Latest IRCC news

Together, let’s help Canada’s Francophone communities thriveduring National Francophone Immigration Week

The Government of Canada is committed to upholding the integrity of its immigration and citizenship systems and protecting applicants from fraud and exploitation. To help safeguard applicants from those who would take advantage of them, new penalties of up to $1.5 million are now in force for those who break the law when providing paid immigration or citizenship advice or representation.

Building a stronger Canada means restoring confidence in a well-managed immigration system that meets our economic needs. This includes attracting and retaining skilled talent to complement the Canadian workforce and drive economic growth.

On November 3, 2026, changes to Express Entry willintroduce points for eligible Canadian work experience or qualifying job offers in high­wage occupations, and remove labour market impact assessment (LMIA) requirements for qualifying job offers used to establish program eligibility and obtain Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points

Collaboration is essential to addressing Canada’s workforce needs and responding to the realities facing Francophone communities. Given the challenges posed by labour shortages and the ongoing need to attract and retain talent, Canada is joining forces with its partners and reinforcing its commitment to Francophone immigration.

The Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration (CIFI) aims to integrate Francophone perspectives into immigration programs in Canada. It promotes immigration to French-speaking employers, facilitates access to programs and supports the growth of Francophone minority communities (FMCs). The CIFI supports innovative projects to reduce obstacles to immigration and offers funding to improve the promotion of FMCs internationally, the recruitment and the selection of French-speaking candidates and their support towards permanent residence. In addition, the CIFI supports projects that facilitate the collection of evidence and the implementation of research that highlights lessons learned and promising practices that can contribute to concrete solutions for an improved immigration pathway.

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will hold a press conference in St. John’s to unveil innovative projects to strengthen Francophone immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador and other Francophone minority communities outside Quebec. Minister Metlege Diab will be joined by the Honourable Lin Paddock, Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development for Newfoundland and Labrador. A media availability will follow.

The Government of Canada is committed to making life simpler and more convenient for Canadians. This includes a modern passport program that delivers secure user‑friendly digital services that save time, reduce in‑person visits and make passport renewal easier.

The Government of Canada is committed to making life simpler and more convenient for Canadians. This includes a modern passport program that delivers secure, user‑friendly digital services that save time, reduce in‑person visits and make passport renewal easier.

Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will be in Toronto to highlight an announcement regarding online passport renewals. The announcement is being made on behalf of the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. A media availability will follow.

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, alongside Annie Koutrakis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families, will make an announcement regarding online passport renewals. A media availability will follow.

Canada is making Francophone immigration a force that unites communities and recognizes the contribution of Francophone and bilingual newcomers to the growth of the Francophonie. With this in mind, to promote the demographic and economic development of communities in the Northwest Territories, the governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories are working together to ensure the retention of qualified Francophone and bilingual talent.

The Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration (CIFI) aims to integrate Francophone perspectives into immigration programs in Canada. It promotes immigration to French-speaking employers, facilitates access to programs and supports the growth of Francophone minority communities (FMCs). The CIFI supports innovative projects to reduce obstacles to immigration and offers funding to improve the promotion of FMCs internationally, the recruitment and the selection of French-speaking candidates and their support towards permanent residence. In addition, the CIFI supports projects that facilitate the collection of evidence and the implementation of research that highlights lessons learned and promising practices that can contribute to concrete solutions for an improved immigration pathway.

The Government of Canada is focused on building a stronger economy and making life more affordable for Canadians. Today, Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on behalf of the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, highlighted the launch of the National Food Security Strategy.

The Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration (CIFI) aims to integrate Francophone perspectives into immigration programs in Canada. It promotes immigration to French-speaking employers, facilitates access to programs and supports the growth of Francophone minority communities (FMCs). The CIFI supports innovative projects to reduce obstacles to immigration and offers funding to improve the promotion of FMCs internationally, the recruitment and the selection of French-speaking candidates and their support towards permanent residence. In addition, the CIFI supports projects that facilitate the collection of evidence and the implementation of research that highlights lessons learned and promising practices that can contribute to concrete solutions for an improved immigration pathway.

Canada is committed to supporting Francophone immigration and is focused on attracting and retaining the world’s best talent. As Francophone minority communities face significant demographic and economic challenges, the governments of Canada and Manitoba are joining forces to strengthen official language minority communities by addressing their labour needs and fostering their economic and linguistic vitality.

Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on behalf of the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will highlight the launch of the National Food Security Strategy to strengthen food systems in Windsor.

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will hold a press conference in Winnipeg to unveil an innovative project to strengthen Francophone immigration in Manitoba. A media availability will follow.

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will welcome 50 of Canada’s newest citizens from 21 different countries at a special Canada Day citizenship ceremony. Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir will preside over the ceremony.

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will welcome 50 of Canada’s newest citizens from 26 different countries at a special Canada Day citizenship ceremony. Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir will preside over the ceremony.

The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) met today to advance collaboration on the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan and discuss federal–provincial–territorial (FPT) priorities. They discussed returning immigration to sustainable levels while considering regional, rural and northern contexts, addressing labour shortages, reinforcing key economic sectors, and supporting communities across the country. Ministers also discussed the role of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in advancing these considerations and the need for stable and adequate PNP allocations.

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, alongside her provincial and territorial counterparts, will hold a press conference following a meeting of the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI). Minister Diab will be joined by the Honourable Lin Paddock, Minister of Immigration for Newfoundland and Labrador and Provincial-Territorial FMRI Co-Chair.

On World Refugee Day, Canada recognizes the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the international refugee protection system it created, including the principle that people have the right to seek safety from persecution.

Canada continues to improve its asylum system so that it is fair, transparent and sustainable over the long-term.

Building on recent measures to strengthen Canada’s immigration and asylum systems, and recent decreases in asylum claim volumes, the Government of Canada is taking further action to maintain a fair, orderly and well-managed asylum system.

Canada and the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon share strong travel, tourism and economic ties, particularly in Atlantic Canada. We work closely to support safe, efficient travel while strengthening the security and integrity of our shared travel routes.

As part of Canada’s Border Plan, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and its partners have strengthened screening, increased information sharing, and enhanced fraud detection to help identify non-genuine travellers and protect the integrity of Canada’s immigration and asylum systems. In 2025, Canada also strengthened authorities to cancel eTAs, visas, and work or study permits in specific circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

As Canada continues to deepen its trade, investment and strategic partnerships across the Indo Pacific, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today that Canada will make changes to visa requirements for eligible citizens from Indonesia and Malaysia starting tomorrow, May 26, 2026, at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

The Government of Canada is seeking to diversify Canada’s trade partners to support a stronger, more resilient economy. Safely increasing mobility between Canada and its trade partners helps support these efforts.

As part of its ongoing work with international partners, Canada is investing in projects that help improve how migration is managed around the world. These investments support safe, orderly and regular migration, while also helping countries better integrate newcomers. This includes supporting better migration systems, training officials, and expanding safe and regular pathways for people to move between countries.