895 even if the decision comes weeks or months later.Can I use my parents’ bank account to satisfy the proof of funds requirement?
Yes, but only if your parents provide a signed letter of financial support along with their own bank statements showing sufficient funds.
IRCC treats this as a sponsorship arrangement rather than the applicant holding funds directly.
The letter should confirm the sponsor’s relationship to the applicant, the amount they are committing and their willingness to cover living expenses throughout the study period.
Bank statements from the sponsor should show consistent balances over several months rather than a single recent large deposit.Can I combine multiple funding sources to reach the $23,448 living-expense threshold?
Yes, IRCC allows applicants to combine different forms of financial proof to meet the total requirement.
For example, a student could present a Guaranteed Investment Certificate covering part of the living-expense amount along with personal bank statements and a scholarship letter covering the remainder.
Each document must independently meet IRCC’s formatting and evidence standards, and the combined total must equal or exceed the required threshold for the applicant’s family size.Will a border officer check my finances again when I arrive in Canada?
A Canada Border Services Agency officer can ask you to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds when you arrive at a Canadian port of entry.
This check is separate from the financial assessment that took place during your study permit application.
Students should carry proof of their GIC, bank statements or sponsorship letter when travelling to Canada, even after their study permit has been approved.
Arriving without accessible evidence of financial support could lead to additional questioning or, in rare cases, denial of entry.Will the $23,448 living-expense amount stay the same for the entire 2026–2027 academic year?
The $23,448 threshold applies from September 1, 2026 until the next annual adjustment, which is expected to take effect on September 1, 2027.
IRCC has stated that it updates the study permit financial requirement every September 1 based on the latest Statistics Canada LICO figures.
The amount will not change mid-year, so students applying at any point between September 1, 2026 and August 31, 2027 can rely on the $23,448 figure for planning purposes.Fact-Checked: All figures, source references and methodology in this article have been verified against official IRCC publications on canada.ca, Statistics Canada Table 11-10-0241-01 released April 29, 2026, and the University of Toronto and University of Windsor’s published international-student guidance as of August 28, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- New Canada Disability Benefit Supplement In September 2026
A brand new one-time $150 Canada Disability Benefit supplement payment is heading to hundreds of thousands of Canadians with disabilities this fall, and you do not need to apply for it.
The federal government has finalized a one-time $150 supplemental payment for recipients of the Canada Disability Benefit, with the amended regulations taking legal effect on September 1, 2026.
Service Canada’s consumer-facing program page states that recipients may receive this supplemental amount starting in fall 2026, without specifying an exact date in September.
That timeline has generated significant curiosity about whether the $150 lump sum could arrive alongside the regular monthly CDB deposit scheduled for September 17, 2026.
One of the most noteworthy details is that even Canadians who are no longer receiving the CDB may still qualify for this money.
If you received any CDB payment before September 2026, including a single one-time deposit back in July 2025, you may be eligible for the $150 supplement regardless of your current enrollment status.
Table of Contents
What Is the $150 Supplemental Payment?
The $150 supplemental payment is a fixed, one-time lump sum that the federal government will issue to Canada Disability Benefit recipients.
It is entirely separate from the regular monthly CDB amount, which currently stands at a maximum of $204.20 per month for the 2026-27 benefit year.
The stated purpose of this supplemental amount is to help offset out-of-pocket costs that Canadians with disabilities face when obtaining or renewing their Disability Tax Credit certificate through the Canada Revenue Agency.
Medical practitioners generally charge a fee to complete Part B of Form T2201, which is required for DTC approval.
Government data referenced in the Canada Gazette regulatory analysis indicates these fees typically range around $125 to $150, though some practitioners charge more and others charge nothing at all.
It is a fixed $150 lump-sum payment intended to help offset potential costs associated with obtaining or renewing the DTC, and recipients do not need to submit medical receipts.
The payment is entirely tax-free, consistent with the tax-exempt status of all CDB payments.
When Will the $150 Payment Arrive?
This is where careful reading of the government’s own language matters.
The regulatory amendments published in the Canada Gazette Part II on July 1, 2026, confirm that the changes take legal effect on September 1, 2026.
The government’s program information page for ESDC states that starting in September 2026, the government will be able to pay the supplemental amount to program recipients.
However, the newer Service Canada page for CDB amounts uses slightly different language.
That page states, “Starting in Fall 2026, you may receive a supplemental amount to help offset your cost of obtaining the Disability Tax Credit.”
The exact September deposit date has not yet been announced, but the Canada Gazette implementation plan confirms that Phase 1 payments will be issued in September 2026 and that most eligible people will be paid during that month.
The regulatory impact analysis in the Canada Gazette describes a phased implementation plan for distributing the supplemental amounts.
Phase 1, targeted for September 2026, covers all individuals who received a CDB payment during the program’s first payment period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
This first phase also includes people who received payments during that period but are no longer receiving monthly CDB deposits when the regulations come into force.
Phase 2, planned for February 2027, covers people who received their first CDB allocation between July 1, 2026, and January 31, 2027, as well as recipients who were re-certified for the DTC while receiving an allocation between July 1, 2025, and January 31, 2027.
Phase 3, beginning in March 2027 and continuing on an ongoing basis, would see new recipients receive the $150 supplement in the same month as their first regular CDB payment.
The regular CDB payment for September is scheduled for September 17, 2026, which falls after the September 1 date when the regulations take effect.
Whether the $150 supplement will arrive alongside the regular September 17 CDB payment or through a separate September deposit has not yet been confirmed by Service Canada, but it is highly anticipated that the supplemental payment might be issued along with the regular payment.
Who Is Eligible for the $150 Supplement?
Eligibility for the supplemental payment extends beyond current CDB recipients, and this is the detail that many Canadians may not realize.
According to both the official CDB program page and the Canada Gazette regulations, you may qualify if you fall into any of the following categories.
- Current CDB recipients who are actively receiving monthly payments of up to $204.20 under the 2026-27 benefit year are automatically eligible.
- Lump-sum recipients whose monthly CDB entitlement is $20 or less and who therefore receive their entire annual benefit as a single payment are also covered.
- Former CDB recipients who received any CDB payment before September 2026 but are no longer enrolled or eligible for ongoing payments remain eligible for the $150 supplement.
This last category is particularly important because it captures anyone who received even a single deposit, including those who got a one-time payment when the program launched in July 2025.
A transitional provision in the amended regulations explicitly states that any benefit paid to a person before the amendments take effect is deemed to be an allocation for purposes of supplemental payment eligibility.
Supplemental payments are not payable for individuals who died before September 2026, as confirmed on the CDB amounts page.
People who hold a valid DTC but have never been entitled to a CDB allocation because their income is too high are also not eligible for the supplement solely on the basis of their DTC approval.
No Separate Application Is Required
One of the most significant features of the $150 supplemental payment is that eligible individuals do not need to submit any additional paperwork.
Service Canada will automatically identify eligible current and former CDB recipients based on existing program records, without requiring a separate application for the supplement.
This automatic delivery model mirrors how the CRA administers other income-tested benefit payments across federal programs.
Recipients should ensure their direct deposit information is current in their My Service Canada Account to avoid payment delays.
How the Supplement Works Alongside Regular CDB Payments
The $150 supplemental amount is classified as a separate component of the Canada Disability Benefit under the amended regulations.
The regulations now define two distinct parts of the benefit: the “allocation,” which refers to your regular monthly or annual lump-sum payment, and the “supplemental amount,” which is the fixed $150.
Your supplemental payment does not affect the calculation of your regular monthly CDB amount.
The $150 is not income-tested and does not vary based on your adjusted family net income, marital status, or working income.
Every eligible individual receives the same $150 amount regardless of whether their regular monthly payment is the full $204.20 or a reduced amount.
CDB payments are excluded from income under federal tax law and are non-taxable.
Provincial treatment depends on each province’s own rules, although provinces including Ontario for ODSP and British Columbia for its Persons with Disabilities program already broadly exempt Canada Disability Benefit payments from their disability assistance income calculations.
The regulations allow eligible individuals to receive the supplemental amount for each approved DTC certificate that qualifies them for a CDB payment.
Approximately 38% of working-age Canadians approved for the DTC hold temporary certificates that must be renewed, on average, every four years, according to CRA data cited in the regulatory analysis.
Each time these individuals are re-certified and continue to receive a CDB payment, they become eligible for another $150 supplemental deposit.
Canadians with an indeterminate DTC approval, meaning their Disability Tax Credit certificate does not have an expiry date, will generally receive the supplement only once.
From March 2027 onward, new CDB recipients will automatically receive the $150 supplement in the same month as their first regular payment.
Budget 2025 allocated $115.7 million over four years beginning in 2026-27, plus $10.1 million per year ongoing, to fund the supplemental payment program.
In its first year, the government forecasts approximately 515,000 supplemental payments totalling $77.3 million to Canadians with disabilities.
In subsequent years, the annual volume is expected to settle to roughly 60,000 to 65,000 payments as the program shifts to covering new recipients and DTC re-certifications.
The ten-year cost-benefit analysis published in the Canada Gazette estimates approximately $138 million in present-value supplemental payments to Canadians over a decade, with $11.4 million in government administration costs.
Current CDB Payment Amounts at a Glance
Detail Amount / Date Maximum monthly CDB (July 2026 – June 2027) $204.20 Maximum annual CDB entitlement $2,450.40 Supplemental one-time payment $150 (fixed, not income-tested) Regulations take legal effect September 1, 2026 Service Canada target for supplement Starting in fall 2026 Next regular CDB deposit September 17, 2026 Single income threshold (full benefit) $23,483 (2026-27) Couple income threshold (full benefit) $33,182.50 (2026-27) Working income exemption (single) Up to $10,210 Working income exemption (couple) Up to $14,294 The CDB benefit year runs from July through June, with amounts recalculated annually using your previous year’s income tax return as explained in our CRA benefit payment dates for 2026-2027 guide.
Remaining CDB Payment Dates for 2026
Service Canada deposits the CDB on the third Thursday of each month, following a schedule that is separate from CPP and OAS payment dates.
Month CDB Deposit Date September 2026 Thursday, September 17 October 2026 Thursday, October 15 November 2026 Thursday, November 19 December 2026 Thursday, December 17 Direct deposit recipients typically see funds in their accounts on the morning of each scheduled date.
Canadians who receive payments by cheque should allow five to ten business days after the scheduled date before contacting Service Canada.
How to Apply If You Are Not Yet Receiving the CDB
If you are not currently receiving the Canada Disability Benefit, you may still have time to apply and potentially qualify for the supplemental payment under the phased implementation timeline.
Step 1: Obtain a Disability Tax Credit certificate by having a qualified medical practitioner complete Form T2201 and submitting it to the CRA.
Step 2: File your 2025 federal income tax return if you have not already done so, as this is the return used to calculate your CDB entitlement for the current benefit year.
Step 3: Apply for the CDB through the Service Canada portal, by phone, or in person at a Service Canada Centre.
Once approved, your application can include retroactive payments for up to 24 months from when Service Canada receives it, but not for any months before June 2025.
New applicants who receive their first CDB payment between July 2026 and January 2027 are expected to receive the supplemental payment during Phase 2 in February 2027.
Those approved from March 2027 onward should receive the supplement in the same month as their first regular deposit.
What This Means for Canadians Who Previously Received the CDB
The retroactive eligibility provision is one of the most significant aspects of this supplement for Canadians who may have fallen off the program.
If your income increased and pushed your CDB payment to zero, you are still eligible for the $150 supplement as long as you received at least one CDB deposit before September 2026.
If your DTC certificate expired and you did not renew it, you are still eligible based on the payment you received while your certificate was active.
If you received a single one-time payment during the program’s initial rollout in mid-2025, that payment alone qualifies you for the $150 supplement.
Service Canada’s phased delivery plan specifically includes these former recipients in Phase 1, meaning they are among the first group targeted to receive the supplement starting in fall 2026.
These individuals do not need to reapply for the CDB or submit any form to receive the supplemental amount.
September 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark month for CDB recipients.
The regular September 17 deposit will deliver the third consecutive payment at the $204.20 indexed rate that replaced the original $200 maximum when the 2026-27 benefit year launched in July.
The $150 supplemental payment is confirmed to begin in September 2026 under Phase 1 of the Canada Gazette implementation plan, with most eligible recipients expected to be paid during that month.
Service Canada has indicated that further details on when to expect the supplemental deposit will be published on the official CDB payments page in the coming weeks.
Recipients should check their My Service Canada Account regularly this fall and verify that their direct deposit details are current to avoid any payment delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is the Canada Disability Benefit supplemental payment?
The Canada Disability Benefit supplemental payment is a fixed $150 payment. It is separate from the regular monthly CDB of up to $204.20 and is not reduced based on income. The $150 payment is tax-free and is intended to help offset costs related to obtaining or renewing the Disability Tax Credit.
Do I need to apply for the $150 CDB supplemental payment?
No, eligible recipients do not need to apply for the $150 CDB supplemental payment. Service Canada will determine eligibility automatically using existing CDB records. Recipients should ensure their direct deposit information is up-to-date in their My Service Canada Account.
When will the $150 CDB supplemental payment be deposited?
Phase 1 of the $150 CDB supplemental payment is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with most eligible recipients expected to be paid that month. An exact deposit date has not been confirmed. The regular September CDB payment is scheduled for September 17, but Service Canada has not confirmed whether the $150 supplement will arrive on the same date.
Can I get the $150 CDB supplement if I no longer receive the Canada Disability Benefit?
Yes, you may still qualify if you received at least one CDB payment before September 2026, even if you are no longer receiving the benefit. This can include former recipients whose income increased, whose DTC expired, or who received only a previous lump-sum CDB payment.
Can you receive the $150 CDB supplemental payment more than once?
Yes, the $150 supplemental payment can be received again if a new or renewed Disability Tax Credit certificate results in entitlement to a CDB payment. People with temporary DTC approvals may therefore qualify for another $150 supplement after recertification.
Fact-checked against primary sources including the Canada Gazette Part II (SOR/2026-123) and the official Service Canada CDB program page, last updated August 19, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers should consult the official Government of Canada sources linked above and contact Service Canada directly for guidance specific to their individual circumstances.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- New IRCC Processing Times As Of August 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released its latest processing time data on August 26, 2026, and the headline number is impossible to ignore.
Citizenship certificate processing has now reached 25 months, climbing by another six months in a single reporting cycle, while the queue added 22,300 applicants to reach approximately 121,800 people.
That figure stood at just three months in March 2026, meaning this category has added roughly 22 months of processing time in barely five months.
On the other side of the ledger, the Federal Skilled Worker Program improved to six months for the first time this year, and the CEC queue shrank by 1,800 applicants even as the processing time held steady at six months.
The most alarming reversal in the weekly data is visitor record extensions, which spiked to 416 days, 3 days less from the last week’s update and 268 days above January 28.
IRCC calculates these timelines using actual applicant outcomes, reporting the window within which 80% of applicants received a decision.
Monthly categories like citizenship, permanent residency, and family sponsorship were refreshed on August 10.
Weekly categories like visitor visas, study permits, work permits, and PR cards were last updated on August 26.
The August data arrives amid a busy month for Canadian immigration, including the opening of the Ontario Workforce Priority stream on August 4 and a new Express Entry draw cluster that began the same week.
Applicants who submit incomplete documentation remain one of the leading refusal reasons across all the immigration categories, making thorough preparation essential during these processing windows.
Below is a full breakdown of every processing time in the August 2026 release.
Table of Contents
Citizenship Processing Times (Updated monthly)
Application Type People Waiting (Change) Processing Time (August 10, 2026) Change Since Last Month Citizenship grant ~328,200 (+2,000) 12 months No change Citizenship certificate* ~121,800 (+22,300) 25 months +6 months Resumption of citizenship Not available Not enough data No change Renunciation of citizenship Not available 4 months -3 months Search of citizenship records Not available 17 months No change IRCC is currently sending acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) notices for citizenship applications that were submitted on or around March 19, 2026.
* Applicants residing outside Canada or the United States may face longer processing windows.
Permanent Resident Card Processing Times (Updated weekly)
Application Type Processing Time (August 26, 2026) Change since last week Change Since January 21 New PR card 40 days No Change -22 days PR card renewal 40 days -1 day +11 days Family Sponsorship Processing Times (Updated monthly)
Category People Waiting (Change) Processing Time (August 10, 2026) Change Since Last Month Spouse/common-law outside Canada (non-Quebec) ~58,000 (+3,900) 17 months No change Spouse/common-law outside Canada (Quebec) ~19,000 (+400) 33 months No change Spouse/common-law inside Canada (non-Quebec) ~56,800 (-100) 27 months No change Spouse/common-law inside Canada (Quebec) ~14,000 (+300) 32 months No change Parents/grandparents (non-Quebec) ~39,000 (-1,400) 29 months -1 month Parents/grandparents (Quebec) ~10,400 (-100) 64 months -1 month Humanitarian and Compassionate And Protected Persons (Updated monthly)
Category People Waiting (Change) Processing Time (August 10, 2026) Change Since Last Month H&C outside Quebec ~55,800 (+1,300) More than 10 years No change H&C in Quebec ~20,100 (+400) More than 10 years No change Protected persons inside Canada (outside Quebec) ~92,200 (-6,100) About 13 months -1 month Protected persons inside Canada (in Quebec) ~41,900 (+1,000) More than 120 months No change Dependents of protected persons (outside Quebec) ~60,700 (-100) About 40 months +2 months Dependents of protected persons (in Quebec) ~22,400 (+300) More than 10 years No change Canadian Passport Processing Times
Application Type Current Processing Time Change New passport (in person, Canada) 10 business days No change New passport (mail, Canada) 20 business days No change Urgent pickup Next business day No change Express pickup 2–9 business days No change Passport mailed from outside Canada 20 business days No change Permanent Residency Processing Times (Updated monthly)
Category People Waiting (Change) Processing Time (August 10, 2026) Change Since Last Month Canadian Experience Class (CEC) ~59,700 (-1,800) 6 months No change Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) ~52,400 (-3,400) 6 months -1 month Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) Not available Not enough data No change PNP (Express Entry) ~11,800 (-300) 7 months No change Non-Express Entry PNP ~102,400 (-1,400) 13 months +1 month Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) ~21,200 (-1,000) 11 months No change Quebec Business Class ~3,700 (No change) 75 months No change Federal Self-Employed ~8,000 (-100) More than 10 years No change Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) ~12,100 (-200) 26 months No change Start Up Visa ~47,600 (+100) More than 10 years No change Temporary Visa Processing Times (Updated weekly)
IRCC updates temporary residence processing times on a weekly basis, and the figures below reflect data as of August 26, 2026.
We will update this section as soon as IRCC publishes new weekly data, so check back regularly for the latest numbers.
Visitor Visas From Outside Canada
Country Processing Time (August 26, 2026) Change since last week Change Since January 28, 2026 India 32 days +1 day -50 days United States 21 days No change -4 days Nigeria 78 days +2 days +38 days Pakistan 77 days +2 days +21 days Philippines 20 days -1 day +4 days Visitor Visa From Inside Canada
Visitor visa applications filed from inside Canada now take 12 days, similar to last week.
Visitor Record Extension
Visitor record extensions continue to remain high at 416 days, but 3 days fewer compared to last week.
These high wait times signal renewed processing pressure for visitors who have applied to extend their stay in Canada.
Super Visa Processing Times
Country Processing Time (August 26, 2026) Change since last week Change Since January 28, 2026 India 61 days +5 days -189 days United States 123 days -15 days -64 days Nigeria 55 days +2 days +17 days Pakistan 176 days -14 days +38 days Philippines 104 days -3 days -12 days The super visa timeline for India remains 189 days below its January 2026 level, continuing the strongest sustained improvement in any temporary category this year.
Study Permit Processing Times
Country Processing Time (August 26, 2026) Change since last week Change Since January 28, 2026 India 5 weeks No change No change United States 5 weeks No change No change Nigeria 9 weeks No change +4 weeks Pakistan 7 weeks No change +3 weeks Philippines 4 weeks No change -1 week Study Permit From Inside Canada: Inland study permit applications take 7 weeks; no change since the last week.
Study Permit Extension: Study permit extensions take 64 days, same when compared to the last update and 40 days less than January 28, 2026.
Work Permit Processing Times
Country Processing Time (August 26, 2026) Change Since July 23, 2026 Change Since January 28, 2026 India 9 weeks No change No change United States 2 weeks No change -1 week Nigeria 9 weeks No change +2 weeks Pakistan 8 weeks +1 week -12 weeks Philippines 5 weeks -1 week -1 week Work Permit From Inside Canada (Initial and Extension): Inland work permits, including extensions, have dropped to 115 days, 2 days lower than the last week, 89 days fewer than the May 20 update, 135 days below March 31, and 119 days below January 28, 2026.
The sustained decline in this category continues to be one of the most significant positive trends in the 2026 processing data.
Other Work Permit Categories
The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program is now at 99 days, 5 days higher than the last week and 83 days higher than the May 20 update.
International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits sit at 6 weeks, 1 week less since the last week, but 4 weeks above March 31.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) approvals continue to arrive within roughly 5 minutes for most travellers, with up to 72 hours required for applicants flagged for additional screening.
The August 2026 IRCC processing times paint a system making steady gains in economic immigration while citizenship certificate processing spirals further out of control.
Inland work permits at 115 days, FSWP improving to six months, CEC queues shrinking, and parents and grandparents sponsorship declining for the fourth straight month are all encouraging signs that IRCC is clearing backlogs in targeted categories.
However, the 416-day visitor record extension spike and the citizenship certificate queue approaching 122,000 applicants suggest that capacity constraints are deepening in several high-volume streams, a pattern that first emerged in the May data and has accelerated since.
August also brings a new CRA benefit payment cycle and the launch of Ontario’s redesigned immigration pathway, adding both financial and policy dimensions to the landscape for newcomers and permanent residents.
Applicants should file early, submit complete documentation, and check their IRCC portals regularly to stay ahead of any requests that could extend their wait.
For the latest developments on Canadian immigration news, evolving policy landscapes, and IRCC processing times, save this page and return regularly as new weekly and monthly data drops throughout 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why has citizenship certificate processing jumped to 25 months when it was only 3 months in March 2026?
Citizenship certificate processing climbed by six months in a single reporting cycle to reach 25 months overall, up from just three months in March 2026, an increase of roughly 22 months of processing time in barely five months. Over the same period the queue grew by 22,300 applicants to reach approximately 122,000 people, one of the sharpest single-category swings in the entire August release.
What’s happening with visitor record extensions?
Visitor record extensions now stand at 416 days, down 3 days from the previous week’s update. Even with this small weekly dip, the article flags this category as one to watch closely, since it remains one of the longest processing timelines of any temporary residence category in the entire release.
Is it actually getting faster to immigrate through Express Entry right now?
Yes, on the economic side, the data points that way. The Federal Skilled Worker Program improved to six months for the first time this year (down one month from last month), with its queue shrinking by 3,400 applicants to about 52,400. The Canadian Experience Class held steady at six months while its queue also shrank by 1,800 applicants to roughly 59,700, both signs that the IRCC is finalizing more applications than it’s receiving in these streams.
How does IRCC actually calculate these processing times?
IRCC calculates its published timelines using actual applicant outcomes, reporting the window within which 80% of applicants received a decision, so the figures reflect real recent processing history rather than official service standards or estimates.
Will IRCC update temporary visa processing times again this week?
IRCC updates temporary residence processing times on a weekly basis, typically releasing new data on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. The figures in this article reflect the August 26 data release, and we will update the temporary visa sections as soon as IRCC publishes the next weekly refresh. Weekly updates cover visitor visas, study permits, work permits, super visas, electronic travel authorizations, PR cards, and all related sub categories like inland applications and extensions. Monthly categories like citizenship, family sponsorship, humanitarian and compassionate claims, and permanent residency through economic programs are updated once per month and will next be refreshed in September 2026. Save this page and check back regularly to see the latest weekly numbers as they become available.
Fact-checked: All processing times, queue figures, and comparison data in this article are sourced directly from the official IRCC processing time tool updated on August 10, 2026 (monthly categories) and August 26, 2026 (weekly categories).
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a regulated immigration professional for guidance on your specific case.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- Canada’s Spousal Open Work Permit Loophole Raises Concerns
A little-known provision in Canada’s immigration rules for the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) has become the centre of an intensifying online debate on social media platforms.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada confirms on its Help Centre page that a spousal open work permit normally remains valid for its full authorized period even if the principal applicant’s circumstances change after the permit is issued.
Specifically, IRCC states that the work permit will stay valid for the entire period even if the principal spouse or common-law partner loses their job, completes their studies early, or if the couple divorces or separates after the work permit has been issued.
That policy has attracted growing scrutiny across social media, immigration forums, and online communities where some users characterize it as a loophole that could be exploited by ingenuine applicants.
The concern centres on a fundamental question: if eligibility is assessed only when the permit is issued and certain later changes do not terminate the authorization already granted, what stops someone from engineering a qualifying arrangement, obtaining the permit, and then deliberately unwinding the arrangement while the permit remains active?
Table of Contents
What Is The Spousal Open Work Permit Loophole Concern?
The spousal open work permit in Canada allows the spouse or common-law partner of a qualifying international student or foreign worker to work for any employer in Canada without a job offer.
Eligibility depends on the principal applicant’s circumstances at the time the permit is assessed, not on whether those circumstances continue throughout the permit’s duration.
The perceived gap arises because IRCC explicitly confirms that the permit survives certain post-issuance changes.
Social media posts in immigration discussion groups have described scenarios in which an applicant allegedly arranges a qualifying situation and secures the spousal open work permit, and then the principal applicant deliberately alters their circumstances shortly afterward.
Some posts frame this as a strategy, while others express alarm that it could undermine the integrity of the temporary residence system.
It is critical to distinguish between this kind of alleged pre-planned arrangement and a genuine case where circumstances change unexpectedly after a legitimate application.
These are legally and factually different situations, and they carry very different consequences under Canadian immigration law.
How Ingenuine Applicants Are Allegedly Targeting This Loophole
The alleged exploitation follows a recognizable sequence that immigration discussion groups have described in growing detail.
In the most commonly cited scenario, a principal applicant enrols in a qualifying program or accepts a job in an eligible occupation with no genuine intention to complete the studies or remain in the role.
The enrolment or employment serves a single purpose: to create the qualifying circumstances that make the spouse eligible for an open work permit.
Once IRCC issues the spousal open work permit based on those qualifying circumstances, a later change in the principal applicant’s circumstances does not automatically invalidate the spouse’s already-issued permit.
The principal applicant then withdraws from the program, leaves the job, or allows the relationship to dissolve, often within weeks or months of the spouse receiving the permit.
Because IRCC confirms that an already-issued spousal open work permit normally remains valid even after these changes occur, the spouse retains full work authorization in Canada for the remaining duration of the permit.
The spouse can continue working for any employer in Canada while the original basis for the permit no longer exists.
In some reported arrangements, the couple was never in a genuine relationship to begin with, and the entire application was built around manufactured documents and a coordinated story designed to satisfy officer review.
The Role Of Influencers And Unauthorized Agents
The concern has been amplified by immigration influencers on social media platforms and unauthorized agents who are actively promoting this perceived gap as a viable strategy.
Some of these individuals present the sequence described above as a straightforward path to Canadian work authorization, framing it as a feature of the rules rather than a potential act of misrepresentation.
Videos and posts circulating on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook-based immigration groups describe step-by-step approaches to obtaining a spousal open work permit under artificially created circumstances.
Several of these posts come from individuals who are not authorized immigration representatives under Canadian law and who face no immediate accountability for the advice they distribute.
IRCC has repeatedly warned that applicants are responsible for all information in their applications, even if a representative or adviser completed the application on their behalf.
Following advice from an unauthorized agent or a social media influencer does not shield an applicant from a misrepresentation finding if the information submitted to IRCC was false or misleading.
Canada is also preparing to introduce administrative penalties of up to $1.5 million for paid representatives who break immigration rules, including by advising clients to misrepresent themselves. IRCC says the new penalty regime will be introduced later in 2026.
Applicants who rely on these online recommendations risk serious consequences including refusal, a five-year ban from Canada, a permanent fraud record with IRCC, and removal from the country.
What IRCC Actually Says About An Already-Issued SOWP
IRCC’s Help Centre page on spousal open work permit duration states that the work permit is normally valid for the same period as the principal applicant’s study permit or work permit.
The page then confirms that the work permit will stay valid for that entire period even if the principal applicant’s situation changes.
IRCC specifically identifies three examples of changes that do not automatically terminate the already-issued permit: the principal applicant losing their job, the principal applicant completing their studies early, and the couple divorcing or separating after the work permit is issued.
However, IRCC also states clearly that if these situations apply, the work permit holder will not be able to extend that same work permit when it expires.
The holder may be eligible for another type of work permit at that point, but the original spousal open work permit itself cannot simply be renewed if the qualifying circumstances no longer exist.
This distinction between initial eligibility and continued validity is at the core of the perceived loophole.
When A Spousal Open Work Permit Can Remain Valid
IRCC’s policy reflects a practical reality: circumstances change for many spousal open work permit holders in ways that are entirely outside their control.
A foreign worker whose spouse holds an open work permit could be laid off during an economic downturn.
An international student might complete a thesis-based master’s program several months ahead of schedule.
A couple whose relationship was genuine at the time of the application could separate after experiencing difficulties in their personal lives.
In each of these situations, the spouse who holds the already-issued work permit did nothing improper.
They applied under valid circumstances, met the eligibility requirements at the time, and received a lawful authorization.
Automatically cancelling a work permit every time the principal applicant’s situation shifted would create severe instability for families who relocated to Canada in good faith and made financial, employment, and personal commitments based on a valid permit.
The continuing validity of the permit in these circumstances is therefore an explicit and deliberate feature of IRCC policy, not proof that any individual holder has done something wrong.
Why The Rule Is Raising Concerns
The policy concern is that the principal applicant’s qualifying circumstances can disappear entirely while the spouse’s work permit remains valid until its printed expiry date.
In a scenario where the principal student drops out of a qualifying program or the principal worker leaves their eligible occupation, the original basis for the spouse’s work authorization no longer exists.
Yet the spouse retains full open work permit privileges in Canada, potentially for 1-2 years or even more in some cases, depending on the remaining duration on the permit.
This gap in the enforcement framework has been characterized in online discussions as a vulnerability that ingenuine applicants are being advised by unauthorized agents to target.
The concern intensifies when viewed alongside IRCC data showing that open work permits issued to spouses of international students surged from approximately 16,020 in 2018 to 72,240 in 2023, a 351% increase documented in IRCC’s own parliamentary committee disclosures.
While that volume increase does not itself indicate fraud, it illustrates the scale at which the policy operates and why even a small proportion of ingenuine applications could have a significant aggregate effect.
Where The Line Between A Rule And Misrepresentation Begins
The legal distinction between a legitimate post-issuance change in circumstances and potential misrepresentation is precise.
A genuine change in circumstances means that the applicant truthfully represented all material facts at the time of the application and that the change occurred afterward for reasons that were not pre-planned to manipulate the immigration process.
Potential immigration misrepresentation begins when an applicant, at the time of submitting the application, misrepresented or withheld material facts about the genuineness of the relationship, the principal applicant’s true intentions regarding their studies or employment, or any other relevant matter that could influence the decision.
Under section 40(1)(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, a person is inadmissible for directly or indirectly misrepresenting or withholding material facts relating to a relevant matter that induces or could induce an error in the administration of the Act, and stricter enforcement measures for immigration consultants have further raised the stakes for anyone who facilitates such misrepresentation.
If a couple entered a relationship arrangement primarily to obtain immigration status, or if the principal applicant enrolled in a program or accepted a job with no genuine intention to complete it, the information provided to IRCC at the application stage may have been false or misleading.
However, each case depends on its specific facts, on what was actually represented to IRCC, and on the applicant’s circumstances and intentions at the relevant time.
No hypothetical scenario automatically constitutes misrepresentation without an examination of the actual evidence.
IRCC’s official consequences of immigration fraud page warns that submitting false or altered documents, providing false information, or misrepresenting facts can result in an application being refused, a ban from Canada for at least five years, a permanent record of fraud with IRCC, loss of temporary or permanent resident status or citizenship, a ban from applying for citizenship for five years, and removal from Canada.
Canada Already Tightened Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility
Canada has already enacted sweeping changes to spousal open work permit eligibility, particularly through restrictions that took effect on January 21, 2025.
The Government of Canada announced that effective January 21, 2025, only spouses of certain international students and foreign workers would be eligible for a family open work permit.
For Spouses Of International Students
Eligibility is now restricted to spouses of international students enrolled in master’s degree programs of 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, or select professional degree programs at universities and certain eligible pilot programs.
Professional programs that qualify include Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, nursing, education, and engineering degrees, among others specified by the IRCC.
Spouses of students in regular bachelor’s programs, college diplomas, or certificate programs generally no longer qualify for new spousal open work permits under the current rules.
For extensions of an existing spousal open work permit, IRCC requires the principal student to remain a full-time student in a PGWP-eligible program and not be in the final term of their study program.
For master’s programs, proof of enrollment must clearly show the program is at least 16 months long, with the minimum end of any stated range meeting that threshold.
For Spouses Of Foreign Workers
Under the general high-skilled worker measure, spousal open work permits are limited to spouses of foreign workers employed in TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupations or select TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations in sectors linked to labour shortages or government priorities.
For this measure, the principal worker generally needs at least 16 months remaining on their work authorization when the spouse applies.
Spouses of workers in TEER 4 or TEER 5 occupations generally do not qualify under this particular high-skilled-worker measure.
However, separate eligibility rules continue to exist for certain workers on pathways to permanent residence, workers covered by some free-trade agreements, and other specific IRCC measures.
Dependent children stopped qualifying under the general January 2025 high-skilled-worker family OWP measure, although separate measures may still provide eligibility to family members of certain workers transitioning to permanent residence.
Open work permits that were already approved under the previous, broader criteria and had not yet expired remained valid after the January 2025 changes.
What Happens When The Existing Spousal Work Permit Expires?
The continued validity of an already-issued spousal open work permit does not create an entitlement to renewal.
When the existing permit expires, the holder must meet whatever eligibility requirements apply at the time of the new application.
If the principal applicant has lost their job or dropped out of their program, or if the couple has separated, the spouse will generally not be able to extend the same type of open work permit.
They may be eligible for a different type of work permit depending on their individual circumstances, or they may need to maintain their status through another immigration pathway.
IRCC’s program delivery instructions also specify that in-Canada spouses of students may seek open work permit renewals under the criteria that existed when their current work permit was processed, but only if they are requesting a duration that aligns with the study authorization the principal applicant received to complete their current program.
This means that even where a renewal pathway exists, it is not unlimited, and the underlying qualifying circumstances must still support the request.
Are Genuine SOWP Applicants Affected?
Genuine applicants who meet the applicable eligibility requirements should not assume that online controversy around this alleged loophole means their legitimate pending applications are somehow fraudulent or automatically at risk.
Eligibility for a spousal open work permit continues to be determined under the current IRCC rules and the specific facts of each individual application.
Meeting the published eligibility criteria, providing truthful documentation, and being in a genuine relationship with a qualifying principal applicant remain the foundations of a sound application.
However, increased public attention to this issue could lead to closer scrutiny of new applications.
Officers who are aware of discussions about potential exploitation may examine relationship evidence, principal applicant intentions, and supporting documentation with greater attention to detail.
Applicants with genuinely qualifying circumstances should ensure their applications are thorough, well-documented, and consistent with the facts they have represented to IRCC.
Could IRCC Close The Perceived Loophole?
IRCC has not announced any specific policy change targeting the continued validity of already-issued spousal open work permits.
However, several policy options would be available to the department if it determined that the current approach was creating an unacceptable integrity risk.
Possible measures could include closer verification of the principal applicant’s circumstances at the time of the spousal open work permit application, including more rigorous checks on relationship genuineness and the principal applicant’s enrollment or employment intentions.
IRCC could revise the validity rules so that a spousal open work permit is explicitly tied to the continuing validity and compliance of the principal applicant’s study or work permit.
Enhanced post-issuance compliance checks could verify that the principal applicant continues to study or work in the qualifying capacity.
Future regulatory or policy amendments could also require the spouse to report material changes in the principal applicant’s circumstances and make the open work permit subject to review on that basis.
These are analytical possibilities, not announced measures, and any changes would need to balance program integrity against the legitimate interests of genuine families whose circumstances may change for reasons beyond their control.
Canada has already demonstrated willingness to tighten spousal open work permit rules significantly, and further adjustments remain a realistic possibility if the perceived gap continues to attract public concern.
The controversy around Canada’s spousal open work permit rules exposes an unusual feature of the current system: eligibility is assessed when the permit is issued, while certain subsequent changes in the principal applicant’s circumstances do not automatically terminate the authorization already granted.
That structure serves a legitimate purpose by protecting genuine families from losing a spouse’s work authorization every time an unexpected life event occurs.
It does not, however, provide permission to misrepresent facts to IRCC.
Anyone who arranges a qualifying situation through false or misleading information, enters a relationship primarily for immigration purposes, or submits documentation that does not reflect their true circumstances faces serious consequences under Canadian immigration law, including a potential five-year ban, loss of status, and removal from Canada.
Genuine applicants should continue to follow the current eligibility requirements published by IRCC, provide truthful and complete documentation, and apply based on a genuine relationship and qualifying circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does a spousal open work permit remain valid if the principal applicant loses their job?
Yes, according to IRCC’s Help Centre, an already-issued spousal open work permit normally remains valid for the full period even if the principal applicant loses their job after the permit was issued.
What happens if the principal student finishes studies early?
The spouse’s already-issued work permit normally remains valid for the full period, but the holder may not be able to extend the same type of permit when it expires if the qualifying enrolment no longer exists.
Does a SOWP remain valid after divorce or separation?
IRCC confirms that the work permit stays valid for its authorized period even if the couple divorces or separates after the permit was issued, but extension eligibility may be affected.
Can an existing SOWP be extended after the principal applicant stops qualifying?
Generally no, IRCC states that if the qualifying circumstances no longer exist, the holder will not be able to extend that same work permit, though they may be eligible for a different type of work permit.
Can IRCC cancel a work permit for misrepresentation?
If IRCC determines that material facts were misrepresented in the original application, consequences can include refusal, a five-year ban from Canada, a permanent fraud record, loss of status, and removal from Canada.
Are genuine pending SOWP applications affected by this controversy?
Genuine applicants meeting the current eligibility criteria should not assume their applications are at risk, though heightened public attention to this issue may result in closer scrutiny of new applications by processing officers.
Who currently qualifies for a spousal open work permit in Canada?
For international students, eligibility is generally limited to spouses of students in master’s programs of at least 16 months, doctoral programs, and specified professional or eligible programs.
For foreign workers under the general high-skilled-worker measure, spouses may qualify where the worker is in TEER 0 or TEER 1, or a select TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupation, and generally has at least 16 months of work authorization remaining.
Separate rules and exceptions apply to some workers on permanent residence pathways, workers covered by certain free-trade agreements, and other specific IRCC measures.Fact-Checked: All policy statements in this article have been verified against the IRCC Help Centre page on spousal open work permit duration (Question 1522); Government of Canada notice on changes to open work permits for family members of temporary residents (January 14, 2025); IRCC program delivery update for spouses and common-law partners of study permit holders (January 23, 2025); Government of Canada guidance on consequences of immigration and citizenship fraud; IRCC eligibility pages for open work permits for family members of foreign workers; and IRCC parliamentary committee disclosures on spousal open work permit issuance data.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules and program instructions can change, so applicants should verify current requirements directly with IRCC before applying.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- 2 New Canada LMIA Rules and Updates In August 2026
Canada’s LMIA system saw two important rule changes in August 2026, alongside growing practical emphasis on work location and business legitimacy requirements that affect how employers hire temporary foreign workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) changed the low-wage workforce cap calculation for employers with fewer than ten employees at a given work location on August 18, 2026.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada extended the concurrent processing grace period from sixty to ninety days for certain in-Canada work permit applicants whose employer’s LMIA is still pending, effective August 21, 2026.
Alongside these two dated rule changes, current LMIA requirements continue to place increasing practical weight on the specific work location, the workforce at that location, and the genuineness of the employer’s business operations.
This article explains each development in detail, compares the old and new rules, walks through practical examples, and answers the most common employer questions about LMIA eligibility in 2026.
Table of Contents
1. New Low-Wage LMIA Cap Calculation
ESDC updated the Program Requirements for Low-Wage Positions page on August 18, 2026, introducing a variation that applies the low-wage cap calculation at the work-location level for employers with fewer than ten employees at a given work location.
Under this variation, Service Canada uses a workforce size of ten for the purpose of calculating the cap, even when the actual headcount at that location is smaller.
The result is that eligible employers may hire a maximum of one low-wage temporary foreign worker at a location subject to the standard 10% cap or two low-wage temporary foreign workers at a location subject to the 20% cap that applies to construction, food manufacturing, hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, and specified in-home caregiver occupations.
Who Counts Toward the Workforce at a Location
ESDC defines the total workforce size at a given work location to include all full-time and part-time employees working at that location, including Canadians, permanent residents, temporary foreign workers employed through the LMIA process, workers holding other types of work permits, and employees who are on leave but expected to return.
A full-time employee is a worker who works an average of 30 or more hours per week.
A part-time employee is a worker who works an average of less than 30 hours per week and counts as 0.5 of an employee for cap calculation purposes.
The workforce count also includes vacant positions for new temporary foreign workers requested on the LMIA application and temporary foreign workers on previously approved LMIAs who have yet to start their employment.
Why This Matters for Multi-Location Businesses
Before this update, the alternative calculation for employers with fewer than ten employees was generally based on the employer’s total workforce nationally.
The shift to a per-location calculation is especially significant for businesses that operate multiple small locations, such as a restaurant chain with several outlets each staffed by seven or eight employees.
Previously, a multi-location employer whose total national workforce exceeded ten would not qualify for the small-employer variation at any individual site.
Under the August 18 update, each location with fewer than ten employees is now independently eligible for the alternative calculation, potentially allowing one or two low-wage TFWs at each qualifying site.
Practical Example: How the New Cap Works
Consider a cleaning company that operates three locations in Ontario with seven full-time employees at each site, for a total national workforce of twenty-one.
Under the previous interpretation, this employer would not have qualified for the small-employer variation because the total workforce exceeded ten.
Under the August 18 update, each location independently qualifies because each has fewer than ten employees.
Assuming the position pays below the provincial wage threshold and falls under the standard 10% cap, the employer could apply for one low-wage TFW at each of those three locations, for a potential total of three low-wage positions across the company.
If the employer operates in a 20% cap sector such as construction, food manufacturing, or nursing and residential care, each location could support up to two low-wage TFWs, for a potential company-wide total of six.
Cap Calculation Comparison Table
Factor Before August 18, 2026 After August 18, 2026 Unit of measurement Employer’s total national workforce (for the small-employer variation) Workforce at each individual work location Threshold for variation Fewer than 10 employees overall Fewer than 10 employees at a given work location Cap calculation uses A deemed workforce of 10 (applied once to the employer) A deemed workforce of 10 (applied independently per location) Max low-wage TFWs (10% cap) 1 across the employer 1 per qualifying location Max low-wage TFWs (20% cap) 2 across the employer 2 per qualifying location Multi-location employer with 7 staff per site (3 sites, 10% cap) Did not qualify if total exceeded 10 Up to 1 low-wage TFW per site (3 total) Part-time employee counting 0.5 of an employee 0.5 of an employee (unchanged) Note: positions that are cap-exempt, such as on-farm primary agriculture, certain caregiving positions, short-duration positions of 120 days or less, and seasonal industry positions of up to 270 days, remain unaffected by this change.
2. IRCC Extends Processing Grace Period to 90 Days
IRCC updated its officer instructions on the Labour Market Impact Assessment Review page on August 21, 2026, extending the concurrent processing window from sixty days to ninety days.
Concurrent processing allows certain foreign nationals who are inside Canada to submit a Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permit application before their employer’s LMIA has been decided, provided specific eligibility conditions are met.
Under the updated instructions, IRCC will hold the work permit application for ninety days from the date of submission, giving the applicant that window to provide proof of a positive or neutral LMIA.
Eligibility Conditions: This Is Not a Blanket Rule
This extended grace period applies only when all of the following conditions are met simultaneously:
The foreign national’s current work permit is set to expire in two weeks or less at the time they submit their new work permit application.
The employer has already submitted a complete LMIA application to ESDC.
The application was submitted with sufficient lead time, meaning the employer filed it far enough in advance of published LMIA processing times that a decision could reasonably have been made.
No decision on the LMIA application has been made yet at the time the work permit application is submitted.
Critical warning from IRCC: Employers should not submit the application immediately prior to the work permit application and expect that IRCC will allow concurrent processing.
IRCC’s officer instructions explicitly state that requests where the LMIA was filed at the last minute will be assessed on an exceptional basis only.
How Concurrent Processing Works in Practice
When a qualifying in-Canada work permit application is submitted under concurrent processing, the IRCC officer reviewing the file puts the decision on hold for the ninety-day period.
During that window, the applicant can update their application with proof of the employer’s positive or neutral LMIA.
After the ninety days elapse, the officer returns to the application and renders a final determination on the work permit.
If the applicant has not provided a positive LMIA by the end of the ninety-day window, the application will be assessed based on whatever documentation is on file, which will typically result in a refusal because the LMIA is a mandatory document under paragraph R10(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
IRCC also notes that applicants who need concurrent processing should enter CPTS2026 in the Job Title field of IMM 5710 when completing their application, though the code is for tracking purposes only and does not affect the officer’s decision.
Concurrent Processing Comparison Table
Detail Before August 21, 2026 After August 21, 2026 Grace period length 60 days from submission 90 days from submission Applies to In-Canada work permit applications under R199 In-Canada work permit applications under R199 (unchanged) Work permit expiry requirement 2 weeks or less remaining 2 weeks or less remaining (unchanged) Application filing requirement The employer must have submitted a complete LMIA with sufficient lead time The employer must have submitted a complete LMIA with sufficient lead time (unchanged) Last-minute LMIA filing Assessed on an exceptional basis Assessed on an exceptional basis (unchanged) LMIA decision status No decision yet made No decision yet made (unchanged) Quebec applicants Must also provide CAQ if required Must also provide CAQ if required (unchanged) Practical Example: When Concurrent Processing Helps
An employer in British Columbia files a complete application in early May 2026 for a low-wage food-service position.
The employee’s current work permit expires on September 5, 2026, and ESDC has not yet issued a decision.
On August 25, the employee submits an in-Canada work permit renewal application, providing proof that their permit expires within two weeks, that the employer filed the LMIA well in advance of published processing times, and that no decision has been made.
IRCC holds the application for up to ninety days, giving the applicant until late November to provide the positive LMIA.
If ESDC issues a positive LMIA in October, the applicant submits the proof, and the officer can proceed to finalize the work permit.
Under the previous sixty-day window, this same applicant would have had until late October, thirty days less breathing room in a period when LMIA processing times have been trending upward.
Employers Face Greater Scrutiny Over Work Locations
The concepts of business legitimacy and genuine work location have historically been part of the LMIA assessment process.
ESDC’s business legitimacy assessment has long required all employers to demonstrate four factors: that the business is providing a good or service in Canada; that the job offer is consistent with reasonable employment needs; that the employer can fulfill the terms of the job offer, including wages; and that the employer has no unresolved compliance issues.
What has changed in recent enforcement cycles is the practical emphasis that Service Canada places on the specific work location, the workforce attached to that location, and the supporting documentation employers must provide.
Why the Work Location Now Carries More Weight
Several interconnected rules have made the work location central to multiple parts of the LMIA assessment.
Low-wage caps are calculated based on the workforce at a specific work location, as confirmed by the August 18 update discussed above.
Prevailing wage varies by occupation and local Job Bank region, while whether an LMIA falls under the high-wage or low-wage stream is determined by comparing the offered wage with the applicable provincial or territorial wage threshold.
Employers can be asked to submit payroll records to verify the workforce count claimed at a particular location.
The employer compliance inspection regime, which saw penalties more than double in the most recent fiscal year, can include on-site verification of the workplace.
What Employers Should Be Prepared to Substantiate
Merely providing an address on the LMIA application does not establish that the proposed workplace and employment are genuine.
Employers should be prepared to substantiate where the employee will actually perform the work, the workforce associated with that work location, why the position is required, and that the employer is genuinely operating and providing goods or services in Canada.
Business Legitimacy Documentation
Employers who have not had a positive LMIA issued within the past two years must submit supporting documents to demonstrate business legitimacy.
The primary document ESDC requests is a valid municipal business licence, or any applicable permit or licence required to operate the business.
If a municipal business licence is not required in the employer’s area, alternatives include a T4 Summary of remuneration paid, T2 Schedule 100 and Schedule 125 for corporations, a PD7A statement of account for current source deductions, or other appropriate documents that clearly demonstrate the business is in operation and provides a good or service in Canada.
Service Canada will consider alternative documents on a case-by-case basis.
Employers who have received a positive LMIA within the past two years are not required to re-submit these documents, though Service Canada retains the right to request additional documentation at any time.
The key principle is genuineness: the employer must accurately identify where the worker will perform the job, demonstrate that the position represents a genuine labour need, and show that the business is legitimately operating and providing goods or services in Canada.
Canada’s August 2026 LMIA changes give some employers more flexibility, but they also reinforce the importance of accurate work-location information and proper planning before filing an application.
Employers and foreign workers should review the latest ESDC and IRCC requirements carefully, particularly when dealing with low-wage positions, pending assessments, or multiple work locations.
With LMIA rules and processing policies continuing to evolve, applicants should verify the most current federal requirements before submitting an assessment or related work permit application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Apply for a Work Permit Before My LMIA Is Approved?
Yes, but only under the specific conditions of IRCC’s concurrent processing measure, and only if you are applying from inside Canada. The LMIA is normally a mandatory document required for a complete work permit application under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Concurrent processing creates a narrow exception: if your current work permit expires in two weeks or less, your employer has already submitted a complete application with sufficient lead time, and no LMIA decision has been made, IRCC will accept your application and hold it for up to 90 days while you wait for the LMIA result. If you are applying from outside Canada, concurrent processing does not apply, and you must have a positive LMIA before submitting your work permit application.
How Long Can IRCC Wait for a Positive LMIA?
Under the updated officer instructions effective August 21, 2026, IRCC will hold a qualifying in-Canada work permit application for ninety days from the date of submission. This is the maximum window, not a guarantee of approval.
If the positive LMIA is not provided within those ninety days, the officer will render a decision based on the documents on file, which will typically lead to a refusal because the requirement has not been met.
The grace period does not extend the validity of a positive LMIA itself, which is generally valid for up to six months from the date ESDC issues the approval letter.Can a Company With Fewer Than 10 Employees Get an LMIA?
Yes, employers with fewer than ten employees at a given work location can apply for and receive an LMIA under either the low-wage or high-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The small-employer variation described above applies specifically to the low-wage stream cap calculation.
Under the high-wage stream, there is no cap on the proportion of temporary foreign workers, and the employer must instead submit a transition plan outlining steps to reduce reliance on the program over time.
An employer with only two or three employees can still apply for an LMIA, provided they meet all program requirements, including recruitment, business legitimacy, wages, and the ability to fulfill the terms of the job offer.How Many Low-Wage Foreign Workers Can a Small Employer Hire?
An employer with fewer than ten employees at a given work location can hire a maximum of one low-wage TFW under the standard 10% cap, or two low-wage TFWs if the position falls in a sector subject to the 20% cap, such as construction, food manufacturing, hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, or specified in-home caregiver occupations. These limits apply per location.
An employer operating multiple locations, each with fewer than ten employees, could potentially qualify for one or two low-wage TFWs at each qualifying site, as described in the August 18 update.
Positions that are exempt from the cap, such as on-farm primary agriculture or certain seasonal positions, do not count against these limits.Does an LMIA Employer Need a Physical Office in Canada?
The program does not contain a blanket rule requiring every employer to maintain a commercial physical office. What ESDC does require is that the employer demonstrate the business is providing a good or service in Canada, the job offer is consistent with reasonable employment needs, and the employer can fulfill all terms of the offer. The positive LMIA letter includes a Location of Employment field that specifies the physical address where the work will be performed.
Service Canada can request documentation to verify that real business activity occurs at the stated address, and employer compliance inspections may include an on-site component.
The practical takeaway is that the employer needs to provide a genuine and accurate location of employment and be able to substantiate where the worker will actually perform their duties.Can a Home-Based Business Get an LMIA?
ESDC’s program framework does not automatically disqualify home-based businesses from the process.
Private household employers are explicitly recognized in the low-wage program requirements, and caregiver positions in a private household are specifically listed among the sectors subject to the 20% cap variation.
For non-caregiver positions, a home-based employer would need to clearly demonstrate that the business genuinely operates from that address, that the role represents a real employment need, and that the employer can meet all wage, housing, transportation, and insurance obligations.
A home-based bakery producing goods for commercial sale, for example, is a different proposition from a residential address with no visible business activity, and each application is assessed on its own facts.Can an Employer Use a Virtual Office Address for an LMIA?
The LMIA application requires a work location where the temporary foreign worker will actually perform their duties, and the positive LMIA letter specifies this address in the Location of Employment field.
A virtual mailing address alone does not prove a genuine work location.
Employers must accurately identify where the foreign worker will perform the employment and be able to substantiate the business and job offer.
A virtual-office arrangement is not expressly prohibited and must be assessed on the facts of the application.
An employer whose workers perform duties at client sites or in the field rather than at a central office has a different situation entirely, and the work location on the assessment application should reflect where the work is actually performed.Does Service Canada Verify an Employer’s Work Location?
Yes, Service Canada has the authority to verify the information provided on an LMIA application, including the work location.
This verification can occur during the assessment process, when officers may request additional documents such as a lease, utility bills, or photos of the workplace.
It can also occur after a positive LMIA is issued, through the employer compliance inspection regime.
ESDC can inspect any employer who has hired a temporary foreign worker for up to six years after the worker’s first day of employment.
In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, ESDC finalized 1,488 compliance inspections, found 12% of employers non-compliant, issued over $10.2 million in penalties, and banned 30 employers from the program.Can One Company Apply for LMIAs at Multiple Locations?
Yes, a single employer can apply for LMIAs at different work locations across Canada. Each application is assessed based on the specific work location, the prevailing wage for that location and occupation, the workforce count at that location, and the local labour market conditions.
The low-wage cap is calculated independently for each work location, which is the core change introduced by the August 18, 2026 update for employers with fewer than ten employees per site.
Employers should note that the refusal-to-process policy for census metropolitan areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher applies based on the location of the job, so a company could have one location eligible for a low-wage LMIA and another location in a high-unemployment CMA where the application would not be processed.What Documents Prove That an LMIA Business Is Legitimate?
The specific documents depend on the employer’s history with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Employers whose most recent positive LMIA was issued within the past two years are generally not required to re-submit business legitimacy documents.
All other employers must provide a valid municipal business licence, or if one is not required in their area, at least one alternative document such as a T4 Summary, T2 Schedule 100 and Schedule 125, a PD7A statement, or other documentation that clearly demonstrates the business is operational and provides a good or service in Canada.
To demonstrate the ability to fulfill terms of the job offer, employers must provide the most recently assessed CRA document applicable to their business structure, such as T2 schedules for corporations, T2042 for farming operations, T2125 for sole proprietorships, T3010 for registered charities, or T5013 Schedule 1 for partnerships.
When these CRA documents are unavailable, an attestation from a financial institution is an acceptable alternative, though Service Canada may contact the institution to verify it.
Trucking employers must always submit a current carrier profile, National Safety Code certificate, and fleet insurance, regardless of their program history.Fact-Checked Against: ESDC Program Requirements for Low-Wage Positions (updated August 18, 2026); IRCC Officer Instructions for LMIA Review (updated August 21, 2026); ESDC Business Legitimacy Assessment (updated February 19, 2026).
Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a licensed immigration professional for advice on your specific situation.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
5 Canadian provinces are raising their minimum wage on October 1, 2026, reshaping what hundreds of thousands of workers across the country will earn for every hour on the job.
Ontario leads the group with a 2.0% bump to its general minimum wage rate, while Manitoba delivers the steepest percentage jump at 2.5%.
Saskatchewan follows with a 2.3% increase, and Prince Edward Island adds 1.8% to its already highest-in-Atlantic-Canada rate.
Nova Scotia rounds out the group with a 1.5% October increase, its second raise of 2026 after an earlier April 1 adjustment.
Inflation and other economic indicators play a major role in setting minimum wages across these provinces.
The combined effect puts more money into the pockets of minimum wage earners at a time when grocery bills, rent, and utility costs continue to run above the levels workers saw just two years ago.
Here is the complete breakdown of every October 1, 2026 minimum wage change, including the exact new rates, the special wage categories most workers never hear about, the overtime calculations that change alongside the base rate, and what these new floors mean for your annual paycheque.
Table of Contents
New Ontario Minimum Wage In October
Ontario’s general minimum wage increases from $17.60 to $17.95 per hour on October 1, 2026, as confirmed by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
The $0.35 increase is approximately a 2.0% increase in the posted wage rate and reflects Ontario’s 1.9% CPI adjustment, with the final minimum wage rounded to the nearest five cents.
The Ontario Ministry of Labour released the confirmed figures on April 1, 2026, following the standard schedule that has governed minimum wage announcements in the province for years.
Provincial law requires the government to publish confirmed rates by April 1 each year, giving businesses a full six-month runway to update payroll systems before the new rates take effect.
For a full-time worker logging 40 hours per week across 52 weeks, the new rate translates to $37,336 in annual gross earnings before taxes and deductions.
That is $728 more per year compared to the current $17.60 rate, or roughly $60.67 more per month.
Ontario’s weekly gross at the new rate works out to $718 for a standard 40-hour week.
Ontario Special Minimum Wage Rates for October 2026
Ontario operates four minimum wage categories, and all four adjust simultaneously on October 1.
The student minimum wage rises from $16.60 to $16.90 per hour, a $0.30 increase.
This rate applies to students under the age of 18 who work 28 hours per week or less when school is in session or who work during a school break or summer holidays.
A student can work more than 28 hours during a school break or summer holiday and still qualify for the student rate, as long as they are under 18.
The homeworker minimum wage increases from $19.35 to $19.70 per hour, a $0.35 increase that maintains this category as the highest hourly minimum wage rate in Ontario.
Homeworkers are employees who do paid work from their own homes for an employer, and they are not independent contractors.
Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guide rates also increase on October 1, 2026.
Guides who work fewer than five consecutive hours in a day will earn $89.75 per day, up from $88.05.
Guides who work five or more hours in a day will earn $179.50 per day, up from $176.15, regardless of whether the hours are consecutive.
Ontario eliminated the separate liquor server minimum wage in 2022.
All servers and bartenders now earn the full general minimum wage of $17.95 per hour starting October 1, and tips and gratuities remain entirely separate from the base wage.
Employers cannot count tips toward the minimum wage obligation under Ontario law.
Ontario Overtime at the New Rate
Ontario’s overtime threshold is 44 hours per week for most employees.
At the new general rate, overtime pay works out to 1.5 times $17.95, which is $26.93 per hour for every hour beyond 44 in a work week.
For a worker who logs 50 hours in a single week, the gross pay calculation is 44 regular hours at $17.95 ($789.80) plus 6 overtime hours at $26.93 ($161.58), for a total weekly gross of $951.38.
Employees in federally regulated sectors in Ontario follow the federal minimum wage of $18.15 per hour, which took effect on April 1, 2026.
Federally regulated employees must receive at least the $18.15 federal minimum wage, but if the applicable provincial or territorial general minimum wage is higher, the higher rate applies.
All five October rates covered in this article remain below $18.15, so the federal rate governs for federally regulated workers in these provinces.
Federally regulated industries include banking, telecommunications, airlines, and interprovincial transportation.
Ontario has also introduced several new laws and rules taking effect in 2026 that affect workers and employers beyond the minimum wage changes.
Manitoba’s Minimum Wage Is Largest Percentage Increase
Manitoba’s minimum wage rises from $16.00 to $16.40 per hour on October 1, 2026, as confirmed by the provincial government through Manitoba Labour and Immigration.
The 40-cent increase is the largest percentage jump among the five provinces at 2.5%, reflecting Manitoba’s 2025 inflation rate rounded up to the nearest five cents under the Employment Standards Code.
Manitoba announced the increase on April 1, 2026, following its standard annual adjustment schedule that has delivered October 1 rate changes consistently for nearly a decade.
A full-time minimum wage worker in Manitoba will earn $34,112 in annual gross income at the new rate, based on 2,080 hours of work across 52 weeks.
That is $832 more per year than the current $16.00 rate, making Manitoba’s increase the most valuable in raw dollar terms among the five provinces covered here.
The weekly gross at the new rate works out to $656 for a standard 40-hour work week.
Manitoba Overtime and Exemptions
Manitoba’s standard hours of work are 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day.
Employees who work beyond those standard hours must be paid at the overtime rate of 1.5 times their regular wages.
At the new minimum wage, the overtime rate works out to 1.5 times $16.40, which is $24.60 per hour.
For a worker who logs 48 hours in a single week, the gross pay is 40 regular hours at $16.40 ($656.00) plus 8 overtime hours at $24.60 ($196.80), totaling $852.80.
Manitoba applies its minimum wage to most workers, including part-time and commission-based employees.
Workers specifically excluded from the provincial minimum wage include domestic workers who work fewer than 12 hours per week, participants in approved provincial or federal training programs, and election officials, enumerators, and temporary staff under The Elections Act.
The construction industry in Manitoba also has separate wage regulations that apply to heavy construction and ICI sectors.
Manitoba does not maintain a separate student minimum wage or a separate server minimum wage.
Saskatchewan Also Raises Minimum Wage
Saskatchewan’s minimum wage increases from $15.35 to $15.70 per hour on October 1, 2026, as announced by the provincial government on June 29, 2026, through Saskatchewan Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.
The $0.35 increase represents a 2.3% adjustment, calculated using Saskatchewan’s indexation formula that gives equal weight to changes in the Consumer Price Index and the average hourly wage in the province.
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Ken Cheveldayoff stated that the increase balances workers’ needs with business growth and economic stability.
A full-time worker earning the new Saskatchewan minimum wage will gross $32,656 per year, based on 2,080 hours worked.
That is $728 more per year than the current rate, the same dollar increase as Ontario despite the lower base rate, because both provinces added $0.35 per hour.
Saskatchewan’s weekly gross at the new minimum wage is $628 for a standard 40-hour work week.
Since 2008, Saskatchewan’s minimum wage has increased by more than 90%, rising from $8.25 to $15.70 per hour by October 1, 2026.
Saskatchewan Overtime and Structure
Saskatchewan does not maintain separate minimum wage categories for students, servers, or homeworkers.
Every covered employee earns the same $15.70 per hour regardless of age, occupation, or employment status.
Overtime in Saskatchewan is paid at 1.5 times the employee’s regular wage rate.
At the new minimum, that works out to $23.55 per hour for overtime hours.
Certain employees are exempt from minimum wage requirements, including individuals who have a physical or mental disability or impairment and work for a non-profit organization or institution in programs that are educational, therapeutic, or rehabilitative.
The province calculates new minimum wage rates each year using the indexation formula, with changes typically announced on or before June 30 and taking effect on October 1.
Nova Scotia’s Second Increase of 2026
Nova Scotia’s minimum wage rises from $16.75 to $17.00 per hour on October 1, 2026, completing the second stage of a two-step increase announced on December 2, 2025, by the provincial government through Nova Scotia Labour Standards.
The province already raised the rate from $16.50 to $16.75 on April 1, 2026, making this the fourth minimum wage change in Nova Scotia in just two years.
The combined effect of both 2026 increases is a $0.50 lift from the January rate, spread across two dates to give businesses additional time to adjust after 2025’s larger increases.
The October 1 increase of $0.25 represents a 1.5% jump from the $16.75 April rate.
Nova Scotia’s formula for adjusting minimum wage adds 1% on top of the national Consumer Price Index, making it one of the few provinces where the minimum wage grows faster than inflation by design.
Following these special increases, the province will return to its legislated formula for adjusting minimum wage by the change in the rate of inflation plus an additional 1%, starting with the April 1, 2027, adjustment.
A full-time minimum wage worker earning $17.00 per hour will gross $35,360 per year at the October rate, based on 2,080 hours worked.
The weekly gross at $17.00 per hour is $680 for a standard 40-hour week.
Nova Scotia Call-In Pay and Piecework Rules
Nova Scotia maintains separate minimum wage orders for workers in construction and property maintenance, as well as workers in logging and forest operations.
Employers in these sectors should contact Labour Standards directly for the applicable rates.
Nova Scotia’s call-in pay rule requires employers to pay workers who are called into work outside their regular hours for a minimum of three hours at the minimum wage rate.
At the new $17.00 rate, that minimum call-in payment works out to $51.00, even if the employee only works one or two hours.
The overtime threshold in Nova Scotia is 48 hours per week for most workers.
At the new rate, overtime pay is calculated at 1.5 times $17.00, which is $25.50 per hour.
Employers who pay workers on a piecework basis must ensure that total piecework earnings equal or exceed what the worker would have earned at the minimum wage for all hours worked.
If the piecework earnings fall short, the employer owes the difference.
PEI’s Highest Minimum Wage In Atlantic Canada
Prince Edward Island’s minimum wage increases from $17.00 to $17.30 per hour on October 1, 2026, maintaining the province’s position as the highest minimum wage jurisdiction in Atlantic Canada, as outlined by PEI Employment Standards.
The $0.30 increase represents a 1.8% adjustment and continues a structured pattern of steady rate increases that brought the province from $16.00 to $16.50 in October 2025 and then to $17.00 on April 1, 2026.
A full-time worker earning the new PEI minimum wage will gross $35,984 per year based on 2,080 hours of work.
That is $624 more per year compared to the current $17.00 rate.
The weekly gross at $17.30 per hour is $692 for a 40-hour work week.
PEI has also confirmed a further increase to $17.60 per hour on April 1, 2027, giving workers and employers clear visibility into the next scheduled rate change.
PEI Overtime and Board Deduction Rules
Prince Edward Island’s standard work week was reduced from 48 hours to 44 hours under the new Employment Standards Act that took effect on June 30, 2026.
Overtime now applies after 44 hours in a work week and is paid at 1.5 times the employee’s regular rate of pay.
At the new minimum wage, the overtime rate works out to 1.5 times $17.30, which is $25.95 per hour.
PEI regulates the maximum amounts that employers can deduct from wages when they furnish board and lodging to employees.
These deduction limits are set out in the Minimum Wage Order and are particularly relevant in industries like tourism, agriculture, and seasonal work where employer-provided housing and meals are common.
The province does not maintain a separate student minimum wage, a server minimum wage, or a training wage.
If training is required by the employer and counts as hours of work, those hours must be paid at least the applicable minimum wage.
How the 5 Provinces Compare After October 1
Once all five increases take effect, the provincial ranking from highest to lowest minimum hourly wage among these provinces will be: Ontario at $17.95, Prince Edward Island at $17.30, Nova Scotia at $17.00, Manitoba at $16.40, and Saskatchewan at $15.70.
Saskatchewan’s $15.70 rate will remain one of the lowest provincial minimum wages in Canada, even after the 2.3% increase.
Ontario’s $17.95 rate is the highest among the five but still falls below the federal minimum wage of $18.15 per hour that took effect on April 1, 2026, for workers in federally regulated industries.
Federally regulated employees must receive at least the $18.15 federal minimum wage, but if the applicable provincial or territorial general minimum wage is higher, the higher rate applies.
All five October rates remain below $18.15, so the federal rate governs for federally regulated workers in these provinces.
Manitoba’s 2.5% increase is the steepest by percentage among the five, and its $832 annual boost for full-time workers is the largest in absolute dollar terms.
Nova Scotia stands out as the only province in this group implementing two minimum wage increases in a single calendar year, with the combined 2026 effect adding $0.50 per hour and $1,040 per year for full-time workers compared to the January rate.
PEI’s strategy of positioning itself as Atlantic Canada’s highest minimum wage province continues with the October increase, keeping a $0.30 per hour lead over Nova Scotia.
These October minimum wage increases will put more money into workers’ paycheques across five provinces starting October 1, 2026.
Employees should check their provincial employment standards rules to confirm the new rate, overtime requirements, and any special wage category that applies to their job.
Workers should also review their first paycheque after October 1 to ensure the updated minimum wage has been applied correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When exactly do the new minimum wage rates take effect?
All five provinces implement their new rates on October 1, 2026, with the exception of Nova Scotia, which already raised its rate once on April 1, 2026, and raises it again on October 1. Employers must apply the new rates to hours worked on and after October 1, 2026. Where a pay period spans October 1, hours before the effective date can remain subject to the previous rate.
Does the provincial minimum wage apply to workers at banks and telecom companies?
Federally regulated employees must receive at least the $18.15 federal minimum wage, but if the applicable provincial or territorial general minimum wage is higher, the higher rate applies. All five October rates covered in this article remain below $18.15, so the federal rate governs for federally regulated workers in these provinces.
Can an employer in Ontario pay a student worker the lower student rate if the student is 18 years old?
No, the student minimum wage of $16.90 in Ontario applies only to students who are under the age of 18. When school is in session, the student must also work 28 hours or fewer per week to qualify for the lower rate. During a school break or summer holiday, students under 18 can qualify for the student rate regardless of how many hours they work. A student who turns 18 must be paid the full general rate of $17.95.
What happens if a Nova Scotia employer misses the October 1 payroll update?
The employer owes back pay at the $17.00 rate for every hour worked from October 1 onward at the old rate. The employer remains liable for the wage shortfall, and Labour Standards can investigate and issue an order requiring the amount owing to be paid.
Will any of these five provinces raise minimum wage again before the end of 2026?
No additional increases have been announced for the remainder of 2026 in any of these five provinces. The next scheduled changes are Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba on October 1, 2027; Nova Scotia returning to its annual formula on April 1, 2027; and PEI on April 1, 2027, at $17.60 per hour.
Fact-Checked: The October 1, 2026 minimum wage rates, effective dates, percentage increases, special wage rates, overtime rules, and related employment standards referenced in this article have been verified against official federal and provincial government sources as of August 23, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, employment, payroll, or financial advice. Minimum wage and overtime rules may vary depending on occupation, industry, employment status, exemptions, and whether a workplace is provincially or federally regulated. Workers and employers should consult the applicable provincial employment standards authority or federal Labour Program for guidance specific to their circumstances.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- Canada Benefit Payments In August 2026
The final week of August 2026 is delivering one of the busiest stretches of benefit payments in the entire month for millions of Canadians from coast to coast.
Federal pensions, provincial disability support, and income assistance programs are all scheduled to deposit between August 25 and August 31, putting a combined total of billions of dollars into Canadian bank accounts before September arrives.
Service Canada will issue CPP, OAS, GIS, and Allowance payments on August 27, continuing the quarterly rates from the 1.2% OAS increase that took effect in July.
This is the eighth month under the 2% annual CPP indexation that began in January, and the second month at the elevated July-to-September 2026 OAS rates.
Provincial governments across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island are also issuing disability and income assistance payments this week.
Earlier in August, the Canada Child Benefit and Ontario Trillium Benefit were already delivered through the CRA, while Service Canada issued the Canada Disability Benefit on August 20.
This article focuses on the major federal and provincial benefit payments with published payment dates still scheduled before August ends, including exact dates, current maximum amounts, how those maximums are calculated, and the remaining payment dates through December 2026.
Table of Contents
CPP Payments
The next Canada Pension Plan payment is confirmed for Thursday, August 27, 2026, verified against the official benefits payment calendar published by the Government of Canada.
CPP amounts for 2026 reflect a 2% annual indexation that took effect with the January 28 deposit and applies to every monthly payment throughout the calendar year.
This indexation was calculated by comparing the average Consumer Price Index for the 12 months ending October 2025 against the same period one year earlier.
Unlike OAS, which adjusts quarterly, CPP adjusts only once each January.
Maximum New CPP Benefit Amounts Beginning January 2026
CPP Benefit Type Maximum Monthly Amount Retirement pension (starting at age 65) $1,507.65 Disability benefit $1,741.20 Survivor’s pension (age 65 and older) $904.59 Survivor’s pension (under age 65) $803.54 Children’s benefit $307.81 Post-retirement benefit (at age 65) $54.69 Death benefit (one-time lump sum, up to $5,000 in limited cases) $2,500 Source: Government of Canada CPP pensions and benefits monthly amounts These are the published maximums for new benefits beginning in January 2026, though maximum new-benefit amounts can increase during the year as the CPP enhancement phases in.
The $1,507.65 maximum applies only to individuals who begin a new CPP retirement pension at age 65 with a full contribution history at the maximum pensionable earnings level for approximately 39 years.
Most Canadians receive closer to the $877.01 average for new beneficiaries at age 65 because contribution gaps from school, unemployment, caregiving, or part-time work reduce the calculated amount.
The Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings for 2026 is $74,600, and the Year’s Additional Maximum Pensionable Earnings sits at $85,000 for the CPP2 second additional contribution tier.
Workers earning above $74,600 also contribute to CPP2, which will eventually increase future benefit amounts as the enhancement continues phasing in.
Remaining CPP Payment Dates In 2026
Payment Date Notes September 25, 2026 Ninth month at 2% indexed rate October 28, 2026 Tenth month at 2% indexed rate November 26, 2026 Eleventh month at 2% indexed rate December 22, 2026 Early December deposit before holidays OAS, GIS, And Allowance Payments
The next OAS deposit arrives on Thursday, August 27, 2026, on the same day as CPP, reflecting the July-to-September 2026 quarterly rates confirmed by the Government of Canada.
OAS benefits are adjusted quarterly in January, April, July, and October to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index.
The 1.2% July increase followed a 0.3% January adjustment and a 0.1% April adjustment, and was the largest quarterly increase at the time it was applied.
The Government of Canada has already confirmed a 1.4% increase for the October-to-December 2026 quarter, which will push OAS and GIS rates even higher starting with the October 28 deposit.
Maximum OAS And GIS Amounts For July To September 2026
Benefit Maximum Monthly Amount Key Eligibility OAS pension (age 65 to 74) $751.97 40 years Canadian residence after age 18 OAS pension (age 75 and older) $827.17 Includes 10% enhancement since July 2022 GIS (single, widowed, or divorced) $1,123.17 Annual income below $22,800 excl. OAS GIS (spouse receives full OAS) $676.09 Combined income below $30,096 Allowance (age 60 to 64) $1,428.06 Spouse receives OAS and GIS Allowance for the Survivor $1,702.34 Widowed, age 60 to 64, income below $30,696 A single senior aged 65 to 74 with no other income could receive a combined OAS and GIS payment of approximately $1,875.14 per month ($751.97 plus $1,123.17).
A single senior aged 75 and older with no other income could receive approximately $1,950.34 per month ($827.17 plus $1,123.17), representing the highest combined monthly amount the program has reached.
For a single recipient, GIS generally declines as countable income rises, with the supplement reaching zero once annual income other than OAS exceeds $22,800. The exact reduction rate and income threshold vary by marital situation, and employment or self-employment earnings receive partial exemption treatment in the calculation.
Published OAS rates do not decrease solely because the CPI falls, though an individual’s payment can still change due to income, residency, or eligibility factors.
The OAS recovery tax begins when 2025 net world income exceeds $93,454 for the July 2026 to June 2027 repayment period.
Remaining OAS, GIS, And Allowance Payment Dates In 2026
Payment Date Quarterly Rate Period September 25, 2026 July to September 2026 rates (1.2% increase) October 28, 2026 October to December 2026 rates (1.4% increase) November 26, 2026 October to December 2026 rates December 22, 2026 October to December 2026 rates All The Provincial Benefit Payments In August 2026
ODSP Payments For Ontarians
The next ODSP payment is confirmed for Monday, August 31, 2026, the last business day of the month.
This is the second ODSP payment at the higher rates following the 1.9% inflation-based adjustment that took effect on July 1, 2026.
The 1.9% increase pushed the single-person maximum to $1,436 per month in combined basic needs and shelter support.
Ontario has formally exempted the federal Canada Disability Benefit from ODSP income calculations, meaning eligible recipients can collect both the maximum $204.20 CDB and full ODSP without any provincial reduction.
A single ODSP recipient who also qualifies for the maximum CDB can receive up to $1,640.20 per month from those two programs combined.
Ontario Works recipients will also receive their payment on August 31, covering September 2026 living expenses under the standard provincial schedule.
A single person on Ontario Works receives up to $733 per month at maximum, and Ontario Works rates have remained frozen since 2018, with no inflation indexation applied.
Ontario Works families with children may also receive the Ontario Child Benefit separately, which adds up to $1,759.92 per child per year through the CRA.
ODSP and Ontario Works payment dates are published by the Ontario government on the official Ontario Disability Support Program page, while federal benefits follow separate federal payment calendars.
Recipients should bookmark their MyBenefits account to track individual payment status and confirm deposit amounts before each scheduled date.
British Columbia Income And Disability Assistance
B.C.’s income and disability assistance payment for September 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
A single person with the Persons with Disabilities designation receives up to $1,483.50 per month, combining the support allowance and shelter allowance into one deposit.
B.C. maintains an Annual Earnings Exemption of $16,200 for single PWD recipients, and employment income up to that amount does not reduce provincial benefits.
B.C. has confirmed that federal Canada Disability Benefit payments are fully exempt from PWD income calculations, allowing recipients to collect both without any reduction.
A single PWD recipient also receiving the maximum $204.20 CDB can collect up to $1,687.70 per month from provincial and federal disability support combined.
Recipients can verify their payment information through the My Self Serve portal or by calling the Ministry phone line at 1-866-866-0800.
Alberta’s AISH, ADAP, Income Support, And ACFB
Alberta’s next AISH, ADAP, and Income Support payment is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2026, covering the September 2026 assistance period.
AISH payments are issued four business days before the first of each month, covering the following month’s living expenses.
The maximum monthly AISH living allowance remains $1,940 for a single recipient.
In July 2026, existing AISH clients transitioned to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program, commonly known as ADAP, except for specified groups that remained on AISH unless they chose ADAP.
ADAP provides $1,740 per month as the base rate, and clients who transitioned from AISH receive a $200 monthly transition benefit that maintains their payments at the $1,940 level through December 31, 2027.
AISH and ADAP child benefit rates are $300 for the first child, $117 for the second, $88 for the third, $59 for the fourth, and $30 for each additional child.
Starting with the August 2026 benefit period, households where two adults both receive disability income assistance will each receive 88% of the maximum individual benefit.
Alberta claws back CDB payments dollar-for-dollar from AISH and ADAP, meaning the federal $204.20 CDB does not result in additional net income for Alberta disability recipients.
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit will also issue its next quarterly payment on August 27 at the newly indexed rates, administered by the CRA on behalf of Alberta.
Recipients can verify their payment information through the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 or through their local AISH office.
Manitoba’s Employment And Income Assistance
Manitoba’s Employment and Income Assistance direct deposit payment is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026.
EIA provides financial assistance for basic needs and shelter to eligible Manitoba residents who are unable to meet their essential living costs through employment or other sources.
The program serves both general assistance recipients and persons with disabilities, with higher rates available for those assessed as having a disability.
Manitoba has confirmed that federal Canada Disability Benefit payments are exempt from EIA income calculations for eligible recipients.
Recipients who receive payments by cheque should allow additional processing time beyond the August 27 direct deposit date.
Saskatchewan’s SIS And SAID
Saskatchewan direct deposits for the Saskatchewan Income Support and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability programs are scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026.
SAID provides higher income support for eligible residents with significant and enduring disabilities, while SIS covers eligible residents who need help with basic living costs.
Mailed cheques are typically sent several business days before the direct deposit date to allow for postal delivery time.
Recipients should confirm their account details through the provincial online portal or contact their local office if their payment has not arrived within two business days.
Nova Scotia’s Income Assistance
Nova Scotia Income Assistance payments for September 2026 are expected to arrive between August 27 and August 31, 2026.
The exact deposit date within this window depends on whether recipients use direct deposit or receive payments by cheque.
Nova Scotia Income Assistance supports eligible residents who need financial help to cover basic needs including food, shelter, and personal expenses.
Recipients should contact their local Department of Community Services office if their payment has not arrived by the end of the expected window.
Newfoundland And Labrador’s Disability Benefit
The next Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit payment is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026, making it the earliest provincial payment in this final August stretch.
The NLDB provides up to $400 per month, which works out to $4,800 annually, for eligible residents aged 18 to 64 who hold a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate on file with the CRA.
The full $400 per month is paid when adjusted family net income is below $29,402. A partial benefit is available from $29,402 to $42,404 for an individual or a couple where one person qualifies for the DTC, and up to $55,404 where both members of a couple qualify.
In families where both spouses qualify for the DTC, each partner can receive the NLDB, but the combined household benefit of $800 per month applies only when income is low enough to support the full amount for both recipients.
The NLDB is fully funded by the provincial government but administered and paid through the CRA. No separate application is required beyond holding a valid DTC certificate and filing your income tax return.
PEI Social Programs
PEI Social Programs payments for September 2026 are scheduled for Monday, August 31, 2026, covering the following month’s living expenses.
PEI’s social assistance program provides financial support for basic needs to eligible Island residents who are unable to meet their essential costs through other means.
Recipients receiving payments by direct deposit should see funds arrive on the morning of August 31, while cheque recipients should allow standard postal delivery time.
Summary Of Remaining August 2026 Benefit Payments
Date Benefit Program Administered By August 25 Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit Provincial (paid by CRA) August 26 Alberta AISH, ADAP & Income Support Provincial (Alberta) August 26 B.C. Income Assistance & Disability Assistance Provincial (B.C.) August 27 CPP Retirement, Disability, Survivor & Children’s Benefits Federal (Service Canada) August 27 OAS, GIS, Allowance & Allowance for Survivor Federal (Service Canada) August 27 Alberta Child and Family Benefit Provincial (paid by CRA) August 27 Manitoba EIA (direct deposit) Provincial (Manitoba) August 27–31 Nova Scotia Income Assistance Provincial (Nova Scotia) August 28 Saskatchewan SIS & SAID (direct deposit) Provincial (Saskatchewan) August 31 Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Provincial (Ontario) August 31 Ontario Works (September benefit) Provincial (Ontario) August 31 PEI Social Programs (September benefit) Provincial (PEI) Direct deposit recipients will typically see funds in their bank accounts on the morning of each scheduled date listed above.
Canadians who receive payments by cheque should allow five to ten additional business days for mail delivery after each official date.
How To Verify Your Payment Amounts Before Each Deposit
Filing your 2025 income tax return was the single most important step for the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year.
For income-tested tax-based benefits calculated using 2025 income, including the CCB, CDB, OTB, CGEB, ACWB, and NLDB, an unassessed return is the most common cause of paused or reduced payments.
CRA-administered benefits including the CCB, OTB, CGEB, ACWB, and NLDB can all be reviewed through CRA My Account.
Service Canada payments, including CPP, OAS, GIS, the CDB, and the Allowances, can be reviewed through My Service Canada Account.
Provincial disability recipients should check their respective portals: MyBenefits for ODSP in Ontario, My Self Serve for B.C., or the Alberta Supports Contact Centre for AISH and ADAP.
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit do not have scheduled payments in August.
The next CGEB quarterly deposit lands on October 5, 2026, and the next ACWB advance payment arrives on October 9, 2026, as confirmed in our ACWB payment increase guide.
OAS rates will increase again for the October-to-December 2026 quarter, with the Government of Canada already confirming a 1.4% adjustment that represents the largest quarterly increase of the year.
The first payment at October-to-December rates will arrive on October 28, 2026, applying to OAS, GIS, the Allowance, and the Allowance for the Survivor.
Eligible CDB recipients will receive a one-time supplemental payment of $150 starting in September 2026, designed to help offset the cost of obtaining a Disability Tax Credit certification.
The next Canada Child Benefit deposit is September 18, 2026, continuing the 2% indexed rates that took effect in July with maximums of $679.75 per month for children under six and $573.58 for children aged six to 17.
Mark August 25, 26, 27, 28, and 31 on your calendar to track every remaining benefit payment this month.
Verify your payment amounts through CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account before each deposit date to confirm your calculations match expectations.
If a payment does not arrive on its scheduled date, allow normal processing time before contacting the administering agency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I receive CPP and OAS on the same day?
Yes, CPP and OAS are separate programs that deposit on the same monthly date, and most Canadian seniors receive both on August 27, 2026.
CPP is based on employment contributions during your working years, while OAS is based on years of Canadian residence after age 18, as detailed in our July 2026 benefit payments guide.
Will the October 2026 OAS increase apply to GIS as well?
Yes, the confirmed 1.4% quarterly adjustment for October-to-December 2026 applies to all OAS benefit categories, including the basic pension, GIS, the Allowance, and the Allowance for the Survivor.
The first payment at the higher rates will arrive on October 28, 2026.
Does the Canada Disability Benefit reduce my provincial disability payments?
Treatment varies by province. Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba exempt the CDB from relevant provincial income-assistance calculations, while Alberta treats the CDB as non-exempt income and deducts it dollar-for-dollar from AISH and ADAP.
Check with your province or territory to confirm how the CDB is treated under your specific income assistance program before assuming full stacking.
Why is there no CGEB or ACWB payment in August 2026?
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit follows a quarterly schedule with the next deposit on October 5, 2026, while the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit pays three times per year with the next installment on October 9, 2026.
Both programs are administered by the CRA, and eligibility is determined automatically from your most recent income tax return.
What should I do if my benefit payment does not arrive on the scheduled date?
For CRA-administered benefits, the CRA advises waiting five working days for the CCB and ACFB, but ten working days for programs such as the OTB, CGEB, ACWB, and NLDB. For Service Canada payments including CPP, OAS, and CDB, allow several business days before calling.
Check with your bank first to confirm there are no processing delays, and then log into CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account to verify your payment status and banking details.
Fact-Checked: All payment dates, benefit amounts, indexation rates, income thresholds, and eligibility information in this article are verified against official Government of Canada sources, including the canada.ca benefits payment calendar, the OAS payment amounts page, the CPP and OAS monthly amounts page, and published provincial government payment schedules as of August 2026.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Contact Service Canada, the CRA, or a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- New US Visa Early Appointments Now Available Across Canada
The United States Department of State has launched a paid expedited US visa appointment option at the U.S. Embassy and all U.S. consulates in Canada.
Starting August 18, 2026, eligible applicants for B-category visitor and business visas can now pay an additional fee to schedule a consular interview within 10 business days, subject to availability.
The program is voluntary, optional, and separate from the standard visa application process that every applicant must still complete.
Canada is one of six participating locations or missions currently listed in the pilot, which runs through December 31, 2026.
This announcement arrives at a time when travel rules between Canada and the United States have been evolving rapidly throughout 2026.
Here is a complete breakdown of what the expedited appointment costs, who qualifies, how the booking process works, and what applicants in Canada need to know before deciding whether to pay.
Table of Contents
What Is the U.S. Visa Expedited Appointment Pilot
The U.S. Department of State is testing a nonimmigrant visa expedited appointment program at select U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
The pilot allows eligible B visa applicants to pay US$750 per appointment on top of the standard US$185 MRV application fee.
In exchange, the applicant gains access to schedule a consular interview within the next 10 business days, subject to availability.
The program does not change how applications are evaluated or how security screening is conducted.
Every applicant who pays the expedited fee still undergoes the same rigorous vetting that applies to all U.S. visa applications.
Paying the fee secures an earlier appointment only and does not guarantee that a visa will be approved.
The pilot is set to run through December 31, 2026, and the Department of State may add more locations during that period according to the official announcement on travel.state.gov.
Which Locations Are Participating in the Pilot
Six participating missions or embassy locations are currently listed in the expedited appointment pilot, with launch dates confirmed by the Department of State.
- Mission Canada, which includes the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa and all consulates, launched on August 18, 2026.
- Embassy Bogota in Colombia also launched on August 18, 2026.
- Embassy Guatemala City in Guatemala launched on the same date.
- Embassy San Jose in Costa Rica launched on August 18, 2026, as well.
- Embassy Tegucigalpa in Honduras launched alongside the other four new locations on that date.
- Mission Mexico, which includes the embassy and all consulates, was the first location to launch the pilot on July 21, 2026, nearly a month before Canada joined the program.
The Department of State has indicated that additional pilot locations may be announced throughout the testing period.
How Much the Expedited Appointment Costs
The expedited appointment fee is US$750 per applicant, charged in addition to the standard US$185 MRV nonimmigrant visa application fee.
This means the total minimum cost for an expedited B visa appointment in Canada is US$935 before any other expenses.
The US$750 fee is per person, so a family of four applying together would pay US$3,000 in expedited fees plus US$740 in standard MRV fees for a combined total of US$3,740.
The system does allow group applicants to separate their booking so that only some members pay the expedited fee.
The expedited appointment fee is not refundable under any circumstances, including visa refusal.
If an applicant misses the expedited appointment, the fee is forfeited entirely with no option to reschedule.
Payment must be completed within 10 minutes of selecting an expedited appointment slot, or the reservation expires.
Who Qualifies for the Paid Expedite Option
The expedited appointment option is currently limited to applicants applying for B visas, which cover tourist and business travel to the United States.
Applicants must first complete the standard process of paying the US$185 MRV fee and scheduling a regular interview appointment at a participating post.
Only applicants who already hold a future interview appointment and have an unexpired MRV fee receipt can access the Paid Expedite option.
The option appears inside the applicant’s online scheduling account under a tab labelled “Request Expedite” followed by “Paid Expedite.”
If the Paid Expedite option does not appear, the program may not be available at that location, expedited slots may not currently be available, or the applicant may not meet all eligibility criteria.
Applicants who were denied a regular emergency appointment request can still access the Paid Expedite if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Renewal applicants who qualify for the interview waiver process cannot use the Paid Expedite because they do not have a scheduled interview.
How To Book an Expedited Appointment in Canada
The booking process begins with the standard visa application steps that every B visa applicant must follow.
First, the applicant completes the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form and receives a confirmation page.
Next, the applicant pays the US$185 MRV fee and schedules a regular interview appointment at a U.S. consular post in Canada.
After the regular appointment is confirmed, the applicant signs into their scheduling account and clicks “Continue.”
The applicant then selects “Request Expedite” and looks for the “Paid Expedite” option on the next screen.
If expedited appointments are available, a list of open dates and times within the next 10 business days will appear.
The applicant selects one slot and must complete the US$750 payment within 10 minutes to lock in the appointment.
Once confirmed, the expedited appointment date and time cannot be changed, which makes it essential to choose carefully before paying.
Applicants who secure an expedited appointment may also select one of the premium passport delivery options at no additional cost, if available.
What the Expedited Appointment Does Not Guarantee
The Department of State has emphasized multiple times that the US$750 fee purchases an earlier interview slot and nothing more.
Paying the expedited fee does not guarantee that a visa will be issued at the interview.
Every applicant must still demonstrate eligibility to the consular officer under U.S. immigration law, regardless of what they paid.
The same thorough screening and vetting process applies to expedited applicants as it does to everyone in the regular queue.
If the visa is refused, the US$750 expedited fee is not refundable and cannot be transferred to another application.
This distinction matters for applicants who may assume that paying a premium fee signals preferential treatment during the adjudication process.
The Department of State has framed the pilot as a tool for managing appointment demand rather than a priority processing lane.
Strict Cancellation and No-Show Rules Apply
Expedited appointments come with significantly stricter rules than standard appointment bookings.
Once an expedited appointment is scheduled, it cannot be rescheduled to a different date or time.
If an applicant misses a Paid Expedite appointment and the MRV fee was paid less than one year ago, they may be able to reschedule into a regular appointment slot without paying another MRV fee.
To schedule another Paid Expedite appointment after a missed one, another US$750 expedited fee is required.
Cancelling a Paid Expedite appointment also forfeits the expedited fee entirely.
In both cases, the US$750 is non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of the reason for the cancellation or absence.
These rigid policies make it critical for applicants to confirm their travel plans, gather all required documentation, and verify their availability before committing.
Why the Pilot Launch Matters for Applicants in Canada
The Department of State has not publicly stated why Canada was selected for the pilot.
However, the launch comes while regular B1/B2 appointment waits at several Canadian consular posts remain exceptionally long.
As of the Department of State’s August 17 update on global visa wait times, the next available B1/B2 appointment was approximately 24 months away in Toronto, 16 months in Vancouver, and 13.5 months in Ottawa.
A paid appointment potentially within 10 business days compared to a regular next-available appointment listed at 24 months in Toronto illustrates the scale of the gap this pilot addresses.
Canadian citizens generally do not need a U.S. nonimmigrant visa for tourism or temporary business travel, although certain purposes of travel still require a visa according to the State Department’s guidance for citizens of Canada and Bermuda.
This exemption is separate from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and applies specifically to Canadian and Bermudian nationals.
However, permanent residents of Canada who hold passports from visa-required countries must still apply for a U.S. B visa through the standard consular process.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and other temporary residents in Canada also frequently require U.S. visitor visas for cross-border travel.
The demand for appointments at U.S. consular posts in Canada has been especially high throughout 2026, with multiple policy changes affecting border crossing procedures and documentation requirements.
For eligible applicants who need to travel sooner, the US$750 option can provide access to an appointment within the next 10 business days when Paid Expedite slots are available.
The option may be particularly useful for applicants with time-sensitive travel that does not meet the regular emergency-appointment criteria, as well as eligible applicants whose emergency appointment requests were denied.
Applicants should weigh the US$750 cost against the urgency of their travel and the likelihood of securing a regular appointment within their needed timeline.
Those without urgent travel needs may prefer to wait for standard appointment availability, especially given the strict no-refund and no-reschedule policies attached to the expedited option.
How To Succeed With the Paid Expedite Application
Preparation is essential because the 10-minute payment window and no-reschedule policy leave zero room for error during the booking process.
Complete and submit the DS-160 form accurately before attempting to schedule any appointment, since errors on the form can delay the interview itself.
Pay the US$185 MRV fee and schedule a regular appointment first, because the Paid Expedite option only becomes visible after this step.
Have your payment method ready before clicking on the expedited appointment screen, since you have only 10 minutes to finalize.
Choose a date and time you are absolutely certain you can attend, because the appointment cannot be moved once confirmed.
Follow the document instructions provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your application.
Additional evidence may be requested regarding the purpose of your trip, your intent to depart the United States after the visit, and your ability to cover your travel costs.
Remember that the consular officer evaluates your case on its merits, and the expedited fee has no bearing on the outcome.
If your visa is refused, you forfeit the US$750 with no appeal of the fee itself, though you may reapply for a visa under standard procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Canadian citizens use the expedited appointment pilot?
Canadian citizens generally do not need a U.S. visa for tourism or business travel under a separate exemption from the nonimmigrant visa requirement, as outlined in the State Department’s guidance for citizens of Canada and Bermuda. The Paid Expedite option applies specifically to B visa applicants, which typically means permanent residents or temporary residents in Canada who hold passports from visa-required countries.
Is the US$750 expedited fee refunded if my visa is denied?
No, the expedited appointment fee is non-refundable under all circumstances, including visa refusal, cancellation, or a missed appointment. The fee covers the scheduling of an earlier interview only and is completely separate from the visa adjudication decision.
Can I reschedule my Paid Expedite appointment to a different day?
No, paid expedited appointments can only be scheduled once and cannot be rescheduled or changed after confirmation. If you cancel or miss the appointment, you forfeit the US$750 fee and must pay again if you want another expedited slot.
Does paying for the expedited appointment improve my chances of getting a visa?
No, the fee only moves the interview date forward and has no effect on how the consular officer evaluates the application. All applicants undergo the same security screening and eligibility review regardless of whether they booked a standard or expedited appointment.
How long will the expedited appointment pilot run in Canada?
The pilot is scheduled to run through December 31, 2026, at all U.S. consular posts in Canada. The Department of State has not announced whether the program will be extended, made permanent, or expanded to additional visa categories beyond B visas after the pilot period ends.
Fact-Checked: All information in this article has been verified against the official U.S. Department of State announcement published on travel.state.gov as of August 18, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice; consult a licensed immigration professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- New CRA Rule For Disability Tax Credit Coming In September 2026
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced a major change to the Disability Tax Credit application process that takes effect on September 8, 2026.
Starting on that date, versions of Form T2201 from before 2023 will no longer be accepted by the CRA for any new DTC applications.
Canadians who submit a pre-2023 version of the form after the September 8 cutoff will have their application not accepted and will need to submit a new one.
This rule was published in the official tax tips bulletin on June 16, 2026, alongside a second change that restricts how applicants can upload DTC documents through their online CRA account.
Both changes are designed to speed up processing times and reduce the number of incomplete or outdated submissions clogging the system.
These updates arrive at a critical moment because the DTC certificate is a mandatory gateway to several federal programs that millions of Canadians depend on for monthly income support.
Table of Contents
What Changes On September 8, 2026
The revenue agency will stop accepting any version of Form T2201 that was published before 2023.
This means applicants who use a pre-2023 version after the cutoff will have their form not accepted and will need to submit a new application using the current version.
They will then need to download the latest version of Form T2201 from the official canada.ca website, have their medical practitioner complete and sign the form again, and resubmit the entire package.
The latest version includes updated sections that meet current requirements, which is why the agency is phasing out older editions.
Older versions lack these updated fields, which is why the CRA has set a firm cutoff date to phase them out entirely.
CRA Restricts DTC Uploads Through Online Accounts
A second change took effect even earlier, on July 14, 2026, and applies to the Submit Documents feature inside CRA My Account.
Starting on that date, Canadians can no longer use the Submit Documents section to upload new DTC applications or supporting documents on their own initiative.
The Submit Documents portal is now reserved exclusively for situations where the CRA contacts you directly and requests additional information about an existing case.
If the agency needs more details to process your application, it will send a letter through your online account or by mail with a specific case reference number.
That case reference number must be included when you respond through the Submit Documents section, so they can match your response to your existing file.
This restriction means that anyone who had been uploading new DTC applications through the Submit Documents portal will need to switch to the dedicated online DTC application form or submit a paper application by mail instead.
How To Apply Using The Online DTC Form
The CRA strongly recommends using the online DTC application form through My Account because digital submissions are processed faster than paper applications.
The online form automatically uses the latest version, which eliminates any risk of submitting an outdated form that could be rejected after September 8.
It also prevents applicants from accidentally skipping required sections by guiding them through each part of the application step by step.
Both the applicant and their medical practitioner can access the form directly online, which removes the need to print, sign, scan, and mail physical documents.
Canadians who apply online can track the status of their application through their account and receive updates electronically instead of waiting for a letter in the mail.
The Disability Tax Credit web page provides step-by-step instructions for using the digital form.
Paper Applications Still Accepted With The Latest Form
Canadians who prefer to apply by mail can still submit a paper version of Form T2201, but only if they use the 2023 version or a more recent edition.
The latest version is available as a free download from the official canada.ca forms page.
Once the form is fully completed and signed by both the applicant and a qualified medical practitioner, it must be mailed to the nearest tax centre for processing.
Processing times for paper applications typically run longer than digital submissions, so applicants who need their DTC certificate quickly should consider the online option.
Anyone who has already submitted a paper application on an older form before September 8 should not be affected, as the cutoff applies to submissions received after that date.
Why The DTC Certificate Matters For Benefits
A valid DTC certificate is the mandatory entry point for several federal benefit programs that provide monthly income support.
The Canada Disability Benefit requires an approved DTC certificate before any payments can begin, and eligible recipients can currently receive up to $204.20 per month.
A separate one-time supplemental payment of $150 has been confirmed for September 2026 to help offset the cost of obtaining a DTC certificate in the first place.
The Child Disability Benefit, which provides up to $3,480 per year for families with a child who qualifies, also requires a valid DTC certificate on file.
The Registered Disability Savings Plan is another program that depends on DTC approval, offering long-term savings and government matching contributions for eligible Canadians.
In Ontario alone, a successful DTC applicant could receive a combined federal and provincial tax reduction worth hundreds of dollars per year, with the exact amount depending on your taxable income and applicable provincial rates.
Statistics Canada’s Canadian Survey on Disability identified about eight million Canadians aged 15 and older with a disability, and approximately 84% of them did not claim the DTC or receive CPP/QPP disability benefits.
The federal government has backed its reform commitment with $42.5 million in new funding over five years to improve the application experience.
Key Dates To Mark On Your Calendar
July 14, 2026, was the date when the Submit Documents section in My Account stopped accepting voluntary DTC uploads.
September 8, 2026, is the hard deadline after which Form T2201 versions from before 2023 will no longer be accepted.
The next CDB payment after the September 8 cutoff is scheduled for September 17, 2026, which is the third Thursday of the month.
The Canadian benefit payments in August 2026 are already landing in bank accounts under the new 2026-27 benefit year amounts, making timely DTC approval more important than ever.
How To Succeed With Your DTC Application
Download the latest version of Form T2201 from the official canada.ca page or use the online application through your My Account before September 8.
Ask your medical practitioner to complete Part B of the form as thoroughly as possible, because incomplete medical sections are one of the most common reasons for DTC application delays.
Do not use the Submit Documents section in your account to upload a new DTC application, as the system will reject it.
File your 2025 income tax return if you have not already done so, because your tax return data is used to calculate benefit payments for the 2026-27 year.
Keep copies of all submitted documents and any correspondence from the CRA so you can respond quickly if the agency requests additional information.
The service standard is 8 weeks for DTC processing, so applying early gives you the best chance of having your certificate approved before the next round of benefit payments is calculated.
What This Means For Newcomers To Canada
Newcomers who meet the Canada Disability Benefit’s eligibility requirements, including DTC approval and the applicable 2025 tax-filing requirements, may qualify for the benefit.
Temporary residents, including work permit holders and international students, may qualify for the CDB if they have lived in Canada throughout the previous 18 months and meet all other requirements.
New permanent residents may be eligible for some benefits upon arrival, but each program has its own eligibility rules, including tax filing, residency, and age requirements.
Filing your first Canadian tax return is the most important step for newcomers because this information is used to assess eligibility for all federal and provincial benefits.
The DTC application process is the same for newcomers as it is for all other Canadian residents, but newcomers should confirm eligibility directly with the CRA or Service Canada before applying.
The September 8 deadline leaves limited time for Canadians still using older versions of Form T2201 to switch to the current edition.
Applying online through online My Account is the fastest way to avoid delays and ensure your form meets the updated requirements.
A valid DTC certificate remains the single most important document for accessing the Canada Disability Benefit and other federal disability programs.
Canadians who act before the cutoff can protect their eligibility and avoid the added cost and time of having a medical practitioner complete the form a second time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still submit a paper DTC application after September 8, 2026?
Yes, paper applications are still accepted after September 8 as long as you use Form T2201 version 2023 or later, which is available for free download on the official canada.ca forms page.
What happens if I already submitted an older form before the deadline?
Applications submitted on older forms before September 8, 2026, should be processed normally, as the rejection rule applies only to submissions received on or after that date.
Why can I no longer upload DTC documents through the Submit Documents section?
The CRA restricted this feature starting July 14, 2026, because it was being used to submit new DTC applications, which the section was never designed to handle and which slowed down processing for everyone.
How long does the CRA take to process a DTC application?
The official service standard is eight weeks, and online submissions generally move through the system faster than paper applications mailed to a tax centre.
Do I need a DTC certificate to receive the Canada Disability Benefit?
Yes, an approved DTC certificate is mandatory for the Canada Disability Benefit, the Child Disability Benefit, and the Registered Disability Savings Plan, making it one of the most important documents for Canadians with disabilities.
Fact-check: All dates, eligibility rules, and procedural changes referenced in this article are verified against the official CRA tax tips bulletin published on canada.ca on June 16, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this information.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- Canada’s Family Sponsorship Special Public Policy Ends Next Month
A special public policy that has allowed eligible Canadian permanent residents to sponsor family members to Canada they never declared on their original immigration applications is set to expire on September 10, 2026.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will stop accepting applications under this public policy for undeclared family members once the deadline passes, and there is no guarantee that the federal government will issue another extension.
Eligible sponsors who have not yet submitted their applications have about three weeks to act before this pathway closes.
The stakes are high for affected families because without this policy, a lifetime ban on sponsoring those undeclared relatives snaps back into effect under federal immigration regulations.
Table of Contents
What Is This Public Policy
Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, anyone applying for permanent residence must declare all family members at the time of their application, even if those family members are not travelling to Canada.
The declared family members must also complete medical examinations and pass background and security checks before the principal applicant can receive permanent resident status.
If a permanent resident failed to declare a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child during their original application, paragraphs 117(9)(d) and 125(1)(d) of the Regulations impose a permanent lifetime ban on ever sponsoring that person to Canada through the family class.
Stakeholders and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration raised serious concerns about the disproportionate impact of this lifetime bar, particularly on children who had no say in their parent’s application decisions.
In response, IRCC introduced a pilot project through a public policy on September 9, 2019, creating a temporary exemption from the lifetime sponsorship bar for eligible applicants.
A second public policy followed in September 2021 to maintain the exemption during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current consecutive public policy took effect on September 10, 2023, signed by then-Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Marc Miller under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
This consecutive policy carries the same eligibility criteria as its predecessors and was designed to allow the department to gather comprehensive data on the population using the exemption while considering potential amendments to immigration legislation.
The policy applies to applications IRCC receives between May 31, 2019, and September 10, 2026, covering the full span of all three consecutive policies.
Who Is Eligible To Sponsor Under This Policy
The public policy exempts specific categories of sponsors from the lifetime bar, but it does not open the door for everyone who failed to declare a family member.
To qualify, the undeclared family member must be applying to be sponsored as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child.
The sponsor must have originally obtained their permanent residence through one of four specific pathways.
The first eligible category covers sponsors who were admitted as Convention refugees or persons in similar circumstances under Canada’s resettlement programs.
The second covers sponsors who received permanent residence after being determined to be a protected person through Canada’s asylum and refugee protection system.
The third applies to sponsors who were themselves sponsored as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child under the family class.
The fourth covers sponsors who came to Canada as a sponsored spouse or common-law partner under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.
IRCC selected these categories because they represent the most vulnerable populations affected by the sponsorship bar and pose minimal risk to program integrity.
The department’s reasoning is that undeclared family members of these sponsors would not have been subject to the excessive demand provisions on health or social services under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in most cases.
These family members would also generally not have been subject to income requirements, meaning their existence would have had limited impact on whether the sponsor’s original permanent residence application succeeded.
Who Cannot Be Sponsored Under This Policy
The policy draws a firm line against cases where the undeclared family member’s existence would have made the sponsor ineligible to immigrate to Canada under the program they originally used.
A sponsor who came to Canada as someone else’s spouse but was actually married to or in a common-law relationship with the undeclared family member at that time cannot use this policy.
A sponsor who arrived as a dependent child on a parent’s application but was married or in a common-law relationship at the time of that application is also excluded.
Sponsors who obtained permanent residence through a program that required them to be single with no dependents cannot sponsor previously undeclared family members under this policy either.
These exclusions exist because declaring the family member at the time of the original application would have disqualified the sponsor entirely, and the policy is not intended to override that fundamental eligibility barrier.
All standard admissibility requirements that are not specifically exempted by this policy continue to apply in full, including criminal inadmissibility, medical inadmissibility, and security screening.
How To Apply Before The Deadline
IRCC has confirmed that there is no separate or special application process for sponsoring undeclared family members under this public policy.
Eligible sponsors must submit their applications through the normal process to sponsor a spouse, partner, or child, and IRCC officers will determine eligibility for the public policy exemption during processing.
The critical factor is that IRCC must receive the application by September 10, 2026.
Spouse, partner and child sponsorship applications must generally be submitted online through the Permanent Residence Portal.
Paper applications are available only where IRCC approves an alternate-format request, including for applicants requiring accommodation. Standard family sponsorship fees apply.
The Right of Permanent Residence Fee increased to $600 on April 30, 2026, for applicants who are required to pay it, while dependent children are exempt from the RPRF.
Sponsors who reside in Quebec must also obtain a sponsorship undertaking from the provincial government, as that requirement is not waived by this federal public policy.
What Happens To Applications Already In Process
Applicants who have already submitted a sponsorship application for an undeclared family member do not need to take any additional action.
IRCC has confirmed that all applications pending on the day the policy expires will be processed in accordance with the public policy provisions, regardless of whether a final decision is reached before September 10.
This means that spousal sponsorship applications currently sitting in the processing queue will still receive the benefit of the exemption even if processing extends well beyond the expiry date.
Current IRCC processing times for spousal sponsorship outside Quebec stand at 17 months for outland applications and 27 months for inland applications, meaning many applications filed now will not receive a decision until 2028.
The fact that pending applications are grandfathered under the policy is significant because it removes the urgency of obtaining a decision before the deadline and shifts the focus entirely to getting the application filed in time.
What Happens If Your Previous Application Was Refused
Sponsors whose applications to sponsor undeclared family members were refused before the original policy took effect on May 31, 2019, are eligible to submit a new application under the current public policy.
This provision gives a second chance to sponsors who were previously barred under the lifetime ban and whose family members now meet the eligibility conditions of the public policy.
However, the new application must still be received by IRCC by September 10, 2026, or the sponsor will lose this opportunity.
Why The September 10 Deadline Matters
This public policy has been extended twice since its original launch in 2019, but there is no official indication from IRCC or the current immigration minister that a fourth consecutive policy will follow.
The federal government’s current immigration priorities are focused on reducing temporary resident numbers, tightening asylum processing under Bill C-12, and meeting the 380,000 annual permanent residence target under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
IRCC’s own policy document states that the department intended to use this consecutive policy period to gather data on the population utilizing the exemption and to consider potential amendments to immigration legislation.
If the government concludes that a regulatory amendment to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations is warranted, the lifetime bar under paragraphs 117(9)(d) and 125(1)(d) could be permanently modified or removed.
But if no regulatory change is made and no new public policy is issued, the lifetime ban on sponsoring undeclared family members returns in full force on September 11, 2026.
The original policy document also carries a standard clause noting that this public policy may be cancelled at any time, which means the government retains the discretion to end it even before the scheduled expiry date.
How To Succeed With Your Application Before The Deadline
The single most important step is filing your complete sponsorship application by September 10, 2026.
Confirm that you meet the sponsor eligibility requirements before submitting, because an incomplete or ineligible application will be returned and may not be resubmitted in time.
Gather all required supporting documents, including proof of your original permanent residence pathway and evidence of your relationship with the undeclared family member.
For this public policy, the critical factor is the receipt date, because IRCC must receive an eligible application by September 10, 2026.
Online submission is required for these applications unless IRCC has provided an alternate application format as an accommodation.
Sponsors in Quebec should contact the provincial immigration ministry immediately to initiate the Quebec undertaking process, as that provincial requirement runs on its own timeline independent of the federal deadline.
Consider consulting a regulated Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer if you are unsure whether your specific circumstances qualify under the policy, especially given the new regulatory framework governing immigration professionals that took effect in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the deadline to apply under the undeclared family members public policy?
IRCC must receive your sponsorship application by September 10, 2026, for it to be processed under the public policy exemption.
Will IRCC extend this public policy again after September 10, 2026?
There is no official confirmation from IRCC or the immigration minister that a fourth consecutive policy will be issued, so applicants should treat September 10 as a firm deadline.
Do I need to use a special application form to sponsor an undeclared family member?
No, you apply through the standard spousal, partner, or child sponsorship process and IRCC determines public policy eligibility during processing.
What happens to my application if it is still being processed after September 10?
Applications received before the deadline will continue to be processed under the public policy provisions even if a decision is not reached until after the policy expires.
Can sponsors who obtained permanent residence through Express Entry or the Federal Skilled Worker Program use this policy?
No, the policy only applies to sponsors who received permanent residence as refugees, protected persons, or through family class sponsorship as a spouse, partner, or dependent child.
Fact-Checked: All information in this article has been verified against the official IRCC public policy document published on canada.ca, the IRCC undeclared family members guidance page, and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations as of August 20, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently, so verify all requirements directly on canada.ca before applying.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- 7 New Ontario Rent Rules Coming In September 2026
Ontario tenants who miss a rent payment will face a dramatically shorter window to act starting September 21, 2026.
On that date, the minimum termination period on an N4 notice for non-payment of rent drops from 14 days to 7 days for monthly and yearly tenancies.
The change is part of a second wave of amendments under Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, which received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025.
But the 7-day N4 is only one piece of a much larger September 21 package.
The same proclamation brings a new statutory definition of persistent late payment, a requirement for tenants to pay 50% of arrears before raising certain issues at a non-payment hearing, and a compensation waiver for personal-use evictions with extended notice.
Tribunals Ontario confirmed the September 21, 2026 effective date in its operational update released on June 30, 2026.
This is the same legislation that already delivered a round of changes on July 1, 2026, including the 15-day LTB order review deadline and doubled maximum fines for landlord misconduct.
Table of Contents
7-Day Termination Period Replaces the 14-Day Timeline
The headline change arriving on September 21 is the reduction of the N4 termination period from 14 days to 7 days for monthly and yearly tenancies.
The N4 is the formal Notice to End a Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent that a landlord must serve before filing an eviction application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Under the current rules, a tenant who misses a rent payment receives the N4 and has 14 days before the termination date, at which point the landlord becomes eligible to file an L1 application.
Starting September 21, that termination period shrinks to 7 days.
If the tenant pays the full amount of rent owed before the termination date, the N4 notice becomes void and the landlord cannot proceed.
That core protection remains unchanged. The payment right does not disappear after the termination date.
Under section 74 of the Residential Tenancies Act, a tenant who pays all arrears and any newly due rent before the landlord files the L1 application still voids the notice.
Even after an L1 is filed, payment can still stop the proceeding, subject to the additional amounts required at that stage.
The 7-day change affects the minimum time before a landlord can file, not the tenant’s ability to resolve the matter through payment.
The practical difference is speed in reaching the filing threshold.
Under current rules, a tenant who misses rent on the first of the month and receives an N4 on the second faces a termination date of the sixteenth, and the landlord cannot file the L1 until the seventeenth at the earliest.
Under the new 7-day timeline, the termination date would be the ninth and the earliest L1 filing date would be the tenth.
That is a full week shaved off the process before the hearing backlog even begins.
Landlords who serve a 7-day N4 before September 21, 2026, risk having the notice declared void.
Every N4 served before the effective date must still use the 14-day termination period to be legally valid.
The change applies to all notices served on or after September 21, regardless of when the rent arrears originally accrued.
New Persistent Late Payment Definition
One of the most significant but under-reported changes arriving on September 21 is the new statutory definition of persistent late payment of rent.
O. Reg. 241/26 adds section 8.1 to Ontario Regulation 516/06, establishing for the first time a prescribed definition of what constitutes persistent failure to pay rent on time.
Under the new definition, persistent late payment includes circumstances where a tenant has failed to pay rent within 7 days of the date it becomes due on at least 3 occasions within any 6-month period.
The regulation includes one important exception.
A late payment does not count toward the three-strike threshold if it was solely attributable to the landlord applying a rent payment to another amount owed by the tenant, such as prior arrears.
This definition matters because persistent late payment is a separate ground for eviction under paragraph 1 of subsection 58(1) of the Residential Tenancies Act, served through an N8 notice.
Before this regulation, the LTB had no prescribed definition of what counted as persistent lateness.
Adjudicators used their own discretion, and outcomes varied widely from one hearing to the next.
Some tenants who were late 3 times in 12 months were found persistent, while others who were late 5 times were not.
The new regulation does not eliminate that discretion entirely.
Section 8.1(2) expressly states that persistent late payment may arise in circumstances not set out in the regulation.
The prescribed definition sets a mandatory floor, meaning the LTB must find persistent late payment when the three-strike threshold is met, while still allowing it to make that finding in other fact patterns.
Tenants who pay rent even a few days late on a recurring basis should treat this change as an urgent warning.
Three late payments exceeding 7 days past due within any rolling 6-month window will now meet the statutory test for an N8 notice.
50% Arrears Payment Required Before Raising Tenant Issues
The September 21 package also activates the 50% arrears prepayment requirement under section 82 of the Residential Tenancies Act.
Under the current rules, tenants facing a non-payment hearing can raise their own issues at the hearing, such as maintenance failures, harassment, or illegal entries, without any financial precondition.
Starting September 21, 2026, a tenant who wants to raise these issues at a non-payment hearing must first pay half of the rent arrears that were claimed in the L1 application when it was filed.
O. Reg. 241/26 further specifies that the required payment must be made no later than 7 days before the hearing date.
The right to raise issues is not eliminated.
Tenants can still file separate T2 or T6 applications for maintenance and other complaints independent of the non-payment hearing.
The change adds a financial gate to raising those issues as a defence within the non-payment proceeding itself.
Landlord groups have argued that some tenants raised section 82 issues primarily as a delay tactic rather than a legitimate defence.
Tenant advocacy groups, including the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, have countered that the prepayment requirement makes it harder for low-income tenants to defend themselves against non-payment claims in the same proceeding where the issues are most relevant.
Tenants who receive an L1 hearing notice after September 21 should calculate 50% of the claimed arrears immediately and arrange payment at least 7 days before the scheduled hearing to preserve their right to raise section 82 issues.
N12 Personal-Use Eviction Compensation Waiver
The next major change affects personal-use evictions under section 48 of the Residential Tenancies Act.
Currently, a landlord who serves an N12 notice for their own use or a family member’s use must provide the tenant with at least 60 days of notice and pay one month’s rent as compensation before the termination date.
Starting September 21, 2026, landlords who give at least 120 days of notice on an N12 under section 48 will no longer be required to pay the one-month compensation.
The termination date must still fall on the last day of the tenancy period or the last day of a fixed term.
This waiver applies only to landlord-own-use evictions under section 48.
It does not apply to purchaser-use N12 notices under section 49, which remain subject to the one-month compensation requirement in section 49.1.
This creates a strategic choice for landlords between speed and cost.
A landlord renting a Toronto unit at $3,400 per month saves $3,400 by choosing the 120-day path instead of the standard 60-day path.
A Hamilton landlord charging $1,800 per month saves $1,800 under the same calculation. The tradeoff is timing.
Landlords who choose the 120-day no-compensation path wait an additional 60 days compared to the standard timeline before the tenant is required to vacate.
Until September 21, 2026, the one-month compensation requirement applies to every N12 eviction regardless of notice length.
The good-faith requirement under section 48 of the Residential Tenancies Act remains fully intact.
A landlord cannot use the N12 process to displace a tenant simply to re-rent the unit at a higher price.
The intended occupant must genuinely plan to live in the unit as their primary residence for at least 12 months.
Bad-faith N12 evictions remain subject to T5 applications by displaced tenants at the LTB.
New 60-Day Occupancy Rule
Ontario filed O. Reg. 240/26 on July 21, 2026, introducing a strict deadline that strengthens tenant protections against bad-faith personal-use evictions.
Effective September 21, 2026, the person identified in an N12 eviction notice must occupy the rental unit within 60 days.
If they do not, a rebuttable presumption of bad faith is triggered under a new subsection added to section 57 of the Residential Tenancies Act.
The regulation establishes two different starting points for the 60-day countdown depending on when the tenant actually vacates.
If the tenant vacates on or before the termination date stated in the N12 notice, the 60-day clock starts from that termination date.
If the tenant vacates after the termination date, the 60-day clock starts from the date the tenant actually leaves the unit.
A landlord who triggers the bad-faith presumption carries the burden of proving that the eviction was nevertheless served honestly and in compliance with the Act.
Under section 57, general compensation for a tenant who successfully proves bad faith is capped at the equivalent of 12 months of the former tenant’s last rent, plus other potential remedies.
The LTB can also impose an administrative fine of up to $50,000 in bad-faith eviction cases.
These LTB administrative fines are separate from the maximum court fines of $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations that apply upon conviction for RTA offences.
This rule was designed to address a longstanding complaint from tenant advocacy groups that landlords were using N12 notices with no genuine intention of occupying the unit.
The 60-day deadline gives tenants a concrete and measurable standard against which to evaluate whether their eviction was legitimate.
Renovation Eviction Rules Add New Notification Requirements
The September 21 changes also strengthen tenant protections in renovation and demolition evictions under the N13 notice.
Landlords seeking to end a tenancy for repairs, renovations, or demolition will be required to provide written notifications to the tenant at multiple stages of the project.
These notifications must cover the estimated completion date of the renovations, any changes to that estimated date, and the final date that the unit is ready for re-occupancy.
Tenants will also receive a guaranteed 60-day period to re-occupy the unit after renovations are completed.
If the landlord fails to provide the required notifications or does not give the tenant the full 60 days to return, the tenant can file an application at the LTB for a remedy.
The application would be based on a failure to afford the right of first refusal, a new enforcement mechanism added under Bill 60.
These renovation eviction protections build on earlier municipal efforts, including Toronto’s Rental Renovation Licence requirement that took effect in July 2025.
N13 notices have their own existing compensation rules under sections 52, 54 and 55 of the Residential Tenancies Act, which vary depending on the reason for the eviction and the size of the building.
Those N13 compensation obligations are separate from the N12 compensation waiver and remain unchanged by the September 21 amendments.
Landlords managing active renovation projects should create a written communication log documenting every notification, timeline change, and completion update to protect against future LTB disputes.
What Already Changed In 2026
The September 21 changes are the second wave of a two-part rollout that began on July 1, 2026.
Several significant amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act already took effect on that date.
The window to request a review of an LTB order dropped from 30 days to 15 days on July 1, meaning landlords and tenants now have half the previous time to challenge a board decision.
The document service window for above-guideline increase applications was reduced from 14 days to 7 days, with a certificate of service now due within 5 days after service.
The LTB introduced a mandatory Payment Agreement Form for all repayment plans filed with the board.
Tenants gained the legal right to install a window or portable air conditioning unit with written notice to their landlord, courtesy of Bill 97, the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act.
Maximum fines for RTA offences doubled to $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations.
Ontario previously doubled the RTA offence maximums in 2020, from $25,000 and $100,000 to $50,000 and $250,000.
The July 2026 increase doubled them again to the current levels.
The full breakdown of Ontario law changes that took effect in July 2026 covers every provision that landlords and tenants are now operating under.
What Has Not Changed
Despite the scope of these reforms, several core tenant protections under the Residential Tenancies Act remain fully intact.
A landlord still cannot evict a tenant without a valid legal reason and a formal order from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
An eviction notice alone does not end a tenancy in Ontario.
The tenant always has the right to a hearing before any eviction order can be enforced.
Security of tenure, the legal principle that allows tenants to remain in their homes as long as they follow their lease terms and the Act, remains the foundation of Ontario rental law.
When a fixed-term lease expires, it continues to convert automatically to a month-to-month tenancy under the existing framework.
The 2026 rent increase guideline of 2.1% remains the maximum a landlord can raise rent in a 12-month period without LTB approval for rent-controlled units.
Units first occupied for residential purposes after November 15, 2018, remain exempt from rent control, meaning landlords of post-2018 units can raise rent by any amount with 90 days’ written notice.
The right to a safe and well-maintained unit, essential services like heat and water, and the requirement for 24-hour written notice before landlord entry are all unchanged.
What Ontario Tenants Should Do Before September 21
Tenants who are currently behind on rent or at risk of falling behind should prioritize clearing arrears before the September 21 deadline.
Under the new 7-day termination rule, a missed rent payment followed by an N4 notice leaves very little time before a landlord becomes eligible to file at the LTB.
Setting up automatic rent payments through your bank or financial institution eliminates the risk of accidental late payment.
Automatic payments are especially important under the new persistent-late-payment definition, where being more than 7 days late on 3 occasions within 6 months now meets the statutory test for an N8 notice.
Tenants who receive an N4 notice after September 20 should pay the full arrears as quickly as possible to void the notice, ideally before the termination date and certainly before the landlord files the L1.
Any tenant who receives an N12 personal-use eviction notice should immediately verify whether the landlord has paid the required one-month compensation or provided at least 120 days of notice to qualify for the new waiver under section 48.
The new 60-day occupancy rule provides tenants with a concrete timeline to monitor whether the person named in the N12 actually occupies the unit.
Tenants facing renovation evictions under an N13 notice should request written confirmation of the estimated completion date and document every communication with their landlord from this point forward.
Anyone receiving Ontario Works or ODSP payments should speak with their caseworker immediately if they receive any eviction notice, as housing disruption can trigger changes to benefit eligibility.
Ontario tenants receiving ODSP or Ontario Works benefits should be especially vigilant, as losing housing can disrupt support services.
ODSP recipients now receive up to $1,436 per month for a single person after the 1.9% inflation adjustment that took effect on July 1, 2026.
What Ontario Landlords Should Do Before September 21
Landlords should update every internal procedure and template related to N4 notices to reflect the 7-day termination period for any notice served on or after September 21.
Serving a 7-day N4 before the effective date will void the notice and force the landlord to start over.
Landlords should also review their rent collection records for the past 6 months to identify tenants who may already meet the new persistent-late-payment threshold.
Three instances of rent arriving more than 7 days past due within a rolling 6-month window now satisfy the statutory definition for an N8 notice.
Landlords planning personal-use evictions should evaluate whether the 60-day standard path with compensation or the new 120-day no-compensation path is more advantageous for their specific situation.
The financial savings must be weighed against the additional 60 days of waiting before the tenant is required to vacate.
Under the new 60-day occupancy rule, landlords must ensure the intended occupant identified in the N12 occupies the unit within the prescribed period.
Failure to meet this requirement creates a rebuttable presumption of bad faith that the landlord must actively overcome at the LTB.
Landlords pursuing renovation evictions should establish a written communication log tracking every notification, timeline estimate, and completion date sent to the tenant.
Every landlord should confirm that their property management software, notice templates, and filing calendars are updated before September 21 to avoid procedural errors.
Bill 60 and Bill 97 Drive the 2026 Overhaul
The September 21 changes are driven by two separate pieces of Ontario legislation working together.
Bill 60, formally known as the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, was introduced in the fall of 2025, passed third reading on November 24, 2025, and received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025.
Schedule 12 of Bill 60 contains the Residential Tenancies Act amendments, which have been proclaimed in waves through Orders in Council.
Bill 97, the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023, provides the tenant-protective provisions that complement the procedural speedups in Bill 60.
The tenant air conditioning installation right and the doubled maximum fines both come from Bill 97.
The political framing from the Ontario government emphasizes shorter delays, tighter procedures, and clearer rules for both parties.
Tenant advocacy groups argue that the balance tilts toward faster evictions and narrower defences.
Landlord organizations have welcomed the shorter notice periods and more predictable outcomes.
The full statutory text of Bill 60’s RTA amendments is published at Schedule 12 on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario site.
Residents can also check 2026 statutory holidays to confirm whether any holidays fall within their 7-day N4 window, since business days may affect processing and payment timelines.
Disabled tenants covered by Ontario’s disability support programs should verify that any rent increase applied to their unit complies with the 2.1% guideline or confirm whether their unit is exempt.
Summary of New Ontario Rent Changes
Change Details N4 Termination Period Drops from 14 days to 7 days for monthly and yearly tenancies Persistent Late Payment More than 7 days late at least 3 times within any 6-month period meets statutory threshold (N8 notice) 50% Arrears Prepayment Tenants must pay half of L1 arrears at least 7 days before hearing to raise section 82 issues N12 Compensation Waiver (s. 48) One-month compensation waived when landlord gives 120+ days notice; does not apply to purchaser-use (s. 49) 60-Day Occupancy Rule Intended N12 occupant must occupy within 60 days or rebuttable bad-faith presumption applies N13 Renovation Notifications Written notification required at every stage including completion date and re-occupancy Right of First Refusal Tenants can file LTB application if landlord fails renovation notification requirements Key Dates for Ontario Landlords and Tenants in 2026
Date What Changed or Changes November 27, 2025 Bill 60 received Royal Assent July 1, 2026 Wave 1: 15-day LTB reviews, doubled fines, tenant AC rights, mandatory payment form September 21, 2026 Wave 2: 7-day N4, persistent late payment threshold, 50% arrears rule, N12 compensation waiver (s. 48), 60-day occupancy rule, N13 notification requirements September 21, 2026 marks the single largest day of changes to Ontario eviction and rental law procedures in years.
The combination of the 7-day N4, the three-strike persistent late payment threshold, the 50% arrears prepayment requirement, the N12 compensation waiver, and the 60-day occupancy rule fundamentally reshapes the timeline and the stakes for both landlords and tenants.
The rules are set, the dates are confirmed, and the clock is already running toward September 21.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the 7-day N4 mean a tenant has only 7 days to avoid eviction?
The 7 days are the minimum termination period before a landlord can file an L1 application, not an absolute eviction deadline. A tenant who pays all arrears and any newly due rent before the landlord files the L1 still voids the notice, and payment can still resolve the matter even after filing under section 74 of the Act.
What triggers the new persistent late payment threshold?
Under O. Reg. 241/26, failing to pay rent within 7 days of the due date on at least 3 occasions within any 6-month period meets the statutory definition of persistent late payment, which is a separate ground for an N8 eviction notice.
What happens if the person named in an N12 does not occupy the unit within 60 days?
Under O. Reg. 240/26, a rebuttable presumption of bad faith is triggered, meaning the landlord must prove the eviction was genuine or face compensation of up to 12 months of the former tenant’s last rent plus a potential LTB administrative fine of up to $50,000.
Does the 120-day N12 compensation waiver apply to all types of N12 notices?
The waiver applies only to landlord-own-use evictions under section 48 of the Act, and purchaser-use N12 notices under section 49 remain subject to the one-month compensation requirement in section 49.1.
Do tenants still need to pay 50% of arrears to raise maintenance issues at a hearing?
Starting September 21, tenants must pay half of the L1 arrears at least 7 days before the hearing to raise section 82 issues at a non-payment proceeding, but they can still file separate T2 or T6 applications for maintenance complaints outside the non-payment hearing.
Fact Check: All information in this article has been verified against the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006; Bill 60 (Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025); Bill 97 (Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023); O. Reg. 240/26; O. Reg. 241/26; and the Tribunals Ontario operational updates.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice; consult a licensed paralegal or lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- Latest Express Entry Draw On August 19 Sent 5,000 PR Invitations
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 5,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence through the latest Express Entry draw on August 19, 2026 for French category.
The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 382 points, a 9-point drop from the 391 recorded on August 6 and the lowest French-language cutoff of 2026.
This draw closes the second August draw cluster that began with the Provincial Nominee Program draw on August 17 and continued with the Canadian Experience Class draw on August 18.
The CRS cutoff of 382 marks the first time a French-language draw has broken below 391 in 2026, expanding the qualifying window for candidates with moderate French-language test results and lower base CRS profiles.
Below is a full breakdown of the draw results, the complete 2026 French-language draw tracker, how this CRS drop affects candidate strategy, and what comes next for Express Entry.
Table of Contents
August 19 French-Language Proficiency Draw Results
The table below summarizes every official detail of the August 19 French-language proficiency Express Entry draw as published by the IRCC.
Draw Detail Value Category French-Language Proficiency 2026-V2 Date and Time August 19, 2026 at 12:35:37 UTC Number of Invitations Issued 5,000 CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate 382 Rank Needed 5,000 or above Tie-Breaking Rule March 1, 2026 at 18:34:05 UTC Candidates who scored exactly 382 only received invitations if they submitted their Express Entry profiles before March 1, 2026, at 18:34:05 UTC.
Anyone with a CRS score above 382 who qualified under the French-language proficiency category received an invitation regardless of when their profile was submitted.
The tie-breaking date of March 1, 2026, is approximately five and a half months before the draw, which indicates a deep pool of candidates holding exactly 382 CRS points.
Invited candidates now have exactly 60 calendar days to submit a complete permanent residence application to IRCC.
Why the CRS Cutoff Dropped to a New 2026 Low of 382
French-language proficiency draw cutoffs had ranged between 391 and 420 across the first nine rounds of 2026 before this draw broke through the floor to a new yearly low.
The nine-point drop from 391 on August 6 to 382 on August 19 is the third-largest single-round CRS decline recorded in a French-language draw this year, after the 21-point drop on July 22 and the 19-point drop on April 29.
This decline occurred despite IRCC maintaining the same 5,000-invitation volume used in the August 6 French draw, which means the drop is driven entirely by changes in pool composition rather than draw size.
The most likely explanation is that the August 6 draw removed 5,000 French-qualified candidates near the top of the pool, and the replacement candidates who entered the pool over the following two weeks had lower base CRS scores.
The contrast with the CEC cutoff of 523 recorded just one day earlier highlights the structural advantage French-language draws offer, with a gap of 141 points between the two pathways.
A candidate with a total CRS score of 382 who holds qualifying French-language test results received an invitation in this round, while the same profile would need 141 additional points to qualify through a CEC draw at current volumes.
Every French-Language Draw in 2026: The Full Invitation Tracker
The table below tracks every French-language proficiency draw conducted in 2026 and shows how CRS cutoffs have shifted as IRCC adjusted invitation volumes across the year.
Date ITAs CRS Cutoff Change August 19, 2026 5,000 382 -9 August 6, 2026 5,000 391 — July 22, 2026 5,000 399 -21 July 9, 2026 5,000 420 +11 May 28, 2026 4,500 409 +9 April 29, 2026 4,000 400 -19 April 15, 2026 4,000 419 +26 March 18, 2026 4,000 393 — March 4, 2026 5,500 397 -3 February 6, 2026 8,500 400 — French-language invitations now total 50,500 across 10 draws in 2026, making French-language proficiency the largest Express Entry draw category so far this year, narrowly ahead of the Canadian Experience Class.
The CRS cutoff trend shows two distinct phases in 2026: an upward climb from 393 on March 18 to a peak of 420 on July 9, followed by a sustained decline to the current low of 382 from the record 8,500-invitation draw in February that set the early benchmark at CRS 400.
The downward phase suggests that the most competitive French-language candidates were captured during the high-volume period from April through July, leaving a less competitive applicant pool for recent August draws.
Second August Draw Cluster Now Complete
The August 19 French-language draw completes the second draw cluster of August 2026, following the same PNP, CEC, and French-language sequence that IRCC has used in every cluster since March.
The three draws in this cluster issued a combined 6,442 invitations: 442 through the PNP draw on August 17 at CRS 760, 1,000 through the CEC draw on August 18 at CRS 523, and 5,000 through the French draw on August 19 at CRS 382.
French-language proficiency invitations accounted for 77.6% of all invitations issued in this cluster, reinforcing the category’s role as the highest-volume draw type within each cluster window.
The total number of Express Entry invitations issued in 2026 now stands at approximately 119,865 across 49 draws, well past the 113,998 invitations issued across all of 2025.
CEC and French-language draws together continue to account for over 82% of all invitations in 2026, confirming these two categories as the dominant Express Entry pathways under the current system.
Who Qualifies for French-Language Proficiency Draws
Candidates must demonstrate French-language ability at NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, using an approved test such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
Test results must be less than two years old at the time an immigration officer receives the complete permanent residence application, so candidates should verify their test expiry dates before relying on existing scores.
Candidates must also hold an active Express Entry profile and be eligible under at least one of the three federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.
Processing Times for Express Entry Applications
The latest IRCC processing time data from August 10, 2026, shows Express Entry permanent residence applications processing at approximately six months for decisions.
Candidates who receive invitations in the August 19 draw can expect their permanent residency approvals to arrive in early to mid-2027 based on the current processing window.
Applicants who submit incomplete documentation remain one of the leading causes of processing delays and refusals across all economic immigration categories.
IRCC’s 9% francophone immigration target outside Quebec under the 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan is a policy commitment that is expected to sustain French-language draws regardless of how the broader Express Entry system is restructured.
The August 19 French-language draw sets a new 2026 CRS low of 382, nine points below the previous floor, confirming that French-language proficiency remains the most accessible high-volume Express Entry pathway.
The second August draw cluster is now complete, and candidates should prepare for the next cluster expected in the first week of September.
Follow Immigration News Canada for verified draw results, CRS score analysis, and Canadian immigration news as they are released by IRCC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the CRS cutoff for the August 19, 2026, Express Entry draw?
The CRS cutoff was 382 points for the French-language proficiency draw on August 19, 2026, with 5,000 invitations to apply issued to candidates who demonstrated NCLC 7 or higher in French across all four language skills.
Why did the French-language CRS cutoff drop to 382?
The 9-point decline from 391 on August 6 reflects a less competitive pool of French-language candidates following the removal of 5,000 top-ranked profiles in the previous round, while replacement candidates who entered the pool over the subsequent two weeks had lower base CRS scores.
What French-language tests qualify for these draws?
TEF Canada and TCF Canada are the two approved French-language tests accepted by IRCC for Express Entry French-language proficiency draws, and candidates must achieve NCLC 7 or higher in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
How many French-language invitations has IRCC issued in 2026?
IRCC has issued 50,500 French-language proficiency invitations across 10 draws in 2026, making French-language proficiency the largest Express Entry draw type by invitation volume so far this year, narrowly ahead of the Canadian Experience Class.
When is the next Express Entry draw expected?
The second August cluster is now complete, and the next round of Express Entry draws is expected in the first week of September if IRCC maintains the biweekly cluster pattern used throughout 2026.
Fact-Checked: All data in this article was verified against the official Express Entry rounds of invitations page published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on August 19, 2026, and cross-referenced with pool snapshot data released on August 16, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- 5 Major Canada Immigration Shifts In 2026 Revealed In New IRCC Data
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has released new data across 4 separate open-data portals on August 18, 2026, and the combined picture reveals a Canadian immigration system undergoing its most significant recalibration in a decade.
The datasets cover permanent residence admissions, Express Entry landings, study permit holders and International Mobility Program work permits, and all four now align on the same January-through-June 2026 reporting window.
Five distinct shifts emerge when the data is read together, and they tell a story that no single dataset could capture on its own.
Some of these trends follow the direction Ottawa signalled in the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which set annual permanent residence targets at 380,000 and pledged to reduce temporary residents below 5% of the population by late 2027.
Others are arriving with a force and speed that no policy document anticipated.
Here is what the data shows across every major immigration stream, what is driving each trend, and what it means for applicants, employers and policymakers in Canada.
Table of Contents
Permanent Resident Admissions Are Down 12.3% In The First Half
Canada admitted 182,185 permanent residents from January through June 2026, compared with 207,850 during the same six months of 2025.
That is a decline of 25,665 admissions and represents a 12.3% year-over-year drop in new permanent residents.
The monthly trajectory reveals a system that started the year at its lowest point and has been steadily regaining momentum.
January recorded just 24,220 landings, down 28.9% from January 2025.
By April, admissions reached 29,885, surpassing the April 2025 figure of 28,055 for the first month of positive year-over-year growth in 2026.
May climbed to 34,410, and June reached 34,750, meaning the last two months of the first half are both running close to the pace required to meet the annual target.
At the current trajectory, Canada needs to admit approximately 197,815 permanent residents across July through December to reach the 380,000 target in the Immigration Levels Plan, which works out to roughly 33,000 per month.
June’s figure of 34,750 shows that pace is achievable, but sustaining it through the second half without interruption would require consistent processing velocity across all categories.
Month H1 2025 H1 2026 Change % Change January 34,055 24,220 -9,835 -28.9% February 35,275 29,290 -5,985 -17.0% March 34,990 29,630 -5,360 -15.3% April 28,055 29,885 +1,830 +6.5% May 36,430 34,410 -2,020 -5.5% June 39,045 34,750 -4,295 -11.0% H1 Total 207,850 182,185 -25,665 -12.3% Ontario absorbed the largest absolute decline, dropping from 91,390 to 78,110, a 14.5% reduction that accounts for more than half of the national shortfall.
Quebec posted the steepest provincial percentage decline at 23.5%, falling from 28,530 to 21,820.
British Columbia fell 17.6% from 27,670 to 22,795, while Alberta dipped more modestly at 5.6% from 26,250 to 24,770.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan were notable exceptions, rising 3.8% and 4.0%, respectively, making them the only major provinces to admit more permanent residents in the first half of 2026 than in the same period of 2025.
Economic Immigration Is Down 22.8%
The decline in permanent resident admissions is not evenly distributed across immigration categories, and economic immigration is bearing a disproportionate share of the reduction.
Canada admitted 100,930 economic-class permanent residents from January through June 2026, down from 130,770 during the same period in 2025.
That 22.8% decline reflects reduced volumes across every major economic stream, with the Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Worker program absorbing the steepest cuts.
Economic Stream H1 2025 H1 2026 Change % Change Canadian Experience 32,730 23,670 -9,060 -27.7% Skilled Worker 35,865 26,820 -9,045 -25.2% Provincial Nominees 50,585 41,820 -8,765 -17.3% Economic Total 130,770 100,930 -29,840 -22.8% The 27.7% decline in Canadian Experience Class admissions reflects how IRCC has managed Express Entry draws throughout 2026, with smaller draw sizes and higher CRS cutoffs limiting how many in-Canada workers convert invitations into permanent residence.
The Provincial Nominee Program decline of 17.3% is notable given that the Levels Plan increased PNP allocations to 91,500 for 2026, a substantial rebound from the 55,000 target in 2025.
The gap between the higher allocation and the lower actual landing volume suggests that processing timelines and provincial nomination throughput have not yet caught up to the restored targets.
Ontario’s economic admissions dropped from 52,910 to 36,135, a decline of 31.7% that accounts for more than half of the national economic-class reduction on its own.
The composition of Canada’s immigration intake is shifting as a result.
Economic immigration’s share of total admissions fell from 62.9% in H1 2025 to 55.4% in H1 2026.
Meanwhile, refugee and protected person admissions surged 35.1% from 24,355 to 32,915, increasing their share of total admissions from 11.7% to 18.1%.
Sponsored family admissions dipped only 4.1% from 46,950 to 45,020, holding relatively steady while economic streams contracted sharply.
Asylum claims moved in the opposite direction from refugee admissions, declining 48.9% in H1 2026 from 57,440 to 29,365.
Express Entry PR Admissions Plunged 32.7% In The First Half
The dedicated Express Entry admissions dataset confirms an even sharper contraction than the broader economic category numbers suggest.
IRCC recorded 47,430 Express Entry permanent resident admissions in the first half of 2026, compared with 70,445 during the first half of 2025.
That is a decline of 32.7%, and it represents the sharpest first-half contraction in Express Entry admissions since the system launched in 2015.
The monthly data shows the drop was steepest in the early months and has begun to stabilize, though at a permanently lower level.
February and March 2026 each recorded fewer than 7,700 Express Entry landings, compared with more than 12,500 in each of those months during 2025.
By June the monthly figure had recovered to 8,420, but that is still 26% below June 2025.
Ontario’s Express Entry admissions fell from 42,710 in H1 2025 to 27,170 in H1 2026, a decline of 36.4% that removes over 15,500 skilled workers from the province’s permanent resident intake.
British Columbia dropped 39.0% from 12,355 to 7,535, Alberta declined 22.8% from 7,270 to 5,615, and Manitoba fell 32.0% from 2,640 to 1,795.
For candidates in the Express Entry pool, these numbers explain the elevated CRS cutoffs that have defined every CEC draw in 2026.
Fewer admissions means IRCC is converting a smaller share of invitations into landings, which keeps the pool saturated with applicants competing for a diminished number of spots.
The proposed Express Entry overhaul that IRCC consulted on through May 2026 would restructure the system entirely, but those changes will not take effect until at last 2027, leaving the current dynamics in place for the rest of this year.
Study Permit Numbers Suddenly Rebounded In Q2 2026
While permanent resident and Express Entry volumes contracted, new study permit activity moved sharply in the opposite direction during the second quarter.
IRCC recorded 80,485 study permit holders whose permits became effective in Q2 2026, compared with 55,215 in Q2 2025.
That is a 45.8% increase, reversing a trend that had defined the international student space since Ottawa imposed study permit caps for 2026 and restricted new allocations.
June alone surged to 32,700 from 18,170, an 80.0% year-over-year increase and the single largest monthly study permit figure in the 2026 dataset.
The broader picture is more mixed, with Q1 2026 down 24.5% at 70,860 versus 93,880 in Q1 2025, before Q2 rebounded 45.8% to 80,485 from 55,215.
Country Q2 2025 Q2 2026 Change % Change India 17,545 16,555 -990 -5.6% China 5,640 12,605 +6,965 +123.5% Ukraine 640 5,890 +5,250 +820.3% Nigeria 3,950 5,145 +1,195 +30.3% Philippines 3,980 3,885 -95 -2.4% South Korea 930 2,370 +1,440 +154.8% France 650 1,510 +860 +132.3% All Countries 55,215 80,485 +25,270 +45.8% China’s 123.5% Q2 surge is the headline number among major source countries, while India actually declined 5.6% despite remaining the largest single source of international students in Canada.
Ukraine’s 820.3% increase from a low base of 640 to 5,890 stands out as the most dramatic percentage shift in the entire dataset, likely reflecting humanitarian policy accommodations and demand from displaced students.
South Korea, France and Vietnam all posted Q2 increases exceeding 80%, indicating that the rebound is broad-based and not driven by a single source country.
The divergence between India and virtually every other major source nation is significant, because any sustained decline from India while other countries surge would fundamentally reshape the demographic composition of Canada’s international student population.
International Mobility Program Work Permits More Than Doubled
The most dramatic finding in the entire data release comes from the International Mobility Program work permit dataset.
IRCC recorded 258,765 IMP work permit holders in Q2 2026, compared with 126,415 in Q2 2025.
That is an increase of 104.7%, meaning IMP volumes more than doubled in a single year.
The 170,000 IMP target in the Levels Plan is not directly comparable with these permit-holder figures because the target covers new arrivals and excludes Post-Graduation Work Permits and in-Canada work permit applications.
Ontario’s Q2 IMP volume jumped from 47,900 to 110,555, an increase of 130.8%.
Quebec rose 103.1% from 14,655 to 29,765, Alberta climbed 118.3% from 12,925 to 28,220, and British Columbia increased 108.6% from 20,975 to 43,755.
Even smaller provinces saw their IMP volumes roughly double, with New Brunswick up 145.1% and Saskatchewan up 134.3%.
Post-Graduation Work Permits Are The Engine Behind The Surge
The single largest driver of the IMP explosion is post-graduation employment.
IRCC data shows 116,935 post-graduation work permit holders recorded in Q2 2026, compared with 27,645 in Q2 2025.
That is a 323.0% increase in a single quarter.
June 2026 alone recorded 42,470 PGWP holders, compared with 9,780 in June 2025, an increase of 334.3%.
Month PGWP 2025 PGWP 2026 Change % Change January 19,665 47,135 +27,470 +139.7% February 14,055 47,980 +33,925 +241.3% March 13,150 36,015 +22,865 +173.8% April 9,705 34,140 +24,435 +251.7% May 8,150 40,390 +32,240 +395.6% June 9,780 42,470 +32,690 +334.3% The PGWP share of total IMP activity tells its own story.
In Q2 2025, post-graduation employment accounted for 21.9% of IMP work permit activity. In Q2 2026, that share surged to 45.2%, meaning nearly half of all IMP activity during the quarter was driven by post-graduation employment.
In H1 2026, that share surged to 49.2%, meaning nearly half of all International Mobility Program activity in Canada is now driven by international graduates entering the labour market on post-graduation permits.
Ontario absorbed the largest share of this PGWP surge, jumping from 16,620 in Q2 2025 to 64,695 in Q2 2026.
British Columbia went from 4,115 to 20,700, Quebec from 2,425 to 12,235 and Alberta from 1,685 to 8,385.
What Is Driving The PGWP Explosion
The 323% Q2 surge in post-graduation work permits is a delayed consequence of Canada’s earlier international student boom.
In 2022 and 2023, Canada issued record volumes of study permits as post-pandemic enrollment surged across colleges and universities.
Those students who enrolled in two-year and three-year programs are now graduating in large numbers and applying for PGWPs upon completion.
The timing aligns with the typical graduation cycle, because a student who began a two-year diploma in September 2023 would complete studies by spring 2025 and receive a PGWP that became effective in late 2025 or early 2026.
This creates a paradox at the centre of Canadian immigration policy.
Ottawa has simultaneously tightened study permit caps, restricted PGWP-eligible fields of study and imposed new language requirements for post-graduation work permits.
But the pipeline of students admitted under the previous, more permissive rules is still producing graduates at peak volumes, and those graduates are entering the labour market in unprecedented numbers.
The policy tightening will eventually reduce PGWP volumes as the smaller post-2024 student cohorts begin to graduate, but that effect is still at least two to three years away.
In the meantime, the 116,935 PGWP holders recorded in Q2 2026 represent a massive cohort of workers competing for permanent residence through Express Entry, provincial nominee programs and other pathways.
With Express Entry admissions down 32.7% and CRS cutoffs remaining elevated, many of these PGWP holders face uncertain prospects and tightening timelines.
IRCC data has shown that over 300,000 work permits were set to expire in Q1 2026 alone, and the continued flow of new PGWP holders into the system means the total volume of temporary workers seeking permanence is growing even as the number of available PR spots contracts.
A separate IRCC dataset tracking permanent resident admissions of former study permit holders shows that 11,730 former international students received permanent residence in H1 2026, compared with 11,195 in H1 2025.
That 4.8% increase means former students now represent 6.4% of all PR admissions, up from 5.4% a year earlier.
The contrast between the 248,055 PGWP holders entering the labour market and the 11,730 former students actually converting to permanent residence in the same period illustrates the scale of the bottleneck facing international graduates in 2026.
What The Combined Data Tells Us About Canadian Immigration In 2026
These five shifts form a coherent pattern that reveals the structural tension at the core of Canadian immigration policy.
Ottawa is deliberately reducing permanent resident volumes, cutting Express Entry conversions and slowing economic immigration to meet the lower targets in the 2026–2028 Levels Plan.
At the same time, the temporary resident population is being reshaped by forces set in motion years ago, and the PGWP surge demonstrates that policy changes on the input side take years to filter through to the output side.
The study permit rebound in Q2 adds another layer of complexity, because it suggests that the caps and restrictions Ottawa introduced have not eliminated demand but may have redirected it across source countries and timing patterns.
IRCC’s latest backlog data shows more than 1.5 million immigration files still awaiting decisions, and the new transparency dashboard reveals that a significant share of permanent residence applications are not being processed but are simply waiting for space under the annual levels cap.
For applicants, the takeaway is that 2026 is a year of tighter competition for permanent residence, elevated CRS thresholds in Express Entry, and record-high volumes of PGWP holders competing for a shrinking pool of PR spots.
For employers, the labour market now contains a historically large pool of PGWP holders who are already in Canada, authorized to work and actively seeking positions that could support a future permanent residence application.
For policymakers, the data raises a fundamental question about whether the current approach of cutting PR admissions while inheriting a massive temporary-to-permanent pipeline can be sustained without creating a growing population of workers in legal status with no realistic path forward.
The In-Canada Workers Initiative targeting up to 33,000 workers is already operational, while the proposed Express Entry overhaul has not yet been implemented.
The record emigration figures and declining non-permanent resident population provide the other side of the ledger, as Canada is simultaneously losing temporary residents at historically high rates while the PGWP pipeline continues adding new ones.
If the second half of 2026 sustains June’s pace of roughly 34,750 PR landings per month, Canada would finish the year near the 380,000 target.
However, the immigration mix reaching that number will look fundamentally different from what the Levels Plan envisioned, with a smaller economic share, a larger humanitarian share, and a quarter-million PGWP holders sitting outside the permanent residence pipeline altogether.
Follow Immigration News Canada for complete coverage of every IRCC data release, Express Entry draw result, provincial program update and processing time change affecting immigration to Canada in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many permanent residents has Canada admitted in 2026 so far?
IRCC data shows 182,185 permanent residents were admitted from January through June 2026, down 12.3% from 207,850 during January through June 2025. Canada needs approximately 33,000 landings per month from July through December to reach the 380,000 annual target.
Why are Express Entry admissions declining when IRCC is still running draws?
IRCC has been issuing invitations at a steady pace in 2026, but the lag between receiving an invitation and landing as a permanent resident means that reduced draw sizes and higher CRS cutoffs from late 2025 through early 2026 are now showing up in the admissions data with a delay of several months.
What is causing the post-graduation work permit surge in 2026?
The record number of study permits issued in 2022 and 2023 created a large pipeline of international students who are now completing their programs and transitioning to PGWPs. The current surge reflects the graduation timing of those earlier cohorts, and the policy restrictions Ottawa introduced in 2024 and 2025 will not meaningfully reduce PGWP output until 2027 or 2028.
Will study permit numbers continue to rise in the second half of 2026?
The Q2 rebound brought the first-half total to only 1.8% above 2025 levels, and IRCC has confirmed that the 2026 national study permit cap of approximately 408,000 remains in effect, so the second-half trajectory will depend on how many allocations remain under provincial quotas.
What does the PGWP surge mean for permanent residence competition?
The 248,055 PGWP holders recorded in H1 2026 represent a historically large pool of workers who will seek permanent residence through Express Entry, provincial nominee programs and other pathways. Only 11,730 former international students actually received permanent residence in the same period, illustrating the scale of the bottleneck and the intense competition PGWP holders face for limited PR spots.
Fact-Checked: All permanent resident admissions figures are sourced from the IRCC Open Data Portal datasets current as of June 30, 2026, updated by the department on August 18, 2026. Immigration level targets are sourced from the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan published by IRCC in November 2025 and the IRCC Departmental Plan 2026 published March 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Readers should consult a licensed immigration professional for guidance on their individual circumstances.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- New Ontario Car Insurance Rate Cuts Coming In September 2026
Ontario drivers insured with some of the province’s largest carriers are about to see approved rate reductions flow through to their renewal premiums this fall.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario has approved average rate decreases for at least eight insurer filings covering renewals that begin as early as September 1, 2026.
These cuts arrive barely two months after Ontario overhauled its auto insurance accident benefits structure on July 1, giving drivers a second reason to open their renewal paperwork carefully this season.
The approved reductions range from a modest 0.23% average decrease at one insurer to a 5.30% average cut at another, with effective dates staggered across September and November.
One additional insurer secured a 4.62% reduction that already took effect on August 15, offering immediate relief to policyholders renewing through that carrier.
Not every filing moved in the same direction, however, and one insurer under a major corporate umbrella received approval for a rate increase starting on the same September 1 date.
The full breakdown of every approved change, which insurers are cutting rates, what the approved averages mean for individual drivers, and what the one exception means follows below.
Table of Contents
Every Approved Rate Cut by Insurer and Effective Date
FSRA publishes every approved rate change in its public rate approval database, giving Ontario consumers advance notice before adjusted premiums appear on their renewal documents.
The following table lists every insurer with an approved average rate decrease that takes effect between August and November 2026.
Insurer / Group Approved Avg. Change Renewal Effective Heartland Farm Mutual -4.62% Aug. 15, 2026 Aviva General -1.64% Sept. 1, 2026 Definity -1.31% Sept. 1, 2026 Wawanesa -0.23% Sept. 1, 2026 Allstate -1.64% Sept. 15, 2026 Pembridge (Allstate) -1.45% Sept. 15, 2026 Certas Direct (Desjardins) -2.00% Nov. 28, 2026 Certas Home & Auto (Desjardins) -2.00% Nov. 28, 2026 The Personal (Desjardins) -5.30% Nov. 28, 2026 Heartland Farm Mutual secured the earliest effective date with a 4.62% average reduction that applied to renewals starting August 15.
Aviva General followed with a 1.64% average decrease for renewals beginning September 1.
Definity and Wawanesa round out the September 1 cohort with approved average decreases of 1.31% and 0.23%, respectively, which will be incorporated into renewal pricing from that date.
Allstate and its subsidiary Pembridge both secured rate reductions effective September 15, coming in at 1.64% and 1.45%.
The deepest cuts belong to the Desjardins group, which filed three separate reductions under its Certas Direct, Certas Home & Auto, and The Personal brands.
Certas Direct and Certas Home & Auto each received approval for a 2.00% average decrease, while The Personal landed the largest single reduction at 5.30%.
All three Desjardins filings carry a November 28 effective date, which means policyholders with those carriers will wait until late fall before the adjusted rates appear on their renewals.
What These Approved Percentages Actually Mean for Your Premium
FSRA specifically states that each approved percentage represents the expected average premium change across that insurer’s entire Ontario customer base upon renewal, as explained on the regulator’s auto insurance consumer hub.
That distinction matters because individual premiums are calculated using a combination of factors unique to each policyholder.
Your vehicle type, where you park it overnight, your personal driving record, your claims history, and the specific coverages you carry all feed into the rate calculation, as FSRA outlines on its rating factors page.
A driver living in Brampton with a recent at-fault claim could see a different outcome than a driver in Ottawa with a clean record, even if both are insured with the same carrier, something the regulator’s average premium page reinforces.
The approved average decrease is a portfolio-wide figure that reflects the net effect of all the rating-factor adjustments within a single filing.
Some policyholders within a carrier’s book of business may still see a premium increase at renewal even when the overall approved change is negative.
Other policyholders may receive a reduction that exceeds the published average because their specific risk profile improved relative to the rest of the insurer’s pool.
Drivers with recent traffic convictions or impaired-driving offences should also expect their driving record to affect their individual renewal premium despite any portfolio-wide rate decrease.
One Insurer Approved for a Rate Increase
Not every filing that FSRA processed during this cycle moved rates downward.
S&Y Insurance, which operates under the Aviva corporate umbrella, received approval for a 1.19% average rate increase effective September 1, 2026.
Insurer / Group Approved Avg. Change Renewal Effective S&Y Insurance (Aviva) +1.19% Sept. 1, 2026 This means that two entities under the same parent company are moving in opposite directions on the same date, a pattern that reflects how Ontario’s insurance regulatory framework treats each licensed insurer as a separate filing entity with its own claims experience and rate justification.
Drivers insured through S&Y should review their renewal documents carefully when they arrive, because the 1.19% average increase will flow through to premiums calculated under the new filing.
How These Rate Changes Connect to the July 1 Auto Insurance Reform
Ontario’s auto insurance system underwent a fundamental restructuring on July 1, 2026, shifting from a standardized accident benefits package to an optional model where drivers choose which protections to keep.
Only medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits remain mandatory under the new framework.
Income replacement, caregiver benefits, non-earner benefits, housekeeping expenses, death benefits, and funeral benefits all became optional coverages, a change that was flagged months in advance in the May 2026 Ontario laws roundup and the June 2026 preparation guidance.
Existing policyholders generally retain their previous accident-benefit selections at renewal unless they agree in writing to change or decline the newly optional benefits.
The rate reductions approved by FSRA for September and November are separate filings that reflect each insurer’s updated claims projections and operating costs, as detailed in the regulator’s reform Q&A for insurers.
Some of the approved decreases may partially reflect insurers adjusting their pricing models to account for lower expected claims costs under the new optional benefits structure.
However, FSRA has not publicly attributed any specific rate filing to the reform, and each insurer’s actuarial justification is assessed independently.
Drivers who opted out of previously mandatory coverages at their July renewal should compare the resulting premium with what these September or November rate changes would deliver, because the two pricing effects are distinct.
How to Check Whether Your Renewal Is Affected
The simplest way to confirm whether a rate change applies to your policy is to look at the renewal date printed on your current insurance documents.
If your policy renews on or after the effective date listed for your insurer in the table above, the approved rate change should be reflected in your new premium.
Drivers whose policies renewed before the effective date will not see the adjustment until their next annual renewal cycle, which could be up to 10-12 months away.
Ontario residents managing multiple financial deadlines this fall should add their auto insurance renewal date to the calendar alongside those deposit dates.
Ontario law generally requires at least 30 days’ written notice to the named insured when an insurer proposes not to renew a policy or to renew it on varied terms, giving drivers time to review their options.
If the renewal shows a premium increase despite your insurer appearing on the rate-cut list, the explanation almost certainly lies in a change to your individual risk profile, and you can contact your broker or insurer for a detailed breakdown of which rating factors drove the change.
How to Succeed When Shopping Your Renewal
An approved rate decrease at your current insurer does not automatically mean you are getting the best available price in the market.
Ontario law requires insurers to follow the Take-All-Comers rule, which means any insurer whose acceptability criteria you meet must offer you coverage at the lowest rate available for your risk profile.
Collecting quotes from at least three insurers before accepting a renewal gives you a baseline comparison that your current carrier’s rate decrease may or may not beat.
Drivers who recently moved within Ontario should pay particular attention because location is one of the most heavily weighted rating factors and a move from a higher-risk postal code to a lower-risk one can produce savings that dwarf any portfolio-wide rate cut.
Bundling auto insurance with home or tenant insurance through the same carrier often unlocks a multi-policy discount that stacks on top of any approved rate decrease, a savings strategy worth exploring.
Reviewing your coverage limits and deductibles during the renewal window is equally important, especially now that the July 2026 accident benefits reform made several previously mandatory protections optional and changed the baseline coverage that every policy includes.
Drivers insured through the Desjardins group should note that their rate cuts do not take effect until November 28, which means shopping for competitive quotes now could secure a lower rate months before the approved decrease would apply.
Maintaining a clean driving record remains one of the most important ways to control long-term insurance costs, particularly because driving convictions and at-fault claims are factors insurers use directly when calculating individual premiums.
FSRA continues to process rate filings on a rolling basis throughout the year, and additional approvals for reductions or increases could appear in the rate approval database at any time.
The interaction between the July 1 accident benefits reform and insurer pricing models will take several quarters to fully materialize, and Ontario drivers should monitor their renewal documents closely through the remainder of 2026 as the market adjusts to the new regulatory landscape.
Meanwhile, Ontario households are navigating a dense fall calendar of financial changes, from provincial benefit rule changes tied to immigration status to rising consumer costs to deadline-driven claims processes like the CRA data breach settlement, making it more important than ever to review every renewal and payment notice that arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will my auto insurance premium automatically decrease on the effective date listed for my insurer?
The approved rate change applies to renewals that fall on or after the effective date, not to policies already in force. If your policy renewal lands before September 1 or September 15, the decrease will not appear until your next annual renewal cycle, which could be up to 12 months later.
Can my premium still increase even if my insurer received an approved rate decrease?
Yes, the approved percentage is an average across the insurer’s entire Ontario customer base. Changes to your individual risk profile, such as adding a new vehicle, moving to a higher-risk postal code, filing a claim, or receiving a traffic conviction, can push your personal premium higher even when the overall rate filing is a decrease.
Are the September rate cuts related to the July 1 auto insurance accident benefits reform?
FSRA has not publicly attributed any specific rate filing to the accident benefits reform. Each insurer files its rate change based on its own actuarial analysis of claims costs, operating expenses, and projected loss experience. Some filings may reflect expectations of lower claims costs under the new optional benefits framework, but the regulator assesses each filing independently.
Do I automatically lose my current accident benefits when my policy renews after July 1?
No, existing policyholders generally retain the accident-benefit coverages they had before July 1 at renewal unless they and their insurer agree in writing to change or decline specific optional benefits. Drivers purchasing a brand new policy after July 1 receive only the mandatory minimums by default and must actively select any additional optional coverages.
Does Ontario regulate how much an insurer can raise or lower auto insurance rates in a single filing?
Ontario does not set a fixed cap on rate increases or decreases. FSRA reviews every filing to ensure the proposed rates are actuarially justified, not excessive for consumers, and sufficient for the insurer to meet its future claims obligations. If FSRA determines that a proposed change is unreasonable, it can require the insurer to revise the filing before granting approval.
Fact-Checked: All rate change data in this article is sourced from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario’s public rate approval database, accessed on August 18, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance, legal, or financial advice. Readers should contact a licensed insurance broker in Ontario for guidance specific to their policy and coverage needs.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- New Express Entry Draw On August 18 Sent 1,000 PR Invitations
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 1,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence through a new Express Entry draw on August 18, 2026, for the Canadian Experience Class.
The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 523 points, a sharp 7-point increase from the 516 recorded in the previous CEC draw on August 5.
This is the smallest Canadian Experience Class draw of 2026 and the highest CEC cutoff recorded at any point this year, breaking above the 514 to 518 band that had held steady since April.
The draw arrived one day after the Provincial Nominee Program draw on August 17 that opened the second draw cluster of the month with 442 invitations at a CRS of 760.
Below is a complete breakdown of the draw results, what the CRS spike signals about pool dynamics, how this round compares to every CEC draw in 2026, and what candidates should expect next.
Table of Contents
August 18 Canadian Experience Class Draw Results
The table below summarizes every official detail of the August 18 Canadian Experience Class Express Entry draw as published by IRCC.
Draw Detail Value Program Canadian Experience Class Date and Time August 18, 2026, at 10:13:44 UTC Number of Invitations Issued 1,000 CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate 523 Rank Needed 1,000 or above Tie-Breaking Rule August 17, 2026, at 22:09:00 UTC Candidates who scored exactly 523 only received invitations if they submitted their Express Entry profiles before August 17, 2026, at 22:09:00 UTC.
Anyone with a CRS score above 523 received an invitation regardless of when their profile was submitted.
The tie-breaking date of August 17 is less than 12 hours before the draw itself, which indicates an extremely thin pool of candidates at the 523 CRS level.
Invited candidates now have exactly 60 calendar days to submit a complete permanent residence application to IRCC.
Why the CRS Cutoff Jumped to 523
The CRS cutoff had remained in a narrow 514 to 518 band for every Canadian Experience Class draw since April 2026, regardless of whether IRCC issued 2,000, 3,000, or 4,000 invitations per round.
The August 18 draw broke that pattern entirely by cutting the invitation volume to 1,000 while the pool of competitive candidates continued to grow.
When IRCC reduces the number of invitations by 67% in a single round, only the highest-ranked candidates in the Express Entry pool receive selections, which pushes the minimum qualifying score sharply upward.
The August 5 CEC draw issued 3,000 invitations at a cutoff of 516, meaning that 2,000 additional candidates who would have qualified under the same volume were excluded from the August 18 round.
The seven-point CRS increase is entirely a function of the reduced draw size and does not reflect a fundamental change in the quality or composition of candidates inside the pool.
Candidates who scored between 516 and 522 were competitive enough for an invitation under the previous CEC volume but did not qualify in this round and must wait for future draws.
Every CEC Draw in 2026: The Full Invitation Tracker
The table below tracks every Canadian Experience Class draw conducted in 2026 and illustrates how CRS cutoffs have shifted with changing invitation volumes across the year.
Date ITAs CRS Cutoff Change August 18, 2026 1,000 523 +7 August 5, 2026 3,000 516 — July 21, 2026 2,000 516 -1 July 7, 2026 2,000 517 +1 June 23, 2026 4,000 516 -2 May 27, 2026 3,000 518 +4 April 28, 2026 2,000 514 -1 April 14, 2026 2,000 515 +6 March 31, 2026 2,250 509 +2 March 17, 2026 4,000 507 -1 March 3, 2026 4,000 508 – February 17, 2026 6,000 508 -1 January 21, 2026 6,000 509 -2 January 7, 2026 8,000 511 — CEC-specific invitations now total approximately 49,250 across 14 draws in 2026, representing roughly 43% of all Express Entry invitations issued this year.
The tracker reveals a clear trajectory of volume reduction throughout 2026, with IRCC dropping from 8,000 invitations per CEC round in January to just 1,000 in the latest draw.
CRS cutoffs have tracked these volume changes predictably, rising from the 508 to 511 range during the large early-year draws to a peak of 523 in the smallest CEC round of the year.
Current Express Entry Pool Composition
The most recent Express Entry pool snapshot published by IRCC on August 16, 2026, showed 226,859 candidates in the system before the August 17 PNP draw removed 442 profiles.
The 501 to 600 CRS band held 18,657 candidates on August 16, up by approximately 1,572 profiles from the July 19 snapshot that recorded 17,085 in the same range.
This growth in the CEC-competitive band is one of the factors that allowed IRCC to reduce invitation volumes while still maintaining a high CRS cutoff.
The 451 to 500 range contained 73,554 candidates, representing the most densely populated segment of the entire pool and the group most affected by the CRS cutoff climbing to 523.
Candidates in this range would need either a provincial nomination, a category-based draw with a substantially lower CRS threshold, or significant score improvements through language retesting to receive an invitation under current conditions.
2026 Express Entry Invitation Pace Continues to Decelerate
The August 18 CEC draw brings the total number of Express Entry invitations issued in 2026 to approximately 114,865 across 47 draws, just above the 113,988 invitations issued across all of 2025.
The reduction from 3,000 CEC invitations on August 5 to 1,000 on August 18 continues the deceleration pattern that began after IRCC frontloaded invitations into the first quarter of the year.
Invitation volumes slowed considerably after the first quarter, with monthly totals generally falling below the unusually high pace recorded from January through March.
The proposed Express Entry overhaul expected in the fall of 2026 or early 2027 may require a temporary pause in draws, giving IRCC a structural reason to further reduce volumes in the coming months.
What Draws Are Expected to Follow This Week
Based on the cluster pattern IRCC has followed throughout 2026, a French-language proficiency draw or another category-based draw is expected within the next one to two days to close the second August cluster.
French-language draws have issued CRS cutoffs between 391 and 420 across nine rounds in 2026, offering a pathway roughly 100 points below the CEC cutoff for candidates with TEF or TCF results at NCLC 7 or higher.
IRCC does not publish draw schedules in advance and can change timing, category, or volumes at any time, so candidates should monitor the official IRCC rounds of invitations page daily during active draw weeks.
What Candidates Should Do After the CRS Spike
Candidates with CRS scores between 516 and 522 who missed this round should not assume the cutoff will remain at 523 in future draws, because a return to 2,000 or 3,000 invitations would bring the cutoff back down toward the 514 to 518 band.
Provincial nominee programs across Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba remain active pathways for candidates whose CRS scores fall below the CEC cutoff, with the Ontario Workforce Priority stream now accepting new registrations as of August 4.
Candidates who do not meet CEC eligibility but have strong French-language skills should consider the French-language proficiency category, which has offered CRS cutoffs as low as 391 in recent 2026 draws.
Retaking IELTS or CELPIP to improve individual band scores remains the fastest way to gain CRS points without changing any other profile factor.
Processing Times for CEC Permanent Residence Applications
The latest IRCC processing time data from August 10, 2026, shows the Canadian Experience Class processing at approximately six months for permanent residence decisions.
Candidates who receive invitations in the August 18 draw can expect their permanent residency approvals to arrive in early to mid-2027 based on the current processing window.
The CEC queue contracted by 1,800 applicants in the latest reporting cycle even as the processing timeline held steady, indicating that IRCC is clearing CEC applications at a pace that matches or slightly exceeds the rate of new submissions.
Applicants who submit incomplete documentation remain one of the leading causes of processing delays and refusals across all economic immigration categories.
The August 18 CEC draw marks a significant shift in Express Entry invitation volumes, with the smallest CEC round of 2026 pushing the CRS cutoff to a new yearly high of 523.
Whether this reduced volume becomes the new baseline or represents a one-round adjustment will become clear when the next CEC draw is conducted.
Follow Immigration News Canada for verified draw results, CRS score analysis, and Canadian immigration news as they are released by IRCC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the CRS cutoff for the August 18, 2026, Express Entry draw?
The CRS cutoff was 523 points for the Canadian Experience Class draw on August 18, 2026, with 1,000 invitations to apply issued to candidates with skilled work experience in Canada.
Why did the CRS cutoff jump from 516 to 523?
The seven-point increase was caused by IRCC reducing the invitation volume from 3,000 in the August 5 CEC draw to just 1,000 on August 18, which means only the highest-ranked candidates in the pool received invitations in this round.
Will the CRS cutoff stay at 523 in future CEC draws?
Not necessarily, because the cutoff is directly tied to the number of invitations IRCC issues in each round, and a return to 2,000 or 3,000 invitations would likely bring the cutoff back toward the 514 to 518 range that held from April through early August.
Is a job offer required for the Canadian Experience Class?
No, a valid job offer is not required for CEC eligibility, but candidates must have at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada within the three years before submitting their permanent residence application.
When is the next Express Entry draw expected after August 18?
A French-language proficiency draw or another category-based draw is expected within one to two days to complete the second August cluster, based on the draw pattern IRCC has maintained throughout 2026.
Fact-Checked: All data in this article was verified against the official Express Entry rounds of invitations page published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on August 18, 2026, and cross-referenced with pool snapshot data released on August 16, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- New Health Insurance Increase For International Students At Ontario Universities
International students enrolled at over 20 UHIP-participating Ontario universities will pay significantly more for mandatory health insurance starting this fall.
The University Health Insurance Plan has officially announced a premium increase of nearly 20% for the 2026-27 policy year, raising the monthly rate from $66 to $79 per person effective September 1, 2026.
That brings the full 12-month cost from $792 to $948, an increase of $156 that will affect tens of thousands of students across 22 participating Ontario universities.
The increase arrives during a period of broader changes to Canada’s international student framework, including reduced study permit allocations and tighter eligibility rules for post-graduation pathways.
Students with dependents face even steeper total costs, with a family of three or more now paying $2,844 for full-year coverage under the updated rate structure.
Table of Contents
What Changed In The UHIP Premium For 2026-27
UHIP confirmed the premium adjustment in an official update published on its website, citing rising healthcare costs and claims as the primary drivers behind the decision.
The monthly per-person rate climbs from $66 under the 2025-26 plan to $79 under the 2026-27 plan, representing a 19.7% increase.
Multiple universities have independently published the updated figures on their official fee pages, including the University of Toronto, York University, Queen’s University, and Ontario Tech University.
Queen’s University specifically confirmed that the premium rate has increased to $79 per month per person effective September 1, 2026.
Ontario Tech University’s official page provides the clearest side-by-side comparison, explicitly listing $66 per month for 2025-26 alongside $79 per month for 2026-27.
The new rates apply to the full policy year running from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027, and all published amounts include 8% tax.
New UHIP Rates For 2026-27
The following table shows the complete rate structure for the 2026-27 UHIP policy year compared to the outgoing 2025-26 rates.
Coverage Type 2025-26 Rate 2026-27 Rate Increase Change Per Person / Month $66 $79 +$13 +19.7% Full 12 Months $792 $948 +$156 +19.7% Student + 1 dependent $1,584 $1,896 +$312 +19.7% Student + 2+ dependents $2,376 $2,844 +$468 +19.7% Students who begin their studies in January 2027 will pay $632 for eight months of coverage, while those starting in May 2027 will pay $316 for four months.
These prorated amounts also apply proportionally to dependants, with a student plus one dependant paying $1,264 for January starts and $632 for May starts.
UHIP Costs By Start Date For 2026-27
Start Date Student Only Student + 1 Student + 2+ September 2026 (12 months) $948 $1,896 $2,844 January 2027 (8 months) $632 $1,264 $1,896 May 2027 (4 months) $316 $632 $948 Why UHIP Premiums Increased For 2026-27
UHIP attributed the premium adjustment to rising healthcare costs and claims, consistent with the plan’s annual review cycle.
The plan operates on an annual review cycle where premiums may change each September 1 based on actual claims experience and projected increases in overall healthcare delivery costs.
Ontario’s healthcare system has faced sustained cost pressures throughout 2026, with the province expanding access to pharmacist consultations, lowering cancer screening ages, and broadening OHIP-covered services in multiple rounds of regulatory changes this year.
The federal government also raised the excessive demand cost threshold for health services in 2026, reflecting the broader upward trajectory of publicly funded healthcare expenditures across Canada.
UHIP is insured by Manulife and administered by Cowan Insurance Group, which makes it distinct from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan that covers Canadian citizens and permanent residents but generally excludes international students.
All 22 Participating Ontario Universities
UHIP’s official FAQ identifies 22 Ontario universities that participate in the plan, meaning the new $948 annual premium applies system-wide rather than on an institution-by-institution basis.
Because this is a centrally administered rate change, a participating university does not need to separately publish the updated fee before the UHIP rate takes effect for its students.
University University University Algoma University Lakehead University Trent University Brock University Laurentian University Université de l’Ontario français Carleton University McMaster University University of Guelph Nipissing University OCAD University University of Ottawa Ontario Tech University Queen’s University University of Toronto Royal Military College Saint Paul University University of Waterloo Toronto Metropolitan University Wilfrid Laurier University Western University York University The participating institutions range from large research universities such as the University of Toronto and McMaster University to smaller regional institutions like Algoma University and Nipissing University.
International students planning to study at any of these universities should factor the updated UHIP cost into their overall budget alongside tuition, housing, and other mandatory ancillary fees.
Universities That Have Already Published The New Rate
At least 16 of the 22 participating universities have already published the updated $948 annual rate or $79 monthly rate on their official fee and insurance pages.
The University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies and the Institute of Medical Science both list $948 for 2026-27 on their international student pages.
York University, Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, the University of Waterloo, and Western University all confirm the $948 figure on their respective international student portals.
Wilfrid Laurier University, Trent University, Brock University, Algoma University, Lakehead University, Nipissing University, and Laurentian University have similarly updated their published rates.
The Université de l’Ontario français lists the $948 rate and the $79 monthly breakdown on its tuition and ancillary fees page.
Universities that have not yet surfaced the dollar amount on their searchable web pages, such as McMaster University, still participate in the UHIP system and will apply the centrally determined rate to eligible students and their dependents.
How The Increase Affects Students With Dependents
The premium increase is not limited to individual students because UHIP coverage extends to eligible dependents on a mandatory basis at participating institutions.
A student enrolling in September 2026 with one dependent will pay $1,896 for the year, up from $1,584 under the previous rate, an increase of $312.
A student with two or more dependents faces a total of $2,844, which represents an increase of $468 over the 2025-26 cost of $2,376.
At institutions like the University of Ottawa, eligible international students and their dependants are required to have UHIP, although students must initially enroll their dependants; their coverage is then automatically renewed each year.
The dependent cost structure adds considerable financial pressure for students who are also navigating tighter spousal work permit eligibility rules that took effect in January 2025 and continue to shape family budgets in 2026.
Who Must Enroll In UHIP
UHIP is mandatory for eligible international students, their dependants, and certain employees at the 22 participating Ontario universities.
Enrollment is tied to registration at a participating institution, and students are typically auto-enrolled when they begin or continue their studies.
UHIP provides medical coverage that mirrors elements of the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, since international students are generally not eligible for OHIP during their studies.
The plan covers eligible hospital care, physician services, diagnostic and laboratory services, emergency care, and certain other medically necessary services within Ontario and across Canada.
Limited exemptions are available for students with qualifying provincial health coverage, diplomatic status, or certain UHIP-approved or government-sponsored plans, and the exemption process varies by institution.
Ontario college students are not automatically covered under UHIP because the plan is specifically tied to participating universities and their affiliated institutions, not the broader post-secondary system.
What Students Should Know Before September
Students returning to or arriving at any of the 22 participating universities in September 2026 should update their personal budgets to reflect the new $948 annual cost.
Those with dependents need to account for the multiplied premium, particularly if their spouse or partner is also adjusting to changes in open work permit eligibility that have limited family income options.
Students who believe they qualify for a UHIP exemption based on provincial health coverage, diplomatic status, or an approved government-sponsored plan should contact their university’s international student office well before the enrollment deadline.
Premium payments are typically charged as part of a student’s ancillary fees, meaning the cost appears on tuition invoices rather than as a separate transaction.
New students planning their arrival should also familiarize themselves with the fastest pathway to Canadian citizenship and common permanent residency mistakes to build a long-term strategy that accounts for all costs and timelines.
A 20% increase in mandatory health insurance is a material cost change for any student budgeting their year in Ontario.
The $156 annual increase per person may seem modest in isolation, but it compounds quickly for students with families and becomes one more line item in an already expensive academic year.
Students should verify the specific UHIP payment schedule at their university, confirm whether exemptions are available in their circumstances, and build the updated cost into their financial plans before September 1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does UHIP cost for international students starting in September 2026?
The annual premium for a single student starting in September 2026 is $948, which breaks down to $79 per month, including 8% tax, covering the full policy year through August 31, 2027.
Can international students opt out of UHIP at Ontario universities?
UHIP enrollment is mandatory by default at all 22 participating institutions, and ordinary private insurance is not sufficient for an exemption, but limited exemptions exist for students with qualifying provincial health coverage, diplomatic status, or certain UHIP-approved or government-sponsored plans.
Does UHIP cover dependants of international students?
Yes, UHIP coverage extends to eligible dependants, though students must actively enroll their dependants initially rather than relying on automatic enrollment, with the premium charged at $1,896 for one dependant and $2,844 for two or more dependants for a full September start.
Are Ontario college students also affected by this UHIP increase?
No, UHIP is specifically tied to participating Ontario universities and their affiliated institutions, so college students covered through separate private insurance arrangements are not directly affected by this rate change.
Why did UHIP premiums increase by nearly 20% for 2026-27?
UHIP cited rising healthcare costs and claims as the reasons for the premium adjustment, with the plan operating on an annual review cycle where premiums may change each September based on claims experience and projected healthcare cost increases.
Fact-Checked: All rates, dates, and participating university data in this article have been verified against the official UHIP announcement published at uhip.ca, the UHIP FAQ listing 22 participating universities, the UHIP coverage details page confirming Manulife as insurer and Cowan Insurance Group as administrator, Queen’s University International Centre’s confirmation of the $79 monthly rate effective September 1, 2026, Ontario Tech University’s explicit $66-to-$79 comparison, and the University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies’ published $948 figure for 2026-27, all as of August 18, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or immigration advice; readers should consult with a licensed professional for advice specific to their situation.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- New Uber Minimum Fares Increase In B.C. Effective August 18
British Columbia is raising the floor on what ride-hailing companies can charge passengers across the province with the new minimum fare increase effective August 18, 2026.
The Passenger Transportation Board announced the updated transportation network services minimum rates on February 18, 2026, giving companies like Uber and Lyft a six-month runway to reprogram their platforms.
This is the first time B.C. has adjusted ride-hailing minimum fares since the province introduced regulated ride-hailing in 2019.
Every one of the five passenger transportation regions will see a higher minimum rate, and one region is getting a standardized region-wide minimum fare for the first time.
Victoria and the surrounding Capital Regional District will absorb the steepest jump, with the minimum fare climbing 77.4% from $3.40 to $6.03.
Table of Contents
What the Passenger Transportation Board Changed
The Passenger Transportation Board is an independent administrative tribunal established under British Columbia’s Passenger Transportation Act.
It sets minimum rates that ride-hailing companies must follow whenever a passenger books a trip through an app in B.C.
Under the updated rules, no ride can be priced below the new minimum for the region where it originates.
Promotional codes, coupons, or discounts offered by platform companies also cannot push the actual fare below these floors.
That rule is explicitly stated in Rates Rule 16, which governs standard TNS pricing across the province.
Licensees were not required to wait until August 18 to adopt the new minimums.
They have been free to update their platforms at any point since the Board published the rates in February 2026.
New Region-by-Region Minimum Fare Breakdown
The following table shows the current and new minimum ride-hailing fares for each of B.C.’s five passenger transportation regions.
Region Major Areas Current Rate New Rate (Aug 18) Change Region 1 Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Squamish-Lillooet $3.35 $4.43 +32.2% Region 2 Capital Regional District (Victoria) $3.40 $6.03 +77.4% Region 3 Nanaimo, Comox Valley, Cowichan Valley, Alberni-Clayoquot $3.40 $3.94 +15.9% Region 4 Okanagan, Kootenays, Kamloops, Cariboo $3.50 $3.95 +12.9% Region 5 Prince George, Northern B.C., Sunshine Coast N/A $3.80 New Why Victoria Faces the Largest Increase
The Capital Regional District stands out as the region absorbing the most significant fare adjustment in this round of changes.
Victoria’s minimum ride-hailing fare jumps from $3.40 to $6.03, an increase of $2.63 per trip at the floor level.
The Board uses two inputs to calculate minimum rates in each region.
One is regional public transit fare data, which ensures ride-hailing prices remain above average transit costs to protect public transit ridership.
The other is a percentile analysis of actual TNS trip fares submitted by licensed companies from the prior calendar year.
The Board sets the minimum at whichever of these two values is higher in each region.
Victoria’s transit fare structure and the distribution of actual ride-hailing prices in the Capital Regional District produced the highest calculated floor across all five regions.
What Metro Vancouver Riders Should Expect
Region 1 covers Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District.
The minimum fare in this region rises from $3.35 to $4.43, which represents a 32.2% increase.
This is the most heavily used ride-hailing market in the province, with the largest concentration of Uber and Lyft drivers.
Riders who typically book short trips during off-peak hours may notice that their app-quoted fares no longer dip as low as before.
Surge pricing during peak demand will continue to apply above the new minimums, as British Columbia has never imposed a cap on maximum ride-hailing fares.
Smaller Increases in Island, Interior, and Northern Regions
Region 3 includes mid and northern Vancouver Island communities like Nanaimo, Comox Valley, and Alberni-Clayoquot.
The fare floor in this region moves from $3.40 to $3.94, a 15.9% increase.
Region 4 spans the Interior, covering the Okanagan, Kootenays, Kamloops area, and Cariboo.
Riders in this region see the smallest percentage increase at 12.9%, with the fare floor going from $3.50 to $3.95.
Region 5 covers Northern B.C. including Prince George, the Sunshine Coast, the North Coast, and the Northern Rockies.
Region 5 previously did not have a standardized region-wide minimum fare, with minimum rates instead determined on a case-by-case basis.
Effective August 18, the Board is establishing a uniform $3.80 minimum across the region.
The decision to add Region 5 means every part of British Columbia where ride-hailing operates will now have a regulated price floor.
Why These Rates Had Not Changed Since 2019
British Columbia first authorized ride-hailing companies to operate in the province in late 2019 and early 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the passenger transportation industry so severely that the Board lacked sufficient trip data to analyze and revise rates for several years.
Over the past two years, the Board’s trip database has grown comprehensive enough to support rate decisions based on actual market conditions.
The Board consulted with ride-hailing companies throughout 2025 before finalizing the updated schedule.
Going forward, the Board will review and update minimum ride-hailing fares on an annual basis to keep pace with inflation, transit fare changes, and shifts in market pricing.
How the Passenger Transportation Board Calculates Minimums
The Board’s rate-setting methodology rests on two pillars designed to serve distinct regulatory objectives.
The first pillar uses public transit fare data from across British Columbia.
This calculation ensures that ride-hailing minimum rates stay above average public transit costs so that cheap app-based rides do not undercut bus and rail ridership.
The second pillar draws on TNS fare percentile data from the Board’s trip database, which contains fare submissions from licensed companies in each region.
This analysis provides a market-based backstop against predatory pricing or a temporary collapse in fares during periods of oversupply.
The Board applies whichever value is higher as the final minimum for each region.
What This Means for Passengers and Drivers
Passengers booking rides through Uber, Lyft, or any other licensed ride-hailing app in British Columbia agree to an upfront or estimated fare before the trip begins.
That quoted fare must meet or exceed the minimum rate set by the Board for the region where the trip starts.
Ride-hailing companies retain full flexibility to price trips above the minimums using dynamic or surge-based pricing algorithms.
For longer trips or rides during busy periods where the quoted fare already exceeds the new minimum, passengers may see little or no practical difference from the change.
The impact is concentrated on ultra-short trips and off-peak bookings where fares occasionally dropped close to the old floor price.
Ride-hailing drivers in British Columbia already earn a separate minimum wage of $21.89 per hour of engaged time as of June 1, 2026, along with per-kilometre vehicle allowances.
The minimum fare change adjusts what passengers pay at the lowest end of the pricing scale, which is separate from the driver compensation framework governed by B.C.’s Employment Standards Regulation.
How to Check Your Region
British Columbia divides the province into five passenger transportation regions based on regional district boundaries.
The Passenger Transportation Board publishes an interactive map and full list of regional districts on its website at ptboard.bc.ca.
If you live in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, or Whistler, your rides fall under Region 1 with a $4.43 minimum.
Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, Langford, and the rest of the Capital Regional District are governed by Region 2’s $6.03 floor.
Residents of Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Kamloops, or anywhere in the Kootenays fall under Region 4 at $3.95.
For complaints about a ride-hailing service, the Board directs passengers to the appropriate agency through its website rather than handling individual dispute cases directly.
Annual Rate Reviews Starting in 2027
The Passenger Transportation Board confirmed that ride-hailing minimum rates will now be reviewed and updated every year.
Each annual review will incorporate the latest public transit fare data and fresh TNS trip database submissions from all licensed operators in British Columbia.
This annual cycle mirrors the approach the province already applies to minimum wage adjustments, which are indexed to the previous year’s inflation rate and take effect each June 1.
Riders and drivers across the province can expect future fare floor changes to follow a predictable timetable rather than the seven-year gap that preceded this update.
British Columbia’s decision to raise ride-hailing minimum fares across all five regions marks the end of a seven-year freeze that stretched back to the launch of regulated TNS in the province.
The August 18 effective date arrives during a month already packed with federal and provincial regulatory changes affecting workers, consumers, and businesses across the country.
Passengers in every corner of the province should review their region’s new minimum before their next ride-hailing booking to understand how the updated floor may affect their fares.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the new minimum fare apply to food delivery orders placed through ride-hailing apps?
No, the Passenger Transportation Board’s minimum rate rules apply only to passenger rides booked through transportation network services apps. Food delivery pricing through platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or SkipTheDishes is not governed by these fare minimums and is set independently by each company.
Can Uber or Lyft apply a promotional discount that brings my fare below the new minimum?
No, Rates Rule 16 explicitly prohibits coupons or discounts from reducing the passenger’s fare below the minimum rate for the region. Companies can still offer discounts on rides, but the final fare charged to the passenger must meet or exceed the applicable floor.
Will the new minimum fares make ride-hailing more expensive than taking a taxi in B.C.?
Taxi rates are set separately through a different regulatory framework, and taxi flag rates vary by municipality. In most cases, the updated ride-hailing minimums remain competitive with or lower than equivalent taxi flag rates, but individual trip costs depend on distance, time, and surge pricing conditions.
How does the new $6.03 minimum in Victoria compare to ride-hailing costs in other Canadian cities?
Ride-hailing regulations vary considerably across Canada, so Victoria’s $6.03 minimum cannot be directly compared with every major city using a single national standard. B.C.’s Passenger Transportation Board sets its minimum fares using regional transit fares and actual ride-hailing fare data, which is a methodology other provinces may not replicate.
Are ride-hailing companies required to display the minimum fare to passengers before they book?
B.C.’s employment standards regulations require that ride-hailing platforms disclose estimated earnings and trip details to drivers before they accept an assignment. Passengers always see an upfront or estimated fare in the app before confirming a ride, and that quoted amount must comply with the applicable regional minimum.
Fact-Checked: All rates, percentages, regional boundaries, effective dates, and regulatory details in this article are verified against official Passenger Transportation Board publications at ptboard.bc.ca, the Board’s February 18, 2026 bulletin on new TNS minimum rates, the Board’s passenger transportation regions page, and the B.C. Employment Standards Regulation as of August 17, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or regulatory advice. Actual ride-hailing fares depend on distance, time, demand conditions, and individual platform pricing algorithms. Readers should verify regional classifications and current rates through the Passenger Transportation Board’s official website.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
- New Canada FMCSP Study Permit Intake Opens August 26 With 2,970 Spots
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is set to open a fresh annual intake under the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot on August 26, 2026, accepting up to 2,970 study permit applications from eligible French-speaking applicants from 33 countries.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab signed an updated public policy on June 25, 2026, replacing the previous September 2025 framework and locking in the third consecutive year of intake under a pilot that has quietly become one of Canada’s most generous permanent residence pathways.
The FMCSP is not a brand-new program, and that distinction matters for applicants tracking their options.
IRCC originally launched the pilot on August 26, 2024, with a first-year cap of 2,300 study permit applications targeting French-speaking international students from regions with historically high refusal rates across Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.
What changed in 2026 is the legal instrument governing the pilot and the activation of a new 12-month intake window that runs until August 25, 2027.
This article covers every confirmed detail about the 2026-2027 intake period, the updated policy framework, the full list of eligible countries, the path from study permit to permanent residence, and how the pilot compares to other PR pathways available in 2026.
Table of Contents
What Actually Changed in the June 2026 Policy Update
The updated public policy signed by Minister Diab on June 25, 2026, formally revokes and replaces the earlier version signed on September 18, 2025, according to the official policy document published on canada.ca.
Three substantive changes define the 2026 update.
First, the policy now specifies processing caps for two intake years in a single instrument: 2,970 applications for the period between August 26, 2025, and August 25, 2026, plus another 2,970 for the period between August 26, 2026, and August 25, 2027.
Second, Part A of the temporary public policy now carries an expiration date of August 25, 2027, which extends the study permit intake window by one full year beyond the original August 2026 end date.
Third, the companion policy governing permanent residence eligibility and open work permits was also updated and re-signed on the same date, with its expiry now set at November 30, 2032, as confirmed in the updated PR public policy.
Applications submitted under the earlier 2025 policy version that were received between August 26, 2025, and the effective date of the new policy count toward the Year 2 cap, ensuring no applicant is penalized by the administrative transition between policy versions.
How the Temporary-to-Permanent Residence Pathway Works
IRCC itself describes the FMCSP as a temporary-residence-to-permanent-residence pathway, and that framing is critical for understanding why this pilot operates differently from the conventional PGWP-to-PR route most international students follow.
The entry point is a study permit issued under the FMCSP, not a regular study permit.
An applicant arrives in Canada as a temporary resident, enrolls at a participating designated learning institution outside Quebec, and completes a full-time program of at least two years that is taught primarily in French and leads to a degree or diploma.
Upon completing that credential, the graduate becomes eligible to apply for permanent residence directly under the FMCSP’s dedicated PR public policy without needing a job offer or a post-graduation work permit.
IRCC currently states that the permanent residence application component of the FMCSP is scheduled to open in winter 2027, which means the August 26 intake date applies to the study permit entry point and not to PR applications.
Graduates who submit a PR application can also apply for an FMCSP-specific open work permit valid for up to three years, allowing them to work anywhere in Canada outside Quebec while their permanent residence application is in processing, according to the latest IRCC updates on the program.
This structure eliminates several barriers that trip up graduates on conventional pathways, where a PGWP holder must accumulate Canadian work experience and then compete in Express Entry, where CEC cutoffs have remained highly competitive in 2026.
Annual Intake Caps Since Launch
The FMCSP has operated with modest but steadily maintained caps since its August 2024 launch.
Intake Year Period Application Cap Year 1 Aug 26, 2024 – Aug 25, 2025 2,300 Year 2 Aug 26, 2025 – Aug 25, 2026 2,970 Year 3 Aug 26, 2026 – Aug 25, 2027 2,970 Applications received in excess of a given year’s cap are not accepted for processing and are returned to the applicant, making submission timing a strategic consideration for anyone planning to apply when the new intake opens on August 26.
Eligibility Requirements for the 2026-2027 Intake
The eligibility criteria for the FMCSP study permit remain structurally unchanged from the original 2024 framework, though applicants should verify every requirement against the current policy instrument.
Citizenship Requirement
Applicants must hold citizenship in one of 33 countries that were members of l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie within world regions with historically high study permit refusal rates at the time the original policy took effect on August 26, 2024.
The eligible countries span three regions: 28 African nations, including Senegal, Cameroon, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, and Tunisia; two Middle Eastern countries, Egypt and Lebanon; and three nations in the Americas, Haiti, Dominica, and Saint Lucia.
Applicants already in Canada cannot apply through the FMCSP, as the study permit application must be submitted from outside Canada before entry, a requirement that distinguishes this pilot from pathways available to international students already studying in Canada.
Letter of Acceptance
Applicants need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution that has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IRCC to participate in the FMCSP.
The letter must confirm three things: the applicant is applying under the FMCSP, the program is at least two years in duration on a full-time basis, and the program is taught primarily in French with more than 50% of classes delivered in that language.
The program must lead to a degree or diploma upon completion, and the DLI must hold its FMCSP signatory status both when the application is submitted and when the study permit is issued.
There are currently 17 participating DLIs across provinces including Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia.
French Language Proficiency
Every applicant must submit results from an approved French language test showing a minimum score of NCLC Level 5 in all four language abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing, according to the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens scale, which is a notably lower threshold than the NCLC 7 generally required under Express Entry French-language proficiency draws.
Test results must be under two years old at the time of application.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate two separate financial thresholds: the ability to cover their first year of tuition and travel costs, plus sufficient and available financial resources totaling at least 75% of the low-income cut-off associated with the municipality where the participating DLI’s main campus is located.
This financial requirement is specific to the FMCSP and differs from the standard study permit financial proof structure that applies to other international students.
No Provincial Attestation Letter Required
One of the most significant administrative advantages of the FMCSP is that applicants do not need a provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter when applying for a study permit.
This exemption simplifies the application process considerably at a time when PAL requirements continue to shape the broader landscape for international students applying to Canadian institutions.
From Study Permit to Permanent Residence
The permanent residence component of the FMCSP is governed by a separate but companion public policy that was also updated and re-signed on June 25, 2026.
This policy expires on November 30, 2032, providing a substantial runway for graduates to complete their programs and submit PR applications.
To qualify for permanent residence under the FMCSP, an applicant must have completed all requirements of a full-time program of at least two years, leading to a degree or diploma, taught primarily in French at a DLI that held FMCSP signatory status when the study permit was issued.
The applicant must reside in Canada outside Quebec, hold valid temporary resident status or have applied for restoration, and intend to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec.
No job offer is required, which distinguishes the FMCSP from many employer-driven and provincial immigration pathways that dominate current PR intake.
The PR application must include either a copy of the degree or diploma or a letter from the DLI confirming successful completion if the credential has not yet been formally issued.
Family members, including spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children, can be included in the PR application and are eligible for their own temporary resident facilitation under the pilot.
FMCSP-Specific Open Work Permit
Graduates who submit a permanent residence application under the FMCSP can simultaneously apply for a dedicated open work permit valid for up to three years.
This open work permit is not a standard PGWP and operates under different legal authority, specifically under the FMCSP’s own public policy exemptions from the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
The work permit allows graduates to work for any employer in any occupation anywhere in Canada outside Quebec while their PR application is being processed, which is particularly relevant given that IRCC processing times for permanent residence continue to vary significantly by program.
Spouses and common-law partners of FMCSP principal applicants are also eligible to apply for open work permits under the same policy framework.
How the FMCSP Compares to Other PR Pathways in 2026
The FMCSP occupies a distinct position in Canada’s immigration system because it combines study permit facilitation with a direct PR pathway in a single integrated framework.
Feature FMCSP vs. Conventional Route Job offer required for PR Not required under FMCSP; typically required under most PNP streams French proficiency threshold NCLC 5 under FMCSP; NCLC 7 for Express Entry French draws Post-graduation work authorization Dedicated FMCSP open work permit up to 3 years; standard PGWP under regular route Provincial attestation letter Not required for FMCSP; required for most other study permits PR application pathway Direct application under FMCSP policy; CEC or PNP required under regular route CRS score competition No CRS involvement; CEC cutoffs highly competitive in 2026 For candidates weighing their options, the FMCSP’s combination of a lower language threshold, no job offer requirement, and no CRS competition makes it one of the most accessible PR pathways available in 2026, alongside the one-time In-Canada Workers Initiative and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.
How to Apply When the Intake Opens on August 26
All applications must be submitted online through the IRCC secure account using the electronic forms designated for the FMCSP.
When completing the application, applicants must select the option indicating they meet an exception from submitting a provincial or territorial attestation letter.
French language test results must be uploaded through the IRCC secure account in the Proof of Language Test Results field.
The study permit application fee is $150, consistent with the standard processing fee for all Canadian study permit applications.
IRCC bases processing estimates on actual applicant outcomes, reporting the window within which 80% of applicants received a decision, and the latest processing time data suggests study permit timelines have been trending favourably in several categories.
After biometrics are received, IRCC will ask the designated learning institution to verify the letter of acceptance, and applications where the DLI does not respond by the deadline will be returned with a refund of the processing fee, as outlined on the IRCC after-you-apply page.
The August 26, 2026, intake represents the third consecutive year of a pilot that has quietly built one of the most streamlined study-to-PR pipelines in Canadian immigration.
For French-speaking candidates from the 33 eligible countries who are prepared to commit to a two-year program at a participating institution outside Quebec, the FMCSP offers a combination of advantages that no other single pathway in the 2026 immigration system currently matches.
Follow Immigration News Canada for continued coverage of the FMCSP intake, draw updates, and every IRCC policy change affecting permanent residence pathways in 2026 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply to the FMCSP if I am already studying in Canada on a regular study permit?
No, the FMCSP study permit application must be submitted from outside Canada before entry, and applicants already holding a regular Canadian study permit are not eligible to apply through the pilot even if they meet the citizenship and language requirements.
What happens if the 2,970-application cap is reached before August 25, 2027?
IRCC will stop accepting applications for that intake year and return any applications received after the cap is reached along with a refund of the processing fee, which means early submission is strategically important for eligible candidates.
Does the FMCSP require a provincial or territorial attestation letter?
No, FMCSP applicants are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement, which is one of the pilot’s most significant administrative advantages. However, IRCC’s March 2026 CIMM briefing confirmed that FMCSP participants do count toward Canada’s overall 2026 study permit issuance target of 408,000.
Can FMCSP graduates also apply through Express Entry instead of the dedicated PR pathway?
In principle, a graduate could apply through Express Entry if they meet all the requirements, but the FMCSP’s dedicated PR pathway offers significant advantages, including no CRS competition, no job offer requirement, and a lower language threshold of NCLC 5 compared to the NCLC 7 typically needed for French-language Express Entry draws.
How long does the PR application process take once I graduate from my FMCSP program?
IRCC has not published FMCSP-specific PR processing times because the first cohort of graduates will not complete their two-year programs until 2026 at the earliest, meaning real-world processing data will only become available as the pilot matures and applications move through the system.
Fact-Checked: All data in this article has been verified against the updated public policy for French-speaking foreign nationals applying for study permits under the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot, signed June 25, 2026, and published on canada.ca on July 21, 2026; the updated public policy to facilitate the granting of permanent residence and issuance of open work permits under the FMCSP, also signed June 25, 2026; IRCC’s official FMCSP application page, PR eligibility page.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Immigration News Canada for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 3 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In September 2026
10 New Canada Laws and Rules Taking Effect In September 2026
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Coming In October 2026
10 New Canada Immigration Changes & Updates In September 2026
