Key Takeaways:
- Graduate students no longer need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter to get a study permit in Canada
- Canada’s Start-Up Visa program has stopped accepting new applications, with some exceptions
- Ontario has improved mobility for out-of-province workers in regulated professions and invoked a ban on Canadian work experience requirement in job postings
- Alberta has tightened requirements for its Rural Renewal Stream, including requiring a valid work permit and capping community endorsement allocations
- A new pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs will be announced in 2026
Introduction to Recent Changes in Canada
On New Year’s Day, several measures came into effect in Canada, from new provincial labour rules to the closure of a pathway for entrepreneurs. These changes aim to improve the immigration process, increase mobility for workers, and promote economic growth. In this article, we will explore the changes that just got implemented and who they affect the most. The changes include the elimination of the Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter requirement for graduate students, the closure of the Start-Up Visa program, improvements to mobility for out-of-province workers in Ontario, and tightened requirements for Alberta’s Rural Renewal Stream.
Changes to Study Permit Requirements
As of January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral level students enrolled at a public designated learning institution (DLI) no longer need to submit a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) to get a study permit. This change affects foreign nationals thinking about pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in Canada. The PAL/TAL was introduced in 2024 to confirm that a study permit applicant is being counted within the province or territory’s international student cap. With the elimination of this requirement, master’s and doctoral students will no longer be counted among Canada’s study permit cap, allowing more graduate students to study in Canada. Additionally, students at the doctoral level are now eligible for expedited permit processing, which can take as little as two weeks.
Closure of the Start-Up Visa Program
The Start-Up Visa program, which allowed foreign entrepreneurs to apply for permanent residence in Canada, has stopped accepting new applications as of December 31, 2025. However, there is an exception for foreign nationals who have already received a commitment certificate from a designated organization that has agreed to support their business. These applicants have until June 30, 2026, to apply. The federal government has announced that the closure of the Start-Up Visa program is part of the transition to a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs, which will be announced in 2026. The new pilot program is expected to provide more opportunities for immigrant entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in Canada.
Improvements to Mobility for Out-of-Province Workers in Ontario
Ontario has introduced a new framework called "As of Right" which allows workers in regulated professions to benefit from faster work authorization in the province. As of January 1, 2026, professionals holding certifications in provinces outside Ontario can work in Ontario within 10 business days once their credentials have been validated by their regulatory authority, for up to six months as they get Ontario-based authorization. This change affects professionals who have certifications in other provinces in Canada and are looking to relocate to Ontario. The "As of Right" rule applies to over 50 Ontario regulatory bodies and 300 certifications, covering occupations such as architects, engineers, and electricians, as well as select healthcare roles.
Ban on Canadian Work Experience Requirement in Job Postings
Ontario has also invoked a ban on employers listing "Canadian work experience" as a requirement in job postings or associated application forms. This change affects any job seekers in Ontario who do not have prior Canadian work experience. Previously, employers in Ontario were allowed to list "Canadian work experience" as a mandatory requirement, which critics argued restricted newcomers lacking Canadian experience from finding jobs in their field. The ban is part of changes made to Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, which also includes measures such as making it mandatory to disclose if AI is used during the hiring process.
Tightened Requirements for Alberta’s Rural Renewal Stream
Alberta has tightened the criteria for its Rural Renewal Stream, which is an Alberta immigration pathway where a designated rural community endorses a foreign national with a local job offer, allowing Alberta to nominate them for permanent residence. As of January 1, 2026, changes to the stream include requiring in-Canada candidates to have a valid work permit when applying and at the time of application assessment, requiring those in lower-skilled occupations to reside in Alberta to qualify, capping community endorsement allocations, and limiting the validity of endorsement letters to 12 months. These changes affect those who plan to settle in rural Alberta and possess a job offer. The tightened requirements aim to ensure that the Rural Renewal Stream is used effectively to support the economic development of rural communities in Alberta.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent changes in Canada aim to improve the immigration process, increase mobility for workers, and promote economic growth. The elimination of the Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter requirement for graduate students, the closure of the Start-Up Visa program, improvements to mobility for out-of-province workers in Ontario, and tightened requirements for Alberta’s Rural Renewal Stream are all part of these efforts. As the federal government announces a new pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs in 2026, it is expected that there will be more opportunities for foreign nationals to start and grow their businesses in Canada. Overall, these changes demonstrate Canada’s commitment to attracting and retaining top talent from around the world, while also supporting the economic development of its provinces and territories.